(3) Depth of insertion: muscle layer in electroacupuncture (EA) group, and subcutaneous tissue in sham EA group
(4) Responses elicited: obtain qi and visible twitching of muscle in EA group, and no responses elicited in sham EA group
(5) Needle stimulation: manual to obtain qi following by electrical stimulation in EA group, and no manual or any electrical stimulation in sham EA group
(6) Needle retention time: 20 min
(7) Needle type: stainless steel needles, 2 cun in length, gauge#30, Yu Huang, Taiwan
Treatment regimen
(1) Twice per week for 6 weeks
Cointerventions
(1) None: no herbs, moxibustion, cupping, massage, exercise, advice dietary or lifestyle modification
Practitioner background
(1) License-certificated Chinese medical doctor with more than four years of acupuncture experience