Sports fatigue belongs to the category of functional deficiency-syndrome according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine.The moxibustion therapy has a long history and possesses a definite therapeutic effect in the prevention and treatment of sports fatigue.In the present paper

the authors reviewed development of researches on the effects of moxibustion intervention in the prevention and treatment of sports fatigue in recent 5years.Results of researches showed that moxibustion intervention can 1)eliminate free radicals and reduce oxidative damage;2)increase energy(glycogen)supply to delay the production of fatigue;3)raise serum testosterone level(relieve exercise-induced neuroendocrine disorder)and reduce post-sports fatigue; 4)raise the anaerobic exercise ability

reduce the accumulation of metabolic products in the body and strengthen the endurance capacity of the skeletal muscle;and 5)improve ischemic cardiac function

and suppress cardiomyocyte apopotosis

etc.However

we should further strengthen our investigations on the moxibustion therapy in the ancient classical literature and sum up academic thoughts of different academic schools in the successive dynasties

put emphasis on the large sample randomized controlled clinical trails

establish united treatment standards

etc.

and provide much evidence for effectively treating sports fatigue in the future.