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Duan Y, Xu Z, Li X, Zhao P, Wu S, Chen Z, Guo J, Zhou Y, Tang C, Yu L. Reporting and data-sharing level of acupuncture randomised controlled trials: a cross-sectional study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070545. [PMID: 37344108 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) play an important role in evidence-based medicine. However, an article with low reporting quality may mislead both experts and the general public into an erroneous decision. Data sharing can contribute to the truthfulness and transparency of trials. Acupuncture RCTs have been increasing rapidly these years, but the reporting quality and data-sharing level of acupuncture RCTs are not clear. Thus, this study will provide the current status of the reporting quality and data-sharing level of acupuncture RCTs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A cross-sectional study will be conducted. The seven databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang Database and VIP will be searched between 1 January 2012 and 15 October 2022 to identify acupuncture RCTs. The basic characteristics of included trials will be summarised. The reporting quality for included RCTs will be assessed by the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials 2010 statement and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture. The data-sharing level will be assessed by open science practices. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this study. This protocol has been registered in Open Science Framework Registries. The findings of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Duan
- Sleep Research Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhirui Xu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pinge Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zewei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiewen Guo
- Sleep Research Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiye Zhou
- Sleep Research Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Yu
- Sleep Research Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Deng J, He J, Wang J, Cheng CW, Jiao Y, Wang N, Li J, Wang P, Han F, Lyu A, Bian Z, Zhang X. Reporting quality of randomized controlled trials of angina pectoris with integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine interventions: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:124. [PMID: 37221472 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01953-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine (ITCWM), as a representative type of complex intervention, is commonly used for the treatment of angina pectoris (AP) in clinical practice. However, it is unclear whether the details of ITCWM interventions, such as rationale for selection and design, implementation and potential interactions for different therapies, were adequately reported. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the reporting characteristics and quality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AP with ITCWM interventions. METHODS Through a search of 7 electronic databases, we identified RCTs of AP with ITCWM interventions published in both English and Chinese from 1st Jan 2017 to 6th Aug 2022. The general characteristics of included studies were summarized, further, the quality of reporting was assessed based on three Checklists, including the CONSORT with 36 items (except for one item 1b about abstract), the CONSORT for abstracts (17 items), and a self-designed ITCWM-related checklist (21 items covering rationale and details of interventions, outcome assessment and analysis). The quality of RCTs published in English and Chinese, as well as journals and dissertations were also compared. RESULTS A total of 451 eligible RCTs were included. For the reporting compliance, the mean score (95% Confidence Interval) of the CONSORT (72 scores in total), CONSORT for abstract (34 scores in total), and ITCWM-related (42 scores in total) checklists was 27.82 (27.44-28.19), 14.17 (13.98-14.37) and 21.06 (20.69-21.43), respectively. More than half items were evaluated as poor quality (reporting rate < 50%) among each Checklist. Moreover, the reporting quality of publications in English journals was higher than that in Chinese journals in terms of the CONSORT items. The reporting of published dissertations was better than that in journal publications regarding both the CONSORT and ITCWM-specific items. CONCLUSION Although the CONSORT appears to have enhanced the reporting of RCTs in AP, the quality of ITCWM specifics is variable and in need of improvement. Reporting guideline of the ITCWM recommendations should be developed thus to improve their quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashuai Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Juan He
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung Wah Cheng
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yalin Jiao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Nana Wang
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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How about the RCTs' quality of acupuncture treatment for female urinary incontinence in recent 20 years? A report quality assessment. World J Urol 2023; 41:197-204. [PMID: 36445372 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-022-04213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture on female urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS We searched for related RCTs of acupuncture on female UI from seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Medline, ClinicalKey, and Clinical trials). We applied CONSORT (2010 year) and STRICTA criteria to evaluate the relevant factors of included RCTs. Two trained researchers scored independently, and concordance was assessed by Cohen's к-statistic. The median and interquartile range summarized the CONSORT and STRICTA scores of the included studies. In addition, two independent sample t tests were used to assess the differences in the study quality between the 2000-2010 and the 2011-2022 years. RESULTS A total of 25 RCTs were finally included, and the scores were consistent between different assessors. The average CONSORT score was 10.50 (IQR 9.0-15.0) (total score was 25.0). Overall, the studies generally included scientific background (24/25, 96%), inclusion and exclusion criteria (24/25, 96%), outcome indicators (24/25, 96%), randomization methods (21/25, 84%), generalizability (19/25, 76%), and financial support (15/25, 60%). Most lacked sample size calculation (5/25, 20%), type of randomization (5/25, 20%), blinding (6/25, 24%), case screening period and follow-up (4/25, 16%), and study registration (6/25, 24%), etc. The average STRICTA score was 3.380 (IQR 3.02-3.95) (total score was 6.0). There had a lack of education on treatment methods for patients (3/25, 12%) and the qualification of acupuncturists (6/25, 24%). CONCLUSION The overall quality of RCTs on acupuncture treatment of female UI was suboptimal. It is still necessary to improve the research methods, especially the application of random methods, blinding, the interpretation of treatment, and the identification qualification of acupuncturists.
