L-cube polynomial for the recognition of normal and hypertensive string-like pulse mappings in Chinese medicine

Abstract

Objective: Since pulse feeling has been well translated using three-dimensional pulse mapping (3DPM) followed by pulse mapping analysis (PMA) instead of pulse wave analysis (PWA), mathematics such as polynomial analysis can be further applied for the description of 3DPM patterns. Methods: To elucidate the clinical indices of 3DPM patterns, an L-cube polynomial consisting of a major exponential function is proposed based on the Zernike polynomials. Results: The axis ratio r in the L-cube polynomial, which geometrically represents the ratio of the 3DPM longitudinal and transverse axes, is closely related to the augmentation index AIx showing the degree of artery stiffness during a cold pressor test (CPT). Conclusion: The axis ratio r is a useful index to recognize normal and hypertensive string-like pulse mappings. It is shown that the L-cube polynomial may become a very useful tool to elucidate valuable 3DPM indices from the CM pulse feeling database for clinical applications. keywords: Chinese medicine (CM), Three-dimensional pulse mapping (3DPM), Pulse recognition, L-cube polynomial