Table 2 Details of interventions
EA Group | SA Group | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Retention time | 30 min | ||
Treatment sessions | 36 sessions | ||
Frequency and duration of treatment | 3 sessions per week (every other day ideally) for 12 week | ||
Type of tools | SDZ-V electronic apparatus and Huatuo Brand disposable sterilized needles | ||
The first Pair of acupoints | Names | Zhong Liao (BL33) | Sham Zhong Liao (BL33) |
Location | Third foramina sacralia posteriora | 1cun (≈10 mm) horizontally outwardly lateral to Zhong Liao (BL33) | |
Needle type | 0.30 × 75 mm | 0.30 × 40 mm | |
Depth of insertion | 60~70 mm | 2-3 mm to stand still | |
Response sought | De qi | No sensation of de qi | |
Manipulating method | The needle will be penetrated into skin at the area 0.5-1 cm upside and outside away from Zhong Liao (BL33), inserted further at a degree of 45° inward and downward into the foramina and lifted, thrusted and thrilled gently and evenly for three times. | Without any manipulation | |
Electric parameters | Continuous wave, 20 Hz, 2 mA–6.5 mA. Adjust from zero to the degree which patients can tolerate. | Continuous wave, 20 Hz, 0.1–0.3 mA. | |
The second pairof acupoints | Names | Hui Yang (BL35) | Sham Hui Yang (BL35) |
Location | 0.5 cun (≈10 mm) lateral to coccyx end | 1cun (≈10 mm) horizontally outwardly lateral to Hui Yang (BL35) | |
Needle type | 0.30 × 75 mm | 0.30 × 40 mm | |
Depth of insertion | 60~70 mm | 2-3 mm to stand still | |
Response sought | De qi | No sensation of deqi | |
Manipulating method | The needle will be penerated into the skin at the area right beside the coccyx end, inserted further outward and upward slightly and lifted, thrusted and thrilled gently and evenly for three times. | Without any manipulation | |
Electric parameters | Continuous wave, 20 Hz, 2 mA–6.5 mA. Adjust from zero to the degree which patients can tolerate | Continuous wave, 20 Hz, 0.1–0.3 mA. | |
The third pair of acupoints | Names | San Yinjiao (SP6) | Sham San Yinjiao (SP6) |
Location | Posterior border of medial tibia, 3cun above medial malleolus tip | 0.5cun (≈10 mm) horizontally behind San Yinjiao (SP6) | |
Needle type | 0.30 × 40 mm | 0.30 × 40 mm | |
Depth of insertion | 25-30 mm | 2-3 mm to stand still | |
Response sought | De qi. Electricity-shock feelings should be avoided. | No sensation of deqi | |
Manipulating method | The needle will be penetrated downward and lifted, thrusted and thrilled gently and evenly for three times. | No manipulation | |
Electric parameters | Continuous wave, 20 Hz, 1–3.5 mA. Adjust from zero to the degree which patients can tolerate | Continuous wave, 20 Hz, 0.1–0.3 mA | |