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Hu H, Cheng Y, Wu L, Han D, Ma R. Investigating the Therapeutic Effect of Intradermal Acupuncture for Acute Herpes Zoster and Assessing the Feasibility of Infrared Thermography for Early Prediction of Postherpetic Neuralgia: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Clinical Trial. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1401-1413. [PMID: 37131531 PMCID: PMC10149067 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s406841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Herpes zoster (HZ) can adversely influence patients' quality of life and sometimes it can develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). To date, it remains challenging to be managed by currently available therapies. Intradermal acupuncture (IDA) has the potential to be an adjunctive therapy for acute HZ and infrared thermography (IRT) may be useful for predicting PHN; however, current evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, the purposes of this trial are to 1) evaluate the efficacy and safety of IDA as an adjunctive therapy for acute HZ; 2) to explore the feasibility of IRT for early prediction of PHN and as an objective tool to aid in subjective pain assessment in acute HZ. Methods This study is designed as a randomized, parallel-group, sham-controlled, and patient-assessor-blinded trial, including 1-month treatment and 3-month follow-ups. Seventy-two qualified participants will be randomly split into the IDA or sham IDA group in a ratio of 1:1. Apart from standard pharmacological treatments in both groups, the two groups will receive 10 sessions of IDA or sham IDA, respectively. Primary outcome measures are the visual analog scale (VAS), indicators of herpes lesions' recovery, the temperature of the pain area, and the incidence rate of PHN. The secondary outcome is the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Indicators of herpes lesions' recovery will be assessed at each visit and follow-ups. The remaining outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 1 month after intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Safety evaluation will be determined by adverse events during the trial. Conclusion Expected results will determine whether IDA can enhance therapeutic effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for acute HZ with acceptable safety profile. In addition, it will verify the accuracy of IRT for early prediction of PHN and as an objective tool of subjective pain for acute HZ. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov (identification number: NCT05348382; Registered 27 April 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05348382).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantong Hu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingying Cheng
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dexiong Han
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ruijie Ma; Dexiong Han, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
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Ruan H, Zhang H, Feng Z, Li X, Han W, Si Y, Li J. Assessment of Completeness of Reporting in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:5335-5348. [PMID: 35669592 PMCID: PMC9166958 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s356666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the completeness of reporting in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture therapy (AT) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), WANFANG Data, and China Biology Medicine (CBM) for studies published from their inception to May 8, 2021. The completeness of reporting was evaluated by CONSORT statement and STRICTA guidelines. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to preliminarily explore the factors related to completeness of reporting. Results A total of 44 RCTs were included. The overall quality score (OQS) based on the CONSORT statement and STRICTA guidelines ranged from 3 to 26 and 7 to 14, with a median of 10 and 11, respectively. Among the 35 items of the CONSORT statement, 10 items were fully reported with reporting rate > 70%, and 11 items were poorly reported at a rate < 5%. Among the 17 items of the STRICTA guidelines, 10 items were adequately reported with > 70%, and only 3 items were incompletely reported at a rate < 20%. The agreement of most items was determined as “good”, “substantial”, or “moderate”. By regression analysis, publication language (β coefficient: 6.432, 95% CI: 3.202 to 9.663, P <0.001) and funding source (β coefficient: 3.159, 95% CI: 1.045 to 5.273, P =0.004) acted as independent predictors of completeness of reporting according to the CONSORT statement. However, no variables associated with the STRICTA guidelines were identified. Conclusion The completeness of reporting of AT for COPD was inadequate. The condition relatively improved for trials with publication in the English language and funding source. By recommendation, reports should be strictly standardized in accordance with the CONSORT statement and STRICTA guidelines to improve the clinical research evidence of AT for COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Ruan
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailong Zhang
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Feng
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanlin Li
