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. 2016 Aug 26;2016(8):CD004131. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004131.pub3

Wang 2012.

Methods RCT
 Method of randomisation: random number table
 Blinding: not stated
Adverse effects: not stated
 ITT analysis: not stated
 Losses to FU: not stated
Participants Country: China
 Number of participants included: 60 (30/30)
 Demographics: aged 43‐77 years, 65% male
 Type of stroke: both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes
 Diagnosis: WHO definition and all confirmed by CT/MRI
 Severity on entry: not stated
 Time from stroke onset: 1‐6 months
 Setting: inpatient
 Comparability: no significant difference in age or time post onset
Interventions Comparison: acupuncture + PT versus PT
Acupuncture treatment
  • Acupuncture rationale: not stated

  • Needling details

    • Points used: scalp acupoints

    • Numbers of points used: 4 points

    • Depths of insertion: 0.98‐1.38 inches

    • Deqi elicited: not stated

    • Needle stimulation: manual

    • Needle retention time: 30 minutes

    • Needle type: stainless steel needle, gauge 30#, length 1.97 inches

  • Treatment regimen

    • Number of treatment sessions: 45 sessions

    • Frequency of treatment: 15 sessions/month

    • Total course: 3 months

  • Practitioner background: not stated

  • Co‐intervention: PT


Control interventions: PT
Outcomes
  • Improvement of motor function (Motor Assessment Scale)

  • Improvement of independence (modified Barthel Index)

  • FU: 3 months

Notes
Risk of bias
Bias Authors' judgement Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias) Low risk Randomisation by using random number table
Allocation concealment (selection bias) Unclear risk Information on allocation concealment was not reported
Blinding (performance bias and detection bias) 
 All outcomes Unclear risk Information on blinding was not reported
Blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias) 
 All outcomes Unclear risk Information on blinding was not reported
Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) 
 All outcomes Unclear risk Information on blinding was not reported
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) 
 All outcomes Unclear risk Information on attrition was not reported
Selective reporting (reporting bias) Unclear risk Free of selective reporting bias was assessed as 'unclear' due to some clinically important outcomes unstated, such as quality of life, mortality and adverse events
Other bias Unclear risk No information provided