Complementary therapies in clinical practice
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · May 2006
ReviewRedefining the randomized controlled trial in the context of acupuncture research.
The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is considered the 'gold standard' methodology for evaluating efficacy of an intervention. It has been argued that RCTs cannot be used to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture. ⋯ With these factors combined, it is possible to greatly increase internal and external validity in acupuncture RCTs.