Table 2 Characteristics of the patients (bowel disease questionnaire).
| Characteristic | AC | SAC |
|---|---|---|
| No of subjects | 22 | 21 |
| Dropouts (n (%)) | 1 (4.5%) | 1 (4.5%) |
| Age (y) (mean (SD)) | 47.63 (14.71) | 47.14 (16.01) |
| Females (n (%)) | 17 (77.3%) | 17 (81.0%) |
| Did you suffer from intestinal pain/discomfort during the last year? (n (%)) | 22 (100%) | 20 (95.2%) |
| Did you consult a doctor for these complaints? (n (%)) | 14 (63.6%) | 13 (61.9%) |
| Does it happen frequently that you have to run for the bathroom? (n (%)) | 13 (59.1%) | 12 (57.1%) |
| Do you suffer from a bloated abdomen? (n (%)) | 20 (90.9%) | 20 (95.2%) |
| How would you describe your regular stool habits (n (%))? | ||
| Normal | 2 (9.1%) | 2 (9.5%) |
| Constipated | 3 (13.6%) | 2 (9.5%) |
| Diarrhoea | 8 (36.4%) | 9 (42.9%) |
| Constipation and diarrhoea alternating | 9 (40.9%) | 8 (38.1%) |
| How strong is your abdominal discomfort or pain? (n (%)) | ||
| Mild | 0 (0%) | 1 (4.5%) |
| Moderate | 7 (31.8%) | 5 (23.8%) |
| Strong | 12 (54.5%) | 11 (52.4%) |
| Very strong | 2 (9.1%) | 5 (23.8%) |
| On how many days during the last 12 months could you not perform your regular duties? (n (%)) | ||
| <3 days | 9 (40.9%) | 5 (23.8%) |
| 3–5 days | 5 (22.7%) | 4 (19.0%) |
| 6–10 days | 2 (9.1%) | 4 (19.0%) |
| >10 days | 5 (22.7%) | 8 (38.1%) |
| How long have you suffered from your intestinal complaints? (n (%)) | ||
| <2 y | 1 (4.5%) | 2 (9.5%) |
| 2–10 y | 8 (36.4%) | 6 (28.6%) |
| >10 y | 12 (54.5%) | 13 (61.9%) |
AC, acupuncture; SAC, sham acupuncture ( = placebo acupuncture).