Efficacy and safety of microcurrent stimulation of acupoints on the sole of the foot of children with short stature in 25th percentile of height by age: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of the microcurrent stimulation of 4 plantar acupoints (including KI-1) on the secretion of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in children with short stature in the bottom 25th percentile of height by age.MethodsA total of 26 children (7–18 years old) with short stature were randomly divided into the treatment group or the control group at the National Clinical Research Center for Korean Medicine. For 6 weeks, the treatment group wore the microcurrent stimulator while asleep, while the control group did not receive the treatment. The device worked for 5 h during sleep, and the actual stimulation time was 1 h. The 4 acupoints on the foot related to growth, including KI-1 (Yongcheon), were stimulated with a 1 Hz, 32–35 μA microcurrent. The primary endpoints were the changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 from baseline to the 6th week.ResultsIn the treatment group, the mean of the change in IGF-1 showed a statistically significant difference. The change between pre- and post-trial in the treatment group was more prominent than in the control group. There were no significant differences in IGF-BP3 in either group.ConclusionThe microcurrent stimulation of the acupoints may have an effect that promotes growth in short-stature children by increasing IGF-1. Further studies are warranted.