Do we really know what they were testing? Incomplete reporting of interventions in randomised trials of upper limb therapies in unilateral cerebral palsy

Enhancing the reporting quality of rehabilitation interventions through an extension of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR): the TIDieR-Rehab checklist and supplementary manual

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation is a complex biopsychosocial process in which multidisciplinary professionals work in collaboration with a person and their family, with the shared objective of enhancing the person's participation in valued life roles. Hence, rehabilitation is integral to the management of numerous health conditions. However, poor descriptions of rehabilitation interventions, including their essential elements and dosage parameters, pose a significant barrier to their replication in clinical practice. This further limits the synthesis of rehabilitation research and the consequent advancement of the field. The original Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide provides a valuable foundation for reporting but is not specific to rehabilitation. The TIDieR-Rehab checklist, an extension of the original TIDieR, was developed to enhance the reporting of rehabilitation interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the TIDieR-Rehab checklist and supplementary manual.

METHODS

In accordance with the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network and other relevant guidelines, the TIDieR-Rehab checklist and supplementary manual were developed through a modified Delphi process with individuals with rehabilitation expertise and was guided by an interdisciplinary Steering Committee.

RESULTS

The TIDieR-Rehab checklist and supplementary manual present seven original, three adapted and 12 new items to enhance the reporting of rehabilitation interventions. New items promote full descriptions of critical aspects of rehabilitation interventions, including the intended study population (Who) and timing of the intervention (When), the planned intervention dosage (How much, How challenging and Regression/Progression), person-centred care (Personalisation) and negative undesired effects (Harms). Explanations and examples of good reporting, provided within the TIDieR-Rehab supplementary manual, provide comprehensive guidance to support users of the checklist.

CONCLUSIONS

The TIDieR-Rehab checklist and supplementary manual present a systematic approach to the comprehensive reporting of rehabilitation interventions. The checklist is intended to support replication, evaluation and optimisation of rehabilitation interventions through improved reporting quality.

Reporting Completeness of Intensity-, Dose-, and Dosage-Related Items in Active Pediatric Upper Limb Neurorehabilitation Trials: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reporting completeness of the TIDieR items 8-12, in particular intensity, dose, and dosage, in active pediatric upper limb neurorehabilitation trials.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed Central, Scopus, CINAHL, OTseeker, and Web of Science for eligible publications.

STUDY SELECTION

We included publications analyzing active pediatric upper limb neurorehabilitation interventions and assessed the reporting completeness of 11 items for each intervention and control group.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two raters independently screened titles and abstracts and selected the publications using the RYYAN platform. We unblinded the results after the raters had completed their selection and resolved the disagreements by discussion. We used the same procedures to review the full texts.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We included 52 randomized controlled trials with 65 intervention and 48 control groups. Authors did not report all 11 items in any of the study groups. The overall reporting completeness varied between 1% (intensity) to 95% (length of the intervention). The reporting completeness of the TIDieR items ranged from 2% (modifications) to 64% (when and how much). We found no significant differences in the reporting completeness between the intervention and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Information essential for dose-response calculations is often missing in randomized controlled trials of pediatric upper limb neurorehabilitation interventions. Reporting completeness should be improved, and new measures to accurately quantify intensity should be discussed and developed.

Effect of Active Motor Learning Interventions on Gross Motor Function and Mobility in Children Aged 2 to 6 Years With Bilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review is to identify evidence-based interventions to promote active motor learning in children aged 2 to 6 years with bilateral cerebral palsy.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

Seven randomized clinical trials of active motor learning interventions targeting gross motor function and mobility were included. Two studies compared context-focused therapy to child-focused therapy. Five studies compared active motor therapy to usual care. Context-focused therapy, child-focused therapy, and active motor therapy were comparable to usual care to improve functional mobility and gross motor function.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

There are limited active intervention studies targeting gross motor function for young children with bilateral cerebral palsy. The authors recommend consideration of the clinical good practice guidelines, dosage parameters, and improved reporting methods when implementing active motor learning interventions targeting gross motor function and mobility for children with cerebral palsy.

