Table 1. Characteristics of 94 included studies.
| Reference (author, year and country) | Diseases | No. of acupoint (T/C) | Sample size (T/C) | dropout (T/C) | Primary outcome measures | Difference between groups | Characteristic of sham electro-acupuncture (EA) methods |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| needle location | degree of needle insertion | electrical stimulation | The type of sham EA method | |||||||
| Ntritsou et al. 2014 USA18 | Pain | 4/4 | 37/38 | 5(2/3) | NRS and SF_MPQ scores | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Chu et al. 2012 Hong Kong19 | Pain perception in Irritable Bowel Syndrome | 6/6 | 15/15 | 0(0/0) | FMRI | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Wang et al. 2010 Denmark20 | Tinnitus | 4/14 | 20/20 | 9(4/5) | The frequency of tinnitus occurrence and the tinnitus loudness | ND | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Zyloney et al. 2010 USA21 | Pain | 2/2 | N/N | 29(N/N) | FMRI and MASS ratings | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Jubb et al. 2008 UK22 | Osteoarthritis | 6/6 | 34/34 | 4(2/2) | WOMAC pain score | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Chung et al. 2012 Hong Kong23 | Postpartum Depression | 18/18 | 10/10 | 6(5/1) | EPDS, HADS, HDRS17 and CGI scores | ND | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Barlas et al. 2006 UK24 1 | Pain | 4/4 | 12/12 | N(N/N) | Pressure pain threshold | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Barlas et al. 2006 UK24 2 | Pain | 4/4 | 12/12 | N(N/N) | Pressure pain threshold | ND | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Wayne et al. 2005 US25 | Stroke Rehabilitation | 14–22/2–3 | 16/17 | 9(3/6) | FMA score | ND | non-acupuncture points | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Sahin et al. 2010 Turkey26 | Pain | 14/14 | 15/16 | 2(2/0) | VAS scores | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Fanti et al. 2003 Italy27 | Pain | 10/10 | 10/10 | 0(0/0) | VAS scores | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Hsing et al. 2012 Brazil28 | Stroke recovery | 11–14/11–14 | 31/31 | 0(0/0) | NIHSS, Barthel Index and modified Rankin scales scores | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Gosman-Hedström et al. 1998 Sweden29 | Stroke | 4/4 | 37/34 | 3(2/1) | The neurological score and the Barthel and Sunnaas index scores | ND | therapeutic acupoints | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type D |
| Jing et al. 2009 China30 | Auditory hallucination | 6/6 | 30/30 | 7(4/3) | The Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales and Auditory Hallucination Subscale total score | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Kong et al. 2009 USA31 | Pain | 2/2 | N/N | 29(N/N) | Gracely Sensory and Affective scales scores and fMRI | ND | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Darbandi et al. 2013 Iran32 | Obesity | 4/4 | 47/47 | 8(5/3) | BW, BMI and BFM | ND | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Yang et al. 2012 China33 | Pain | 12/12 | 40/40 | 0(0/0) | the consumption of sevoflurane and the recovery profile | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Liu et al. 2013 China34 | Post-stroke detrusor overactivity | 10/10 | 35/36 | 5(2/3) | maximum cystometric capacity and bladder compliance | T > C | non-acupuncture points | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Zhang et al. 2014 China35 | Postoperative ileus | 2/2 | 20/20 | 1(1/0) | Time of the first bowel sounds and passage of flatus | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Mao et al. 2014 USA36 | Aromatase Inhibitor-Related Arthralgia | 4/4 | 22/22 | 6(3/3) | BPI | ND | non-acupuncture points | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Leung et al. 2011 Hong Kong37 | Pain | 3/3 | 20/20 | 0(0/0) | the maximal tolerable pressure, VAS score and beta-endorphin level | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Rusy et al. 2002 USA38 a | Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting | 1/1 | 40/40 | 0(0/0) | occurrence of nausea and vomiting, and use of antiemetic rescue medication | T > C | nonspecific acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Rusy et al. 2002 USA38 b | Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting | 1/1 | 40/40 | 0(0/0) | occurrence of nausea and vomiting, and use of antiemetic rescue medication | T > C | non-acupuncture points | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Yang et al. 2014 China39 | Migraine | 3/3 | 10/10 | 0(0/0) | VA S scores | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Chen et al. 2013 China40 | Pancreatic cancer pain | 10/10 | 30/30 | 1(0/1) | NRS | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Quispe-Cabanillas et al. 2012 Brazi41 | Multiple sclerosis | 9/9 | 16/15 | 0(0/0) | EDSS, pain VASscore and quality of life FAMS | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Aranha et al. 2015 Brazil42 | Pain | 7–8/7–8 | 24/23 | 17(7/10) | VAS scores and cervical movements | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type M |
