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Aspinall SL, Nim C, Hartvigsen J, Cook CE, Skillgate E, Vogel S, Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Underwood M, Rubinstein SM. Waste not, want not: call to action for spinal manipulative therapy researchers. Chiropr Man Therap 2024; 32:16. [PMID: 38745213 PMCID: PMC11092111 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-024-00539-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research waste is defined as research outcomes with no or minimal societal benefits. It is a widespread problem in the healthcare field. Four primary sources of research waste have been defined: (1) irrelevant or low priority research questions, (2) poor design or methodology, (3) lack of publication, and (4) biased or inadequate reporting. This commentary, which was developed by a multidisciplinary group of researchers with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) research expertise, discusses waste in SMT research and provides suggestions to improve future research. MAIN TEXT This commentary examines common sources of waste in SMT research, focusing on design and methodological issues, by drawing on prior research and examples from clinical and mechanistic SMT studies. Clinical research is dominated by small studies and studies with a high risk of bias. This problem is compounded by systematic reviews that pool heterogenous data from varying populations, settings, and application of SMT. Research focusing on the mechanisms of SMT often fails to address the clinical relevance of mechanisms, relies on very short follow-up periods, and has inadequate control for contextual factors. CONCLUSIONS This call to action is directed to researchers in the field of SMT. It is critical that the SMT research community act to improve the way research is designed, conducted, and disseminated. We present specific key action points and resources, which should enhance the quality and usefulness of future SMT research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Casper Nim
- Medical Research Unit, Spine Centre of Southern Denmark, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Middelfart, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center for Muscle and Joint Health, Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jan Hartvigsen
- Center for Muscle and Joint Health, Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Chad E Cook
- Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eva Skillgate
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Naprapathögskolan, Scandinavian College of Naprapathic Manual Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Steven Vogel
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, UK
| | - David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, UK
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martin Underwood
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
- University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Sidney M Rubinstein
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Je HJ, Singh S, Kim DW, Hur HS, Kim AL, Seo EJ, Koo OK. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Campylobacter Species Contamination in Poultry, Meat, and Processing Environments in South Korea. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2722. [PMID: 38004735 PMCID: PMC10673067 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter spp. constitute a significant global threat as a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with poultry meat as a prominent reservoir for these pathogens. South Korea is known for its diverse poultry consumption habits, and continuous outbreaks make it a matter of concern to perform a meta-analysis to identify the primary source of contamination. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of Campylobacter in various poultry and meat types while also considering the importance of environmental factors in South Korea. The meta-analysis revealed that duck meat exhibited the highest prevalence of Campylobacter, with a pooled estimate of 70.46% (95% CI: 42.80% to 88.38%), followed by chicken meat at a pooled prevalence of 36.17% (95% CI: 26.44% to 47.91%). Additionally, our analysis highlighted the predominance of C. jejuni and C. coli in South Korea. These findings underscore the importance of implementing rigorous food safety measures and establishing robust surveillance programs in the poultry industry to mitigate the risk of Campylobacter-related foodborne illnesses associated with meat consumption in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Ji Je
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea (D.W.K.); (H.S.H.); (A.L.K.)
| | - Saloni Singh
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea (D.W.K.); (H.S.H.); (A.L.K.)
| | - Dong Woo Kim
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea (D.W.K.); (H.S.H.); (A.L.K.)
| | - Hyun Seok Hur
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea (D.W.K.); (H.S.H.); (A.L.K.)
| | - Ah Leum Kim
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea (D.W.K.); (H.S.H.); (A.L.K.)
| | - Eun Jin Seo
- Agro-Bioproduct Analysis Team, Korea Agriculture Technology Promotion Agency, Iksan 54667, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ok Kyung Koo
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea (D.W.K.); (H.S.H.); (A.L.K.)