Defining, quantifying, and reporting intensity, dose, and dosage of neurorehabilitative interventions focusing on motor outcomes

Introduction

Determining the minimal amount of therapy needed for positive neurorehabilitative outcomes is important for optimizing active treatment interventions to improve motor outcomes. However, there are various challenges when quantifying these relationships: first, several consensuses on the definition and usage of the terms intensity, dose, and dosage of motor interventions have been proposed, but there seems to be no agreement, and the terms are still used inconsistently. Second, randomized controlled trials frequently underreport items relevant to determining the intensity, dose, and dosage of the interventions. Third, there is no universal measure to quantify therapy intensity accurately. This "perspectives" paper aims to increase awareness of these topics among neurorehabilitation specialists.

Defining quantifying and reporting

We searched the literature for definitions of intensity, dose, and dosage and adapted the ones we considered the most appropriate to fit the needs of neurorehabilitative interventions. Furthermore, we suggest refining the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) to enhance the reporting of randomized controlled trials. Finally, we performed a systematic literature search to provide a list of intensity measures and complemented these with some novel candidate measures.

Discussion

The proposed definitions of intensity, dose, and dosage could improve the communication between neurorehabilitation specialists and the reporting of dose and dosage in interventional studies. Quantifying intensity is necessary to improve our understanding of the minimal intensity, dose, and dosage of therapy needed to improve motor outcomes in neurorehabilitation. We consider the lack of appropriate intensity measures a significant gap in knowledge requiring future research.

Are they really motor learning therapies? A scoping review of evidence-based, task-focused models of upper limb therapy for children with unilateral cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

To identify the specific motor learning (ML) theories underpinning evidence-based, task-focused upper limb models of therapy for children with unilateral cerebral palsy; and to document the strategies used in the operationalisation of these theories.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This scoping review searched for relevant studies using eight electronic databases. A list of 68 ML strategies and accompanying definitions was developed for data extraction. Three classifications; adequate, inadequate or not described were used to rate the description of ML strategies. A corresponding colour-coding system was used to provide a visual summary.

RESULTS

There is a limited description of the ML theories and strategies used to operationalise these theories in existing models of evidence-based upper limb therapy. Of 103 therapy protocols included, only 24 explicitly described the guiding ML theory. When described, there was significant variation in the underlying theories, leading to significantly different focus and content of therapy. Of the 68 ML strategies, only three were adequately described.

CONCLUSIONS

To support treatment fidelity and the implementation of evidence-based, task-focused models of upper limb therapy in clinical practice, future research needs to provide explicit details about the underlying theories and strategies used in the operationalisation of these theories.Implications for rehabilitationEvidence-based models of upper limb therapy purport to be based on motor learning theory, however, most provide a very limited description of the theories and strategies used.Dosage of practice is only one element that is specific to a therapy approach and other elements guided by the principles of type of task and type of feedback should be considered.To support the implementation of evidence-based approaches in clinical practice, and improve treatment fidelity, it is important for researchers to define the theories that guide therapy approaches and explicitly describe the strategies used to operationalise these theories.

Descriptive contents analysis of ParticiPAte CP: a participation-focused intervention to promote physical activity participation in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

ParticiPAte CP is a participation-focused therapy intervention that is effective to increase perceived performance of physical activity (PA) participation goals in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We aimed to characterise the contents of ParticiPAte CP using validated behaviour change frameworks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data came from physiotherapist treatment notes and were used to specify: (1) physiotherapist-perceived barriers to behaviour change (using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework [ICF] and Theoretical Domains Framework), intervention content (Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1), intervention functions (Behaviour Change Wheel) and mechanisms of action (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour model).

RESULTS

Physiotherapist-perceived barriers to participation were identified in all ICF and Theoretical Domains Framework domains. ParticiPAte CP consisted of 32 behaviour change techniques, delivered via six intervention functions of the Behaviour Change Wheel, especially enablement. All six possible mechanisms of action were identified according to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour model. These were targeted most frequently through Theoretical Domains Framework domains social influences, environmental context and resources, intentions, skills, knowledge, and beliefs about capabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The content of a PA intervention for children with CP can be specified according to behaviour change frameworks. ParticiPAte CP was complex, with multiple targets, constituent behaviour change techniques and mechanisms of action. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615001064594.Implications for rehabilitationProviding social support to families through practical actions such as motivating conversation, providing information, linking families to community services and participating in activities with children to support their self-efficacy may be a defining feature of effective participation-focused therapies.If children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families nominate goals for increased frequency of attendance or improved involvement in physical activities (PAs), therapists must identify all important barriers to participation, including behavioural barriers that may be thought of less often (e.g. emotions, beliefs, optimism etc.).Promoting PA participation in children with CP may require a complex or multi-faceted therapy intervention that supports not only physical capability, but also enhances the social and physical opportunity for participation to take place and promotes the psychological capability and motivation for PA of children and families.Therapists or researchers may consider using the Behaviour Change Wheel to prospectively design their own health behaviour intervention for children with CP.

