Objectives To observe the impact of acupoint-catgut implantation on physical agility of athletes and to probe into its underlying mechanism.Methods A total of 68 volunteer athletes were recruited in the present study.Sixteen rowers of China National Women's Racing Boat Team(CNWRBT) underwent comparative observation between pre- and post-treatment with acupoint-catgut implantation.Fifty-two athletes from Zhejiang Heavy Athletics Events Team(HAET) and Sand-beach Volleyball Team(SBVT) were randomized into control(n=26) and treatment(n=26) groups which were treated with massage (20 min

once daily for 1 year)

and catgut implantation at Guanyuan(CV 4)

Mingmen(GV 4)

etc.(once every two weeks)

respectively.In the later group

after 6 times of treatment

the catgut implantation was given once a month

continuously for 1 year.Serum testosterone and plasma hemoglobin(Hb) levels were detected before

1.5 mon

3 mon

6 mon and 12 mon after the treatment

respectively.Results 1) Compared with pre-treatment

the 2 000 m ergometer time was shortened significantly (P<0.01)

and serum testosterone and plasma hemoglobin(Hb) levels were increased evidently in 16 volunteer rowers of CNWRBT after 3 months' acupoint-catgut implantation treatment(P<0.05

P<0.01).2) In comparison with control group and pre-treatment

the midium- and long-distance running scores of the athletes of Zhejiang HAET and SBVT were elevated considerably (P<0.01)

serum testosterone and plasma Hb levels increased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupoint-catgut implantation can significantly improve the athletes' anti-fatigue exercise capacity

enhance their physical agility to elevate their athletics events score

which may be closely related to its effects in raising blood testosterone and hemoglobin levels.