• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.91-99
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of our investigation is to determine degrees of concordance rate among interpreters. Furthermore, we have examined how much concordance rate to come out when beginners have been compared with the pulse analyzer. Methods : Thirty-nine volunteers were enrolled for this study. These subjects took a 5-minute rest in a sitting position as instructed by the protocol. As they were not allowed to move or speak, radial artery pulse conditions were measured on the lower arm of each subject by means of the pulse analyzer under investigation. Two Korean medical doctors, who did not know the status of default pulse conditions, were also instructed to intuitively choose the most corresponding one in comparison with 13 default pulse conditions. Subsequently, we investigated results between interpreters as well as results between interpreter and pulse analyzer. Results : The total concordance rate, with similar concordance rates being included, between interpreters, between interpreter A and pulse analyzer, and between interpreter B and pulse analyzer was 56.4%, 79.5%, and 71.8% respectively. In faint fine weak pulse(微細弱脈) case, interpreter A and B selected 6 and 7 cases respectively, matched the concordance rate 5, and corresponded separately with the pulse analyzer interpreting 8 cases. Conclusions : In case of skipping pulse 2(促2脈), short pulse(短脈), faint fine weak pulse(微細弱脈), the concordance between interpreters also matches with results drawn from the pulse analyzer. The concordance rate goes higher in proportion with such smaller pulse conditions as faint fine weak pulse(微細弱脈) and short pulse(短脈).