Who, what, when, where, why, and how: a systematic review of the quality of post-stroke cognitive rehabilitation protocols

BACKGROUND

. Rehabilitation research findings are not routinely incorporated into clinical practice. A key barrier is the quality of reporting in the original study, including who provided the intervention, what it entailed, when and where it occurred, how patient outcomes were monitored, and why the intervention was efficacious.

OBJECTIVES

. To facilitate clinical implementation of post-stroke cognitive rehabilitation research, we undertook a review to examine the quality of intervention reporting in this literature.

METHODS

. Four databases were systematically searched, identifying 27 randomised controlled trials of post-stroke cognitive rehabilitation. The quality of intervention protocol descriptions in each study was independently rated by 2 of the authors using the 12-item Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist.

RESULTS

.Why, when, and where items were reported in more than 70% of interventions, what materials and procedures used was described in 50% to 70%, how items were described in approximately half of the interventions, and who provided interventions was reported in 22% of studies. No study addressed all 12 TIDieR items. "Active ingredients" that may further characterise an intervention and the potential mechanisms of action included restorative training, massed practice, feedback, and tailoring demands (present in approximately 50% of studies).

CONCLUSIONS

. Descriptions of intervention protocols are variable and frequently insufficient, thereby restricting the ability to understand, replicate, and implement evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation. Use of reporting checklists to address this barrier to research translation is a readily achievable and effective means to advance post-stroke care.

Intervention reporting and dissemination of information for the management of hand osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

A variety of exercise programs are recognized to be effective for the management of hand osteoarthritis (HOA). It is important to report the essential elements of these exercise programs for clinicians to replicate properly and facilitate their implementation with individuals who suffers from HOA, especially if they are found to be effective programs.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The objective of this article was to assess content reporting using three exercise reporting standardized assessment tools among exercise interventions randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving individuals with HOA.

STUDY DESIGN

A descriptive study was used.

METHODS

Two pairs of trained assessors independently identified, selected, and scored the reporting quality of the exercise programs of RCTs on the management of HOA using three standardized assessment tools: the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) checklist, Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training (CONTENT) scale, and Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist to review the quality of reporting of 11 RCTs included in a recent Ottawa Panel guideline.

RESULTS

Based on consensus reached by two different pairs of reviewers and an arbitrator, the mean total scores for the 11 included exercise programs were reported as follows: the mean total score for the CERT, CONTENT, and TIDieR was 10.58/19 ± 4.34, 3.27/9 ± 1.90, and 5.92/12 ± 2.54, respectively. The overall Pearson's Correlation (r) between the methodological quality and intervention reporting was 0.86, 0.71, and 0.54 for moderate-to-high RCTs and 0.47, 0.79, and 0.42 for fair-to-poor methodological quality for the CERT checklist, CONTENT scale, and TIDieR checklist, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention reporting in the management of HOA is poor among low-, moderate-, and high-quality clinical trials. The least reported information was intervention parameters related to behavior change. Improving reporting is recommended to ensure replication of effective exercise programs to enhance quality of life of individuals with HOA.

