Abstract:
When exploring the scientific basis of reflexology techniques, elucidation of the surface and subsurface features of
reflexology areas (RAs) is crucial. In this study, the subcutaneous features of RAs related to the lumbar vertebrae were evaluated
by swept source-optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in subjects with and without low back pain (LBP).
Methods
. Volunteers
without LBP (
푛=6
(male : female = 1 : 1)) and subjects with LBP (
푛=15
(male : female = 2 : 3)) were clinically examined in terms
of skin colour (visual perception), localised tenderness (visual analogue scale) and structural as well as optical attributes as per SS-
OCT. From each subject, 6 optical tomograms were recorded from equidistant transverse planes along the longitudinal axis of the
RAs, and from each tomogram, 25 different spatial locations were considered for recording SS-OCT image attributes. The images
were analysed with respect to the optical intensity distributions and thicknesses of different skin layers by using AxioVision Rel.
4.8.2 software. The SS-OCT images could be categorised into 4 pathological grades (i.e., 0, 1, 2, and 3) according to distinctness in
the visible skin layers.
Results
. Three specific grades for abnormalities in SS-OCT images were identified considering gradual loss of
distinctness and increase in luminosity of skin layers. Almost 90.05% subjects were of mixed type having predominance in certain
grades.
Conclusion
. The skin SS-OCT system demonstrated a definite association of the surface features of healthy/unhealthy RAs
with cutaneous features and the clinical status of the lumbar vertebrae.
