Is the N-of-1 method applicable in bodywork research? Lessons learned using a trial as a methodological pilot / 中西医结合学报

N-of-1 trial designs have rarely been used in bodywork research. Using a recent trial as a methodological pilot, critical issues related to the applicability of N-of-1 trials to bodywork are discussed. These include the issues of carry-over effects, bias-controlling approaches and statistical analysis. The discussion highlights the importance of mixed methods and draws some suggestions for a future research program. N-of-1 trials could be used to provide insights about some essential elements of bodywork modalities and their effectiveness.

Status and Exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation And Treatment for Bronchiectasis / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Bronchiectasis is a common chronic disease in the respiratory system.Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has unique effects on bronchiectasis treatment.By collecting published literatures on TCM treatment of bronchiectasis in recent years,summation was made on medication characteristics,including staging,syndrome differentiation and treatment,yin-nourishing or yang-warming during stabilized phase,as well as medication dosage.This study was aimed to explore the issue of how to improve the quality of TCM randomized controlled trial (RCT),individualized clinical trial method,and etc.,in order to improve the clinical research level of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for bronchiectasis.

Glinical Trials in Japan and Korea-The Present State and Issues to be Solved- / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

The purpose of this workshop was to discuss on various issues for the development of a protocol for the Ja pan-Korea research collaboration. An important issue is to select/develop the experimental design of the clinical trial for individualized therapy done in Japan and Korea. Randomizedn-of-1 trial and randomization test were proposed as an possible candidate. A pilot study using randomized n-of-1 trial was done using intradermal acupuncture on pollinosis, and the methodological issues on the generalizability of randomized n-of-1 trial and the need of the selection of target disease were discussed. Onthe other hand, the literature survey has shown that the individualized acupuncture therapy is more effective than those of the standardized' fixed acupuncture therapy in usual RCTs. The diagnosis and selection of acupuncture point and method of manipulation were also shown to be an important factor. Further discussions will be required for the development of the adequate protocol for the individualized therapy.