맥진기를 활용한 한의 진단 임상 연구 동향

Abstract

Purpose Pulse diagnosis (脈診) is a fundamental diagnostic method in traditional Korean medicine (TKM), traditionally reliant on the physician's tactile senses. With the development of pulse diagnosis devices, pulse signal acquisition has become more objective and quantifiable. This study aims to systematically analyze the current trends in clinical studies using pulse diagnosis devices to explore their diagnostic utility and future application directions in Korean medicine. Materials and Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in July 2024 using OASIS and ScienceON databases with keywords related to pulse wave and pulse diagnosis devices. A total of 58 clinical studies that utilized pulse diagnosis devices in a clinical context were selected after excluding duplicates and non-relevant studies. Each study was reviewed for publication year, participant demographics, target disease or constitution type, type of pulse device used, and pulse wave parameters analyzed. Results From 1985 to 2023, 58 clinical studies involving a total of 13,491 participants were identified. Research activity has shown consistent growth since 2005. Studies frequently focused on constitution differentiation, hypertension, obesity, and menstrual disorders, with a notably higher proportion of female participants. Most studies used pressure-type pulse diagnosis devices and analyzed various parameters such as pulse volume, pressure, frequency, and waveform. However, the measurement indicators and analytical methods varied significantly across studies, indicating a need for standardization. Conclusion Pulse diagnosis devices have emerged as promising tools to objectify and quantify traditional pulse diagnosis. Their clinical utility is evident across diverse patient populations and conditions, especially among the elderly and women. However, further research is needed to standardize diagnostic indicators and protocols. Establishing a unified framework may enhance the clinical relevance and applicability of pulse diagnostic technologies in TKM.