Randomized Controlled Trials
Research gap analysis derived from 6 engineering papers in our local library.
The gap
Most studies suggest that non-randomized designs limit causal inference and recommend rigorous, randomized controlled trials to validate interventions in their respective fields.
Consensus across the literature
The papers collectively establish the need for robust, randomized controlled trials but leave open specific methodologies and populations for each intervention.
Research trend
Emerging — attention growing, methods still coalescing.
Supporting evidence — 6 representative gaps
- Facilitator-guided vs self-guided debriefing in immersive virtual reality paediatric emergency training: a randomised pilot study on learning outcomes and feasibility (2026) · doi
The pilot study requires adequately powered randomised controlled trials to formally evaluate non-inferiority of self-guided debriefing compared to facilitator-guided debriefing in immersive VR paediatric emergency training, with statistical power calculations for detecting clinically meaningful differences in learning outcomes.
Keywords: non-inferiority immersive virtual reality self-guided debriefing facilitator-guided paediatric emergency randomised controlled trial - Enhancing mathematics retention through seeing-AI: A quasi-experimental study among visually impaired junior secondary students in Ogun State, Nigeria (2026) · doi
The quasi-experimental design did not employ randomized control assignment; future research should implement a fully randomized controlled trial comparing Seeing-AI intervention against traditional tactile/braille methods and other assistive technologies to establish causal mechanisms for mathematics retention improvements.
Keywords: Seeing-AI randomized controlled trial visual impairment mathematics retention assistive technology - Diving after SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection: Fitness to dive assessment and medical guidance (2020) · doi
The study employs a retrospective design using prospectively collected data, which may be subject to selection bias and incomplete documentation; prospective randomized controlled trials could strengthen the evidence base.
Keywords: employs retrospective design using prospectively collected subject selection bias incomplete documentation prospective randomized controlled trials - Effectiveness, safety, and pharmacoeconomic profile of Sophora flavescens film in the treatment of postpartum vaginal dysbiosis: a non-randomized controlled trial (2026) · doi
Confirmation through rigorously designed multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trials is essential to validate the efficacy, delineate long-term safety, and establish robust cost-effectiveness thresholds.
Keywords: confirmation rigorously designed multicenter double blind randomized controlled trials essential validate efficacy delineate long term - Resilience interventions for the family with autistic children: a systematic review (2026) · doi
Some studies are pilot studies that only illustrate the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention, which needs further demonstration by conducting a randomized controlled trial.
Keywords: pilot illustrate acceptability feasibility intervention needs further demonstration conducting randomized controlled trial - Correction: Exercise training affects hemodynamics and exercise capacity in cases of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a non-randomized controlled trial in individuals aged 65–80 years (2026) · doi
The study was non-randomized controlled trial design, which limits causal inference compared to randomized controlled trials
Keywords: randomized controlled trial design limits causal inference compared trials
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