1
|
Haq R, Molteni L, Huneke NTM. The relationship between blinding integrity and medication efficacy in randomised-controlled trials in patients with anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024; 150:187-197. [PMID: 39126319 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blinding is thought to minimise expectancy effects and biases in double-blind randomised-controlled trials (RCTs). However, whether blinding integrity should be assessed and reported remains debated. Furthermore, it is unknown whether blinding failure influences the outcome of RCTs in anxiety disorders. We carried out a systematic review to understand whether blinding integrity is assessed and reported in anxiolytic RCTs. A secondary aim was to explore whether blinding integrity is associated with treatment efficacy. METHOD Our protocol was pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42022328750). We searched electronic databases for placebo-controlled, randomised trials of medication in adults with generalised and social anxiety disorders, and in panic disorder, from 1980. We extracted data regarding blinding integrity and treatment efficacy. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Where possible, we subsequently calculated Bang's Blinding Index, and assessed the association between blinding integrity and treatment effect size. RESULTS Of the 247 RCTs that met inclusion criteria, we were able to obtain assessments of blinding integrity from nine (3.64%). Overall, blinding failed in five of these trials (55.56%), but blinding was intact in 80% of placebo arms. We found a significant association between reduced blinding integrity among assessors and increased treatment effect size (betas < -1.30, p's < 0.001), but this analysis involved only four studies of which two were outlying studies. In patients, we saw a non-significant trend where reduced blinding integrity in the placebo groups was associated with increased treatment efficacy, which was not present in active medication arms. [Correction added on 19 August 2024, after first online publication: Results of the RCTs and its assessment of blinding integrity have been updated.] CONCLUSION: Consistent with work in other psychiatric disorders, blinding integrity is rarely reported in anxiolytic RCTs. Where it is reported, blinding appears to often fail. We found signals that suggest unblinding of clinician assessors (driven by two studies with complete unblinding), and of patients in placebo arms, might be associated with larger treatment effect sizes. We recommend that data regarding blinding integrity, along with the reasons patients and assessors offer for their beliefs regarding group allocation, are systematically collected in RCTs of anxiolytic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruqayyah Haq
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Molteni
- General Adult Psychiatry, Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nathan T M Huneke
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- General Adult Psychiatry, Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muñoz Laguna J, Lee H, Poltavskiy E, Kim J, Bang H. Participant's treatment guesses and adverse events in back pain trials: Nocebo in action? Clin Trials 2024:17407745241276124. [PMID: 39275808 DOI: 10.1177/17407745241276124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Muñoz Laguna
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Spine Center Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hyangsook Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Jeehyoung Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Sacred Heart General Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heejung Bang
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tien DS, Hockey M, So D, Stanford J, Clarke ED, Collins CE, Staudacher HM. Recommendations for Designing, Conducting, and Reporting Feeding Trials in Nutrition Research. Adv Nutr 2024:100283. [PMID: 39134209 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100283] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials are the gold standard for clinical trials in nutrition science. For trials of whole diets, dietary counseling is advantageous as they offer clinical translatability although can vary in the fidelity of the intended intervention from participant to participant and across studies. Feeding trials, in which most or all food is provided, offer high precision and can provide proof-of-concept evidence that a dietary intervention is efficacious and can also better evaluate the effect of known quantities of foods and nutrients on physiology. However, they come with additional methodological complexities. Feeding trials also call for a variety of unique methodological considerations, not least of which relate to the design and delivery of diets to participants. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recommendations for design and conduct of feeding trials, encompassing domiciled and nondomiciled feeding trials. Several pertinent aspects of trial design and methodology are discussed, including defining the study population to maximize retention, safety, and generalizability of findings, recommendations for design of control interventions and optimizing blinding, and specific considerations for clinical populations. A detailed stepwise process for menu design, development, validation, and delivery are also presented. These recommendations aim to facilitate methodologic consistency and execution of high-quality feeding trials, ultimately facilitating improved understanding of the role of diet in treating disease and the underpinning mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delyse Sy Tien
- Food & Mood Centre, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meghan Hockey
- Food & Mood Centre, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel So
- Department of Gastroenterology, Monash University and Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jordan Stanford
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erin D Clarke
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clare E Collins
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heidi M Staudacher
- Food & Mood Centre, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gevers-Montoro C, Romero-Santiago B, Medina-García I, Larranaga-Arzamendi B, Álvarez-Gálovich L, Ortega-De Mues A, Piché M. Reduction of Chronic Primary Low Back Pain by Spinal Manipulative Therapy is Accompanied by Decreases in Segmental Mechanical Hyperalgesia and Pain Catastrophizing: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Dual-blind Mixed Experimental Trial. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104500. [PMID: 38369221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) refers to low back pain that persists over 3 months, that cannot be explained by another chronic condition, and that is associated with emotional distress and disability. Previous studies have shown that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is effective in relieving CPLBP, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This randomized placebo-controlled dual-blind mixed experimental trial (NCT05162924) aimed to investigate the efficacy of SMT to improve CPLBP and its underlying mechanisms. Ninety-eight individuals with CPLBP and 49 controls were recruited. Individuals with CPLBP received SMT (n = 49) or a control intervention (n = 49), 12 times over 4 weeks. The primary outcomes were CPLBP intensity (0-100 on a numerical rating scale) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index). Secondary outcomes included pressure pain thresholds in 4 body regions, pain catastrophizing, Central Sensitization Inventory, depressive symptoms, and anxiety scores. Individuals with CPLBP showed widespread mechanical hyperalgesia (P < .001) and higher scores for all questionnaires (P < .001). SMT reduced pain intensity compared with the control intervention (mean difference: -11.7 [95% confidence interval, -11.0 to -12.5], P = .01), but not disability (P = .5). Similar mild to moderate adverse events were reported in both groups. Mechanical hyperalgesia at the manipulated segment was reduced after SMT compared with the control intervention (P < .05). Pain catastrophizing was reduced after SMT compared with the control intervention (P < .05), but this effect was not significant after accounting for changes in clinical pain. Although the reduction of segmental mechanical hyperalgesia likely contributes to the clinical benefits of SMT, the role of pain catastrophizing remains to be clarified. PERSPECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial found that 12 sessions of SMT yield greater relief of CPLBP than a control intervention. These clinical effects were independent of expectations, and accompanied by an attenuation of hyperalgesia in the targeted segment and a modulation of pain catastrophizing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gevers-Montoro
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois- Rivières, Quebec, Canada; CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada; Madrid College of Chiropractic, RCU María Cristina, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Romero-Santiago
- Madrid College of Chiropractic, RCU María Cristina, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Medina-García
- Madrid College of Chiropractic, RCU María Cristina, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Luis Álvarez-Gálovich
- Instituto Avanzado de Columna, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital, Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Fujitega Research Foundation, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mathieu Piché
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois- Rivières, Quebec, Canada; CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ren C, Li Y, Du P, Zhang X, Xue W, Zhang C. Ethical requirements of instructions for authors of complementary and alternative medicine journals: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:77. [PMID: 39003488 PMCID: PMC11245789 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical research in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased recently, raising ethical concerns about the moral status of CAM. Medical academic journals are responsible for conducting ethical review (ER) of manuscripts to protect the interests of human subjects and to make ethical results available before deciding to publish. However, there has been no systematic analysis of the ER in CAM journals. This study is aim to evaluate the current status of ethical requirements and compliance in CAM journals. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. We reviewed instructions for authors (IFAs) of CAM journals included in the Journal Citation Reports (2021) ( https://jcr.clarivate.com ) for general information and requirements for ER. We also browsed the manuscripts regarding randomized controlled trials published by CAM journals in Q1 and Q2 section from January to June, 2023, to check the actual situation of ethical requirement. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS 27 journals and 68 manuscripts were ultimately included. 92.6% (25/27) IFAs included keywords of ER, indicating the presence of ethical considerations. However, no specific ER was required for CAM (n = 0). We categorized journals by Geographic origin, JCR section, Year of electronic JCR, Types of studies, % of OA Gold to explore the factors that could influence CAM journals to have certain ethical review policies. The results showed there was no statistical significance in certain ethical review policy in any classification of journals (p > 0.05). All RCT manuscripts included in the study generally met the requirements of the published journals for ethical review. CONCLUSIONS All IFAs discussed ER, but the content was scattered, unfocused, and there were no specific ER requirements regarding CAM. Although the manuscripts basically met the requirements of the journal, it was not possible to get closer to the process of ER in the manuscript. To ensure full implementation of these policies in the future, CAM journals should require authors to provide more details, or to form a list of items necessary for CAM ethical review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Ren
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yixuan Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Peipei Du
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Xuebin Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Wanjun Xue
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China.
| | - Chi Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China.
- Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Won J, Han JY, Ji YJ, Ha D, Han BJ, Lee H. Drug trials are more likely to disclose full placebo control information than non-drug trials: A cross-sectional study of participant information leaflets of placebo-controlled trials. Integr Med Res 2024; 13:101043. [PMID: 38779540 PMCID: PMC11109310 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101043] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate whether placebo control is differently disclosed in drug and non-drug randomised clinical trial (RCT) participant information leaflets (PILs) and how this might affect participant blinding and direction of study outcomes. Methods PILs were obtained from trials registered in the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number database via email. Placebo descriptions in PILs were categorised as Full Disclosure (FD), Partial Disclosure (PD), or Missing Information (MI). Associations between intervention type (drug or non-drug)/placebo disclosure (FD or PD/MI) and participant blinding success/trial outcome direction (positive or non-positive) were examined using a two-sided Fisher's exact test. Results Of 116 collected PILs, 56 % were for drug trials and 44 % were for non-drug trials. Among them, 88 PILs had the corresponding publications available and 68 reports specified primary outcomes. Drug trials were more likely to fully disclose placebo information than non-drug trials (92.3 % vs. 74.5 %, p < 0.05). However, the success rate of blinding was only reported in 3 out of 88 trial publications (3.4 %), precluding further analysis. Furthermore, there was no significant association between the direction of trial results and the type of intervention or placebo disclosure. Conclusion Our study findings suggest that drug and non-drug RCTs might differ in the way they reveal placebo control information. Further research is warranted to understand what leads to more common PD of placebo information in non-drug trials than drug trials and to determine the optimal placebo control disclosure in specific trial context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoon Won
- Department of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Han
- Department of Medical Science of Meridian, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yu-jin Ji
- Department of Medical Science of Meridian, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dohyung Ha
- Department of Medical Science of Meridian, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bong Jae Han
- Kyung Hee Tojung Korean Medicine Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyangsook Lee
- Department of Medical Science of Meridian, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Langford BJ, Bailey P, Livorsi DJ, Brown KA, Advani SD, Dodds Ashley E, Bearman G, Nori P. Five steps to high quality antimicrobial stewardship research. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e82. [PMID: 38751942 PMCID: PMC11094375 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates impactful, reproducible, and scalable antimicrobial stewardship strategies. This review addresses the critical need to enhance the quality of antimicrobial stewardship intervention research. We propose five considerations for authors planning and evaluating antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Antimicrobial stewards should consider the following mnemonic ABCDE: (A) plan Ahead using implementation science; (B) Be clear and thoroughly describe the intervention by using the TidIER checklist; (C) Use a Checklist to comprehensively report study components; (D) Select a study Design carefully; and (E) Assess Effectiveness and implementation by selecting meaningful outcomes. Incorporating these recommendations will help strengthen the evidence base of antimicrobial stewardship literature and support optimal implementation of strategies to mitigate AMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J. Langford
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Daniel J. Livorsi
- Center for Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kevin A. Brown
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Elizabeth Dodds Ashley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gonzalo Bearman
- Healthcare Infection Prevention Program, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Priya Nori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Muñoz Laguna J, Kurmann A, Hofstetter L, Nyantakyi E, Clack L, Bang H, Foster NE, Braun J, Puhan MA, Farshad M, Hincapié CA. Feasibility of blinding spinal manual therapy interventions among participants and outcome assessors: protocol for a blinding feasibility trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:70. [PMID: 38698433 PMCID: PMC11064349 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01492-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blinding is a methodologically important aspect in randomised controlled trials yet frequently overlooked in trials of spinal manual therapy interventions for back pain. To help inform the blinding methods of a future, double-placebo-controlled trial comparing spinal manual therapy and nerve root injection for lumbosacral radicular pain, we set four objectives: (1) to assess the feasibility of blinding participants, randomly allocated to an active or placebo-control spinal manual therapy intervention protocol, (2) to assess the feasibility of blinding outcome assessors within the trial, (3) to explore the influence of spinal manual therapy experience and low back pain on blinding, and (4) to explore factors contributing to perceptions about intervention assignment among participants and outcome assessors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Two-parallel-group, single-centre, placebo-controlled, methodological blinding feasibility randomised trial. We will recruit between 60 and 100 adults with or without back pain and with or without experience of spinal manual therapy from Zurich, Switzerland. Participants will be randomised to either an active spinal manual therapy or a placebo-control spinal manual therapy protocol-both interventions delivered over two study visits, up to two weeks apart. The primary outcome is participant blinding using the Bang blinding index within each intervention arm immediately after each of the two study visits. Secondary outcomes are participant blinding using the James blinding index, outcome assessor blinding (Bang and James blinding indices), self-reported factors influencing perceived intervention assignment among participants and outcome assessors, and participant-reported credibility and expectancy of study interventions. Other outcomes-included to blind the study objective from participants-are lumbar spine range of motion, self-rated general health, satisfaction with care, pain intensity, and function. Intervention provider outcomes include intervention component fidelity and quality of intervention delivery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The independent ethics commission of Canton Zurich granted ethical approval for this study (KEK 2023-00381). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated in scientific conferences and a peer-reviewed publication and inform the blinding methods of a future double-placebo controlled trial comparing spinal manual therapy and nerve root injection for lumbosacral radicular pain-the SALuBRITY trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05778396.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Muñoz Laguna
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Kurmann
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Léonie Hofstetter
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela Nyantakyi
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (IfIS), Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lauren Clack
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (IfIS), Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heejung Bang
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Nadine E Foster
- Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), STARS Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Braun
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mazda Farshad
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cesar A Hincapié
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Takele WW, Vesco KK, Josefson J, Redman LM, Hannah W, Bonham MP, Chen M, Chivers SC, Fawcett AJ, Grieger JA, Habibi N, Leung GKW, Liu K, Mekonnen EG, Pathirana M, Quinteros A, Taylor R, Ukke GG, Zhou SJ, Lim S. Effective interventions in preventing gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:75. [PMID: 38643248 PMCID: PMC11032369 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00491-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle choices, metformin, and dietary supplements may prevent GDM, but the effect of intervention characteristics has not been identified. This review evaluated intervention characteristics to inform the implementation of GDM prevention interventions. METHODS Ovid, MEDLINE/PubMed, and EMBASE databases were searched. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework was used to examine intervention characteristics (who, what, when, where, and how). Subgroup analysis was performed by intervention characteristics. RESULTS 116 studies involving 40,940 participants are included. Group-based physical activity interventions (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.46, 0.95) reduce the incidence of GDM compared with individual or mixed (individual and group) delivery format (subgroup p-value = 0.04). Physical activity interventions delivered at healthcare facilities reduce the risk of GDM (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.49, 0.72) compared with home-based interventions (subgroup p-value = 0.03). No other intervention characteristics impact the effectiveness of all other interventions. CONCLUSIONS Dietary, physical activity, diet plus physical activity, metformin, and myoinositol interventions reduce the incidence of GDM compared with control interventions. Group and healthcare facility-based physical activity interventions show better effectiveness in preventing GDM than individual and community-based interventions. Other intervention characteristics (e.g. utilization of e-health) don't impact the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions, and thus, interventions may require consideration of the local context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wubet Worku Takele
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kimberly K Vesco
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Oakland, USA
| | - Jami Josefson
- Northwestern University/ Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Wesley Hannah
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation Chennai, Chennai, India
- Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maxine P Bonham
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mingling Chen
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sian C Chivers
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea J Fawcett
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Clinical & Organizational Development, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jessica A Grieger
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nahal Habibi
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gloria K W Leung
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Maleesa Pathirana
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alejandra Quinteros
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rachael Taylor
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Gebresilasea G Ukke
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shao J Zhou
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Siew Lim
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Phalip J, Chan J, Gauhe G, Soliman N, Vollert J, Lunde SJ, Vase L. Placebo analgesia in physical and psychological interventions: Systematic review and meta-analysis of three-armed trials. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:513-531. [PMID: 37985188 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The magnitude of placebo effects from physical and psychological 'sham' is unknown but could impact efficacy trials and treatment understanding. To quantify placebo effects, this systematic review of three-armed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of physical and psychological interventions for pain compared outcomes in 'sham' control intervention and non-exposure arms. METHODS RCTs with treatment, 'sham' control intervention, and non-exposure groups were included, enrolling adults with any pain. A protocol was pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42023413324), and twelve databases searched from 2008 to July 2023. Trial methods and blinding were analysed descriptively and risk of bias assessed. Meta-analysis of pain measures at short-, medium- and long-term was performed with random-effects models of standardised mean differences (SMD).Studies were sub-grouped according to control intervention type. RESULTS Seventeen RCTs were included. The average short-term placebo effect was small (0.21 SMD, 0.1-0.33 95% CI, p = 0.0002, 1440 participants). It showed no heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.1, I2 = 11%, p = 0.3), preventing meta-regression analyses of effect modifiers. However, sub-group analyses revealed larger placebo effects in manual control interventions compared to disabled devices and miscellaneous control interventions. Overall, placebo analgesia accounted for 39% of treatments' short-term effectiveness. No placebo effects were found at medium-term (7 RCTs, 381 participants) or long-term follow-up (3 RCTs, 173 participants). CONCLUSIONS The observed placebo analgesia has mechanistic and methodological implications, though its clinical importance may be limited. Control intervention design affects placebo effects, highlighting the importance of considering methodology in RCT interpretation. Review limitations include a small number of long-term studies and sample heterogeneity. SIGNIFICANCE This systematic review directly quantifies placebo effects from physical and psychological 'sham' control interventions and compares them to treatments' overall effectiveness. By doing so, the review enhances our understanding of placebo effects, their relative contribution in clinical trials, and their susceptibly to trial design. It poses further questions regarding the influence of blinding, participant expectations, and features of the therapeutic context. Overall, the insights provided by this review carry methodological significance and are important for the interpretation and synthesis of efficacy trials in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Research Department, University College of Osteopathy, London, UK
| | - Jules Phalip
- Institut ANALGESIA, Faculté de Médecine, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm 1107 Neuro-Dol, Service de pharmacologie médicale, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jessica Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Greta Gauhe
