An fMRI study of acupuncture using independent component analysis

Neurosci Lett. 2009 Jan 2;449(1):6-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.10.071. Epub 2008 Oct 25.

Abstract

In this paper, we studied the brain functional networks corresponding to the traditional multiple-block acupuncture task paradigm. Due to the complexity and sustainability seen during acupuncture, we wanted to investigate whether or not the effects during acupuncture are changing according to the multiple-block paradigm. We introduced the data driven method of independent component analysis (ICA) to identify brain functional networks activated during the course of acupuncture and to isolate different networks likely related to different aspects of the acupuncture experience. The comparisons between different resting states disclosed the discrepancies between the pre- and post-needling effects in the brain. Furthermore, the distinction between needle stimulation and the resting state indicated that there existed different functional brain networks. These results also portray time variability during the course of acupuncture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture*
  • Adult
  • Afferent Pathways / blood supply
  • Afferent Pathways / physiology
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Brain Mapping
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Principal Component Analysis*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Oxygen