| Yu et al. 2013 Hong Kong43 a | 2/2 | 12/12 | 0(0/0) | C-MMASS and HR, MAP | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L | |
| Yu et al. 2013 Hong Kong43 b | 2/2 | 12/12 | 0(0/0) | C-MMASS and HR, MAP | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type D | |
| Li et al. 2010 Chin44 | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | 15–16/15–16 | 92/88 | 10(6/4) | relapse rate | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Zheng et al. 2007 Australia45 | Chronic pain | 4/4 | 17/18 | 12(8/4) | the dosage reduction of OLM, the incidence of side effect, and VAS score | ND | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Li et al. 2013 China46 | General anesthesia | 10/6 | 9/10 | 0(0/0) | the levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Lin et al. 2002 Taiwan47 1 | Postoperative pain | 2/2 | 25/25 | 0(0/0) | VAS score | ND | therapeutic acupoints | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Lin et al. 2002 Taiwan47 2 | Postoperative pain | 2/2 | 25/25 | 0(0/0) | VAS score | ND | therapeutic acupoints | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Chen et al. 2013 Taiwan48 | Constipation | 6/6 | 30/30 | 30 (16/14) | the defecation rate | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Schukro et al. 2014 Austria49 | Obesity | 3/3 | 28/28 | 14(7/7) | the relative reduction of body weight | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Yu et al. 2014 China50 | General anesthesia | 2/2 | 20/20 | 0(0/0) | The serum cortisol and ACTH | T > C ? | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Xie et al. 2014 China51 | Postoperative pain | 2/2 | 20/20 | 0(0/0) | VAS score, Total Doses of Sufentanil and Dezocine | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Sim et al. 2002 Singapore52 | Intraoperative pain | N/N | 30/30 | 0(0/0) | The total intraoperative usage of alfentanil, The total morphine consumption and VAS score | ND | non-acupuncture points | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Song et al. 2009 China53 | Depression | 2/2 | 31/32 | 10(3/7) | HDRS and CGI | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Shafshak 1995 Egypt54 1 | Obesity | 2/2 | 10/10 | N(N/N) | the success rate of going on the diet trigmen | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Shafshak 1995 Egypt54 2 | Obesity | 2/2 | 10/10 | N(N/N) | the success rate of going on the diet trigmen | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Franasiak et al. 2012 USA55 | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | 8/8 | 46/50 | 16(9/7) | Serum LH and FSH.The monthly rates of ovulation | ND | non-acupuncture points | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Naslund et al. 2002 Sweden56 | Idiopathic anterior knee pain | 6/6 | 30/28 | 1(0/1) | one leg vertical jump, functional score, daily VAS recording and skin temperature | ND | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Shen et al. 2000 US57 | Chemotherapy–Induced Emesis | 4/4 | 37/33 | 1(1/1) | Total number of emesis episodes occurring | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Wyon et al. 2004 Sweden58 | Hot flushes in postmenopausal women. | 6/6 | 15/15 | 7(4/3) | The number of flushes/24 h | ND | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Zhang et al. 2012 Hong Kong59 | Depression | 12/12 | 38/35 | 10(7/3) | score of HAMD-17 and SDS | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Zheng et al. 2010 Australia60 | Pain | 2/2 | 12/12 | 0(0/0) | SPT and TST | T > C | therapeutic acupoints | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Ma et al. 2010 China61 a | Menstrual Pain | 2/2 | 13/14 | 1(1/0) | VAS scores | T > C | nonspecific acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Ma et al. 2010 China61 b | Menstrual Pain | 2/2 | 13/12 | 1(1/0) | VA S scores | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Wang et al. 2014 Taiwan62 | Chronic stroke | 4/4 | 10/10 | 5(1/4) | R1, R2 and R2–R1 | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | superficial penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type D |