- Centre for Dance Research, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Nadia Soliman
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Juhl Lunde
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liakos A, Pagkalidou E, Karagiannis T, Malandris K, Avgerinos I, Gigi E, Bekiari E, Haidich AB, Tsapas A. A Simple Guide to Randomized Controlled Trials. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2024:15347346241236385. [PMID: 38419478 DOI: 10.1177/15347346241236385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials represent the cornerstone for the regulatory approval of drugs and evidence-based medicine and policy. Compared with observational studies random assignment of participants to each study arm guarantees an equal distribution of potential confounders thus achieving impartiality in the evaluation of between group differences and allowing for causal inferences to be drawn. These complex and costly medical experiments are tightly regulated and require substantial planning with great attention to several methodological aspects ranging from allocation concealment and blinding to sample size estimation, statistical analysis, and handling of protocol deviations. This brief guide offers useful insights into the design, conduct, and interpretation of clinical trial findings for beginners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aris Liakos
- Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eirini Pagkalidou
- Department of Hygiene, Social Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Karagiannis
- Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Avgerinos
- Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Gigi
- Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna-Bettina Haidich
- Department of Hygiene, Social Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Tsapas
- Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Grech V, Eldawlatly AA. STROBE, CONSORT, PRISMA, MOOSE, STARD, SPIRIT, and other guidelines - Overview and application. Saudi J Anaesth 2024; 18:137-141. [PMID: 38313708 PMCID: PMC10833025 DOI: 10.4103/sja.sja_545_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of research is to seek answers and new knowledge. When conducted properly and systematically, research adds to humanity's corpus of knowledge and hence to our general advancement. However, this is only possible if reported research is accurate and transparent. Guidelines for all the major types of studies (STROBE, CONSORT, PRISMA, MOOSE, STARD, and SPIRIT) have been developed and refined over the years, and their inception, development, and application are briefly discussed in this paper. Indeed, there are currently over 250 of these guidelines for various types of medical research, and these are published by the EQUATOR network. This paper will also briefly review progress in acceptance and adoption of these guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Grech
- Consultant Paediatrician (Cardiology), Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cancelliere C, Yu H, Southerst D, Connell G, Verville L, Bussières A, Gross DP, Pereira P, Mior S, Tricco AC, Cedraschi C, Brunton G, Nordin M, Shearer HM, Wong JJ, Hayden JA, Ogilvie R, Wang D, Côté P, Hincapié CA. Improving Rehabilitation Research to Optimize Care and Outcomes for People with Chronic Primary Low Back Pain: Methodological and Reporting Recommendations from a WHO Systematic Review Series. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:673-686. [PMID: 37991649 PMCID: PMC10684421 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) is a prevalent and disabling condition that often requires rehabilitation interventions to improve function and alleviate pain. This paper aims to advance future research, including systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), on CPLBP management. We provide methodological and reporting recommendations derived from our conducted systematic reviews, offering practical guidance for conducting robust research on the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for CPLBP. Our systematic reviews contributed to the development of a WHO clinical guideline for CPLBP. Based on our experience, we have identified methodological issues and recommendations, which are compiled in a comprehensive table and discussed systematically within established frameworks for reporting and critically appraising RCTs. In conclusion, embracing the complexity of CPLBP involves recognizing its multifactorial nature and diverse contexts and planning for varying treatment responses. By embracing this complexity and emphasizing methodological rigor, research in the field can be improved, potentially leading to better care and outcomes for individuals with CPLBP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Cancelliere
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada.
| | - Hainan Yu
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Danielle Southerst
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Gaelan Connell
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Leslie Verville
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - André Bussières
- Département Chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières (Québec), Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Douglas P Gross
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Silvano Mior
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
- Department of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea C Tricco
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Epidemiology Division and Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Queen's Collaboration for Health Care Quality Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Christine Cedraschi
- Division of General Medical Rehabilitation, Geneva University and University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ginny Brunton
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
- EPPI-Centre, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, England, UK
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Margareta Nordin
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Environmental Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Heather M Shearer
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
- Department of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jessica J Wong
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Jill A Hayden
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Rachel Ogilvie
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Pierre Côté
- Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
- Epidemiology Division and Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cesar A Hincapié
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ma P, Liu X, Liu Z, Guo Y, Zhou K, Bian Z, Sun C, Liu T, Xiong Z, Xie Y, Lu Y, Lao L, He L, Liu B, Liu C, Yan S. The SHARE: SHam Acupuncture REporting guidelines and a checklist in clinical trials. J Evid Based Med 2023; 16:428-431. [PMID: 37906211 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peihong Ma
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhishun Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guang'an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kehua Zhou
- Department of Hospital Medicine, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- Department of Chinese Medicine Development, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chengyi Sun
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tinglan Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyi Xiong
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Xie
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lixing Lao
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Liyun He
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyan Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cunzhi Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Yan
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li Y, Du P, Zhang X, Ren C, Shi X, Dong X, Zhang C. Qualified placebo for trials of herbal medicine treatment in rare diseases? A cross-sectional analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:373. [PMID: 38037078 PMCID: PMC10691121 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02987-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While substantial placebos have been used in herbal medicine (HM) clinical trials for rare diseases, the use and quality of reporting of HM-placebo remain unclear. We aim to describe the use of HM-placebo in clinical trials for rare diseases and determine the quality of reporting in these trials. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, National Institute of Informatics Support Academic Information Services, ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trials Registry from their inception date to 14 February 2023 to identify registered and published trials that use placebos as a comparator in rare diseases. We collected data on placebo use reporting and the efficacy and safety of placebo. Descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and Binary multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine the placebo characteristics of the HM trial and its effect on reporting. RESULTS Among the 55 studies, we included that with a median administration time of placebo of 84 days (IQR 42-180) and a median placebo sample size of 30 (IQR 24-54). About half of the trials (27, 49.1%) did not provide their ethical approvals, and one trial had details of informed consent. None of the studies were fully reported and more than half of the items reported less than 50%. A total of 10 trials (18.2%) of placebo has active ingredients even though none of them performed pharmacological inert tests. Of the 29 studies with available data on adverse events, 5 (17.2%) trials did not show a better safety profile in the placebo group. Under the context that a relatively high-quality report is defined as a report with more than 9 items, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rate of relatively high-quality reports of the administration time (p = 0.047, OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.90), but the results are not representative. CONCLUSION The overall situation of HM-placebo in the field of rare diseases was poor. In particular, the placebo is tied to the quality of trials, and poor placebo hinders the generation of high-quality evidence for herbal clinical trials in the field of rare diseases. We summarize the current methods of assessment involved in the use of placebos and propose various considerations for placebos in different contexts. Our study can greatly promote rare disease researchers to review the quality of their placebo and clinical trials. It is imperative to guarantee that meticulously conducted research generates clinical evidence of the highest caliber. We also expect that in the future, more rigorous relevant standards about the reporting and design of HM-placebo will be developed. High-quality clinical trials are the prerequisite for the wide clinical application of herbal medicines for rare diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Peipei Du
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Xuebin Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Chenyu Ren
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Xinyi Shi
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Xinglu Dong
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China.
| | - Chi Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100070, China.
- Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang XC, Liu XY, Shi KL, Meng QG, Yu YF, Wang SY, Wang J, Qu C, Lei C, Yu XP. Blinding assessment in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: Exploratory principles and protocol. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:528-536. [PMID: 37957088 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
As one of the key components of clinical trials, blinding, if successfully implemented, can help to mitigate the risks of implementation bias and measurement bias, consequently improving the validity and reliability of the trial results. However, successful blinding in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is hard to achieve, and the evaluation of blinding success through blinding assessment lacks established guidelines. Taking into account the challenges associated with blinding in the TCM field, here we present a framework for assessing blinding. Further, this study proposes a blinding assessment protocol for TCM clinical trials, building upon the framework and the existing methods. An assessment report checklist and an approach for evaluating the assessment results are presented based on the proposed protocol. It is anticipated that these improvements to blinding assessment will generate greater awareness among researchers, facilitate the standardization of blinding, and augment the blinding effectiveness. The use of this blinding assessment may further advance the quality and precision of TCM clinical trials and improve the accuracy of the trial results. The blinding assessment protocol will undergo continued optimization and refinement, drawing upon expert consensus and experience derived from clinical trials. Please cite this article as: Wang XC, Liu XY, Shi KL, Meng QG, Yu YF, Wang SY, Wang J, Qu C, Lei C, Yu XP. Blinding assessment in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: Exploratory principles and protocol. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 528-536.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Cong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Kang-le Shi
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Qing-Gang Meng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yue-Fan Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shi-Yao Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chang Qu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Cong Lei