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Han
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimei Si
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, People's Republic of China.,Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
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Yin Y, Shi F, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Ye J, Zhang J. Evaluation of reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in patients with COVID-19 using the CONSORT statement. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257093. [PMID: 34555033 PMCID: PMC8460279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding patients with COVID-19 and analyse the influence factors. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched to collect RCTs regarding patients with COVID-19. The retrieval time was from the inception to December 1, 2020. The CONSORT 2010 statement was used to evaluate the overall reporting quality of these RCTs. RESULTS 53 RCTs were included. The study showed that the average reporting rate for 37 items in CONSORT checklist was 53.85% with mean overall adherence score of 13.02±3.546 (ranged: 7 to 22). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed the overall adherence score to the CONSORT guideline was associated with journal impact factor (P = 0.006), and endorsement of CONSORT statement (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION Although many RCTs of COVID-19 have been published in different journals, the overall reporting quality of these articles was suboptimal, it can not provide valid evidence for clinical decision-making and systematic reviews. Therefore, more journals should endorse the CONSORT statement, authors should strictly follow the relevant provisions of the CONSORT guideline when reporting articles. Future RCTs should particularly focus on improvement of detailed reporting in allocation concealment, blinding and estimation of sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhuan Yin
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fugui Shi
- Lanzhou Hand and Foot Surgery Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianying Ye
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juxia Zhang
- Clinical Educational Department, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Zhang X, Zhang L, Xiong W, Wang X, Zhou X, Zhao C, Tian G, Shang H, Wu T, Miao J, Bian Z. Assessment of the reporting quality of randomised controlled trials of massage. Chin Med 2021; 16:64. [PMID: 34321044 PMCID: PMC8317306 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00475-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the reporting quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of massage, particularly whether necessary elements related to massage interventions were adequately reported. Methods A total of 8 electronic databases were systematically searched for massage RCTs published in English and Chinese from the date of their inception to June 22, 2020. Quality assessment was performed using three instruments, namely the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) 2010 Checklist (37 items), the CONSORT Extension for NPT (Nonpharmacologic Treatments) 2017 checklist (18 items), and a self-designed massage-specific checklist (16 items) which included massage rationale, intervention and control group details. Descriptive statistics were additionally used to analyse the baseline characteristics of included trials. Results A total of 2,447 massage RCTs were identified, of which most (96.8%) were distributed in China. For the completeness of CONSORT, NPT Extension, and massage-specific checklists, the average reporting percentages were 50%, 10% and 45%, respectively. Of 68 assessed items in total (exclusion of 3 repeated items on intervention), 42 were poorly presented, including 18 CONSORT items, 15 NPT items, and 9 massage-specific items. Although the overall quality of reporting showed slightly improvement in articles published after 2010, the international (English) journals presented a higher score of the CONSORT and NPT items, while the Chinese journals were associated with the increased score of massage-specific items. Conclusion The quality of reporting of published massage RCTs is variable and in need of improvement. Reporting guideline “CONSORT extension for massage” should be developed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00475-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 307 Room, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine Building, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China.,Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Weifeng Xiong
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xihong Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhou
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guihua Tian
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongcai Shang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Taixiang Wu
- Chinese Cochrane Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China Trial Registration Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiangxia Miao
- School of Chinese medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 307 Room, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine Building, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China. .,Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China.