Underreporting of the active content of behavioural interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials of smoking cessation interventions

Despite its importance, underreporting of the active content of experimental and comparator interventions in published literature has not been previously examined for behavioural trials. We assessed completeness and variability in reporting in 142 randomised controlled trials of behavioural interventions for smoking cessation published between 1/1996 and 11/2015. Two coders reliably identified the potential active components of experimental and comparator interventions (activities targeting behaviours key to smoking cessation and qualifying as behaviour change techniques, BCTs) in published, and in unpublished materials obtained from study authors directly. Unpublished materials were obtained for 129/204 (63%) experimental and 93/142 (65%) comparator groups. For those, only 35% (1200/3403) of experimental and 26% (491/1891) of comparator BCTs could be identified in published materials. Reporting quality (#published BCTs/#total BCTs) varied considerably between trials and between groups within trials. Experimental (vs. comparator) interventions were better reported (B(SE) = 0.34 (0.11), p < .001). Unpublished materials were more often obtained for recent studies (B(SE) = 0.093 (0.03), p = .003) published in behavioural (vs. medical) journals (B(SE) = 1.03 (0.41), p = .012). This high variability in underreporting of active content compromises reader's ability to interpret the effects of individual trials, compare and explain intervention effects in evidence syntheses, and estimate the additional benefit of an experimental intervention in other settings.

Ready for SDM: evaluating a train-the-trainer program to facilitate implementation of SDM training in Norway

BACKGROUND

Healthcare providers need training to implement shared decision making (SDM). In Norway, we developed "Ready for SDM", a comprehensive SDM curriculum tailored to various healthcare providers, settings, and competence levels, including a course targeting interprofessional healthcare teams. The overall aim was to evaluate a train-the-trainer (TTT) program for healthcare providers wanting to offer this course within their hospital trust.

METHODS

Our observational descriptive design was informed by Kirkpatrick´s Model of Educational Outcomes. The South-Eastern Regional Health Authority invited healthcare providers from all health trusts in its jurisdiction to attend. The TTT consisted of a one-day basic course with lectures on SDM, exercises and group reflections followed by a two-day advanced course including an SDM observer training. Immediately after each of the two courses, reaction and learning (Kirkpatrick levels 1 and 2) were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. After the advanced course, observer skills were operationalized as accuracy of the participants' assessment of a consultation compared to an expert assessment. Within three months post-training, we measured number of trainings conducted and number of healthcare providers trained (Kirkpatrick level 3) using an online survey. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one out of 24 (basic) and 19 out of 22 (advanced) healthcare providers in 9 health trusts consented to participate. The basic course was evaluated as highly acceptable, the advanced course as complex and challenging. Participants identified a need for more training in pedagogical skills and support for planning implementation of SDM-training. Participants achieved high knowledge scores and were positive about being an SDM trainer. Observer skills regarding patient involvement in decision-making were excellent (mean of weighted t = .80). After three months, 67% of TTT participants had conducted more than two trainings each and trained a total of 458 healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that the TTT is a feasible approach for supporting large-scale training in SDM. Our study informed us about how to improve the advanced course. Further research shall investigate the efficacy of the training in the context of a comprehensive multifaceted strategy for implementing SDM in clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered at ISRCTN (99432465) March 25, 2020.

Immersive Virtual Environments and Wearable Haptic Devices in rehabilitation of children with neuromotor impairments: a single-blind randomized controlled crossover pilot study

Background

The past decade has seen the emergence of rehabilitation treatments using virtual reality. One of the advantages in using this technology is the potential to create positive motivation, by means of engaging environments and tasks shaped in the form of serious games. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of immersive Virtual Environments and weaRable hAptic devices (VERA) for rehabilitation of upper limb in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Developmental Dyspraxia (DD).

Methods

A two period cross-over design was adopted for determining the differences between the proposed therapy and a conventional treatment. Eight children were randomized into two groups: one group received the VERA treatment in the first period and the manual therapy in the second period, and viceversa for the other group. Children were assessed at the beginning and the end of each period through both the Nine Hole Peg Test (9-HPT, primary outcome) and Kinesiological Measurements obtained during the performing of similar tasks in a real setting scenario (secondary outcomes).

