Files and links (1)
Published (Version of Record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Latent classes of trial reporting and publication practices in spinal manipulation research: a meta-epidemiological study
Musculoskeletal science & practice, Vol.81, 103480
2026
PMID: 41468809
Abstract
Background
Reliable reporting and publication practices are essential for trustworthy evidence synthesis and clinical decision-making.
Objective
We aimed to identify latent classes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) based on trial reporting and publication practices, and to examine whether these classes influenced treatment effects.
Design
Meta-epidemiological study.
Method
Trials were evaluated on whether they met criteria for trial reporting and publication practices across six domains. Latent class analysis was used to identify trial subgroups. Random-effects meta-regression models assessed whether class membership predicted pooled estimates of treatment effects for pain and disability.
Results
We included 239 RCTs and identified four classes: Dated (23 %), older trials (mostly pre-2010) with consistently low proportions of criteria met; Non-contributing (30 %), newer trials that inconsistently met the criteria, had small samples, and short follow-ups; SMT-focused (15 %), which reported SMT details and fidelity more consistently but otherwise resembled the Non-contributing class; and Pragmatic (33 %), consisting of larger trials, meeting most criteria, but often underreported SMT-specific and fidelity details. Reporting practices had larger impact on class membership than publication practices. Despite differences class membership was not associated with treatment effect estimates and explained minimal outcome variability (R2 ∼1 %).
Conclusions
Although trial reporting and publication practices varied substantially across SMT trials, these differences were not associated with differences in treatment effects. The widespread failure to meet key criteria raises concerns about the interpretability and credibility of the SMT evidence base. To strengthen transparency and scientific value, future trials should adhere more rigorously to reporting guidelines.
Details
- Title
- Latent classes of trial reporting and publication practices in spinal manipulation research: a meta-epidemiological study
- Authors/Creators
- Casper Nim - Medical Research Unit, Spine Centre of Southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, DenmarkMichelle Frederiksen - University of Southern DenmarkSasha Aspinall - Murdoch UniversityAron Downie - Macquarie UniversityMartha Funabashi - University of Southern DenmarkSteen Harsted - University of Southern DenmarkHazel Jenkins - Macquarie UniversityDavid McNaughton - Central Queensland UniversityLuana Nyirö - University of ZurichEric J. Roseen - Boston UniversityJames J. Young - University of Southern DenmarkLiz Dennett - University of AlbertaStephen M. Perle - Big Data Interrogation Group, Health Sciences University, Bournemouth, UKChad Cook - Duke UniversityCarsten Juhl - University of Southern DenmarkJan Hartvigsen - University of Southern Denmark
- Publication Details
- Musculoskeletal science & practice, Vol.81, 103480
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.; AMSTERDAM
- Number of pages
- 9
- Identifiers
- 991005847190907891
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Allied Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Metrics
3 Record Views