Quality of Reporting of Randomized Clinical Trials in Tai Chi Interventions— A Systematic Review

Objectives: To evaluate the reporting quality of published
randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in the Tai Chi literature
following the publication of the CONSORT guidelines in 2001.

Data sources: The OVID MEDLINE and PUBMED databases

Review methods: To survey the general characteristics of Tai Chi
RCTs in the literature, we included any report if (i) it was an
original report of the trial; (ii) its design was RCT; (iii) one
of the treatments being tested was Tai Chi; and (iv) it was in
English. In addition, we assessed the reporting quality of RCTs
that were published between 2002 and 2007, using a modified
CONSORT checklist of 40 items. The adequate description of Tai
Chi interventions in these trials was examined against a 10-item
checklist adapted from previous reviews.

Results: The search yielded 31 Tai Chi RCTs published from 2002
to 2007 and only 11 for 1992–2001. Among trials published
during 2002–2007, the most adequately reported criteria were
related to background, participant eligibility and interpretation
of the study results. Nonetheless, the most poorly reported items
were associated with randomization allocation concealment,
implementation of randomization and the definitions of period of
recruitment and follow-up. In addition, only 23% of RCTs provided
adequate details of Tai Chi intervention used in the trials.

Conclusion: The findings in this review indicated that the
reporting quality of Tai Chi intervention trials is sub-optimal.
Substantial improvement is required to meet the CONSORT
guidelines and allow assessment of the quality of evidence. We
believe that not only investigators, but also journal editors,
reviewers and funding agencies need to follow the CONSORT
guidelines to improve the standards of research and strengthen
the evidence base for Tai Chi and for complementary and
alternative medicine.


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