Results

All subjects, not depending from which group they come from, significantly improved in both the performance of the 9-HPT and in the parameters of the kinesiological measurements (movement error and smoothness). No statistically significant differences have been found between the two groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that immersive VE and wearable haptic devices is a viable alternative to conventional therapy for improving upper extremity function in children with neuromotor impairments.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials, NCT03353623. Registered 27 November 2017-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03353623

The management of lower back pain using pilates method: assessment of content exercise reporting in RCTs

PURPOSE

To evaluate the quality of the reporting of exercise interventions with Pilates method for the treatment of lower back pain (LBP) in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two independent evaluators selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of moderate and high methodological quality included in a Cochrane Systematic Review (SR) and from an additional updated search in the following databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and SPORTDiscus. Three assessment tools (Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training (CONTENT) scale, Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist and Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) checklist) were utilized by three pairs of two independent researchers trained. The scales' concordance was measured using the Kappa coefficient.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs were included. The CONTENT scale score was 5.3 (± 1.33) out of 9 points; the TIDieR checklist was 8.5 (± 1.71) out of 12 points and the CERT checklist was 9.5 (± 3.62) out of 19 points. The CONTENT and CERT had moderate concordance, while there was fair concordance between the other tools.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall reporting quality for the Pilates exercises in ten moderate-to-high quality RTCs for the management of LBP was low according to CONTENT scale and CERT checklist and high according to TIDieR checklist.Implications for RehabilitationReporting of Pilates exercise program in moderate-to-high quality RCTs for the management of lower back pain remains incomplete.Pilates exercise program should be personalized and contextualized to individual participants.There may be a need to consider adding to or combining the information available from various trials.

Assessing the reporting quality of physical activity programs in randomized controlled trials for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis using three standardized assessment tools

BACKGROUND

The reporting quality of physical activity (PA) programs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remains unknown. This study aimed to assess and compare the reporting quality of PA programs in RCTs for the management of JIA using three difference standardized assessment tools, and to describe the elements that were similar and different between these tools.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted for moderate-to high-quality RCTs of PA programs in JIA, published up until January 2019. Two reviewers independently included 10 RCTs and scored the reporting quality of PA programs using the following tools: Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) checklist, Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training (CONTENT) scale, and Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist.

RESULTS

Results showed that reporting of PA programs in 10 moderate- to high-quality RCTs for JIA management remains incomplete. The average reporting quality (± standard deviation) for all RCTs combined was moderate for the three standardized assessment tools with 70.8 (±14.3)% for the TIDieR checklist, 53.2 (±20.2)% for the CERT checklist, and 70.0 (±18.9)% for the CONTENT scale. Despite some overlap, the three standardized assessment tools (TIDieR, CERT, CONTENT) included different elements resulting in different scores. All tools assess elements linked to PA programs (provider, location, timing, personalization and adherence), but the CERT checklist includes other essential elements (e.g., additional resources, motivational strategies, adverse events).

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of complete reporting of PA programs in RCTs for the management of JIA and the variation in scores and assessed elements among standardized assessment tools show the need to improve reporting. Using the most comprehensive standardized tool (i.e., the CERT) and providing accessible supplemental information on PA programs may improve the reporting quality of PA programs in RCTs and help reproduce PA programs in research and clinical practice.

Replicating group-based education interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes: a review of intervention reporting

AIMS

To assess the completeness of reporting of group-based education interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A previous systematic review of group-based education programmes for adults with type 2 diabetes identified eligible intervention studies. Data were extracted and assessed using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication ('TIDieR') checklist. Missing data were sourced from other published material, or by contacting authors.

RESULTS

Fifty-three publications describing 47 studies were included. No publications sufficiently described all items. Authors of 43 of the 47 included studies (91%) were contacted via e-mail to obtain missing data in order to complete the TIDieR checklist. Seven (16%) did not respond. Additional data were obtained for 33/47 studies (70%). Most studies (45/47, 96%) described the intervention duration and frequency, detailed the procedures and rationale (40/47, 85%), provided a brief intervention name and explained any individual tailoring (38/47, 81%), defined whether providers received training and adequately described how the programme was delivered (37/47, 79%). However, few described any modifications (28/47, 60%), whether the intervention was delivered as planned (27/47, 57%), where it was delivered (21/47, 45%), whether materials were provided (19/47, 40%), and who delivered the intervention (13/47, 28%).

CONCLUSIONS

Group-based education interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes are poorly reported. To translate effective research into practice, practitioners need sufficient detail to implement evidence-based interventions. Researcher adoption of the TIDieR checklist will assist the translation and replication of published interventions.

