Randomization and blinding
CFS
Eligible CFS patients were randomly allocated to either Group A or Group B. Random numbers were generated by Statistics Analysis System, and then placed in opaque envelopes. A research assistant, who was uninvolved in the assessment or treatment, was responsible for keeping the original random allocation sequences, printing serial numbers on the outside of the envelopes, and sealing the envelopes. All envelopes were put into a plastic container in numerical order. Once patients were assessed to meet the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent, investigators opened the envelopes in turn. To ensure blinding, the outcome assessors and statistical analysts were blinded to the intervention assignments throughout the trial.