Fig. 3

Mean improvement in Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) subscale scores at week 12 in both groups. CHM, Chinese herbal medicine; PF, physical function (limitations in physical activities because of health problems); PR, physical role (limitations in usual role activities because of physical health problems); BP, bodily pain; GH, general health perceptions; VT, vitality (energy and fatigue); SF, social function (limitations in social activities because of physical or emotional problems); ER, emotional role (limitations in usual role activities because of emotional health problems); MH, mental health. No significant differences were observed between the groups in any subscale scores. A comparison of changes of subscale scores after treatment between two groups: P < 0.05 indicated significant difference between groups. The statistical results of the subscale scores are as follows: PF (Z = -1.742, P = 0.081), PR (Z = -0.875, P = 0.391), BP (Z = -1.913, P = 0.056), GH (t = 0.171, P = 0.868), VT (Z = -0.298, P = 0.766), SF (Z = -1.086, P = 0.278), ER (Z = 0.00, P = 1.00), MH (Z = -0.451, P = 0.652)