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Table 9 Comparison of simple and weighted intensity between acupuncture and tactile stimulation

From: Characterization of the "deqi" response in acupuncture

  

Acupuncture

Tactile stimulation

Acup vs . Tactile stim.

Acupoint

N

Intensity

SE

Intensity

SE

Fstat

p

Simple Average

      

All

45

10.67

1.23

2.37

0.58

37.45

2.67 × 10-8

LI4

16

15.80

2.63

4.41

1.20

16.59

3.10 × 10-4

ST36

16

7.16

0.45

3.77

0.94

23.11

4.01 × 10-5

LV3

13

8.68

2.01

0.60

0.26

15.95

5.00 × 10-4

Between acupoints p < 0.005

Weighted Average

      

All

45

1.36

0.15

0.22

0.05

50.43

3.04 × 10-10

LI4

16

1.91

0.24

0.32

0.24

22.53

4.76 × 10-5

ST36

16

1.08

0.09

0.23

0.11

35.01

1.76 × 10-6

LV3

13

1.02

0.26

0.08

0.04

12.78

1.53 × 10-3

Between acupoints p < 0.06

  1. Most weighted averages of intensity were greater than the simple averages. The largest change as a result of applying the weights was in ST36. When all points were pooled, the weighted average yielded a dramatic improvement compared to the simple average. This pattern of improvement in sensitivity was also demonstrated separately for two of the three points, LI4 and ST36. Use of the weighted average appeared to provide greater power in detection of the sensations specific to the deqi experience. SE = Standard Error