- School of Basic Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xin-Ping Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hong K, Rowhani-Farid A, Doshi P. Definition and rationale for placebo composition: Cross-sectional analysis of randomized trials and protocols published in high-impact medical journals. Clin Trials 2023; 20:564-570. [PMID: 37050893 DOI: 10.1177/17407745231167756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Inadequate description of trial interventions in publications has been repeatedly reported, a problem that extends to the description of placebo controls. Without describing placebo contents, it cannot be assumed that a placebo is inert. Pharmacologically active placebos complicate accurate estimation and interpretation of efficacy and safety data. In this study, we sought to assess whether placebo contents are described in study protocols and publications of trials published in high-impact medical journals. METHODS We identified all placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in 2016 in Annals of Internal Medicine, The BMJ, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). We included all trials with publicly available study protocols. From journal publications and associated study protocols, we searched and recorded: description of placebo contents; the amount of each placebo ingredient; and investigators' stated rationale for selection of placebo ingredients. RESULTS We included 113 placebo-controlled RCTs. Of the 113 trials, placebo content was described in 22 (19.5%) journal publications and 51 (45.1%) study protocols. The amount of each placebo ingredient was described in 15 (13.3%) journal publications and 47 (41.6%) study protocols. None of the journal publications explained the rationale for the choice of placebo ingredients, whereas a rationale was provided in 4 (3.5%) study protocols. The stated rationales were to ensure the placebo was visually indistinguishable from the experimental intervention (N = 3) and ensure comparability with a previous study (N = 1). CONCLUSION There is no accessible record of the composition of placebos for approximately half of high-impact RCTs, even with access to study protocols. This impedes reproducibility and raises unanswerable questions about what effects-beneficial or harmful-the placebo may have had on trial participants, potentially confounding an accurate assessment of the experimental intervention's safety and efficacy. Considering that study protocols are unabridged, detailed documents describing the trial design and methodology, the fact that less than half of the study protocols described the placebo contents raises concerns about clinical trial transparency. To improve the reproducibility and potential of placebo-controlled RCTs to provide reliable evidence on the efficacy and safety profile of drugs and other experimental interventions, more detail regarding placebo contents must be included in trial documents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyungwan Hong
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anisa Rowhani-Farid
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter Doshi
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Thakur B, Ayers GD, Atem F, DeClercq JJ, Jain NB. Statistical and Methodological Considerations for Randomized Controlled Trial Design in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 102:855-860. [PMID: 36882301 PMCID: PMC10471787 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials assessing treatments in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation are essential for evidence-based patient care. However, there are challenges unique to clinical trials in physical medicine and rehabilitation due to complex health interventions in this field. We highlight routinely encountered empirical challenges and provide evidence-based recommendations on statistical and methodological approaches for the design and conduct of randomized controlled trials. Some of the issues addressed include challenges with blinding treatment groups in a rehabilitation setting, heterogeneity in treatment therapy, heterogeneity of treatment effects, uniformity in patient-reported outcome measures, and effect on power with varying scales of information. Furthermore, we discuss challenges with estimation of sample size and power, adaption to poor compliance with treatment and missing outcomes, and preferred statistical approaches for longitudinal data analysis. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME. CME OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Appraise the complexities of interventions in physical medicine and rehabilitation and how these challenges impact the conduct of clinical trials; (2) Develop an analytical strategy for poor treatment compliance and missing outcomes that can compromise the causal effect sought in a randomized clinical trial; and (3) Recognize the role of a data and safety monitoring board in a clinical trial. LEVEL Advanced. ACCREDITATION The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Thakur
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Family and Community Medicine, and Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas (BT); Center for Quantitative Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (GDA); Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Dallas, Texas (FA); Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (JD); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Orthopedics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas (NBJ); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (NBJ)
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rossettini G, Pellicciari L, Turolla A. "Do Not Mix Apples with Oranges" to Avoid Misinterpretation of Placebo Effects in Manual Therapy: The Risk Is Resulting in a Fruit Basket. Comment on Molina-Àlvarez et al. Manual Therapy Effect in Placebo-Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 14021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6444. [PMID: 37568986 PMCID: PMC10418991 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
We read with interest the systematic review with the meta-analysis by Miguel Molina-Álvarez et al. [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Turolla
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Molina-Álvarez M, Arribas-Romano A, Rodríguez-Rivera C, García MM, Fernández-Carnero J, Armijo-Olivo S, Goicoechea Garcia C. Reply to Rossettini et al. "Do Not Mix Apples with Oranges" to Avoid Misinterpretation of Placebo Effects in Manual Therapy: The Risk Is Resulting in a Fruit Basket. Comment on "Molina-Álvarez et al. Manual Therapy Effect in Placebo-Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 14021". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6445. [PMID: 37568987 PMCID: PMC10419206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
We have thoroughly reviewed and carefully analyzed the points raised in the comment titled: "Do not mix apples with oranges" to avoid misinterpretation of placebo effects in manual therapy: the risk is resulting in a fruit basket [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Molina-Álvarez
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.M.-Á.); (A.A.-R.)
- Area of Pharmacology, Nutrition and Bromatology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Unidad Asociada I+D+i Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) CSIC-URJC, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (C.R.-R.); (M.M.G.); (C.G.G.)
| | - Alberto Arribas-Romano
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.M.-Á.); (A.A.-R.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Rivera
- Area of Pharmacology, Nutrition and Bromatology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Unidad Asociada I+D+i Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) CSIC-URJC, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (C.R.-R.); (M.M.G.); (C.G.G.)
- High Performance Experimental Pharmacology Research Group, Rey Juan Carlos University (PHARMAKOM), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Miguel M. García
- Area of Pharmacology, Nutrition and Bromatology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Unidad Asociada I+D+i Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) CSIC-URJC, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (C.R.-R.); (M.M.G.); (C.G.G.)
- High Performance Experimental Pharmacology Research Group, Rey Juan Carlos University (PHARMAKOM), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor, Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Josué Fernández-Carnero
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor, Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
- La Paz Hospital Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susan Armijo-Olivo
- Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, 30A, 49076 Osnabruck, Germany;
- Faculties of Rehabilitation Medicine and Medicine and Dentistry, 3-48 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada
| | - Carlos Goicoechea Garcia
- Area of Pharmacology, Nutrition and Bromatology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Unidad Asociada I+D+i Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) CSIC-URJC, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (C.R.-R.); (M.M.G.); (C.G.G.)
- High Performance Experimental Pharmacology Research Group, Rey Juan Carlos University (PHARMAKOM), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor, Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Persiane AS, Negrão DMG, Alves RDP, Freitas DGDE, Cazarini C, Alves VLDS. EXERCISES AND NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRIC STIMULATION FOR MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL ARCH: CLINICAL TRIAL. ACTA ORTOPEDICA BRASILEIRA 2023; 31:e259598. [PMID: 37323154 PMCID: PMC10263438 DOI: 10.1590/1413-785220233102e259598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective The extrinsic muscles, such as the posterior tibialis and long flexor of the hallux and the intrinsic of the foot, are part of the active subsystem of the central system of the foot and play an essential role in the control of the medial longitudinal arch resulting from difficulty in contracting the muscle, neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) becomes a resource combined with strengthening and recommended for rehabilitation. T this work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of NMES associated with exercise in deforming the medial longitudinal arch. Methods This is a randomized blind clinical trial. 60 asymptomatic participants were divided into three groups: NMES, exercise and control. The NMES and exercise group performed seven exercises for the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles twice a week for 6 weeks, and the NMES group used an NMES associated with five exercises. Navicular height and medial longitudinal arch angle were taken before and after the intervention period. Results No statistically significant differences existed between groups for navicular height and medial longitudinal arch angle. Conclusion NMES associated with exercise does not change the characteristics of the medial longitudinal arch in association with asymptomatic. Level of Evidence I; Randomized clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Setti Persiane
- . Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- . Centro Universitário Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (FMABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Daiane Magalhães Gomes Negrão
- . Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Department of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raone Daltro Paraguassu Alves
- . Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Department of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Diego Galace DE Freitas
- . Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- . Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Department of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Cazarini
- . Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- . Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Department of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Dos Santos Alves
- . Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- . Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Department of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xie Y, Liu X, Liu T, Sun C, Xin Z, Hu Y, Wang Y, Zhang C, Yan S. Descriptions of sham acupuncture in randomised controlled trials: a critical review of the literature. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:173. [PMID: 37254178 PMCID: PMC10227975 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sham acupuncture is usually used to assess the specific effects of acupuncture. However, the reporting quality of sham acupuncture remains unclear despite its critical importance in understanding and analyzing the effects of acupuncture. This paper presents a literature review aimed at assessing the quality of reporting of sham acupuncture in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo. METHODS Three electronic English-language databases (PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase) were searched from inception to March 7, 2022, and RCTs of sham acupuncture were identified. The reporting quality of sham acupuncture was assessed in accordance with the items recommended in STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo. The reporting quality of other items related to sham acupuncture apart from items from these two checklists was also captured to further assess the reporting quality of sham acupuncture. RESULTS A total of 609 eligible studies were included. For all of the items recommended in STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo, 100% of the studies reported a brief name that described the sham acupuncture, 93.9% studies reported the needle type, and 90.0% reported the names of the points used. Other items for which the reporting rates were above 50% included the number, frequency and duration of treatment sessions; needle retention time; and number of needle insertions per subject per session. Overall, 49.4% of the studies revealed the rationale why sham acupuncture was chosen, 39.7% of the studies involving insertion processes reported the depth of insertion, and 37.9% of the studies reported the needle manufacturer. Other items for which the reporting rates were below 30% included practitioner-related information, response sought, evaluation of blinding, intervention mode and environment, assisting tools, and the extent to which the treatment was varied. The items "Modifications", "How well (planned)" and "How well (actual)" were not reported in any of the analyzed studies. CONCLUSIONS The overall reporting quality of sham acupuncture in RCTs was suboptimal. Although STRICTA 2010 and TIDieR-Placebo could be beneficial for describing sham acupuncture, neither can offer recommendations specifically for sham acupuncture. There is thus an urgent need to develop specialized guidelines for reporting sham acupuncture in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Xie
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tinglan Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chiyun Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zeyin Xin
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhi Hu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Yan
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Vase L, Scott W, Annoni M, Ajayi OK, Barth J, Bennell K, Berna C, Bialosky J, Braithwaite F, Finnerup NB, Williams ACDC, Carlino E, Cerritelli F, Chaibi A, Cherkin D, Colloca L, Côté P, Darnall BD, Evans R, Fabre L, Faria V, French S, Gerger H, Häuser W, Hinman RS, Ho D, Janssens T, Jensen K, Johnston C, Juhl Lunde S, Keefe F, Kerns RD, Koechlin H, Kongsted A, Michener LA, Moerman DE, Musial F, Newell D, Nicholas M, Palermo TM, Palermo S, Peerdeman KJ, Pogatzki-Zahn EM, Puhl AA, Roberts L, Rossettini G, Tomczak Matthiesen S, Underwood M, Vaucher P, Vollert J, Wartolowska K, Weimer K, Werner CP, Rice ASC, Draper-Rodi J. Recommendations for the development, implementation, and reporting of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials of physical, psychological, and self-management therapies: the CoPPS Statement. BMJ 2023; 381:e072108. [PMID: 37230508 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Research Department, University College of Osteopathy, London, UK
