Influencing factors of the occurrence of propagated sensation effects at Zusanli (ST 36) based on artificial intelligence technology

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influencing factors of the occurrence of propagated sensation effects at Zusanli (ST 36) based on artificial intelligence technology. METHODS: A total of 272 undergraduates and postgraduates of Guangzhou University of TCM were recruited. The basic information, including TCM constitution, body weight index (BMI), pulse, tongue and coating, face complexion, as well as the occurrence of propagated sensation effects at Zusanli (ST 36) with different acupuncture needles and techniques, were recorded. The repeated incremental pruning to produce error reduction (RIPPER) algorithm was applied to predict the results and summarize the rules of relevant factors. RESULTS: ① The propagated sensation effects were often observed in the subject with yin-deficiency constitution (55 cases in total, of them 1 case was misclassified). ② The propagated sensation effects were observed in the subject with balanced yin-yang constitution (39 cases in total, of them 0 case was misclassified). ③ The propagated sensation effects were observed in the subject with phlegm-damp constitution combined with thin tongue and white coating (31 cases in total, of them 8 cases were misclassified). ④ The propagated sensation effects were observed in the subject with phlegm-damp constitution combined with light tongue coating (7 cases in total, of them 2 cases were misclassified). ⑤ The propagated sensation effects were observed in all the subject with special constitution (6 cases in total, of them 0 cases were misclassified). ⑥ The propagated sensation effects were not observed in the subject with other constitution or the combination of constitution and symptoms (134 cases in total, of them 4 cases were misclassified). The accuracy rate of classification was 94.49%. The difference of acupuncture needles and techniques was not significant in propagated sensation effects (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The TCM constitution may be the most essential factor in the occurrence of propagated sensation effects.