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Innocenti T, Hayden JA, Salvioli S, Giagio S, Piano L, Cosentino C, Brindisino F, Feller D, Ogilvie R, Gianola S, Castellini G, Bargeri S, Twisk JWR, Ostelo RW, Chiarotto A. Bias in the measurement of the outcome is associated with effect sizes in randomized clinical trials on exercise therapy for chronic low back pain: a meta-epidemiological study. J Clin Epidemiol 2023; 162:145-155. [PMID: 37704114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the relationships between the risk of bias and treatment effect estimates for exercise therapy interventions on pain intensity and physical functioning outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with chronic low back pain. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A cross-sectional meta-epidemiological study of the 230 RCTs (31,674 participants) in the 2021 'Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain' Cochrane Review were included. Study design characteristics, sample size, prospective trial registration, flowchart information, interventions, and comparisons were extracted. Independent pairs of reviewers assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. RESULTS The metaregression included 220 (pain intensity) and 203 (physical functioning) effect sizes. Unadjusted and adjusted metaregression models showed no significant associations between the bias domains and pain intensity effect sizes. Only domain 'bias in the measurement of the outcome' was significantly associated with physical functioning (standardized mean difference: -0.40, 95% confidence interval: -0.77 to -0.02) when adjusted for flowchart reported (yes/no), prospective trial registration, sample size, and comparator type. CONCLUSION The risk of bias in the measurement of the outcome could lead to slight overestimates of the effect size for physical functioning. Clinicians should consider this when they read and assess RCT results in this field. We encourage metaresearchers to replicate our findings using a consistent approach for evaluating the risk of bias (i.e., the RoB 2 tool) in other musculoskeletal conditions and interventions to investigate their generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Innocenti
- Faculty of Science, Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; GIMBE Foundation, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Jill A Hayden
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- GIMBE Foundation, Bologna, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Giagio
- Division of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Piano
- Unit of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, Fondazione dei Santi Lorenzo e Teobaldo, Rodello, Italy
| | - Carola Cosentino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Brindisino
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Daniel Feller
- Provincial Agency for Health of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Rachel Ogilvie
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Silvia Gianola
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Castellini
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bargeri
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond W Ostelo
- Faculty of Science, Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Movement Sciences research institute, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Chiarotto
- Faculty of Science, Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Castellini G, Pillastrini P, Vanti C, Bargeri S, Giagio S, Bordignon E, Fasciani F, Marzioni F, Innocenti T, Chiarotto A, Gianola S, Bertozzi L. Some conservative interventions are more effective than others for people with chronic non-specific neck pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Physiother 2022; 68:244-254. [PMID: 36266185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
QUESTION Which is the most effective conservative intervention for patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (CNSNP)? DESIGN A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. PARTICIPANTS Adults with CNSNP of at least 3 months duration. INTERVENTIONS All available pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability. The secondary outcome was adverse events. RESULTS Overall, 119 RCTs (12,496 patients; 32 interventions) were included. Risk of bias was low in 50.4% of trials, unclear in 22.7% and high in 26.9%. Compared with inert treatment, a combination of active and/or passive multimodal non-pharmacological inventions (eg, exercise and manual therapy) were effective for pain on a 0-to-10 scale at 1 month (MD range 0.84 to 3.74) and at 3 to 6 months (MD range 1.06 to 1.49), and effective on disability on a 0-to-100 scale at 1 month (MD range 10.26 to 14.09) and 3 to 6 months (MD range 5.60 to 16.46). These effects ranged from possible to definite clinical relevance. Compared with inert treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with another non-pharmacological treatment did not reduce pain at 1 month or 3 to 6 months. At 12 months, no superiority was found over inert treatment on both outcomes. Most mild adverse events were experienced following acupuncture/dry needling intervention. On average, the evidence varied from low to very low certainty. CONCLUSIONS While multimodal non-pharmacological interventions may reduce pain and disability for up to 3 to 6 months of follow-up when compared with inert treatment, the evidence was very uncertain about their effects. Better quality and larger trials are needed to improve the certainty of evidence. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42019124501.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Castellini
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Pillastrini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) - University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Vanti
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bargeri
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giagio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) - University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Fasciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) - University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Marzioni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) - University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziano Innocenti
