Positive Health Online

Abstract

ZHANG and COLLEAGUES, (1)Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. zhangxuan87418@126.com; (2)Vincent V.C. Woo Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Institute, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. zhangxuan87418@126.com .(3)Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. zhangxuan87418@126.com ; (4)School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. zhangxuan87418@126.com. (5)Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China; (6)Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China; (7)School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China; (8)Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China; (9)Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China; (10)Vincent V.C. Woo Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Institute, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China; (11)Chinese EQUATOR Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. bzxiang@hkbu.edu.hk ; (12)Vincent V.C. Woo Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Institute, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. bzxiang@hkbu.edu.hk. (13)Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. bzxiang@hkbu.edu.hk ; (14)School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China. bzxiang@hkbu.edu.hk  conducted a review of randomized controlled trials on non-pharmacological therapies in Chinese medicine

Background

With the successive release of the CONSORT extensions for acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and Tuina/massage, this review aims to assess the reporting characteristics and quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on these specific guidelines.

Methodology

A comprehensive review was conducted by searching multiple databases, including Embase, Ovid MEDLINE(R), All EBM Reviews, AMED, CNKI, VIP Chinese Medical Journal Database, and Wanfang Data, for publications from January 1 to December 31, 2022. Two reviewers independently evaluated the eligibility of the records, extracted predetermined information, and assessed the reporting based on the STRICTA, STRICTOM, STRICTOC, and STRICTOTM checklists.

Results

Among the included 387 studies (acupuncture, 213; Tuina/massage, 85; moxibustion, 73; cupping, 16), the overall reporting compliance averaged 56.0%, with acupuncture leading at 62.6%, followed by cupping (60.2%), moxibustion (53.1%), and Tuina/massage (47.9%). About half of the evaluated items showed poor reporting (compliance rate < 65%). Notably, international journals demonstrated significantly higher reporting quality than Chinese journals (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although acupuncture trials had relatively higher compliance rates, deficiencies persist in reporting non-pharmacological therapies of Chinese medicine, particularly in areas like treatment environment details and provider background information. © 2024. Higher Education Press.

References

Zhang X(1)(2)(3)(4), Li H(5), Tan H(5), Wang N(5), Cheng CW(5), Wang J(5), Shi D(5), Zhang L(6), Liu Y(7), Wang Y(7), Luo S(7), Lin Y(7), Hu L(5), Zhang X(5), Li J(8), Han F(8), Wang P(9), Lyu A(5)(10)(7), Bian Z(11)(12)(13)(14). Suboptimal reporting of randomized controlled trials on non-pharmacological therapies in Chinese medicine.  Front Med. Osct;18(5):798-813. doi: 10.1007/s11684-024-1084-4. Epub 2024 Aug  2024