OBJECTIVETo summarize the main electroacupuncture stimulation indexes used in clinical treatment and experimental study on sciatica, and to investigate the optimal stimulation index for sciatica treatment with electroacupuncture.

METHODSThe data was obtained on line from the computerized general and specialized databases such as CBM, VIP, CNKI, and MEDLINE. Data analysis was focused on the different effects of electroacupuncture with different stimulation indexes.

RESULTS(Clinical research suggested that the commonly used electroacupuncture stimulation indexes included frequency of 1-20 Hz, electric current of 0.2-0.8 mA, continuous and dilatational waveform. The intensity of stimulation was endurable for patients. (2) The frequency of electroacupuncture used for animal experimental research was mainly concentrated among 2-20 Hz, which 2 Hz and 5 Hz had better effects for sciatica treatment with electroacupuncture. The scale of electric current was 0. 4-10 mA with intermittent waveform. The intensity of stimulation was decided by a visible muscle contraction occurred during the acupuncture.

CONCLUSIONDifferent kinds of electroacupuncture stimulation indexes have different effects on the treatment of sciatica. Therefore, it is still needed the more evidence from higher quality clinical trials to investigate the optimal electroacupuncture stimulation indexes on the treatment of sciatica.