Tuina for functional constipation: A protocol for the systematic review of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, which brings many negative impacts to the patient's daily life. In the treatment of FC, Tuina (Chinese massage) is often performed as complementary and alternative medicine and shows a good effect in many clinical trials. However, no high-quality systematic review was taken to show the efficacy and safety of Tuina for FC. METHODS: The electronic databases of Cochrane Library, Web of Science (WOS), MEDLINE, Wiley, Springer, EMBASE, Chinese Science Citation Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wan-fang database, and other databases will be searched from the establishment to February 1, 2019. Randomized controlled trials about this theme will be retrieved. Independent reviewers will operate literature retrieval, duplication removing, screening, quality evaluation, data analyses by EndNote (X9) and Review Manager (5.3.5). Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis and/or descriptive analysis will be performed based on the included data form. RESULTS: Evidenced outcome will be provided from defecation frequency, stool consistency (Bistol stool scale), success rates, quality of life, proportion of patients using laxatives, and adverse effects. CONCLUSION: This review will provide evidence of whether Tuina is an effective and safe intervention for FC. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This protocol of systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO website (No. CRD42019119722).