[Application of pragmatic randomized controlled trial's design in clinical research of acupuncture].

Currently, the randomized controlled trial (RCT) becomes the generally accepted golden standard for clinical trials. It can be classified into two types based on different design, that is, the explanatory randomized controlled trial (ERCT) and the pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PRCT). In designing a clinical trial, researcher may select either of them according to the goal of research. The design feature of PRCT and its application in designing clinical trials of acupuncture were introduced in this paper. Further attention should be paid on resolvent of how to apply PRCT in combining with other design methods organically to work out clinical trial scheme with high quality and consistent with the characteristics of acupuncture as possible, for evaluating the effect of acupuncture more accurately and objectively, so as to promote the international application and development of acupuncture therapy.