Internet-based randomised controlled trials for the evaluation of complementary and alternative medicines: probiotics in spondyloarthropathy

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Sinead BrophyStephen J Allen

Abstract

The clinical effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) is widely debated because of a lack of clinical trials. The internet may provide an effective and economical approach for undertaking randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of low-risk interventions. We investigated whether the internet could be used to perform an internet-based RCT of a CAM fulfilling the revised CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement quality checklist for reporting of RCTs. A secondary aim was to examine the effect of probiotics compared to placebo in terms of well-being over 12 weeks. People aged > or =18 years with confirmed spondyloarthropathy living in the United Kingdom with internet access were invited to participate in an internet-based RCT of probiotic compared to placebo for improving well-being and bowel symptoms. The intervention was a probiotic containing 4 strains of live bacteria or identical placebo taken by mouth daily for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was the performance of the trial according to the revised CONSORT statement. 147 people were randomised into the trial. The internet-based trial of the CAM fulfilled the revised CONSORT statement such as efficient blinding, allocation concea...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 4, 2010·Rheumatology·Roxanne CookseyStefan Siebert
Sep 3, 2010·BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·Mark D AtkinsonRonan A Lyons
Jan 21, 2014·BMC Medical Research Methodology·Anaïs Le JeannicUNKNOWN CompaRec Investigators
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Dec 14, 2019·Immunological Reviews·Miika ArvonenMatthew L Stoll
Apr 11, 2018·Current Opinion in Rheumatology·Abhijeet Danve, Atul A Deodhar

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