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Whitney Scott
- Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London; INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marco Annoni
- Italian National Research Council, Interdepartmental Centre for Research Ethics and Integrity, Rome, Italy
| | - Oluwafemi K Ajayi
- Department of Arts and Music, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim Bennell
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chantal Berna
- Centrer for Integrative and Complementary Medicine, Pain Center, Division of Anesthesiology, Sense Institute, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joel Bialosky
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA; Brooks-PHHP Research Collaboration, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Amanda C de C Williams
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elisa Carlino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Aleksander Chaibi
- Department for Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dan Cherkin
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing; Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine; University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pierre Côté
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Beth D Darnall
- Stanford Pain Relief Innovations Lab; Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Roni Evans
- Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program; Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Laurent Fabre
- Centre Européen d'Enseignement Supérieur de l'Ostéopathie, Paris, France
| | - Vanda Faria
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Brain and Eye Pain Imaging Lab, Pain and Affective Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon French
- Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Heike Gerger
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Department of General Practice, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Winfried Häuser
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Rana S Hinman
- Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dien Ho
- Center for Health Humanities, School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston MA, USA
| | - Thomas Janssens
- Health Psychology, KU Leuven; Ebpracticenet, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Jensen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chris Johnston
- BC Patient Safety & Quality Council's Patient Voices Network; Health Research BC's Partnership-Ready Network; Health Standards Organization's Emergency Management Technical Committee & Working Group
| | - Sigrid Juhl Lunde
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Francis Keefe
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robert D Kerns
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Helen Koechlin
- Division of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, University Children's Hospital Zurich; Division of Child and Adolescent Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice Kongsted
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lori A Michener
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Daniel E Moerman
- College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, Behavioral Sciences, University of Michigan, Dearborn, MI, USA
| | - Frauke Musial
- National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science UiT, Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Michael Nicholas
- Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney Medical School (Northern) and Kolling Institute of Medical Research at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tonya M Palermo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara Palermo
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kaya J Peerdeman
- Unit Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Esther M Pogatzki-Zahn
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Roberts
- University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Giacomo Rossettini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy; School of Physiotherapy, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Susan Tomczak Matthiesen
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Martin Underwood
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit; University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Paul Vaucher
- School of Health Sciences Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Switzerland
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK; Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany; Neurophysiology, Mannheim Centre of Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Germany
| | - Karolina Wartolowska
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Katja Weimer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Patrick Werner
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Australia; Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrew S C Rice
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jerry Draper-Rodi
- Research Department, University College of Osteopathy, London, UK
- National Council for Osteopathic Research, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sargeant JM, Ruple A, Selmic LE, O'Connor AM. The standards of reporting trials in pets (PetSORT): Explanation and elaboration. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1137781. [PMID: 37065227 PMCID: PMC10103631 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1137781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the best evidence of the primary research designs for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. However, if RCTs are incompletely reported, the methodological rigor with which they were conducted cannot be reliably evaluated and it may not be possible to replicate the intervention. Missing information also may limit the reader's ability to evaluate the external validity of a trial. Reporting guidelines are available for clinical trials in human healthcare (CONSORT), livestock populations (REFLECT), and preclinical experimental research involving animals (ARRIVE 2.0). The PetSORT guidelines complement these existing guidelines, providing recommendations for reporting controlled trials in pet dogs and cats. The rationale and scientific background are explained for each of the 25 items in the PetSORT reporting recommendations checklist, with examples from well-reported trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Audrey Ruple
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Laura E. Selmic
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Annette M. O'Connor
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Draper-Rodi J, Vase L, Scott W, McGregor A, Soliman N, MacMillan A, Olivier A, Cherian CA, Corcoran D, Abbey H, Freigang S, Chan J, Phalip J, Sørensen LN, Delafin M, Baptista M, Medforth NR, Ruffini N, Andresen SS, Ytier S, Ali D, Hobday H, Ngurah Agung Adhiyoga Santosa AA, Vollert J, Rice AS. Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article II): a meta-analysis relating methods to trial results. Pain 2023; 164:509-533. [PMID: 36271798 PMCID: PMC9916063 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sham interventions in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of physical, psychological, and self-management (PPS) therapies for pain are highly variable in design and believed to contribute to poor internal validity. However, it has not been formally tested whether the extent to which sham controls resemble the treatment under investigation consistently affects trial outcomes, such as effect sizes, differential attrition, participant expectancy, and blinding effectiveness. Placebo- or sham-controlled RCTs of PPS interventions of clinical pain populations were searched in 12 databases. The similarity of control interventions to the experimental treatment was rated across 25 features. Meta-regression analyses assessed putative links between employed control interventions, observed effect sizes in pain-related outcomes, attrition, and blinding success. The sample included 198 unique control interventions, dominated by manual therapy and chronic musculoskeletal pain research. Meta-analyses indicated small-to-moderate benefits of active treatments over control interventions, across subgroups of manual therapies, exercise, and rehabilitation, and psychological intervention trials. Multiple meta-regression modelling demonstrated that similarity between sham control and tested interventions predicted variability in pain-related outcomes, attrition, and blinding effectiveness. Influential variables were differences relating to the extent of intervention exposure, participant experience, and treatment environments. The results support the supposed link between blinding methods and effect sizes, based on a large and systematically sourced overview of methods. However, challenges to effective blinding are complex and often difficult to discern from trial reports. Nonetheless, these insights have the potential to change trial design, conduct, and reporting and will inform guideline development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jerry Draper-Rodi
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Section for Psychology and Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Whitney Scott
- Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison McGregor
- Human Performance Group, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Soliman
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew MacMillan
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Olivier
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cybill Ann Cherian
- Chemical Engineering Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Hilary Abbey
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Freigang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jessica Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lea Nørgaard Sørensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maite Delafin
- The Penn Clinic, Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida Baptista
- Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nuria Ruffini
- National Centre Germany, Foundation C.O.M.E. Collaboration, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Dorota Ali
- Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Hobday
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Münster,Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrew S.C. Rice
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Draper-Rodi J, Vase L, Scott W, McGregor A, Soliman N, MacMillan A, Olivier A, Cherian CA, Corcoran D, Abbey H, Freigang S, Chan J, Phalip J, Nørgaard Sørensen L, Delafin M, Baptista M, Medforth NR, Ruffini N, Skøtt Andresen S, Ytier S, Ali D, Hobday H, Santosa AANAA, Vollert J, Rice AS. Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article I): a systematic review and description of methods. Pain 2023; 164:469-484. [PMID: 36265391 PMCID: PMC9916059 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Blinding is challenging in randomised controlled trials of physical, psychological, and self-management therapies for pain, mainly because of their complex and participatory nature. To develop standards for the design, implementation, and reporting of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials, a systematic overview of currently used sham interventions and other blinding methods was required. Twelve databases were searched for placebo or sham-controlled randomised clinical trials of physical, psychological, and self-management treatments in a clinical pain population. Screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate, and trial features, description of control methods, and their similarity to the active intervention under investigation were extracted (protocol registration ID: CRD42020206590). The review included 198 unique control interventions, published between 2008 and December 2021. Most trials studied people with chronic pain, and more than half were manual therapy trials. The described control interventions ranged from clearly modelled based on the active treatment to largely dissimilar control interventions. Similarity between control and active interventions was more frequent for certain aspects (eg, duration and frequency of treatments) than others (eg, physical treatment procedures and patient sensory experiences). We also provide an overview of additional, potentially useful methods to enhance blinding, as well as the reporting of processes involved in developing control interventions. A comprehensive picture of prevalent blinding methods is provided, including a detailed assessment of the resemblance between active and control interventions. These findings can inform future developments of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials and best-practice recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jerry Draper-Rodi
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lene Vase
- Section for Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Whitney Scott
- Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison McGregor
- Human Performance Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Soliman
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew MacMillan
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Olivier
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cybill Ann Cherian
- Chemical Engineering Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Hilary Abbey
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Freigang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jessica Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lea Nørgaard Sørensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maite Delafin
- The Penn Clinic, Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida Baptista
- Department of Psychology, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nuria Ruffini
- National Centre Germany, Foundation C.O.M.E. Collaboration, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Dorota Ali
- Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Hobday
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Andrew S.C. Rice
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lee YS, Kim SY, Lee H, Chae Y, Lee MS. ACURATE: A guide for reporting sham controls in trials using acupuncture. J Evid Based Med 2023; 16:82-90. [PMID: 36959765 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To promote better reporting quality regarding sham acupuncture in clinical trials for a precise appraisal of the adequacy of the sham acupuncture procedure. METHODS A three-stage online Delphi survey was conducted to a group of experts. Items with higher than 80% consensus from the initial checklist were selected as the final candidates. Further discussion among the working group was convened to preclude potential redundancy among the items. RESULTS A total of 23 experts out of 35 (66%) responded to the Delphi process. The final checklist consists of 23 items in six categories: type of sham acupuncture, details of sham acupuncture manipulation, location of sham acupuncture, treatment regimen, practitioner, and protocol and settings. CONCLUSION This paper presents the Acupuncture Controls gUideline for Reporting humAn Trials and Experiments (ACURATE) checklist, an extension of The Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) and to be used along with STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) when sham acupuncture needles are used in the study. This checklist focuses on a clear depiction of sham needling procedures to enhance replicability and enable a precise appraisal. We encourage researchers to use ACURATE in trials and reviews involving sham acupuncture to assist reporting sham acupuncture procedures and the related components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Seul Lee