- Department of Health Science - Faculty of Science - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, The Netherlands; GIMBE Foundation, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Chiarotto
- Department of Health Science - Faculty of Science - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, The Netherlands; Department of General Practice - Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Gianola
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Bertozzi
- Division of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Myburgh C, Kildsgaard K, Damsgaard T, Corfixen K, Boyle E. Consistency of Dry-Needling Interventions Across High-Quality Randomized Trials: A Critical Systematic Exploration of Intervention Reporting and Fidelity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2021; 44:546-557. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Núñez-Cortés R, Alvarez G, Pérez-Bracchiglione J, Cabanas-Valdés R, Calvo-Sanz J, Bonfill X, Urrutia G. Reporting results in manual therapy clinical trials: A need for improvement. INT J OSTEOPATH MED 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijosm.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Lavazza C, Galli M, Abenavoli A, Maggiani A. Sham treatment effects in manual therapy trials on back pain patients: a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045106. [PMID: 33947735 PMCID: PMC8098952 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects and reliability of sham procedures in manual therapy (MT) trials in the treatment of back pain (BP) in order to provide methodological guidance for clinical trial development. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Different databases were screened up to 20 August 2020. Randomised controlled trials involving adults affected by BP (cervical and lumbar), acute or chronic, were included.Hand contact sham treatment (ST) was compared with different MT (physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, massage, kinesiology and reflexology) and to no treatment. Primary outcomes were BP improvement, success of blinding and adverse effect (AE). Secondary outcomes were number of drop-outs. Dichotomous outcomes were analysed using risk ratio (RR), continuous using mean difference (MD), 95% CIs. The minimal clinically important difference was 30 mm changes in pain score. RESULTS 24 trials were included involving 2019 participants. Very low evidence quality suggests clinically insignificant pain improvement in favour of MT compared with ST (MD 3.86, 95% CI 3.29 to 4.43) and no differences between ST and no treatment (MD -5.84, 95% CI -20.46 to 8.78).ST reliability shows a high percentage of correct detection by participants (ranged from 46.7% to 83.5%), spinal manipulation being the most recognised technique.Low quality of evidence suggests that AE and drop-out rates were similar between ST and MT (RR AE=0.84, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.28, RR drop-outs=0.98, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.25). A similar drop-out rate was reported for no treatment (RR=0.82, 95% 0.43 to 1.55). CONCLUSIONS MT does not seem to have clinically relevant effect compared with ST. Similar effects were found with no treatment. The heterogeneousness of sham MT studies and the very low quality of evidence render uncertain these review findings.Future trials should develop reliable kinds of ST, similar to active treatment, to ensure participant blinding and to guarantee a proper sample size for the reliable detection of clinically meaningful treatment effects. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020198301.
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de Zoete A, Rubinstein SM, de Boer MR, Ostelo R, Underwood M, Hayden JA, Buffart LM, van Tulder MW. The effect of spinal manipulative therapy on pain relief and function in patients with chronic low back pain: an individual participant data meta-analysis. Physiotherapy 2021; 112:121-134. [PMID: 34049207 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 2019 review concluded that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) results in similar benefit compared to other interventions for chronic low back pain (LBP). Compared to traditional aggregate analyses individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses allows for a more precise estimate of the treatment effect. PURPOSE To assess the effect of SMT on pain and function for chronic LBP in a IPD meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases from 2000 until April 2016, and reference lists of eligible trials and related reviews. STUDY SELECTION Randomized controlled trials (RCT) examining the effect of SMT in adults with chronic LBP compared to any comparator. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS We contacted authors from eligible trials. Two review authors independently conducted the study selection and risk of bias. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence. A one-stage mixed model analysis was conducted. Negative point estimates of the mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) favors SMT. RESULTS Of the 42 RCTs fulfilling the inclusion criteria, we obtained IPD from 21 (n=4223). Most trials (s=12, n=2249) compared SMT to recommended interventions. There is moderate quality evidence that SMT vs recommended interventions resulted in similar outcomes on pain (MD -3.0, 95%CI: -6.9 to 0.9, 10 trials, 1922 participants) and functional status at one month (SMD: -0.2, 95% CI -0.4 to 0.0, 10 trials, 1939 participants). Effects at other follow-up measurements were similar. Results for other comparisons (SMT vs non-recommended interventions; SMT as adjuvant therapy; mobilization vs manipulation) showed similar findings. SMT vs sham SMT analysis was not performed, because we only had data from one study. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. LIMITATIONS Only 50% of the eligible trials were included. CONCLUSIONS Sufficient evidence suggest that SMT provides similar outcomes to recommended interventions, for pain relief and improvement of functional status. SMT would appear to be a good option for the treatment of chronic LBP. Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42015025714.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie de Zoete
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sidney M Rubinstein
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Michiel R de Boer
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, UMCG, the Netherlands.
