This study focuses on the core pathology of sinew wei （痿）， which is mainly characterized by the fai-lure of qi and blood to nourish the sinews. A mechanical-biological response framework is constructed with mitochondria as a key component， explaining the modern interpretation of the disease location of sinew transmitting to qi and blood pathology. Mechanical loading， as a physical stress stimulus applied to the body， manifests primarily as passive loading formed by external forces such as massage， and active loading resulting from voluntary muscle contractions， such as dao yin （导引）. Mechanical loading can regulate mitochondrial function through two pathways， mechanical signal transduction and metabolic demand-driven regulation. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction is regarded as the core microscopic basis of qi imbalance in sinew wei， highlighting the intrinsic connection between qi and mitochondrial energy metabolism， as well as between blood and microcirculatory efficiency. Accordingly， distinct regulatory patterns of mechanical loading are identified. Wei associated with qi stagnation may correspond to mitochondrial network fragmentation and can be treated by regulating qi through passive loading， such as tuina， to restore mitochondrial dynamics. In contrast， wei caused by qi deficiency is attributed to insufficient mitochondrial biogenesis and may be treated by tonifying qi through active loading， such as dao yin， to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. This framework reveals the biological differences in mitochondrial regulation induced by distinct mechanical loading modalities and provides a microscopic mechanism-based explanation for the principle of "treating the same disease with different methods" in sinew wei.

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of tuina at "Weizhong （BL 40）" on mechanical pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of chronic dorsal root ganglion （CCD）， and to preliminarily explore the anatomical distribution characteristics of neural afferents associated with "Weizhong （BL 40）" acupoint and their central projections. MethodsThirty SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham operation group， a model group， and a tuina group， with 10 rats in each group. In the model group and the tuina group， a chronic compression of CCD model was established by implanting stainless-steel rods into the right L4/5 and L3/4 intervertebral foramina. Rats in the sham operation group underwent surgical exposure only. From day 4 to day 28 after modeling， rats in the tuina group received daily manipulation at the right "Weizhong （BL 40）" （pressure： 5 N； frequency： 2 Hz； duration： 10 min/session）. Rats in the sham operation group and the model group were subjected only to fixation. Mechanical withdrawal threshold （MWT） was assessed before modeling and on day 3， 7， 14， 21， and 28 after modeling. On day 29 after modeling， pseudorabies virus （PRV）， a retrograde trans-multisynaptic tracer， was injected into the right "Weizhong （BL 40）" acupoint in rats from the model group. After 120 h， rats were perfusion-fixed through the heart， and local tissues surrounding the "Weizhong （BL 40）" acupoint， corresponding lumbar dorsal root ganglia， lumbar spinal cord， and brain tissues were collected for fluorescence imaging of PRV-positive signals. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group， rats in the model group and the tuina group showed significantly reduced MWT on day 3， 7， 14， 21， and 28 after modeling （P＜0.05）. Compared to the model group， rats in the tuina group exhibited significantly increased MWT on day 21 and 28 after modeling （P＜0.05）. Fluorescence imaging revealed PRV-positive signals in the deep fascial layer of local muscle tissue at "Weizhong （BL 40）"， the L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia， the dorsal horn and central canal region of the spinal cord， as well as the primary somatosensory cortex （S1）， secondary motor cortex （M2）， and anterior cingulate cortex （ACC）. Among the examined cortical regions， M2 contained the largest number of PRV-positive neurons. ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong （BL 40）" alleviates mechanical hyperalgesia in rats with the chronic compression of CCD model. A traceable neuroanatomical connection exists between the linking deep tissues within "Weizhong （BL 40）" region and the corresponding lumbar dorsal root ganglia， the spinal dorsal horn， and specific cortical areas.

Objective To systematically investigate biomechanical characteristics of one-finger Zen push method applied at the Fengchi acupoint under different force conditions,in order to provide precise quantitative data and enhance the treatment efficacy.Methods Ten senior Tuina practitioners were recruited.The German Novel Pliance-X 32 Expert dynamic pressure distribution system was used to record the mechanical parameters during the application of one-finger Zen push at the Fengchi acupoint under three force intensities:light,medium,and heavy,for 3 minutes.Data from the stable 1-minute segment of the mechanical output was selected for data analysis,and key biomechanical parameters such as the maximum force,average force,peak pressure,mean pressure,force-time integral(FTI),pressure-time integral(PTI),and operational frequency were evaluated.Results Under light,medium,and heavy force conditions,the mean maximum force applied by senior Tuina practitioners at the Fengchi acupoint were 6.31,9.45,and 18.27 N,respectively,while the mean force were 3.31,5.64,and 9.05 N,respectively.The mean peak pressures were 26.10,34.80,and 70.00 kPa,while the mean pressures were 11.95,21.00,and 26.15 kPa,respectively.The mean FTIs were 55.65,182.10,and 225.21 N·s,and the mean PTIs were 167.10,489.59,and 795.83 kPa·s,respectively.The mean operational frequencies were 156.00,150.60,and 154.80 times/min,respectively.Conclusions Ten senior Tuina practitioners showed a high degree of consistency between their subjective definitions of light,medium,and heavy force and the objectively measured mechanical parameters.This reflected their precise control over the applied force under different force conditions,verifying the practicality and reproducibility of the one-finger Zen push method in clinical applications.This study provides a reliable basis for quantitative research and development of standardized clinical operation guidelines.

