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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Review

Factors contributing to therapeutic effects evaluated in acupuncture clinical trials

Authors: Guang-Xia Shi, Xiao-Min Yang, Cun-Zhi Liu, Lin-Peng Wang

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Acupuncture treatment has been widely used for many conditions, while results of the increasing numbers of randomized trials and systematic reviews remain controversial. Acupuncture is a complex intervention of both specific and non-specific factors associated with therapeutic benefit. Apart from needle insertion, issues such as needling sensation, psychological factors, acupoint specificity, acupuncture manipulation, and needle duration also have relevant influences on the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Taking these factors into consideration would have considerable implications for the design and interpretation of clinical trials.

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Title: Factors contributing to therapeutic effects evaluated in acupuncture clinical trials
Authors: Guang-Xia Shi
Xiao-Min Yang
Cun-Zhi Liu
Lin-Peng Wang
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-13-42

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Factors contributing to therapeutic effects evaluated in acupuncture clinical trials

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