| | - Raymond Ostelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Martin Underwood
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
| | - Jill A Hayden
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 1V7, Canada.
| | | | - Maurits W van Tulder
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Exercise Interventions for Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain – Does Matching Outcomes to Treatment Targets Make a Difference? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 22:107-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Alvarez G, Núñez-Cortés R, Solà I, Sitjà-Rabert M, Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe A, Fernández C, Bonfill X, Urrútia G. Sample size, study length, and inadequate controls were the most common self-acknowledged limitations in manual therapy trials: A methodological review. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 130:96-106. [PMID: 33144246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to quantify and analyze the presence and type of self-acknowledged limitations (SALs) in a sample of manual therapy (MT) randomized controlled trials. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We randomly selected 120 MT trials. We extracted data related to SALs from the original reports and classified them into 12 categories. After data extraction, specific limitations within each category were identified. A descriptive analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables. RESULTS The number of SALs per trial article ranged from 0 to 8, and more than two-thirds of trials acknowledged at least two different limitations. Despite its small proportion, 9% of trials did not report SALs. The most common limitation declared, in almost half of our sample, related to sample size (47.5%) followed by limitations related to study length and follow-up (33.3%) and inadequate controls (32.5%). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that at least two different limitations are consistently acknowledged in MT trial reports, the most common being those related to sample size, study length, follow-up, and inadequate controls. Analysis of the reasons behind the SALs gives some insights about the main difficulties in conducting research in this field and may help develop strategies to improve future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Alvarez
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre - Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, IIB Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Foundation Centre for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration. Spain National Centre, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivan Solà
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre - Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, IIB Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Mercè Sitjà-Rabert
- Blanquerna School of Health Science (FCS), Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain; Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Azahara Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe
- Blanquerna School of Health Science (FCS), Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain; Blanquerna Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences and Sport (FPCEE), Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Fernández
- Blanquerna School of Health Science (FCS), Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain; Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Bonfill
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre - Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, IIB Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Gerard Urrútia
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre - Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute, IIB Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
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Alvarez G, Solà I, Sitjà-Rabert M, Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe A, Gich I, Fernández C, Bonfill X, Urrútia G. A methodological review revealed that reporting of trials in manual therapy has not improved over time. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 121:32-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft WJJ, de Boer MR, van Tulder MW. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2019; 364:l689. [PMID: 30867144 PMCID: PMC6396088 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for the treatment of chronic low back pain. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. DATA SOURCES Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Index to Chiropractic Literature, and trial registries up to 4 May 2018, including reference lists of eligible trials and related reviews. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Randomised controlled trials examining the effect of spinal manipulation or mobilisation in adults (≥18 years) with chronic low back pain with or without referred pain. Studies that exclusively examined sciatica were excluded, as was grey literature. No restrictions were applied to language or setting. REVIEW METHODS Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and quality of the evidence. The effect of SMT was compared with recommended therapies, non-recommended therapies, sham (placebo) SMT, and SMT as an adjuvant therapy. Main outcomes were pain and back specific functional status, examined as mean differences and standardised mean differences (SMD), respectively. Outcomes were examined at 1, 6, and 12 months. