Wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) for XXXX : study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

@entity1 @entity148 @entity3002
BACKGROUND: @entity3002 comprises an excessive nervous and @entity148 response to the high-pressure environment preceding a sporting competition. The use of acupuncture as a treatment option for @entity148 , and wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) specifically in this instance, has been identified as a growing trend within the Western world. In our previous study, we have confirmed the efficacy of WAA for pre-examination @entity148 . In this paper, we present a randomized controlled single-blind trial evaluating the use of WAA for @entity3002 , comparing it with the intervention of sham acupuncture. METHODS/DESIGN: The study was designed as a randomized controlled single-blind trial to evaluate the effects of WAA for precompetition @entity148 . The trial will be conducted in annual track and field events of Shanghai University of Sport. A total of 100 @entity1 who meet inclusion criteria are randomly assigned by computerized randomization to receive WAA therapy or sham acupuncture. The group allocations and interventions are concealed to @entity1 and statisticians. The Competition State Anxiety Scale (CSAI-2) is used as the primary outcome measure, while heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tension syndrome curative effect evaluation and @entity1 ' feeling of acupuncture questionnaire are applied as secondary outcome measures. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will confirm whether WAA is effective to treat precompetition @entity148 in annual track and field events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-13003931; registration date: 22 October 2013).
