Lower limb auriculotherapy points improves balance in young healthy subjects-assessed by computerized baropodometry

Objective: To analyze the effects of Lower Limb (LL) auricular stimulation points on the static equilibrium of healthy subjects, assessed by computerized baropodometry.

Methods and materials: Forty volunteers were assigned to one of two groups: Auriculotherapy (AT) who received unilateral needle stimulation of the coxofemoral, knee, and ankle points. Control (C) who did not receive any stimulation. We analyzed the contact area (CA) and the peak pressure (PP) for both feet at baseline, 20 and 25 min after the baseline was recorded. Three-Way ANOVA (P < 0.05) was used for data analysis.

Results: AT showed an increase in CA (F:6.49) and a decrease in PP (F:3.11) at 20 and 25 min, when compared to C. The PP decreased was only for the right LL at 20 and 25 min (F:6.45).

Conclusion: The auriculotherapy points were able to modify the ipsilateral weight discharge on the same side of the stimulated auricular pavilion.