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Zhang X, Lam WC, Liu F, Li M, Zhang L, Xiong W, Zhou X, Tian R, Dong C, Yao C, Moher D, Bian Z. A Cross-sectional literature survey showed the reporting quality of multicenter randomized controlled trials should be improved. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 137:250-261. [PMID: 34023433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with multicenter design, particularly whether necessary information related to multicenter characteristics was adequately reported. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Through a search of 4 international electronic databases, we identified multicenter RCTs published in English from 1975 to 2019. Reporting quality was assessed by the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) checklist (37 items) and by a self-designed multicenter-specific checklist (27 items covering multicenter design, implement and analysis). The scores of trials published in three time periods (1975-1995; 1996-2009; and 2010-2019) were also compared. RESULTS A total of 2,844 multicenter RCTs were included. For the CONSORT checklist, the mean (standard deviation) reporting score was 24.1 (5.5), 12 items were assessed as excellent (>90%), 12 items as good (50%-90%), and 13 items as poor (<50%). For the multicenter checklist, the reporting score was 3.9 (2.2), only 3 items were excellent or good, and the remaining 24 items were poor. Time period comparison showed that reporting quality improved over time, especially after the CONSORT 2010 issued. CONCLUSION Although CONSORT appears to have enhanced the reporting quality of multicenter RCTs, further improvement is needed. A "CONSORT extension for multicenter trials" should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, HKSAR, China
| | - Wai Ching Lam
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, HKSAR, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, HKSAR, China
| | - Mengdan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Weifeng Xiong
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhou
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, China
| | - Ran Tian
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, HKSAR, China
| | - Chongya Dong
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Chen Yao
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China; Peking University Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - David Moher
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Centre, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, HKSAR, China.
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Yin Z, Geng G, Xu G, Zhao L, Liang F. Acupuncture methods for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and bayesian meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Chin Med 2020; 15:109. [PMID: 33062045 PMCID: PMC7552548 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00389-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common symptomatic, inflammatory, and immunological disorder of nasal mucosa. Multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews have implicated acupuncture methods as potentially effective treatment strategies for AR, however, considering the great burden of AR, it is crucial to explore the most recent clinical evidence supporting acupuncture in AR. Besides, the methodologies reported in previous studies as well as those commonly applied during clinical practices greatly vary. Herein, we conducted network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of diverse acupuncture methods for AR treatment. METHODS We conducted a literature search for relevant reports published from inception to 1 July 2020 in several scientific databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI, WF, VIP, CBM, AMED as well as related registration platforms. Primary outcomes as reported in the identified studies were assessed using nasal symptoms. All Meta-analyses were performed with RevMan, ADDIS, and STATA software. To ensure consistency among our reviewers, the intra-class correlation coefficient was used. RESULTS Exactly 39 studies with 3433 participants were covered in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that all acupuncture types were superior to sham acupuncture in terms of total nasal symptom score and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire. Moxibustion was recommended as the most effective intervention as it reduced nasal symptoms in 6 treatments. On the other hand, manual acupuncture plus conventional medicine was recommended as the most effective intervention in improving the quality of life in 9 treatments. Notably, moxibustion was recommended as the most effective intervention that changed the content of IgE in 9 treatments. Moreover, adverse events of these interventions were acceptable. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that all acupuncture methods are effective and safe for AR. Moreover, either moxibustion or manual acupuncture plus conventional medicine are potentially the most effective treatment strategies for AR. Based on these findings, it is evident that acupuncture therapy is not inferior to pharmacologic therapy. Therefore, for AR patients who are either unresponsive to conventional medicine or are intolerant to adverse events, acupuncture therapy should be administered. However, the quality of these included trials was mainly ranked as moderate quality, we recommend additional well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Yin
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi Er Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 China
| | - Guoyan Geng
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi Er Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 China
| | - Guixing Xu
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi Er Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi Er Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 China
| | - Fanrong Liang
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi Er Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 China
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