Differential Localization of Pain-Related and Pain-Unrelated Neural Responses for Acupuncture at BL60 Using BOLD fMRI

Table 3

Self-reported sensations using a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and the mean (standard deviation) of each NRS score.

Type of sensation	Mean (standard deviation)		Differences of average rating (Verum-Sham)*	𝑃-value
	Sham acupuncture	Verum acupuncture
The moment when the needle touches the skin
Hurting	1.15 (2.39)	2.95 (2.74)	1.80	0.002*
Penetrating	3.40 (2.64)	5.65 (2.50)	2.25	0.002*
Sharp pain	2.65 (1.83)	4.90 (2.85)	2.25	<0.001*
Aching	1.75 (2.02)	3.95 (2.74)	2.20	<0.001*
Subtotal average	2.24	4.36	2.12	<0.001*
Throughout the acupuncture stimulation
Aching	2.10 (2.18)	3.80 (2.07)	1.70	<0.001*
Soreness	1.65 (1.95)	2.80 (2.78)	1.15	0.013*
Deep pressure	1.70 (2.20)	3.95 (2.61)	2.25	<0.001*
Heaviness	2.25 (1.70)	3.85 (2.68)	1.60	0.004*
Fullness (distention)	1.45 (2.48)	3.50 (2.46)	2.05	<0.001*
Tingling	2.35 (1.34)	4.25 (3.35)	1.90	0.014*
Warmth	0.70 (1.80)	1.15 (2.21)	0.45	0.119
Cold	1.25 (2.26)	1.65 (2.32)	0.40	0.258
Numbness	2.20 (1.84)	2.40 (3.02)	0.20	0.725
Dull pain	2.00 (1.64)	2.80 (2.82)	0.80	0.084
Throbbing	1.05 (2.14)	2.10 (2.63)	1.05	0.011*
Sharp pain	2.20 (2.13)	4.35 (3.41)	2.15	0.005*
Spread	2.10 (2.88)	3.25 (2.83)	1.15	0.034*
Anxiety	2.75 (1.38)	4.75 (3.39)	2.00	0.002*
Other sensation	0.70 (1.52)	1.40 (2.39)	0.70	0.090
Subtotal average	1.76	3.07	1.31	<0.001*
Total average	1.86	3.34	1.48	<0.001*

For each sensation, a paired 𝑡-test was performed to compare the score between the sham and the verum acupuncture stimulation.
* 𝑃<0.05.