Table 1. Baseline Characteristics of the Intention-to-Treat Populationa.
| Characteristic | Tuina group (n = 51) | Tuina combined with yijinjing group (n = 51) |
|---|---|---|
| Age, mean (SD), y | 36.2 (4.8) | 36.8 (5.1) |
| Sex | ||
| Male | 15 (29.4) | 18 (35.3) |
| Female | 36 (70.6) | 33 (64.7) |
| Height, mean (SD), y | 166.0 (7.6) | 166.1 (6.9) |
| Weight, mean (SD), y | 61.9 (10.2) | 61.8 (9.5) |
| VAS score, median (IQR)b | 7 (6-8) | 7 (6-8) |
| NDI score, mean (SD)c | 26.4 (2.8) | 26.4 (2.6) |
| SAS score, mean (SD)d | 60.7 (4.7) | 60.4 (4.0) |
| Tissue hardness, mean (SD), %e | ||
| Tissue hardness of left upper trapezius muscle | 76.3 (2.0) | 75.9 (1.8) |
| Tissue hardness of right upper trapezius muscle | 78.3 (2.1) | 78.4 (2.0) |
| Active range of motion, mean (SD), degreesf | ||
| Flexion | 23.3 (2.5) | 23.2 (2.8) |
| Extension | 24.6 (3.0) | 24.7 (2.7) |
| Left lateral flexion | 23.3 (2.3) | 22.8 (2.3) |
| Right lateral flexion | 25.1 (2.3) | 25.3 (2.4) |
| Left rotation | 51.4 (2.5) | 50.7 (2.9) |
| Right rotation | 54.0 (3.2) | 54.4 (3.1) |
Abbreviations: NDI, Neck Disability Index; SAS, Self-rating Anxiety Scale; VAS, visual analog scale.
a
Data are presented as number (percentage) of participants unless otherwise indicated. No differences were found between groups for any characteristics at baseline.
b
On the VAS, higher scores indicate worse pain.
c
Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating worse disability.
d
Scores range from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating worse anxiety.
e
Measured by a digital algometer.
f
Measured by electronic spine measuring device.