Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Sep 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRandomized clinical trial of conservative treatment for patients with whiplash-associated disorders: considerations for the design and dynamic treatment protocol.
Whiplash concerns a considerable problem to health care. Available evidence from systematic reviews indicates beneficial effects of active interventions for patients with whiplash injury. In order to evaluate whether a general practitioner or a physiotherapist should provide these active interventions, we have designed a randomized clinical trial. ⋯ To date, generally the effect of one intervention compared to another intervention has been examined. In our opinion, this cannot be considered as usual care for physiotherapy or general practice. Therefore, a dynamic treatment protocol has been developed to structure the black box of usual physiotherapy and general practice treatment. The results of this trial will be available in 0.5 year.
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Sep 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA pilot study for a randomized clinical trial assessing chiropractic care, medical care, and self-care education for acute and subacute neck pain patients.
To conduct a pilot study in preparation for a full-scale randomized clinical trial assessing conservative treatments for acute and subacute neck pain. Study design Prospective, randomized pilot study. ⋯ Recruitment of patients appears feasible for a full-scale randomized clinical trial evaluating chiropractic spinal manipulation, medical care, and self-care education for acute and subacute neck pain. Patient and provider compliance with study protocols was excellent, and the pilot study allowed us to further develop and optimize our data collection processes. Although pilot studies such as these require substantial time, money, and effort, they provide valuable information for future research efforts.