Defining Functional Therapy in Research Involving Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Aim: To review definitions and elements of interventions in studies, which used the word "functional" to describe their intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to determine whether definitions and elements are similar to criteria of functional therapy described in the Dutch Guidelines.Methods: Systematic review of intervention studies, which used the word "functional" to describe interventions for children with CP. We described criteria of functional therapy that were used to describe the intervention, and whether criteria were described similarly to the descriptions used in the Dutch Guidelines.Results: Of the 27 included studies, criteria "based on the activities/participation level of the ICF-CY", "goal-directed" and "context-specific" were referred to the most (40-59.3%). Descriptions of these criteria were less comparable to the suggested definition (43.8-69.2%). The remaining three criteria ("active involvement", "task-specific", and "focused on functionality instead of normality") were referred to less frequently (18.5-33.3%). The descriptions reported for these criteria were, however, the most comparable with the suggested definitions (80-100%).Conclusions: The included studies, in general have not used criteria of functional therapy. Future studies have to describe the elements of interventions in detail. Moreover, it is important to reach consensus on the definition and elements of functional therapy.

Trends in publications about cerebral palsy 1990 to 2020

Cerebral palsy (CP) is associated with complex health care needs and, although improved, a continued shortened life expectancy. In order to quantify and understand advances in the diagnosis and management of CP, systematic literature searches of key word groupings in the PubMed database were completed and revealed a recent increased incidence of publications focusing on quality of life, physical activity, exercise, and treatment options. Our bibliometric exploration revealed growing emphasis on function, performance, aging, and health compared to earlier studies when diagnostic features and brain pathology dominated research. Our findings highlight the transition from diagnosis and identification to management of specific conditions and providing guidance for the continuum of needs our patients experience over the course of a lifetime. The field must be prepared to advance our understanding of best practices and implement evidence-based interventions and management options.

Analysis of reporting completeness in exercise cancer trials: a systematic review

Background

Exercise is an effective therapeutic intervention for cancer survivors. Concerns about the completeness of reporting of exercise interventions have been raised in the literature, but without any formal analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the completeness of reporting of exercise interventions for cancer survivors in a large sample of randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

We developed a pre-defined protocol. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for exercise trials in oncology between 2010 and 2017. Pairs of independent researchers screened the records, extracted study characteristics, and assessed 16 items on the TIDieR checklist (i.e., the 12 items, with item 5 divided into two and item 8 divided into four). For each of these items, the percentage of interventions in the included studies that reported the item was calculated.

Results

We included 131 RCTs reporting 138 interventions in the analysis. Breast cancer was the most common type of cancer (69, 50%), and aerobic exercise was the most studied exercise modality (43, 30%) followed by combined aerobic and resistance training (40, 28%). Completeness of reporting ranged from 42 to 96% among the TIDieR items; none of the items was fully reported. ‘Intervention length’ was the most reported item across interventions (133, 96%), followed by ‘rationale’ (131, 95%), whereas ‘provider’ (58, 42%) and ‘how well (planned)’ (63, 46%) were the two least reported items. Half of the TIDieR items were completely reported in 50 to 70% of the interventions, and only four items were reported in more than 80% of the interventions (Items 2 and 8a to c). The seven items deemed to be core for replication (Items 3 to 9) exhibited a mean reporting of 71%, ranging from 42 to 96%.

Conclusion

Exercise training interventions for cancer survivors are incompletely reported across RCTs published between 2010 and 2017. The reporting of information about the provider, materials, and modifications require urgent improvements. Stronger reporting will enhance usability of trial reports by both healthcare providers and survivors, and will help to reduce research waste.

Inadequate description of placebo and sham controls in a systematic review of recent trials

BACKGROUND

Poorly described placebo/sham controls make it difficult to appraise active intervention benefits and harms. The 12-item Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was developed to improve the reporting of active interventions. The extent to which TIDieR has been used to improve description of placebo or sham control is not known.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically identified and examined all placebo/sham-controlled randomised trials published in 2018 in the top six general medical journals. We reported how many of the TIDieR checklist items were used to describe the placebo/sham control(s). We supplemented this with a sample of 100 placebo/sham-controlled trials from any journal and searched Google Scholar to identify placebo/sham-controlled trials citing TIDieR.

