Operation Stability Analysis of Basic Acupuncture Manipulation Based on Three-Dimensional Motion Tracking Data

Objective. To analyse the operational stability of basic acupuncture manipulation (AM) based on three-dimensional (3D) motion tracking. Method. Two quantitative indicators (spatial and temporal dispersions) and corresponding algorithms of operation stability were established based on the coordinate-time data derived from 3D motion tracking of basic AM. The differences in stability were compared between 20 acupuncture teachers and 20 acupuncture students. Results. The teachers and students had similar temporal stability, but the teachers were more stable in their spatial control, perhaps because of the teachers' better fingertip force and more practice with feedback. Conclusion. The spatial and temporal dispersions can be used to evaluate operational stability in basic AM. Repetitive training and finger force enhancement with more accurate feedback and rhythmic auditory stimulation are recommended for improving operation stability in basic AM.