Traditional Chinese Exercise Interventions in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Scoping Review Protocol on Intervention Reporting and Outcome Assessment

Research Project Description Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common and heterogeneous clinical syndrome with substantial symptom burden and rehabilitation needs. Traditional Chinese exercise modalities, such as Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, Yijinjing, Wuqinxi, and Daoyin, are increasingly used in cardiovascular rehabilitation; however, the extent, design, reporting quality, and outcome measurement of studies in HFpEF remain unclear. Purpose: This project aims to systematically map original empirical evidence on traditional Chinese exercise interventions delivered to adults with HFpEF; to evaluate intervention reporting completeness using relevant elements of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) and the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT); and to map reported outcomes, measurement instruments, and assessment time points against predefined domains relevant to HFpEF rehabilitation. Expected Outcomes: The project will produce a comprehensive evidence map of traditional Chinese exercise interventions in HFpEF, a structured assessment of intervention reporting completeness, and an outcome-domain matrix summarizing instruments and assessment time points. It is expected to identify reporting gaps, outcome heterogeneity, and evidence clusters, and to inform standardized intervention reporting and the design of future clinical trials in HFpEF rehabilitation.