STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM): Extending the CONSORT statement

Abstract

Objectives Massage is a common therapy of nonpharmacological treatments, particularly in Tuina (Chinese massage) as its most common style, detailed guidance in reporting the intervention is warranted for its evaluation and replication. Based on the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials), we aimed to develop an Extension for Tuina/Massage, namely “The STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM).” Methods A group of professional clinicians, trialists, methodologists, developers of reporting guidelines, epidemiologists, statisticians, and editors has developed this STRICTOTM checklist through a standard methodology process recommended by the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency of Health Research) Network, including prospective registration, literature review, draft of the initial items, three rounds of the Delphi survey, consensus meeting, pilot test, and finalization of the guideline. Results A checklist of seven items (namely Tuina/Massage rationale, details of Tuina/Massage, intervention regimen, other components of the intervention, Tuina/Massage provider background, control or comparator interventions, and precaution measures), and 16 subitems were developed. Explanations and examples (E&E) for each item are also provided. Conclusions The working group hopes that the STRICTOTM, in conjunction with both the CONSORT statement and extension for nonpharmacologic treatment, can improve the reporting quality and transparency of Tuina/Massage clinical research.

Tuina on knee pain and functional decline of lower limbs for patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis in Shanghai: protocol for a multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial

“…Tuina, a non-invasive physical therapy based on the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a general term for various massage techniques. 29 The feature of this manipulation lies in the use of different forms, strengths and actions of the palm or fingers. When treating diseases in different parts of the body, Tuina physicians employ distinct areas of both hands, such as the palm, dorsal side of the hand or thumb, to perform specific manipulative techniques (including but not limited to compression, percussion, friction, oscillation and joint mobilisation, etc) on the surface of the patient.…”

“…During the treatment process, patients maintain a comfortable sitting or lying position while being in a relaxed state. 29 Tuina therapy caters to a wide range of age groups. If the criteria for treatment are met, designated Tuina treatments can be performed for children or elderly individuals recovering from stroke.…”

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches for the Treatment of Diabetes

“…A powerful aspect of TCM is to understand Qi (pronounced "Chee"), an energy that flows through all organs, tissues, cells, veins, nerves, and atoms of the body (Zhang et al, 2023). A healthy body indicates that Qi flows freely and in balance but when this balance is out or broken, then illness can occur (Aplin-Houtz et al, 2023).…”

“…Tui na is a type of therapeutic massage for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, and internal disorders. It includes numerous techniques, such as kneading, pressing, and stretching, and is based on the principles of TCM (Zhang et al, 2023).…”