Tashkin 1985.

Methods	Design: cross‐over Allocation concealment: unclear Blinding: patients and evaluators Drop‐outs/withdrawals: not given Jadad score: 1‐0‐0 Study schedule: 4 weeks baseline, 4 weeks treatment 1, 3 weeks wash‐out, 4 weeks treatment 2, 3 weeks follow‐up
Participants	N = 25 (15 female, 10 male) Age range 8 ‐ 70. Diagnosis ‐ Moderate to severe stable chronic asthma. FEV1< 60% predicted. Most on oral and inhaled beta‐agonists and theophylline. Most also on oral steroids. 11 on cromoglycate.
Interventions	Acupuncture group: Standardized acupuncture formula (n = 25) with 6 points bilateral (LI‐4, DU‐14, ST‐36, LU‐7, Ex‐W1, Ex Waitingchuan (???)). Acupuncture needles were 1,5 inch, 30 gauge, solid stainless needles manufactured in China that were sterilized by autoclave before use. Depth of insertion varied ranging from 4 to 20mm. Needles manipulation every 3 to 4 min. Control group: Sham acupuncture (n = 25) was performed at non‐acupuncture points. Needles manipulation every 3 to 4 min. Treatment duration: 8 sessions (each 15 min) within 4 weeks. Acupuncturist: Well‐ trained experienced practitioner. TCM‐Diagnosis done/applied to intervention: (‐/‐)
Outcomes	Pulmonary function, subjective measurements, drug use, number of attacks.
Notes	Data presentation and crossover design unsuited for meta‐analysis. No significant differences were found between or within groups.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Adequate sequence generation?	Unclear risk	No information available
Allocation concealment?	Unclear risk	No information available
Blinding? All outcomes	High risk	Active and sham acupuncture not presented identically
Incomplete outcome data addressed? All outcomes	Unclear risk	No information provided
Free of other bias?	Low risk	Qualified therapist

Jadad scores reflect the points awarded for the three component domains in the order of: randomisation (0,1 or 2), blinding (0, 1 or 2) and withdrawals (0 or 1).