Evaluating the Quality of Reports About Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

Objective: This study aims to improve the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by evaluating RCTs of acupuncture for low back pain (LBP) based on the CONSORT and STRICTA statements. Methods: Literature from the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang database, and Chongqing Weipu (VIP) was systematically searched from 2010 to 2020. The general characteristics and the overall quality score (OQS) of the literature were evaluated by two investigators. The agreement between investigators was calculated using Cohen's kappa statistics. Results: A total of 31 RCTs were extracted in the final analysis. Based on the CONSORT statement, the items title and abstract, background and objectives, intervention, outcomes, statistical methods, baseline data, outcomes and estimation and interpretation have a positive rate of greater than 80%. The items implementation, generalizability and protocol have a positive rate of less than 30%. Based on the STRICTA statement, the items style of acupuncture, needle retention time, number of treatment sessions, frequency and duration of treatment and precise description of the control or comparator have a positive rate of greater than 80%. The item extent to which the treatment was varied has a positive rate of less than 30%. The agreements among most items are determined to be moderate or good. Conclusion: The reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for LBP is moderate. Researchers should rigidly follow the CONSORT and STRICTA statements to enhance the quality of their studies.

Automated summary

This study evaluated RCTs of acupuncture for low back pain based on the CONSORT and STRICTA statements. The majority of items had a positive rate of greater than 80% in both statements, indicating moderate to good reporting quality. Researchers are advised to strictly adhere to these reporting guidelines to enhance the quality of their studies.