| Yeung et al. 2011 Hong Kong63 a | Insomnia | 8/8 | 26/26 | 7(4/3) | ISI and PSQI | ND | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type N |
| Yeung et al. 2011 Hong Kong63 b | Insomnia | 8/8 | 26/26 | 7(4/3) | ISI and PSQI | T > C | non-acupuncture points | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Chan et al. 2014 Taiwan64 | Heroin Addicts | 4/4 | 30/30 | 2(1/1) | the daily consumption of methadone | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type D |
| Man et al. 2014 Hong Kong65 | Post-stroke depression | 20/20 | 23/20 | 10(4/6) | HAMD-17 and CGI-S | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Oh et al. 2013 Australia66 | Pain | 16/12 | 16/16 | 3(2/1) | WOMAC, BPI-SF and FACT-G instrument | ND | therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Wong et al. 2006 Hong Kong67 | Pain | 4/4 | 13/14 | 2(0/2) | VAS pain score | ND | therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Song et al. 2007 USA68 | Depression | 2/2 | N/N | N(N/N) | 24-item HAMD and the level of G protein α subtypes in the platelet membrane | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type M |
| Cameron et al. 2011 Australia69 | Whiplash-associated Disorders | 8/8 | 64/60 | 8(0/8) | VAS | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type M |
| Darbandi et al. 2014 Iran70 | Obesity | 4/4 | 20/20 | 0(0/0) | BMI, TFM, WC and HC | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Wei et al. 2008 China71 | Postpartum Insufficient Lactation | 2/2 | 46/46 | 0(0/0) | total therapeutic effect, 24-hour milk secretion quantity, prolactin level | T > C | nonspecific acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Wang et al. 2007 USA72 | Pain | 4/4 | 29/27 | 0(0/0) | intraprocedural alfentanil consumption, VAS score | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type D |
| Kvorning et al. 2003 Sweden73 | Anaesthesia | 12/12 | 23/23 | 1(1/0) | Physiological reactions to skin incision | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Kvorning et al. 2003 Sweden74 | Anaesthesia | 6/6 | 23/23 | 0(0/0) | The minimal alveolar concentration of sevoflurane | T < C | therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Yang et al. 2010 China75 | Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury | 6/6 | 30/30 | 0(0/0) | levels of serum cardiac troponin I | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Sahmeddini et al. 2010 Iran76 | Perioperative Pain | 4/4 | 45/45 | 0(0/0) | score on VAS-100 | ND | therapeutic acupoint | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Wang et al. 2007 China77 | 1/1 | 9/5 | 3(3/0) | BOLD fMRI | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L | |
| Jia et al. 2009 China78 | Migraine | 2/2 | 138/138 | 1(0/1) | VAS score and the plasma 5-HT level | T > C | nonspecific acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Wang et al. 2013 China79 | Benign prostate hyperplasia | 2/2 | 50/50 | 23(9/14) | IPSS | T > C | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Andreescu et al. 2011 Canada80 | Depression | 2/2 | 28/29 | 11(4/7) | HDRS score | ND | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Yeung et al. 2009 Hong Kong81 | Insomnia | 8/8 | 30/30 | 3(1/2) | ISI | ND | therapeutic acupoint | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Chen et al. 2014 Taiwan82 | Pain | 1/1 | 25/24 | 0(0/0) | VAS scores and the dosage of opium derivative analgesic | ND | therapeutic acupoint | the same depth | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type C |
| Wang et al. 2008 China83 | Diabetic Gastroparesis | 4/4 | 11/12 | 4(2/2) | GCSI score | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type N |
| Meissner et al. 2004 Germany84 | Pain | 6/6 | 8/8 | 0(0/0) | SEPs | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | no penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Zhou et al. 2012 China85 | 2/2 | 11/11 | 0(0/0) | MVC strength | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L | |
| Yeh et al. 2012 Taiwan86 | Shivering during regional anesthesia | 4/4 | 40/40 | 0(0/0) | Shivering score and tympanic temperature | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Yu et al. 2011 Taiwan87 | Benign Prostate Hyperplasia | 6/6 | 21/21 | 5(3/2) | The change of the maximum flow rate, average flow rate, void volume | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Ma et al. 2011 China88 | Pain | 2/2 | 116/117 | 0(0/0) | VAS score | T > C | therapeutic acupoint | no penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Li et al. 2013 China89 | Intraoperative immunosuppression | 10/6 | 19/19 | 0(0/0) | the levels of TNFα, IL-8, IL-10, IgM, IgA, IgG and full blood count | ND | non-acupuncture points | the same depth | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Deluze et al. 1992 Switzerland90 | Fibromyalgia | 4-10/4 | 36/34 | 15(8/7) | Pain threshold, number of analgesic tablets used, VAS score | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | electrical stimulation | Sham EA type N |
