The Effect of leech therapy on Blood Lactate Level and Pain Perception Index in Athletes following an Exhausting Physical Activity

Background & Aim: Leech Therapy is a type of complementary and alternative medicine that has been used for a long time as a therapeutic method in traditional Iranian Islamic medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leech therapy on blood lactate level and pain perception index following an Exhausting Physical activity in young male athletes. Methods: Sixteen athletes of young men were selected and randomly divided into two groups: control and leech therapy with equal number (8 persons). In leech therapy groups, immediately after the completion of the Bruce test, two medicinal leeches were used for 30 minutes. The site of placement of medicinal leeches was selected along the cephalic vein. The subjects participated in an exhaustive Bruce test. The lactate level and the level of perceived muscle pain were measured before, immediately, half and 1 hour after the Bruce test. Results: Significance of the interaction of group * Time in repeated measures ANOVA showed that post-test mean, lactate mean and pain index of lecch treatment group are significantly lower than control group (P = 0.01 lactate). (P = 0.01 pain). Results of within-group changes showed a significant change in lactate content (P = 0.001). And pain index (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Blood lactate levels and pain perception decrease as a result of treatment; therefore, it is suggested that athletes benefit the advantages of leech therapy to reduce the level of blood lactate and the level of pain perception following a maximal exercise session as well as to increase performance during vigorous activities.