RESULTS

We identified 94 placebo/sham-controlled trials published in the top journals in 2018. None reported using TIDieR, and none reported placebo or sham components completely. On average eight TIDieR items were addressed, with placebo/sham control name (100%) and when and how much was administered (97.9%) most commonly reported. Some items (rationale, 8.5%, whether there were modifications, 25.5%) were less often reported. In our sample of less well-cited journals, reporting was poorer (average of six items) and followed a similar pattern. Since TIDieR's first publication, six placebo-controlled trials have cited it according to Google Scholar. Two of these used the checklist to describe placebo controls; neither one completely desribed the placebo intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Placebo and sham controls are poorly described within randomised trials, and TIDieR is rarely used to guide these descriptions. We recommend developing guidelines to promote better descriptions of placebo/sham control components within clinical trials.

Constraint-induced movement therapy in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects muscle control and function on one side of the body. Children with unilateral CP experience difficulties using their hands together secondary to disturbances that occur in the developing fetal or infant brain. Often, the more affected limb is disregarded. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) aims to increase use of the more affected upper limb and improve bimanual performance. CIMT is based on two principles: restraining the use of the less affected limb (for example, using a splint, mitt or sling) and intensive therapeutic practice of the more affected limb.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in the treatment of the more affected upper limb in children with unilateral CP.

SEARCH METHODS

In March 2018 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, OTseeker, five other databases and three trials registers. We also ran citation searches, checked reference lists, contacted experts, handsearched key journals and searched using Google Scholar.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs or clinically controlled trials implemented with children with unilateral CP, aged between 0 and 19 years, where CIMT was compared with a different form of CIMT, or a low dose, high-dose or dose-matched alternative form of upper-limb intervention such as bimanual intervention. Primarily, outcomes were bimanual performance, unimanual capacity and manual ability. Secondary outcomes included measures of self-care, body function, participation and quality of life.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts to eliminate ineligible studies. Five review authors were paired to extract data and assess risk of bias in each included study. GRADE assessments were undertaken by two review authors.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 36 trials (1264 participants), published between 2004 and 2018. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 105 (mean 35). Mean age was 5.96 years (standard deviation (SD) 1.82), range three months to 19.8 years; 53% male and 47% participants had left hemiplegia. Fifty-seven outcome measures were used across studies. Average length of CIMT programs was four weeks (range one to 10 weeks). Frequency of sessions ranged from twice weekly to seven days per week. Duration of intervention sessions ranged from 0.5 to eight hours per day. The mean total number of hours of CIMT provided was 137 hours (range 20 to 504 hours). The most common constraint devices were a mitt/glove or a sling (11 studies each).We judged the risk of bias as moderate to high across the studies.

KEY RESULTS

Primary outcomes at primary endpoint (immediately after intervention)CIMT versus low-dose comparison (e.g. occupational therapy)We found low-quality evidence that CIMT was more effective than a low-dose comparison for improving bimanual performance (mean difference (MD) 5.44 Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) units, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.37 to 8.51).CIMT was more effective than a low-dose comparison for improving unimanual capacity (Quality of upper extremity skills test (QUEST) - Dissociated movement MD 5.95, 95% CI 2.02 to 9.87; Grasps; MD 7.57, 95% CI 2.10 to 13.05; Weight bearing MD 5.92, 95% CI 2.21 to 9.6; Protective extension MD 12.54, 95% CI 8.60 to 16.47). Three studies reported adverse events, including frustration, constraint refusal and reversible skin irritations from casting.CIMT versus high-dose comparison (e.g. individualised occupational therapy, bimanual therapy)When compared with a high-dose comparison, CIMT was not more effective for improving bimanual performance (MD -0.39 AHA Units, 95% CI -3.14 to 2.36). There was no evidence that CIMT was more effective than a high-dose comparison for improving unimanual capacity in a single study using QUEST (Dissociated movement MD 0.49, 95% CI -10.71 to 11.69; Grasp MD -0.20, 95% CI -11.84 to 11.44). Two studies reported that some children experienced frustration participating in CIMT.CIMT versus dose-matched comparison (e.g. Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy, bimanual therapy, occupational therapy)There was no evidence of differences in bimanual performance between groups receiving CIMT or a dose-matched comparison (MD 0.80 AHA units, 95% CI -0.78 to 2.38).There was no evidence that CIMT was more effective than a dose-matched comparison for improving unimanual capacity (Box and Blocks Test MD 1.11, 95% CI -0.06 to 2.28; Melbourne Assessment MD 1.48, 95% CI -0.49 to 3.44; QUEST Dissociated movement MD 6.51, 95% CI -0.74 to 13.76; Grasp, MD 6.63, 95% CI -2.38 to 15.65; Weightbearing MD -2.31, 95% CI -8.02 to 3.40) except for the Protective extension domain (MD 6.86, 95% CI 0.14 to 13.58).There was no evidence of differences in manual ability between groups receiving CIMT or a dose-matched comparison (ABILHAND-Kids MD 0.74, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.18). From 15 studies, two children did not tolerate CIMT and three experienced difficulty.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The quality of evidence for all conclusions was low to very low. For children with unilateral CP, there was some evidence that CIMT resulted in improved bimanual performance and unimanual capacity when compared to a low-dose comparison, but not when compared to a high-dose or dose-matched comparison. Based on the evidence available, CIMT appears to be safe for children with CP.