| Ng et al. 2013 Hong Kong91 | Postoperative ileus | 4/4 | 55/55 | 0(0/0) | Time to defecation | T > C | non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Lee and Lee 2009 Republic of Korea92 | Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome | 6/6 | 13/13 | 5(2/3) | NIH-CPSI | T > C | Non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | no electrical stimulation | Sham EA type O |
| Tam et al. 2007 Hong Kong93 | Rheumatoid arthritis | 6/6 | 12/12 | 5(0/5) | VAS | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | Superficial penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type D |
| Kvorning and Akeson 2010 Sweden94 | Anaesthesia | 12/12 | 22/23 | 0(0/0) | Plasma levels of adrenaline | T > C | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Waite and Clough 1998 UK95 | Smoking cessation | 2/2 | 40/38 | 0(0/0) | Biochemically validated total cessation of smoking | T > C | Non-acupuncture points | superficial penetration | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type N |
| Holzer et al. 2011 Austria96 | Postoperative pain | 3/3 | 20/20 | 0(0/0) | VAS scores and the consumption of piritramide | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Sator-Katzenschlager et al. 2006 Austria97 | Perioperative pain | 3/3 | 32/30 | 1(0/1) | VAS scores, adverse event and analgesic drug consumption | T > C | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Liu et al. 2011 China98 a | Primary dysmenorrhea | 1/1 | 50/50 | 5(3/2) | VAS scores | ND | Nonspecific acupuncture points | The same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Liu et al. 2011 China98 b | Primary dysmenorrhea | 1/1 | 50/46 | 6(3/3) | VAS scores | ND | Non-acupuncture points | The same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Liu et al. 2014 China99 a | Primary dysmenorrhea | 2/2 | 167/167 | 6(4/2) | VAS scores | T > C | Nonspecific acupuncture points | The same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Liu et al. 2014 China99 b | Primary dysmenorrhea | 2/2 | 167/167 | 6(4/2) | VAS scores | T > C | Non-acupuncture points | The same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Maeda et al. 2013 USA100 1 | Carpal tunnel syndrome | 2/2 | 22/19 | 0(0/0) | functional MRI, VAS scores | T > C | Non-acupuncture points | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Maeda et al. 2013 USA100 2 | Carpal tunnel syndrome | 2/2 | 18/19 | 0(0/0) | functional MRI, VAS scores | T > C | Non-acupuncture points | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Shi et al. 2011 China101 a | Primary dysmenorrhea | 1/1 | 10/10 | 0(0/0) | VAS scores, The plasma PGE2, PGF2a, TXB2, and 6-keto PGF1a levels | ND | Nonspecific acupuncture points | The same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type F |
| Shi et al. 2011 China101 b | Primary dysmenorrhea | 1/1 | 10/10 | 0(0/0) | VAS scores, The plasma PGE2, PGF2a, TXB2, and 6-keto PGF1a levels | ND | Non-acupuncture points | The same depth | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type L |
| Dias et al. 2010 Brazil102 | Local anaesthesia | 8/8 | 16/17 | 0(0/0) | VAS scores | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Zhang et al. 2013 Hong Kong103 | Chronic neck Pain | 5/5 | 103/103 | 46(19/27) | NPQ scores | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Sangdee et al. 2002 Thailand104 | Osteoarthritis of the knee | 4/4 | 48/47 | 4(2/2) | VAS score, and Lequesne’s functional index | T > C | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Johansson et al. 2001 Sweden105 | Stroke rehabilitation | 9–10/4 | 48/51 | 20(11/9) | The scores of Barthel Index, the Rivermead Mobility Index and NHP, the time needed to walk 10 meters | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | Electrical stimulation | Sham EA type B |
| Hopwood et al. 2008 UK106 | Stroke recovery | 8–10/6 | 57/48 | 13(10/3) | The scores of Barthel Index | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| White et al. 1998 England107 | Tobacco addiction | 2/2 | 38/38 | 24 (11/13) | VAS score | ND | Non-acupuncture points | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
