The size of the sample significantly impacts the accuracy of research outcomes. While preliminary results have been achieved in acupuncture imaging research, sample size estimation is often subjective and arbitrary, leading to insufficient reliability of study results. This article reviews the current application of sample size estimation in acupuncture imaging research, and provides recommendations to address existing issues. It is suggested that future researches should include the sample sizes that meet statistical power based on the characteristics of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocols, with group sizes of 12 and 20-30 cases having become the "minimum requirement" for confirmatory studies and a common choice. Additionally, the adoption of adaptive design approaches, which dynamically adjust sample sizes based on accumulated data, can be considered. Furthermore, efforts should be made to establish an open platform for sharing acupuncture imaging data to enhance data accessibility, and consequently, improve the quality and overall impact of acupuncture imaging research.
样本量的大小影响研究结果的准确性，目前针灸影像学研究已取得初步成果，但样本量估算主观随意，导致研究结果的信效度不足。本文梳理样本量估算在针灸影像学研究中的应用现状，并针对当前存在的问题提出建议。今后研究应该根据功能磁共振成像（fMRI）方案特点纳入满足统计效力的样本量，每组12例及20～30例样本量已成为当前确证性研究的“最低要求”和多数选择；同时，可借鉴适应性设计思路，基于前期累积数据“动态性”调整样本量；推动建立针灸成像数据公开共享平台，提高数据可用性，进一步增强针灸影像学的研究质量和整体影响力。.
Keywords: acupuncture; functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); imaging research; sample size estimation.