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. A random effects model was used and statistical heterogeneity explored. RESULTS 47 randomised controlled trials including a total of 9211 participants were identified, who were on average middle aged (35-60 years). Most trials compared SMT with recommended therapies. Moderate quality evidence suggested that SMT has similar effects to other recommended therapies for short term pain relief (mean difference -3.17, 95% confidence interval -7.85 to 1.51) and a small, clinically better improvement in function (SMD -0.25, 95% confidence interval -0.41 to -0.09). High quality evidence suggested that compared with non-recommended therapies SMT results in small, not clinically better effects for short term pain relief (mean difference -7.48, -11.50 to -3.47) and small to moderate clinically better improvement in function (SMD -0.41, -0.67 to -0.15). In general, these results were similar for the intermediate and long term outcomes as were the effects of SMT as an adjuvant therapy. Evidence for sham SMT was low to very low quality; therefore these effects should be considered uncertain. Statistical heterogeneity could not be explained. About half of the studies examined adverse and serious adverse events, but in most of these it was unclear how and whether these events were registered systematically. Most of the observed adverse events were musculoskeletal related, transient in nature, and of mild to moderate severity. One study with a low risk of selection bias and powered to examine risk (n=183) found no increased risk of an adverse event (relative risk 1.24, 95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.81) or duration of the event (1.13, 0.59 to 2.18) compared with sham SMT. In one study, the Data Safety Monitoring Board judged one serious adverse event to be possibly related to SMT. CONCLUSION SMT produces similar effects to recommended therapies for chronic low back pain, whereas SMT seems to be better than non-recommended interventions for improvement in function in the short term. Clinicians should inform their patients of the potential risks of adverse events associated with SMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidney M Rubinstein
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemarie de Zoete
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Willem J J Assendelft
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Michiel R de Boer
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maurits W van Tulder
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lascurain-Aguirrebeña I, Newham DJ, Casado-Zumeta X, Lertxundi A, Critchley DJ. Immediate effects of cervical mobilisations on global perceived effect, movement associated pain and neck kinematics in patients with non-specific neck pain. A double blind placebo randomised controlled trial. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2018; 38:83-90. [PMID: 30342295 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neck pain is prevalent, costly and disabling. Cervical mobilisations are frequently used to treat it but their effectiveness has been questioned by several systematic reviews. Evidence suggests that better outcomes are achieved with mobilisations when they are applied to specific patient subgroups. A criteria for patients suitable for neck mobilisations has been proposed, but the effectiveness on this patient subgroup has not been tested. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of cervical mobilisations applied to a subgroup of patients with neck pain who fulfil specific criteria. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. METHOD 40 patients with neck pain attending a Physiotherapy clinic were recruited and randomised to a single session of either cervical mobilisations or motionless manual contact placebo. The immediate effects on global perceived effect, range of movement (ROM), movement velocity and movement associated pain were assessed. RESULTS mobilisation participants reported significantly better global perceived effect (p˂0.001) and improvements in movement associated pain (p = 0.041). Mobilisations produced a significant increase in ROM in side flexion (p = 0.006) and rotation (p = 0.044) when compared with placebo, but only in patients with pre-intervention ROM restriction. 29-47% of all movement associated pains were resolved following mobilisations and 11-27% following placebo. Patients in both groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in movement velocity, but only in those who had a velocity restriction pre-intervention. CONCLUSIONS Cervical mobilisations are effective in improving movement-associated pain, increasing ROM and velocity, and patient perceived improvement when applied to patients with neck pain that fulfil a criteria. Their use should be advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Lascurain-Aguirrebeña
- Division of Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, United Kingdom; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940, Spain.
| | - Di J Newham
- Centre of Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Aitana Lertxundi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940, Spain; Health Research Institute, Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Duncan J Critchley
- Division of Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, United Kingdom.
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Andrews DP, Odland-Wolf KB, May J, Baker R, Nasypany A, Dinkins EM. Immediate and short-term effects of mulligan concept positional sustained natural apophyseal glides on an athletic young-adult population classified with mechanical neck pain: an exploratory investigation. J Man Manip Ther 2018; 26:203-211. [PMID: 30083043 PMCID: PMC6071273 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2018.1460965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is common in the athletic population. While symptoms may present at the cervical spine for patients complaining of MNP, thoracic spinal alignment or dysfunction may influence cervical positioning and overall cervical function. Clinicians often employ cervical high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulations to treat MNP, albeit with a small level of inherent risk. Mulligan Concept positional sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) directed at the cervicothoracic region are emerging to treat patients with cervical pain and dysfunction, as evidence supporting an interdependent relationship between the thoracic and cervical spine grows. The purpose of this a priori study was to evaluate outcome measures of patients classified with MNP treated with the Mulligan Concept Positional SNAGs. Methods: Ten consecutive young-adult patients, ages ranging from 15 to 18 years (mean = 16.5 ± 1.78), classified with MNP were treated utilizing Mulligan Concept Positional SNAGs. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Disablement in the Physically Active (DPAS), and Fear-Avoidance Based Questionnaire-Physical Activity (FABQPA) were collected for inclusion criteria and to identify patient-reported pain and dysfunction. Results: Patients reported decreases in pain on the NRS [5.4 to .16, p = .001], increases in function on the PSFS [5.2 to 10, p = .001], and increases in cervical range of motion (CROM) [ext p = .003, flex p = .009, left rot p = .001, right rot p = .002] immediately post-treatment and between treatments. Discussion: Positional SNAGs directed at the cervicothoracic region may address a variety of patient reported symptoms for MNP, and the number of treatment sessions needed for symptom resolution may be closer to a single session rather than multiple treatments. Level of Evidence: 4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James May
