Comparison with other studies and outlook
The studies published to date have methodological deficiencies
in the description and application of the method chosen for ran-
domisation, the concealment of the treatment assignation
scheme, the homogeneity of the groups to be compared, the
control of co-interventions, the lack of control over participants’
compliance with medical instructions, and the “blinding” of
patients and evaluators; and the heterogeneity of follow up peri-
ods was high.
15–18
We attempted to improve on the methodologi-
cal design of previous work, using a controlled, single blind,
randomised trial with evaluation and analysis by third parties;
the sample size was appropriate, and we controlled for possible
confounding factors to a suitable degree; the professionals
involved were suitably qualified; the placebo was adequately cho-
sen; and the quality control of the materials used was ensured.
We put particular emphasis on ascertaining the patient’s
sensation of Deqi when acupuncture was applied, and on
describing secondary effects and the success of the technique in
improving the patient’s quality of life (PQLC).