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Yi Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyangsook Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Younbyoung Chae
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Meng X, Sun J, Liu Q, Huang Y, Qiu X, Seto DJ, Li Y, Wang L, Li C, Gao S, Yu H, Zhao J, Zhao B. Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Plum Blossom Needling with Mild Moxibustion Device for Upper Limb Pain Disorder and Motor Dysfunction in Patients with Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind, Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial. J Pain Res 2023; 16:407-420. [PMID: 36817867 PMCID: PMC9936879 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s396195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (PS-SHS), a common neurological comorbidity after stroke episodes, poses a grave threat on patients' functional recovery. Preliminary trials have demonstrated that the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, including a dermal acupuncture tapping method known as plum blossom needling (PBN) can improve pain and motor dysfunctions in patients with PS-SHS. However, there are few reports describing simultaneous moxibustion treatment in combination with PBN. Hence, a novel plum blossom needle device with mild moxibustion (PBNMM) was developed to evaluate its potential efficacy and safety in patients with stage 1 PS-SHS. Materials and Methods This multicenter, sham-controlled, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will recruit 102 eligible patients with stage 1 PS-SHS from three clinical centers, randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1:1 to the PBNMM group, PBNMM with no moxa smoke (PBNMM-NMS) group and sham control group. Patients in each group will receive a 30-minute treatment once per day for 4 weeks, with 5 consecutive sessions per week, for a total of 20 sessions. The primary outcome measure will be defined as the decreased scores from baseline in the visual analog scale (VAS) assessment at week 4. Secondary outcome measures will include scores on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) records. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and weeks 4, 5, 6 and 10, and the intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. Conclusion This study aims to provide robust evidence for the efficacy and safety of the PBNMM for PS-SHS treatment, as well as the specific impact of moxibustion smoke itself in dealing with PS-SHS. Clinical Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR2200062441. Registered on 7 August 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Meng
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Huguosi TCM Hospital, Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Rehabilitation, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yueping Huang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianwen Qiu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Shichahai Community Healthcare Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - David Jung Seto
- Division of Integrative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Rehabilitation, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Huguosi TCM Hospital, Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Huguosi TCM Hospital, Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sen Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Huguosi TCM Hospital, affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haikuo Yu
- Rehabilitation Department, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiping Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Jiping Zhao; Baixiao Zhao, Email ;
| | - Baixiao Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pratscher SD, Sibille KT, Fillingim RB. Conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention in adults with chronic low back pain: protocol for a randomized controlled pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:15. [PMID: 36694217 PMCID: PMC9872326 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a major source of human suffering, and chronic low back pain (cLBP) is among the most prevalent, costly, and disabling of pain conditions. Due to the significant personal and societal burden and the complex and recurring nature of cLBP, self-management approaches that can be practiced at home are highly relevant to develop and test. The respiratory system is one of the most integrated systems of the body, and breathing is bidirectionally related with stress, emotion, and pain. Thus, the widespread physiological and psychological impact of breathing practices and breathwork interventions hold substantial promise as possible self-management strategies for chronic pain. The primary aim of the current randomized pilot study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention compared to a sham control condition. METHODS The rationale and procedures for testing a 5-day conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention, compared to a deep breathing sham control intervention, in 24 adults (18-65 years) with cLBP is described. Both interventions will be delivered using standardized audio recordings and practiced over 5 days (two times in-person and three times at-home), and both are described as Breathing and Attention Training to reduce possible expectancy and placebo effects common in pain research. The primary outcomes for this study are feasibility and acceptability. Feasibility will be evaluated by determining rates of participant recruitment, adherence, retention, and study assessment completion, and acceptability will be evaluated by assessing participants' satisfaction and helpfulness of the intervention. We will also measure other clinical pain, psychological, behavioral, and physiological variables that are planned to be included in a follow-up randomized controlled trial. DISCUSSION This will be the first study to examine the effects of a conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention for individuals with chronic pain. The successful completion of this smaller-scale pilot study will provide data regarding the feasibility and acceptability to conduct a subsequent trial testing the efficacy of this breathing self-management practice for adults with cLBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04740710 . Registered on 5 February 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Pratscher
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Kimberly T Sibille
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roger B Fillingim
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Leite MN, Hoffmann TC, Helal L, Umpierre D, Yamato TP. Helping to know about the intervention: The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist is now available in Brazilian Portuguese. Braz J Phys Ther 2023; 27:100483. [PMID: 36791584 PMCID: PMC9957771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana N Leite
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Centre for Pain, Health and Lifestyle, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucas Helal
- Graduate Program in Cardiology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniel Umpierre
- Exercise Pathophysiology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Public Health, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiê P Yamato
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Centre for Pain, Health and Lifestyle, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Luchesi GLS, da Silva AKF, Amaral OHB, de Paula VCG, Jassi FJ. Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment associated with pain education and clinical hypnosis in individuals with chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial. Trials 2022; 23:1066. [PMID: 36581902 PMCID: PMC9801526 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-07040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) suffer with functional, social, and psychological aspects. There is a growing number of studies with multimodal approaches in the management of these patients, combining physical and behavioral therapies such as osteopathic manipulative treatment, associating pain education and clinical hypnosis. The aim of the present study will be to evaluate the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) associated with pain neuroscience education (PNE) and clinical hypnosis (CH) on pain and disability in participants with CLBP compared to PNE, CH, and sham therapy. METHODS A randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted in participants aged 20-60 years with CLBP who will be divided into two groups. Group 1 will receive PNE and CH associated with OMT, and G2 will receive PNE, CH, and sham therapy. In both groups, 4 interventions of a maximum of 50 min and with an interval of 7 days will be performed. As primary outcomes, pain (numerical pain scale), pressure pain threshold (pressure algometer), and disability (Oswestry Disability Questionnaire) will be evaluated and, as a secondary outcome, global impression of improvement (Percent of Improvement Scale), central sensitization (Central Sensitization Questionnaire), biopsychosocial aspects (Start Beck Toll Questionnaire), and behavior of the autonomic nervous system (heart rate variability) will be assessed. Participants will be evaluated in the pre-intervention moments, immediately after the end of the protocol and 4 weeks after the procedures. Randomization will be created through a simple randomized sequence and the evaluator will be blinded to the allocation of intervention groups. DISCUSSION The guidelines have been encouraging multimodal, biopsychosocial approaches for patients with CLBP; in this sense, the results of this study can help clinicians and researchers in the implementation of a model of treatment strategy for these patients. In addition, patients may benefit from approaches with minimal risk of deleterious effects and low cost. In addition, it will enable the addition of relevant elements to the literature, with approaches that interact and do not segment the body and brain of patients with CLBP, allowing new studies in this scenario. TRIALS REGISTRATION Date: September 4, 2021/Number: NCT05042115 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Luis Santana Luchesi
- grid.441795.aPostgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences at the Health Sciences Center of the State University of the North of Paraná, Alameda Padre Magno, n° 841 - Nova Jacarezinho, Jacarezinho, Paraná 86400-000 Brazil ,Docusse Institute of Osteopathy and Manual Therapy (IDOT), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anne Kastelianne França da Silva
- Docusse Institute of Osteopathy and Manual Therapy (IDOT), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil ,grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XPost-doctoral Program of São Paulo State University (UNESP), Faculty of Science and Technology, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Otávio Henrique Borges Amaral
- grid.441795.aPostgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences at the Health Sciences Center of the State University of the North of Paraná, Alameda Padre Magno, n° 841 - Nova Jacarezinho, Jacarezinho, Paraná 86400-000 Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cristina Godoi de Paula
- grid.441795.aPostgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences at the Health Sciences Center of the State University of the North of Paraná, Alameda Padre Magno, n° 841 - Nova Jacarezinho, Jacarezinho, Paraná 86400-000 Brazil
| | - Fabrício José Jassi
- grid.441795.aPostgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences at the Health Sciences Center of the State University of the North of Paraná, Alameda Padre Magno, n° 841 - Nova Jacarezinho, Jacarezinho, Paraná 86400-000 Brazil ,Docusse Institute of Osteopathy and Manual Therapy (IDOT), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The importance of using placebo controls in nonpharmacological randomised trials. Pain 2022; 164:921-925. [PMID: 36472324 PMCID: PMC10108587 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
33
|
Art Therapy in Advanced Cancer. A Mapping Review of the Evidence. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:1715-1730. [PMID: 35997935 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The benefits of arts in improving well-being in end-of-life patients have been stated by the WHO. To inspire clinical practice and future research, we performed a mapping review of the current evidence on the effectiveness of art therapy interventions in stage III and IV cancer patients and their relatives. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 14 studies. Benefits reported by the authors were grouped as improved emotional and spiritual condition, symptom relief, perception of well-being, satisfaction, and helpfulness. As a body of evidence, notable limitations were observed: Only 1 study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and there was heterogeneity in the interventions and outcome measures. This mapping review highlights the evidence available on the effectiveness of art therapy in advanced cancer, which remains limited and presents specific challenges. It also provides a visual representation of the reported benefits, encouraging further and more rigorous investigation.
Collapse
|
34
|
Sargeant J, O'Connor A, O'Sullivan T, Ramirez A. Maximizing value and minimizing waste in clinical trial research in swine: Selecting interventions to build an evidence base. JOURNAL OF SWINE HEALTH AND PRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.54846/jshap/1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Researchers conduct a trial to compare an intervention of interest to a comparison group. Initially, researchers should determine whether a trial is evaluating superiority, equivalence, or noninferiority. This decision will guide the choice of a placebo versus active comparison group. Interventions, as well as baseline management, should be comprehensively reported to allow replication or clinical application. It is necessary to build a body of evidence across multiple trials to apply evidence-based decision-making. To achieve this, at least one intervention in every trial should be an intervention that has been used in at least one previously published trial.
