Effects of moving cupping therapy on hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion power: a preliminary investigation

ABSTRACT

Cupping therapy has become more popular in the sports setting because of its simplicity in application, minimal adverse effects, and reduction in pain and muscle tenderness, yet there is little research on its effectiveness for range of movement and power.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to investigate if a single session of moving cupping to the posterior aspect of the lower limb effects hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion power. The secondary aim was to consider participants’ views and perceptions of moving cupping therapy.

Methods: Twenty-one healthy participants (12 male and 9 female) aged between 19 and 31 years volunteered to take part in the study. All participants received 15 min of moving cupping therapy to their dominant posterior lower extremity. Hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion isokinetic power measurements were taken prior to and immediately after the moving cupping intervention. Participants also completed a questionnaire based on their experience and perceptions of cupping.

Results: Results showed a significant increase (p = <.05) in hip and knee range of movement measurements by 7% in the straight leg raise and 4% in a popliteal angle test. However, no significant changes were seen in the knee flexion power measures. Data from the questionnaire suggest that despite moving cupping being reported as ‘uncomfortable’ it is considered acceptable.

Discussion: Moving cupping therapy may have short-term changes to range of movement but not power, though the limitations of this study mean that rigorous studies are required before the effectiveness of moving cupping can be determined.

KEYWORDS:

• Cupping
• range of movement
• knee flexion power
• lower extremity
• goniometer
• isokinetic cybex dynamometer
• popliteal angle
• straight leg raise

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dana Murray

Dana Murray is a Physiotherapist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. She received a Masters degree in Physiotherapy from Northumbria University having previously completed a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. Dana has a particular interest in sports rehabilitation and has also been involved in research looking at Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Carl Clarkson

Dr. Carl Clarkson lives in the North East of England, and is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy. He completed an MSc in Acupuncture and a PGCE in adult education in 2010, and his PhD in 2017 entitled “Korean Hand Acupuncture for Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain: A feasibility Study”. Dr. Clarkson was also the lead author in a recent systematic review on adverse event reporting within acupuncture during pregnancy studies, and a qualitative exploration of views with women who suffer with Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle pain. Dr. Clarkson provides global acupuncture training and consultation to both NHS and private clinics on acupuncture provision, as well as being a peer reviewer for acupuncture and Physiotherapy related journal.