Group D (n = 18)

Group M (n = 18)

P value

Time taken to achieve OAA/S 3 (min)

21.3 ± 8.8

17.2 ± 9.3

0.27

Maximum upper level of sensory blockade (thoracic segments)

5.3 ± 1.3

4.1 ± 1.5

0.03

Time to the maximum upper level of sensory blockade (min)

14.6 ± 3.6

13.4 ± 3.9

0.38

Time for the two-segment regression of sensory blockade (min)

91.3 ± 29.5

94.4 ± 29.9

0.82

Time for regression to the L2 level of sensory blockade (min)

234.6 ± 78.1

172.4 ± 41.5

0.008

Time for motor blockade to Bromage 1 (min)

3.7 ± 0.9

3.8 ± 1.6

0.95

Time for the regression of motor blockade to Bromage 1 (min)

232.2 ± 79.3

176.5 ± 48.8

0.02