- College of Education, Movement Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Russell Baker
- College of Education, Movement Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Alan Nasypany
- College of Education, Movement Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
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15
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Innes SI, Leboeuf-Yde C, Walker BF. How frequent are non-evidence-based health care beliefs in chiropractic students and do they vary across the pre-professional educational years. Chiropr Man Therap 2018; 26:8. [PMID: 29568484 PMCID: PMC5853152 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-018-0178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that a students’ beliefs already prior to entering a program may be important as a determinant in sustaining unsuitable health care beliefs. Our objectives were to investigate the proportion of Australian chiropractic students who hold non-evidence-based beliefs in the first year of study and the extent to which they may be involved in non-musculoskeletal health conditions. Finally, to see if this proportion varies over the course of the chiropractic program. Method In 2016, students from two Australian chiropractic programs answered a questionnaire on how often they would give advice on five common health conditions in their future practices as well as their opinion on whether chiropractic spinal adjustments could prevent or help seven health-related conditions. Results From a possible 831 students, 444 responded (53%). Students were highly likely to offer advice (often/quite often) on a range of non-musculoskeletal conditions. The proportions were lowest in first year and highest the final year. Also, high numbers of students held non-evidence-based beliefs about ‘chiropractic spinal adjustments’ which tended to occur in gradually decreasing in numbers in sequential years, except for fifth year when a reversal of the pattern occurred. Conclusions New strategies are required for chiropractic educators if they are to produce graduates who understand and deliver evidence-based health care and able to be part of the mainstream health care system. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12998-018-0178-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley I Innes
- 1School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde
- 1School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia.,Institut Franco-Européen de Chiropraxie, 94200 Ivry sur Seine, France.,3CIAMS, University Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.,4CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France.,5Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Bruce F Walker
- 1School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
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16
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Puhl AA, Reinhart CJ, Doan JB, Vernon H. The quality of placebos used in randomized, controlled trials of lumbar and pelvic joint thrust manipulation-a systematic review. Spine J 2017; 17:445-456. [PMID: 27888138 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been attributed with substantial non-specific effects. Accurate assessment of the non-specific effects of SMT relies on high-quality studies with low risk of bias that compare with appropriate placebos. PURPOSE This review aims to characterize the types and qualities of placebo control procedures used in controlled trials of manually applied, lumbar and pelvic (LP)-SMT, and to evaluate the assessment of subject blinding and expectations. STUDY DESIGN This is a systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Index to Chiropractic Literature, and relevant bibliographies. We included randomized, placebo or sham-controlled trials where the index treatment was manually applied LP-SMT. There were no restrictions on the type of condition being investigated. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, assessed study quality, and extracted the data. Relevant data were the type and quality of placebo control(s) used, the assessment of blinding and expectations, and the results of those assessments. RESULTS Twenty-five randomized, placebo-controlled trials were included in this review. There were 18 trials that used a sham manual SMT procedure for their placebo control intervention; the most common approach was with an SMT setup but without the application of any thrust. One small pilot study used an unequivocally indistinguishable placebo, two trials used placebos that had been validated as inert a priori, and eight trials reported on the success of subject blinding. Risk of bias was high or unclear, for all included studies. CONCLUSIONS Imperfect placebos are ubiquitous in clinical trials of LP-SMT, and few trials have assessed for successful subject blinding or balanced expectations of treatment success between active and control group subjects. There is thus a strong potential for unmasking of control subjects, unequal non-specific effects between active and control groups, and non-inert placebos in existing trials. Future trials should consider assessing the success of subject blinding and ensuring inertness of their placebo a priori, as a minimum standard for quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Puhl
- Private Practice, Able Body Health Clinic, 1212 - 3rd Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0J9, Canada.
