Paulus 2003.

Methods	Randomised placebo‐controlled trial; abstract only
Participants	Patients were divided into two groups by random selection: embryo transfer with verum acupuncture (n = 100) and embryo transfer with placebo needling (n = 100). No demographic details presented
Interventions	Acupuncture or sham acupuncture performed for 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer. In the control group (n=100) a placebo needle set was used without penetrating the skin, but at the same acupoints and after the same scheme
Outcomes	Clinical pregnancy rates
Assisted conception protocols	Protocol breakdown not given
Notes	Only included women with good embryos
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Low risk	computer generated randomisation
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Unclear risk	Abstract only, not stated
Blinding (performance bias and detection bias) All outcomes	Low risk	Control group had placebo needling.
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes	Low risk	100 participants were randomized. No drop out reported.
Selective reporting (reporting bias)	Unclear risk	Not known whether LBR a prestated outcome
Other bias	Low risk	None