Objective To systematically investigate biomechanical characteristics of one-finger Zen push method applied at the Fengchi acupoint under different force conditions,in order to provide precise quantitative data and enhance the treatment efficacy.Methods Ten senior Tuina practitioners were recruited.The German Novel Pliance-X 32 Expert dynamic pressure distribution system was used to record the mechanical parameters during the application of one-finger Zen push at the Fengchi acupoint under three force intensities:light,medium,and heavy,for 3 minutes.Data from the stable 1-minute segment of the mechanical output was selected for data analysis,and key biomechanical parameters such as the maximum force,average force,peak pressure,mean pressure,force-time integral(FTI),pressure-time integral(PTI),and operational frequency were evaluated.Results Under light,medium,and heavy force conditions,the mean maximum force applied by senior Tuina practitioners at the Fengchi acupoint were 6.31,9.45,and 18.27 N,respectively,while the mean force were 3.31,5.64,and 9.05 N,respectively.The mean peak pressures were 26.10,34.80,and 70.00 kPa,while the mean pressures were 11.95,21.00,and 26.15 kPa,respectively.The mean FTIs were 55.65,182.10,and 225.21 N·s,and the mean PTIs were 167.10,489.59,and 795.83 kPa·s,respectively.The mean operational frequencies were 156.00,150.60,and 154.80 times/min,respectively.Conclusions Ten senior Tuina practitioners showed a high degree of consistency between their subjective definitions of light,medium,and heavy force and the objectively measured mechanical parameters.This reflected their precise control over the applied force under different force conditions,verifying the practicality and reproducibility of the one-finger Zen push method in clinical applications.This study provides a reliable basis for quantitative research and development of standardized clinical operation guidelines.

The pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)remains poorly defined,and while the tryptophan metabolic pathway is closely associated with the development of CFS,the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.This review examines the alterations in tryptophan metabolites and related enzymes in both peripheral and central systems of CFS patients,with a particular focus on the involvement of the tryptophan pathway in the gut-brain axis(GBA).Furthermore,it provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanistic roles of tryptophan metabolites in modulating the progression of CFS,aiming to elucidate the current evidence and potential driving mechanisms linking the tryptophan metabolic pathway to CFS,thereby promoting new insights and advancements in this research domain.

Objective To study the characterization of surface electromyographic signals of upper limb force-generating muscles operated by rolling manipulation of Tuina doctors.Methods Surface electromyographic signals during rolling manipulation were collected from beginners and proficient operators for comparative analysis,and the patterns,similarities,and differences were summarized.Results The iEMG ratio of the ulnar lateral wrist extensor muscle in the proficient group was significantly higher than that in the beginner group(P＜0.05),while that of the middle deltoid fascicle in the beginner group was significantly higher than that in the proficient group(P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in the iEMG ratios of other muscle groups(P＞0.05).The proficient group mainly used the ulnar wrist extensors,lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and ulnar wrist flexors,while the beginner group mainly used the lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and radial wrist flexors.Conclusions The proficient group and the beginner group shared common features in the electromyographic signals of the rolling manipulation.The proficient group increased the angle of ulnar deviation by recruiting more ulnar wrist extensors to increase the angle of palmar flexion and the dorsal contact area of the hand,and the proficient group used the middle and posterior deltoid fasciculus muscles less intensively and mastered the'sinking shoulder'principle better.

ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect of Tuina at the "Weizhong （BL 40）" on neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury （CCI） of the sciatic nerve and its potential central spinal mechanisms. MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups （8 rats in each group）， sham-operated group， model group， Tuina group， and blockade group. The CCI model was established in the model group， Tuina group， and the blockade group by ligating the sciatic nerve with catgut， while the sham-operated group underwent only sciatic nerve exposure without ligation. From postoperative day 4 to day 14， rats in the Tuina group and the blockade group received Tuina manipulation at the "Weizhong （BL 40）" using a dynamic pressure distribution measurement system （5 N pressure， 2 Hz frequency， 10 min per session， once daily）. The blockade group also received intraperitoneal injections of the microglial inhibitor minocycline （10 mg/kg） once daily. The sham-operated and the model group underwent the same handling and fixation as the Tuina group without actual Tuina. Mechanical withdrawal threshold （MWT） and paw withdrawal latency （PWL） were measured before surgery and on day 3， 7， 10， and 14 post-surgery. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate sciatic nerve injury and repair， measuring axon diameter and total myelinated fiber diameter to calculate the g-ratio. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （Iba-1）， CD206， CD68， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and β-endorphin （β-EP） precursor pro-opiomelanocortin （POMC） in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group， the model group showed significantly reduced MWT and PWL on day 3， 7， 10， and 14 （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Tuina group and the blockade group showed increased MWT and PWL on day 10 and 14 （P＜0.05）. Compared with the Tuina group， the blockade group exhibited higher MWT on day 7， 10， and 14， and higher PWL on day 10 （P＜0.05）. Sciatic nerve pathological morphology revealed intact and well-structured myelin in the sham-operated group， while the model group exhibited myelin collapse， distortion， and myelin ovoid formation. The Tuina group displayed partially irregular myelin with occasional myelin collapse， whereas the blockade group exhibited partial myelin irregularities and phospholipid shedding. Compared with the sham-operated group， the model group showed a decreased g-ratio and increased levels of Iba-1 and CD68 in the spinal dorsal horn （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Tuina group and the blockade group exhibited an increased g-ratio and reduced Iba-1 and CD68 levels. Additionally， the Tuina group showed elevated levels of CD206， IL-10， and POMC， whereas the blockade group had decreased CD206 levels （P＜0.05）. ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong （BL 40）" alleviates neuropathic pain in CCI rats， potentially by regulating microglial activation in the spinal cord， inhibiting M1 polarization while promoting M2 polarization， and activating the IL-10/β-EP pathway to exert analgesic effects.

The pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)remains poorly defined,and while the tryptophan metabolic pathway is closely associated with the development of CFS,the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.This review examines the alterations in tryptophan metabolites and related enzymes in both peripheral and central systems of CFS patients,with a particular focus on the involvement of the tryptophan pathway in the gut-brain axis(GBA).Furthermore,it provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanistic roles of tryptophan metabolites in modulating the progression of CFS,aiming to elucidate the current evidence and potential driving mechanisms linking the tryptophan metabolic pathway to CFS,thereby promoting new insights and advancements in this research domain.

Objective To study the characterization of surface electromyographic signals of upper limb force-generating muscles operated by rolling manipulation of Tuina doctors.Methods Surface electromyographic signals during rolling manipulation were collected from beginners and proficient operators for comparative analysis,and the patterns,similarities,and differences were summarized.Results The iEMG ratio of the ulnar lateral wrist extensor muscle in the proficient group was significantly higher than that in the beginner group(P＜0.05),while that of the middle deltoid fascicle in the beginner group was significantly higher than that in the proficient group(P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in the iEMG ratios of other muscle groups(P＞0.05).The proficient group mainly used the ulnar wrist extensors,lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and ulnar wrist flexors,while the beginner group mainly used the lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and radial wrist flexors.Conclusions The proficient group and the beginner group shared common features in the electromyographic signals of the rolling manipulation.The proficient group increased the angle of ulnar deviation by recruiting more ulnar wrist extensors to increase the angle of palmar flexion and the dorsal contact area of the hand,and the proficient group used the middle and posterior deltoid fasciculus muscles less intensively and mastered the'sinking shoulder'principle better.

Objective To investigate the effect of manual therapy based on surface electromyography on knee osteoarthritis(KOA)in the older people. Methods A total of 106 outpatient with unilateral KOA were selected from Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,from August,2023 to June,2024,and were randomly divided into control group(n=53)and experimental group(n=53).The control group accepted routine manual therapy,and the experimental group accepted manual therapy based on the analysis of average electromyography(AEMG).They were assessed with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC),Visual An-alogue Scale(VAS)for pain,Tinetti Balance and Gait Score,and 6-minute walk test(6-MWT)distances before and after treatment. Results One case dropped down in each group.Before treatment,AEMG decreased in the rectus femoris,medial femoris and medial head of gastrocnemius on the affected side in the experimental group(|Z|>8.647,P<0.001),and it increased in the lateral femoris,semitendinosus and biceps femoris(|Z|>4.808,P<0.001).The scores of WOMAC,VAS,Tinetti Balance and Gait Score,and distances of 6-MWT improved in both groups after treat-ment(|t|>3.987,P<0.001),and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group,except the VAS score(|t|>2.213,P<0.05). Conclusion Manual therapy focusing on activation of rectus femoris,medial femoris and medial head of gastrocnemius,inhibition of the lateral femoris,semitendinosus and biceps femoris,and releasing the tension of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments,according to the results of surface electromyography,can alleviate the pain of the KOA in the older people and improve the mobility of the knee.