| | - Christine J Reinhart
- Private Practice, Able Body Health Clinic, 1212 - 3rd Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0J9, Canada
| | - Jon B Doan
- Engineering and Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 6T5, Canada
| | - Howard Vernon
- Division of Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street North York, Toronto, Ontario M2H 3J1, Canada
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Ushinohama A, Cunha BP, Costa LOP, Barela AMF, Freitas PBD. Effect of a single session of ear acupuncture on pain intensity and postural control in individuals with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther 2016; 20:328-35. [PMID: 27556389 PMCID: PMC5015670 DOI: 10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ear Acupuncture (EA) is a form of acupuncture in which needles are applied to the
external ear and has been used in multiple painful conditions. Low back pain (LBP)
is highly prevalent in active individuals and causes high economic burden to
health systems worldwide. LBP affects the person’s ability to keep balance,
especially in challenging conditions. Objective The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a single session of EA on pain
intensity and body sway during postural tasks. Method Eighty adults with LBP and pain intensity equal to or greater than 4 (0-10 scale)
were randomly allocated (1:1) to EA group (EAG) or placebo group (PG). Initially,
the level of pain intensity was assessed. Next, participants stood still on a
force plate either with feet in parallel or in semi-tandem and with eyes open or
closed. Then, the EAG was treated with EA for 20 min and the PG was treated with
detuned ultrasound. After the treatment, pain intensity was assessed again and the
postural test was repeated. Pain intensity was the primary outcome and center of
pressure sway area and speed were the secondary outcomes measured. Results Results revealed that pain intensity decreased in both groups after treatment, but
decreased more in the EAG. For postural control, no effect of treatment and no
interaction between treatment and postural condition on body sway were found. Conclusion Those findings indicate that EA is better than placebo to reduce pain, but neither
treatment has any effect on postural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ushinohama
- Laboratório de Análise do Movimento, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências do Movimento Humano, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bianca P Cunha
- Laboratório de Análise do Movimento, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências do Movimento Humano, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo O P Costa
- Programa de Mestrado e Doutorado em Fisioterapia, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Musculoskeletal Division, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ana M F Barela
- Laboratório de Análise do Movimento, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências do Movimento Humano, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo B de Freitas
- Laboratório de Análise do Movimento, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências do Movimento Humano, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Karpouzis F, Bonello R, Pribicevic M, Kalamir A, Brown BT. Quality of reporting of randomised controlled trials in chiropractic using the CONSORT checklist. Chiropr Man Therap 2016; 24:19. [PMID: 27284400 PMCID: PMC4899907 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-016-0099-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reviews indicate that the quality of reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the medical literature is less than optimal, poor to moderate, and require improving. However, the reporting quality of chiropractic RCTs is unknown. As a result, the aim of this study was to assess the reporting quality of chiropractic RCTs and identify factors associated with better reporting quality. We hypothesized that quality of reporting of RCTs was influenced by industry funding, positive findings, larger sample sizes, latter year of publication and publication in non-chiropractic journals. METHODS RCTs published between 2005 and 2014 were sourced from clinical trial registers, PubMed and the Cochrane Reviews. RCTs were included if they involved high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal and/or extremity manipulation and were conducted by a chiropractor or within a chiropractic department. Data extraction, and reviews were conducted by all authors independently. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. OUTCOMES a 39-point overall quality of reporting score checklist was developed based on the CONSORT 2010 and CONSORT for Non-Pharmacological Treatments statements. Four key methodological items, based on allocation concealment, blinding of participants and assessors, and use of intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) were also investigated. RESULTS Thirty-five RCTs were included. The overall quality of reporting score ranged between 10 and 33 (median score 26.0; IQR = 8.00). Allocation concealment, blinding of participants and assessors and ITT analysis were reported in 31 (87 %), 16 (46 %), 25 (71 %) and 21 (60 %) of the 35 RCTs respectively. Items most underreported were from the CONSORT for Non-Pharmacological Treatments statement. Multivariate regression analysis, revealed that year of publication (t32 = 5.17, p = 0.000, 95 % CI: 0.76, 1.76), and sample size (t32 = 3.01, p = 0.005, 95 % CI: 1.36, 7.02), were the only two factors associated with reporting quality. CONCLUSION The overall quality of reporting RCTs in chiropractic ranged from poor to excellent, improving between 2005 and 2014. This study suggests that quality of reporting, was influenced by year of publication and sample size but not journal type, funding source or outcome positivity. Reporting of some key methodological items and uptake of items from the CONSORT Extension for Non-Pharmacological Treatments items was suboptimal. Future recommendations were made.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rod Bonello
- />School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch, 6150 WA Australia
| | - Mario Pribicevic