Collapse
|
35
|
Lopez-Alcalde J, Yakoub N, Wolf M, Munder T, von Elm E, Flückiger C, Steinert C, Liebherz S, Rosendahl J, Witt CM, Barth J. The RIPI-f (Reporting Integrity of Psychological Interventions delivered face-to-face) checklist was developed to guide reporting of treatment integrity in face-to-face psychological interventions. J Clin Epidemiol 2022; 151:65-74. [PMID: 35926822 PMCID: PMC11192047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intervention integrity is the degree to which the study intervention is delivered as intended. This article presents the RIPI-f checklist (Reporting Integrity of Psychological Interventions delivered face-to-face) and summarizes its development methods. RIPI-f proposes guidance for reporting intervention integrity in evaluative studies of face-to-face psychological interventions. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We followed established procedures for developing reporting guidelines. We examined 56 documents (reporting guidelines, bias tools, and methodological guidance) for relevant aspects of face-to-face psychological intervention integrity. Eighty four items were identified and grouped as per the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) domains. Twenty nine experts from psychology and medicine and other scholars rated the relevance of each item in a single-round Delphi survey. A multidisciplinary panel of 11 experts discussed the survey results in three online consensus meetings and drafted the final version of the checklist. RESULTS We propose RIPI-f, a checklist with 50 items. Our checklist enhances TIDieR with important extensions, such as therapeutic alliance, provider's allegiance, and the adherence of providers and participants. CONCLUSION RIPI-f can improve the reporting of face-to-face psychological interventions. The tool can help authors, researchers, systematic reviewers, and guideline developers. We suggest using RIPI-f alongside other reporting guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Lopez-Alcalde
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Unidad de bioestadística clínica, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ninib Yakoub
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Wolf
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Munder
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erik von Elm
- Cochrane Switzerland, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Christiane Steinert
- International Psychoanalytic University Berlin (IPU), Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sarah Liebherz
- Department of Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jenny Rosendahl
- Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany; Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Biperiden for prevention of post-traumatic epilepsy: A protocol of a double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (BIPERIDEN trial). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273584. [PMID: 36084082 PMCID: PMC9462738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most important causes of acquired structural epilepsy, post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), however, efficient preventative measures and treatment are still not available to patients. Preclinical studies indicated biperiden, an anticholinergic drug, as a potential drug to modify the epileptogenic process. The main objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of biperiden as an antiepileptogenic agent in patients that suffered TBI.
Methods
This prospective multicenter (n = 10) interventional study will include 312 adult patients admitted to emergency care units with a diagnosis of moderate or severe TBI. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients will be randomized, using block randomization, to receive double-blind treatment with placebo or biperiden for 10 days. Follow-up will occur at specific time windows up to 2 years. Main outcomes are incidence of PTE after TBI and occurrence of severe adverse events. Other outcomes include exploratory investigation of factors that might have benefits for the treatment or might influence its results, such as genetic background, clinical progression, electroencephalographic abnormalities, health-related quality of life and neuropsychological status. Analyses will be conducted following the safety, intention-to-treat and efficacy concepts.
Discussion
We hypothesize that biperiden treatment will be effective to prevent or mitigate the development of post-traumatic epilepsy in TBI patients. Other health measures from this population also may benefit from treatment with biperiden.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04945213. Registered on June 30, 2021.
Collapse
|
37
|
Liu J, Li L, Luo X, Qin X, Zhao L, Zhao J, Zhou X, Liu Y, Deng K, Ma Y, Zou K, Sun X. Specification of interventions and selection of controls in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture: a cross-sectional survey. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:524-537. [PMID: 36039602 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221117848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Specification of interventions and selection of controls are two methodological determinants for a successful acupuncture trial. However, current practice with respect to these two determinants is not fully understood. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine the specification of interventions and selection of controls among published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We searched PubMed for acupuncture RCTs published in core clinical journals and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) journals from January 2010 to December 2019 (10 years) and included RCTs that assessed treatment effects of acupuncture versus any type of control. We used network meta-analyses to explore whether there were differential treatment effects in patients with chronic pain when using sham acupuncture as a control versus using waiting list or no treatment. RESULTS Most of the 319 eligible RCTs specified well the style of acupuncture (86.8%), traditional acupuncture point locations (96.2%), type of needle stimulation (90.3%) and needle retention time (85.6%). However, other acupuncture details were less-frequently specified, including response sought (65.5%), needle manipulation (50.5%), number of needle insertions (21.9%), angle and direction of insertion (31.3%), patient posture (32.3%) and co-interventions (22.9%). Sham acupuncture (41.4%) was the most frequently used control, followed by waiting list or no treatment (32.9%). There was no differential treatment effect when using sham acupuncture versus waiting list/no treatment as a control (standardized mean difference = -0.15, 95% confidence interval: -0.91 to 0.62). CONCLUSION Over a decade of research practice, important gaps have remained in the specification of acupuncture interventions, including response sought, needle manipulation, and co-interventions. While sham acupuncture has been widely used, waiting list or no treatment may also be considered as an appropriate control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Liu
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Li
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaochao Luo
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Qin
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiping Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Evidence-based Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Science, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanmei Liu
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Deng
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Kang Zou
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center and Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China.,Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
D'Alessandro G, Ruffini N, Iacopini A, Annoni M, Kossowsky J, Cerritelli F. Five challenges for manual therapies trials with placebo controls: A proposal. INT J OSTEOPATH MED 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijosm.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
39
|
Sargeant JM, O'Connor AM, LeBlanc SJ, Winder CB. Invited review: Maximizing value and minimizing waste in clinical trial research in dairy cattle: Selecting interventions and outcomes to build an evidence base. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8594-8608. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
40
|
Wei C, Xu Y, Deng X, Gao S, Wan X, Chen J. Assessment of reporting completeness in acupuncture studies on patients with functional constipation using the STRICTA guidelines. Complement Ther Med 2022; 70:102849. [PMID: 35835269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102849] [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: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the completeness of reporting of acupuncture interventions in trials for functional constipation (FC) following the STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines. METHODS We searched eight databases for all published trials, including clinical trials, pilot/feasibility studies, observational studies, and case studies, for acupuncture in patients with FC up to June 31, 2021. The completeness of reporting was evaluated using the STRICTA guidelines. RESULTS Finally, 99 studies were included and analysed based on the latest STRICTA guidelines. Out of the 17 analysed STRICTA sub-items, only five were found to be appropriately reported in more than 90% of the trials, while five were completely reported in less than 30%. CONCLUSIONS The reporting completeness of acupuncture trials for FC in accordance with STRICTA guidelines is moderate, with poor guideline adherence for several items. Clinical trial reports should be further improved in accordance with STRICTA guidelines to enhance the completeness of evidence. There is also a need to explore the underlying reasons as to why the authors did not report these items and to develop strategies for improving guideline compliance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, Qijiang Hospital of The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Yue Xu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Xiangui Deng
- Wenlong Hospital of Qijiang, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Shudi Gao
- Taiyuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province, PR China.
| | - Xuemei Wan
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Jing Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Efficacy of the cognitive functional therapy (CFT) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:544. [PMID: 35788240 PMCID: PMC9252077 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic low back pain is a public health problem, and there is strong evidence that it is associated with a complex interaction of biopsychosocial factors. Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) is a promising new intervention that deals with potentially modifiable multidimensional aspects of pain (e.g., provocative cognitive, movement, and lifestyle behaviors). Methods To investigate the efficacy of CFT compared with a sham intervention for pain intensity and disability post-intervention (immediately after the last session) in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study is a randomized controlled trial in which 152 (18–60 years old) patients with CLBP will be enrolled. The patients will be randomly allocated to receive (1) CFT intervention or (2) sham intervention. The experimental group will receive individualized CFT in a pragmatic manner (5 to 7 sessions) based on the clinical progression of the participants. The sham group will attend six sessions: consisting of 30 min of photobiomodulation using a detuned device and more than 15 min of talking about neutral topics. Patients from both groups also will receive an educational booklet (for ethical reasons). Participants will be assessed pre and post-intervention, 3 months, and 6 months after randomization. The primary outcomes will be pain intensity and disability post-intervention. The secondary outcomes will be: pain intensity and disability at 3- and 6-month follow-up, as well as self-efficacy, global perceived effect of improvement, and functioning post-intervention, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. The patients and the assessor will be blinded to the treatment administered (active vs. sham). Statistical analysis The between-group differences (effects of treatment), as well as the treatment effect for the primary and secondary outcomes, and their respective 95% confidence intervals will be calculated by constructing linear mixed models. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, the current study will be the first to compare CFT vs. sham intervention. Sham-controlled RCTs may help to understand the influence of non-specific factors on treatment outcomes. Considering complex interventions as CFT, it is imperative to understand the impact of contextual factors on outcomes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04518891. First Posted: August 19, 2020. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06466-8.