Tele-UPCAT: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a home-based Tele-monitored UPper limb Children Action observation Training for participants with unilateral cerebral palsy

INTRODUCTION

A new rehabilitative approach, called UPper Limb Children Action Observation Training (UPCAT), based on the principles of action observation training (AOT), has provided promising results for upper limb rehabilitation in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). This study will investigate if a new information and communication technology platform, named Tele-UPCAT, is able to deliver AOT in a home setting and will test its efficacy on children and young people with UCP.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A randomised, allocation concealed (waitlist control) and evaluator-blinded clinical trial with two investigative arms will be carried out. The experimental group will perform AOT at home for 3 weeks using a customised Tele-UPCAT system where they will watch video sequences of goal-directed actions and then complete the motor training of the same actions. The control group will receive usual care for 3 weeks, which may include upper limb training. They will be offered AOT at home after 3 weeks. Twenty-four children with UCP will be recruited for 12 participants per group. The primary outcome will be measured using Assisting Hand Assessment. The Melbourne Assessment 2, ABILHAND, Participation and Environment Measure-Children and Youth and Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire will be included as secondary measures. Quantitative measures from sensorised objects and participants worn Actigraphs GXT3+ will be analysed. The assessment points will be the week before (T0) and after (T1) the period of AOT/standard care. Further assessments will be at T1 plus, the week after the AOT period for the waitlist group and at 8 weeks (T2) and 24 weeks (T3) after AOT training.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial has been approved by the Tuscany Paediatric Ethics Committee (169/2016). Publication of all outcomes will be in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03094455.

Reporting of Telehealth-Delivered Dietary Intervention Trials in Chronic Disease: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Telehealth-delivered dietary interventions are effective for chronic disease management and are an emerging area of clinical practice. However, to apply interventions from the research setting in clinical practice, health professionals need details of each intervention component.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of intervention reporting in published dietary chronic disease management trials that used telehealth delivery methods.

METHODS

Eligible randomized controlled trial publications were identified through a systematic review. The completeness of reporting of experimental and comparison interventions was assessed by two independent assessors using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist that consists of 12 items including intervention rationale, materials used, procedures, providers, delivery mode, location, when and how much intervention delivered, intervention tailoring, intervention modifications, and fidelity. Where reporting was incomplete, further information was sought from additional published material and through email correspondence with trial authors.

RESULTS

Within the 37 eligible trials, there were 49 experimental interventions and 37 comparison interventions. One trial reported every TIDieR item for their experimental intervention. No publications reported every item for the comparison intervention. For the experimental interventions, the most commonly reported items were location (96%), mode of delivery (98%), and rationale for the essential intervention elements (96%). Least reported items for experimental interventions were modifications (2%) and intervention material descriptions (39%) and where to access them (20%). Of the 37 authors, 14 responded with further information, and 8 could not be contacted.

CONCLUSIONS

Many details of the experimental and comparison interventions in telehealth-delivered dietary chronic disease management trials are incompletely reported. This prevents accurate interpretation of trial results and implementation of effective interventions in clinical practice.