Network meta-analysis for comparative effectiveness of treatments for chronic low back pain disorders: systematic review protocol
Introduction
Chronic low back pain disorders (CLBDs) present a substantial societal burden; however, optimal treatment remains debated. To date, pairwise and network meta-analyses have evaluated individual treatment modes, yet a comparison of a wide range of common treatments is required to evaluate their relative effectiveness. Using network meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments (acupuncture, education or advice, electrophysical agents, exercise, manual therapies/manipulation, massage, the McKenzie method, pharmacotherapy, psychological therapies, surgery, epidural injections, percutaneous treatments, traction, physical therapy, multidisciplinary pain management, placebo, ‘usual care’ and/or no treatment) on pain intensity, disability and/or mental health in patients with CLBDs.
Methods and analysis
Six electronic databases and reference lists of 285 prior systematic reviews were searched. Eligible studies will be randomised controlled/clinical trials (including cross-over and cluster designs) that examine individual treatments or treatment combinations in adult patients with CLBDs. Studies must be published in English, German or Chinese as a full-journal publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A narrative approach will be used to synthesise and report qualitative and quantitative data, and, where feasible, network meta-analyses will be performed. Reporting of the review will be informed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Rev...
Source: BMJ Open - Category: General Medicine Authors: Belavy, D. L., Diwan, A. D., Ford, J., Miller, C. T., Hahne, A. J., Mundell, N., Tagliaferri, S., Bowe, S., Pedder, H., Saueressig, T., Zhao, X., Chen, X., Balasundaram, A. P., Arora, N. K., Owen, P. J. Tags: Open access, Rehabilitation medicine Source Type: research
More News: Acupuncture | Back Pain | China Health | Chronic Pain | Clinical Trials | Databases & Libraries | Disability | Education | General Medicine | Germany Health | Low Back Pain | Medical Ethics | Men | Pain | Pain Management | Physical Therapy | Psychology | Rehabilitation | Sports Medicine | Study | Universities & Medical Training