Collapse
|
42
|
Al Raimi AM, Chong MC, Tang LY, Chua YP, Al Ajeel LY. The effect of mobile applications in enhancing asthma knowledge among school children with asthma in Malaysia. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 65:e63-e71. [PMID: 35279333 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study set out to evaluate the impact of health education provided on mobile applications (app) to urban-living school children with asthma in Malaysia to improve their asthma-related knowledge. DESIGN AND METHODS This was a quasi-experimental study with pre-and post-intervention involving 214 respondents from six schools were selected randomly and assigned to the experimental and control groups. The intervention, i.e. the health education via mobile apps was given to the experimental group while the control group received the routine face-to-face education. RESULTS The mean knowledge score increased post-intervention in the experimental group from 15.5 ± 8.77 to 24.6 ± 6.69. Children with a moderate level of knowledge accounted for the biggest proportion in both group control and experimental groups in the pre-intervention stage. In contrast, the proportion of children with a high level of knowledge was the highest in the experimental group post-intervention. Therefore, health education delivered via mobile apps led to a statistically significant improvement in the asthma knowledge of the children (F [1, 288] = 22.940, p ≤0.01). CONCLUSION Compared to the conventional face-to-face education methods of lectures or handbooks, mobile technology is more effective in delivering health education and improving the knowledge of school children with asthma. Therefore, educational modules aimed at improving knowledge should be modified to incorporate mobile apps. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health education via mobile applications is considered a great innovation in school children with asthma education, or as a supplement to conventional learning methods. It is necessary to place health education via mobile applications as a prominent learning strategy for school children with asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Mansoor Al Raimi
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia; Seiyun Community College, Hadhramout, Yemen.
| | - Mei Chan Chong
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
| | - Li Yoong Tang
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
| | - Yan Piaw Chua
- Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Rhon DI, Fritz JM, Kerns RD, McGeary DD, Coleman BC, Farrokhi S, Burgess DJ, Goertz CM, Taylor SL, Hoffmann T. TIDieR-telehealth: precision in reporting of telehealth interventions used in clinical trials - unique considerations for the Template for the Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:161. [PMID: 35655144 PMCID: PMC9161193 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01640-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Recent international health events have led to an increased proliferation of remotely delivered health interventions. Even with the pandemic seemingly coming under control, the experiences of the past year have fueled a growth in ideas and technology for increasing the scope of remote care delivery. Unfortunately, clinicians and health systems will have difficulty with the adoption and implementation of these interventions if ongoing and future clinical trials fail to report necessary details about execution, platforms, and infrastructure related to these interventions. The purpose was to develop guidance for reporting of telehealth interventions.
Methods
A working group from the US Pain Management Collaboratory developed guidance for complete reporting of telehealth interventions. The process went through 5-step process from conception to final checklist development with input for many stakeholders, to include all 11 primary investigators with trials in the Collaboratory.
Results
An extension focused on unique considerations relevant to telehealth interventions was developed for the Template for the Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist.
Conclusion
The Telehealth Intervention guideline encourages use of the Template for the Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist as a valuable tool (TIDieR-Telehealth) to improve the quality of research through a reporting guide of relevant interventions that will help maximize reproducibility and implementation.
Collapse
|
44
|
Bandholm T, Thorborg K, Ardern CL, Christensen R, Henriksen M. Writing up your clinical trial report for a scientific journal: the REPORT trial guide for effective and transparent research reporting without spin. Br J Sports Med 2022; 56:683-691. [PMID: 35193854 PMCID: PMC9163716 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The REPORT guide is a 'How to' guide to help you report your clinical research in an effective and transparent way. It is intended to supplement established first choice reporting tools, such as Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), by adding tacit knowledge (ie, learnt, informal or implicit knowledge) about reporting topics that we have struggled with as authors or see others struggle with as journal reviewers or editors. We focus on the randomised controlled trial, but the guide also applies to other study designs. Topics included in the REPORT guide cover reporting checklists, trial report structure, choice of title, writing style, trial registry and reporting consistency, spin or reporting bias, transparent data presentation (figures), open access considerations, data sharing and more. Preprint (open access): https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/qsxdz.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bandholm
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Physical Therapy, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research - Copenhagen (PMR-C), Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Thorborg
- Department of Occupational and Physical Therapy, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research - Copenhagen (PMR-C), Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Amager-Hvidovre Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Clare L Ardern
- Musculoskeletal & Sports Injury Epidemiology Centre, Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robin Christensen
- The Parker Institute, Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit of Rheumatology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marius Henriksen
- The Parker Institute, Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
A systematic survey of methods guidance suggests areas for improvement regarding access, development, and transparency. J Clin Epidemiol 2022; 149:217-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
46
|
Gallego-Sendarrubias GM, Voogt L, Arias-Buría JL, Braithwaite FA, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. Effects of previous experience with dry needling therapy on blinding effectiveness and pain outcomes in people with neck pain: A preliminary sham-controlled study. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2022; 58:102515. [PMID: 35085999 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participants' previous experience with an intervention may be an important variable when conducting sham-controlled trials. OBJECTIVE This study explored if previous experience with dry needling (DN) influenced blinding effectiveness and pain outcomes, after the application of DN in patients with neck pain. DESIGN A preliminary randomized, sham-controlled study. METHODS Participants were randomized to receive a single session of real or sham DN. Previous experience with DN (yes/no) was recorded. Blinding effectiveness was assessed by asking participants to guess their group allocation (real/sham/not sure) 5 min post-intervention. Outcomes including pain intensity, pressure pain thresholds, and self-perceived improvement, were assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline, one- and seven-days post-intervention. RESULTS Of 50 patients recruited, 30 had previous experience and 20 did not. Fifty-seven percent (n = 17/30) with previous experience and 35% (n = 7/20) without experience correctly identified their group allocation, but this difference was not significant (χ2 = 2.333; P = 0.127). No interaction between previous experience and clinical outcomes were found, except that participants with previous experience receiving real DN showed greater improvements in pain during cervical rotation than those without previous experience at one (Δ -11.5 mm 95%CI -22.0 to -1.0 mm) and seven days (Δ -8.5 mm, -16.00 to -1.0 mm) post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS Participants with previous experience were 22% more accurate at identifying their group allocation than those without experience, but the difference was not significant. Previous experience did not influence most clinical outcomes, except for pain intensity after real DN. Future studies evaluating effects of previous experience of DN should include more detailed information of previous experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lennard Voogt
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - José Luis Arias-Buría
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain; Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain; Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhang YQ, Lu L, Xu N, Tang X, Shi X, Carrasco-Labra A, Schünemann H, Chen Y, Xia J, Chen G, Liu J, Liu B, Wang J, Qaseem A, Jing X, Guyatt G, Zhao H. Increasing the usefulness of acupuncture guideline recommendations. BMJ 2022; 376:e070533. [PMID: 35217506 PMCID: PMC8868046 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-070533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qing Zhang
- CEBIM (Center for Evidence Based Integrative Medicine)-Clarity Collaboration, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Nottingham Ningbo GRADE Centre, University of Nottingham Ningbo, China
| | - Liming Lu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Shi
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Alonso Carrasco-Labra
- Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Holger Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou University, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China]
| | - Jun Xia
- Nottingham Ningbo GRADE Centre, University of Nottingham Ningbo, China
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Guang Chen
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - Jianping Liu
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyan Liu
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiyao Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Amir Qaseem
- American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xianghong Jing
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gordon Guyatt
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Hong Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Luohu District Hospital of TCM, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
D'Alessandro G, Ruffini N, Iacopini A, Annoni M, Kossowsky J, Cerritelli F. Overcoming placebo-related challenges in manual therapy trials: The ‘whats and hows’ and the ‘touch equality assumption’ proposals. INT J OSTEOPATH MED 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijosm.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
49
|
Kim J, Park JJ, Bang H, Kolahi J. Blinding Assessment: One Step Forward. DENTAL HYPOTHESES 2021; 12:169-173. [PMID: 35028192 DOI: 10.4103/denthyp.denthyp_99_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeehyoung Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Sacred Heart General Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jongbae J Park
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heejung Bang
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Center for Healthcare Policy and Research & Clinical and Translational Science Center, Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jafar Kolahi
- Independent Research Scientist, Founder of Dental Hypotheses, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Braithwaite FA, Walters JL, Moseley GL, Williams MT, McEvoy MP. A novel blinding protocol to test participant and therapist blinding during dry needling: a randomised controlled experiment. Physiotherapy 2021; 113:188-198. [PMID: 34579950 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dry needling is widely used in physiotherapy. Lack of blinding in clinical trials means that dry needling effects and mechanisms remain unclear, with blinding issues accepted as an unavoidable barrier to better evidence. The authors aimed to overcome this barrier by designing a protocol to double-blind dry needling trials. DESIGN A prospectively registered randomised experiment tested a novel blinding protocol for blinding effectiveness. SETTING University physiotherapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS Therapists (n=15) and asymptomatic volunteers ('recipients') (n=45) were randomly allocated to real and/or sham interventions. INTERVENTIONS The protocol involved custom-made needles and cognitive and multisensory blinding techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was guesses about allocation. The a priori criterion for successful blinding was ≤50% correct guesses (random chance). Secondary analyses explored blinding patterns using blinding indices. RESULTS Correct guesses were not different from 50% for therapists [41% (95%CI 30 to 50), n=120 guesses] or recipients [49% (95%CI 38 to 60), n=90 guesses]. Blinding indices supported the primary result but revealed that recipients were better at detecting real dry needling than sham. CONCLUSION Both therapists and recipients were successfully blinded, which contrasts with the widely held assumption that double-blinding is impossible for needling interventions. The authors recommend that any future trials can, and therefore should, blind therapists. However, secondary analyses revealed that recipients receiving real dry needling were less blinded than sham recipients, which may still create bias in clinical trials and suggests further work is needed to improve recipient blinding. Nonetheless, the current findings offer an opportunity to gain better evidence concerning the effects and mechanisms of dry needling. STUDY REGISTRATION https://osf.io/rkzeb/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicity A Braithwaite
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Julie L Walters
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Marie T Williams
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Maureen P McEvoy
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|