Table 2 Locations of non-acupuncture points in the SA group

Sham point 1–2

Bilateral, at a distance of 20 mm horizontally outside from the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra

Sham point 3–4

Bilateral, at a distance of 20 mm horizontally outside from the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra

Sham point 5–6

Bilateral, at a distance of 20 mm horizontally outside from the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra

Sham point 7–8

Bilateral, at a distance of 20 mm horizontally outside from the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra

Sham point 9–10

Bilateral, at a distance of 20 mm horizontally outside from the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra

Sham point 11–12

Bilateral, at a distance of 10 mm horizontally outside from the 6 cun below the gluteal sulcus

Sham point 13–14

Bilateral, at a distance of 10 mm horizontally outside from the depression below the belly of the gastrocnemius m. when stretching the leg or lifting the heel