| Dias et al. 2014 Brazil108 | Stress-related symptoms | 13/8 | 33/20 | 5(3/2) | The scores of MSQ, PSQI and MBI-SS | T > C | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Lin et al. 2013Taiwan109 | Insulin Resistance | 2/2 | 16/15 | 1(1/0) | Plasma glucose | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Michalek-Sauberer et al. 2007 Austria110 | Perioperative pain | 3/3 | 76/36 | 24(16/8) | 5-point verbal rating scale, Time and amount of analgesic intake | ND | Therapeutic acupoint | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type A |
| Carlsson and Sjolund 2001 Sweden111 | Chronic Low Back Pain | 4/2 | 16/16 | 0(0/0) | VAS scores, Intake of analgesics, Sleep quality and level of activity | T > C? | Non-acupuncture points | No penetration | No electrical stimulation | Sham EA type Q |
T, treatment group/real EA group; C, control group/sham EA group; NS, not stated; T > C, EA treatment group was significantly superior to sham EA control group; ND, no difference between EA and sham EA group; T < C, real EA group was significantly inferior to sham EA group; T > C?, the efficacy result of trial was reported as “T > C” without conducting the between-group analysis and with the original data not available; NRS, Numerical Rating Scale; SF_MPQ, Short-Form McGill Scale; FMRI, Functional magnetic resonance imaging; MASS, the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale; WOMAC, The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index; EPDS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HDRS17, 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression; CGI, Clinical Global Impression; FMA, Fugl-Meyer Assessment; VAS, Visual Analog Scale; NIHSS, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. BW, body weight; BMI, body mass index; BFM, body fat mass; BPI, Brief Pain Inventory; EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale; FAMS, Functional Assessment of multiple Sclerosis; C-MMASS, Modified Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale – Chinese version; HR, Heart rate; MAP, mean arterial blood pressure; OLM, opioid-like medication; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-8, interleukin-8; IL-10, interleukin-10; HDRS, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; HAMD-17, the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression; SDS, the Chinese-version Self-rating Depression Scale; SPT, single pain threshold; TST, temporal summation thresholds; R1, angle of muscle reaction; R2, passive range of motion; R2–R1, dynamic component; ISI, The Insomnia Severity Index; PSQI, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; CGI-S, the Clinical Global Impression - Severity scale; BPI-SF, Brief Pain Inventory Short Form; FACT-G instrument, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General instrument; 24-item HAMD, the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; TFM, Trunk Fat Mass; WC, Waist Circumference; HC, Hip Circumference; VAS-100, a 100-mm visual analogue scale; BOLD fMRI, blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging; IPSS, the International Prostate Symptom Score; GCSI, the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index; SEPs, somatosensory evoked potentials; MVC, maximal voluntary contraction; NIH-CPSI, NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index; NPQ, the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire; NHP, the Nottingham Health Profile; MSQ, Mini-Sleep Questionnaire; MBI-SS, the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey.
Note: Sham EA type A: sham EA on therapeutic acupoints plus no penetration plus no electrical stimulation; Sham EA type B: sham EA on therapeutic acupoints plus no penetration plus electrical stimulation; Sham EA type C: sham EA on therapeutic acupoints plus the same depth plus no electrical stimulation; Sham EA type D: sham EA on therapeutic acupoints plus superficial penetration plus no electrical stimulation; Sham EA type F: sham EA on nonspecific acupuncture points plus the same depth plus electrical stimulation; Sham EA type L: sham EA on non-acupuncture points plus the same depth plus electrical stimulation; Sham EA type M: sham EA on non-acupuncture points plus the same depth plus no electrical stimulation; Sham EA type N: sham EA on non-acupuncture points plus superficial penetration plus electrical stimulation; Sham EA type O: sham EA on non-acupuncture points plus superficial penetration plus no electrical stimulation; Sham EA type Q: sham EA on non-acupuncture points plus no penetration plus no electrical stimulation.