Exploring the Effect of Cupping on Muscle Performance After Exercise Fatigue Based on the Theory of Jingjin

doi:10.16458/j.cnki.1007-0893.2025.10.011

Abstract：Objective: To explore the effect of cupping on muscle performance after exercise fatigue based on the theory of Jingjin. Methods: From January 2021 to December 2023, 81 college students with exercise fatigue were recruited at Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine according to voluntary participation. They were randomly assigned numbers 1-81 using Excel and divided into three groups: rest group, general cupping group, and Jingjin cupping group, with 27 cases in each group. The rest group received routine rest, the general cupping group received general cupping, and the Jingjin cupping group received Jingjin cupping. The subjective fatigue levels, serum indicators, and muscle performance of the three groups of college students were compared. Results: Immediately after intervention and 24 hours later, the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scores of the three groups of college students were ranked from highest to lowest as rest group, general cupping group, and Jingjin cupping group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Five minutes after intervention, the levels of serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate (LA), and urea nitrogen (BUN) of the three groups of college students were ranked from highest to lowest as rest group, general cupping group, and Jingjin cupping group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Five minutes after intervention, the tension and hardness of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles of the three groups of college students were ranked from highest to lowest as rest group, general cupping group, and Jingjin cupping group, while the elasticity of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles were ranked from highest to lowest as Jingjin cupping group, general cupping group, and rest group, with all differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing Jingjin cupping for college students with exercise fatigue can more effectively improve fatigue symptoms, reduce serum indicator levels, and promote rapid recovery of muscle performance.