- />Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Balaclava Rd., North Ryde, 2109 NSW Australia
| | - Allan Kalamir
- />Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Balaclava Rd., North Ryde, 2109 NSW Australia
| | - Benjamin T. Brown
- />Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Balaclava Rd., North Ryde, 2109 NSW Australia
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19
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Gorrell LM, Beath K, Engel RM. Manual and Instrument Applied Cervical Manipulation for Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2016; 39:319-329. [PMID: 27180949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 different cervical manipulation techniques for mechanical neck pain (MNP). METHODS Participants with MNP of at least 1 month's duration (n = 65) were randomly allocated to 3 groups: (1) stretching (control), (2) stretching plus manually applied manipulation (MAM), and (3) stretching plus instrument-applied manipulation (IAM). MAM consisted of a single high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical chiropractic manipulation, whereas IAM involved the application of a single cervical manipulation using an (Activator IV) adjusting instrument. Preintervention and postintervention measurements were taken of all outcomes measures. Pain was the primary outcome and was measured using visual analogue scale and pressure pain thresholds. Secondary outcomes included cervical range of motion, hand grip-strength, and wrist blood pressure. Follow-up subjective pain scores were obtained via telephone text message 7 days postintervention. RESULTS Subjective pain scores decreased at 7-day follow-up in the MAM group compared with control (P = .015). Cervical rotation bilaterally (ipsilateral: P = .002; contralateral: P = .015) and lateral flexion on the contralateral side to manipulation (P = .001) increased following MAM. Hand grip-strength on the contralateral side to manipulation (P = .013) increased following IAM. No moderate or severe adverse events were reported. Mild adverse events were reported on 6 occasions (control, 4; MAM, 1; IAM, 1). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that a single cervical manipulation is capable of producing immediate and short-term benefits for MNP. The study also demonstrates that not all manipulative techniques have the same effect and that the differences may be mediated by neurological or biomechanical factors inherent to each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Gorrell
- Sessional Academic, Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenneth Beath
- Lecturer, Department of Statistics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger M Engel
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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20
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Weeks WB, Tosteson TD, Whedon JM, Leininger B, Lurie JD, Swenson R, Goertz CM, O'Malley AJ. Comparing Propensity Score Methods for Creating Comparable Cohorts of Chiropractic Users and Nonusers in Older, Multiply Comorbid Medicare Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2015; 38:620-628. [PMID: 26547763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients who use complementary and integrative health services like chiropractic manipulative treatment (CMT) often have different characteristics than do patients who do not, and these differences can confound attempts to compare outcomes across treatment groups, particularly in observational studies when selection bias may occur. The purposes of this study were to provide an overview on how propensity scoring methods can be used to address selection bias by balancing treatment groups on key variables and to use Medicare data to compare different methods for doing so. METHODS We described 2 propensity score methods (matching and weighting). Then we used Medicare data from 2006 to 2012 on older, multiply comorbid patients who had a chronic low back pain episode to demonstrate the impact of applying methods on the balance of demographics of patients between 2 treatment groups (those who received only CMT and those who received no CMT during their episodes). RESULTS Before application of propensity score methods, patients who used only CMT had different characteristics from those who did not. Propensity score matching diminished observed differences across the treatment groups at the expense of reduced sample size. However, propensity score weighting achieved balance in patient characteristics between the groups and allowed us to keep the entire sample. CONCLUSIONS Although propensity score matching and weighting have similar effects in terms of balancing covariates, weighting has the advantage of maintaining sample size, preserving external validity, and generalizing more naturally to comparisons of 3 or more treatment groups. Researchers should carefully consider which propensity score method to use, as using different methods can generate different results.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Weeks
- Professor, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH; Chair, Health Services and Clinical Research Program, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA.
| | - Tor D Tosteson
- Professor, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Davenport, IA
| | - James M Whedon
- Instructor, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH; Director, Health Services Research, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA
| | - Brent Leininger
- Research Fellow, Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program, Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Jon D Lurie
- Associate Professor, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH
| | - Rand Swenson
- Professor, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Davenport, IA
| | - Christine M Goertz
- Vice Chancellor, Palmer College of Chiropractic, and Director, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Davenport, IA
| | - Alistair J O'Malley
- Professor, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Biomedical Data Science, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH
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