Journal of clinical epidemiology
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Meta Analysis
Trial methodology and patient characteristics did not influence the size of placebo effects on pain.
To determine whether trial-design, patient-type, or placebo-type factors influence the size of the placebo analgesic effect in clinical trials. ⋯ This study confirms the findings of previous researchers that, at present, the evidence for large placebo analgesic effects in clinical trials is lacking. Importantly, this analysis also establishes that larger placebo effects are not associated with particular aspects of the trial methodology, patient, or placebo type.
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Review Meta Analysis
A systematic review finds that methodological quality is better than its reputation but can be improved in physiotherapy trials in childhood cerebral palsy.
To identify critical issues in performing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on complex interventions such as physiotherapy in multifaceted disabilities like cerebral palsy (CP); to systematically assess how well trials handled patient characteristics, key components of complex interventions, and outcome assessments; to make suggestions for improving the effectiveness of physiotherapy research. ⋯ We found good to fair methodological quality in a considerable number of RCTs on physiotherapy in CP children. Nevertheless, improvement is indicated for certain areas in design and performance of future studies. This review shows that informative RCTs on complex interventions for multifaceted disabilities are feasible.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Short versus prolonged bed rest after uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Recently updated guidelines by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology recommend at least 12 hours bed rest in patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction. ⋯ We concluded that bed rest ranging from 2 to 12 days seems to be as safe as longer periods of bed rest.