The device, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, uses gentle nerve stimulation to lower heart rate and perceived effort during exercise while speeding up recovery.
Summary: A study conducted by WAT Medical Enterprise, Concordia University, and Mitacs Canada tested a wristband device that uses electroacupuncture to enhance fitness outcomes. The wearable, which stimulates the PC6 acupuncture point, was found to lower heart rate and perceived exertion during exercise while improving post-workout recovery. The research involved 32 participants undergoing a week of electroacupuncture sessions, with results suggesting potential benefits for promoting physical activity in sedentary individuals and possible applications in managing hypertension.
Key Takeaways:
- Wristband Reduces Exercise Strain: The device lowered heart rate and perceived exertion, making physical activity feel easier for participants.
- Faster Recovery Post-Exercise: Participants experienced quicker recovery, with lower systolic blood pressure five minutes after exercising.
- Potential Applications in Health Management: Researchers suggest the device could encourage fitness adherence in sedentary populations and may support hypertension management in future studies.
WAT Medical Enterprise collaborated with Concordia University and Mitacs Canada to conduct a study using ObeEnd, the neuromodulation device designed by WAT for weight and health management, that revealed that electroacupuncture may help improve exercise performance and post-exercise recovery by reducing heart rate and perceived exertion during physical activity.
Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the study highlights the potential benefits of this neuromodulation technology based on traditional Chinese medicine technique for enhancing participation in physical activity.
The research involved 32 healthy participants, who underwent electroacupuncture sessions targeting the PC6 acupuncture point over the course of one week. The study employed the YMCA submaximal bike test to measure cardiovascular responses, including heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and perceived exertion levels.
Heart Rate Reduction and Quicker Post-Exercise Recovery
Key findings included a significant reduction in heart rate during the most challenging stage of the exercise test, as well as a decreased perception of effort across all stages. Additionally, participants experienced quicker post-exercise recovery, with systolic blood pressure notably lower five minutes after completing the test.
The proposed mechanism of action is through the modulation of the rostral ventrolateral medulla, a key area in the brainstem that regulates cardiovascular function and arterial blood pressure.
The study suggests that electroacupuncture could be particularly useful for populations struggling with sedentary lifestyles or exercise-induced fatigue. By making exercise feel easier, this technique could encourage greater adherence to fitness routines, promoting better long-term health outcomes.
Possible application in hypertension management could also be explored in future studies, as the proposed mechanism has the potential to down-regulate the sympathetic nervous system and reduce blood pressure, according to researchers.
Photo caption: WAT’s wrist-worn neuromodulation device
Photo credit: WAT Medical
