Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Motor Function between Wet Cupping Therapy and Exercise in Animal Model of Stroke Infraction

Cupping therapy is a commonly used complementary approach that has found extensive application, including in stroke. The impact of wet cupping therapy and physical exercise were expressed in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and in motor function of stroke animal models. Twenty-four Wistar rats with 3-month-old were divided into four groups: sham (n=6), stroke (n=6), stroke + exercise group (n=6), and stroke + cupping group (n=6). Animal models of stroke were created. Wet cupping therapy was performed twice a week for three weeks. BDNF expression varied significantly among groups. Mann-Whitney tests revealed significant differences between stroke and stroke + exercise (p=0.037) and stroke and stroke + cupping groups (p=0.004). Significant pre- to post-treatment improvements were observed in the stroke + exercise and stroke + cupping groups (p<0.05). Post-treatment, no substantial discrepancies were observed between the stroke + exercise and stroke + cupping groups. Research revealed that both high-intensity exercise and wet cupping increase BDNF expression, crucial for neuroplasticity. BDNF plays a significant role in neural health, protecting against various neurological conditions. However, the methodological limitations of this study suggest cautious interpretation of its findings. Both exercise and wet cupping therapy showed significant differences in BDNF expression when compared to stroke alone, suggesting their potential as beneficial interventions for stroke recovery in the studied animal models.