This blog introduces you to crossover trials with a clear explanation and example, together with some advantages and limitations of this study design.
COVID-19 has highlighted the inefficiencies that exist in clinical research, as well as the frailties of the current publishing system. This blog examines two prominent examples from the pandemic.
This blog is a critical appraisal of a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of in-hospital physiotherapy for improving physical activity level after lung cancer surgery.
GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) is a prominent framework for evaluating the effectiveness of systematic reviews. This blog provides detail of the GRADE approach with useful links to further reading on this key process.
Much research has looked into the use of exercise for patients receiving cancer treatment, however few studies have focused on palliative care. This blog is a critical appraisal of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) which evaluated the use of a physiotherapy programme to reduce cancer related fatigue in palliative cancer patients.
Alina provides a critical appraisal of the ARTEMIDA trial (2015) that assessed efficacy of Actovegin in poststroke cognitive impairment.
This blog is a critical appraisal of a randomised controlled trial exploring the use of non-invasive ventilation as an adjunct to airway clearance treatments during an acute exacerbation of cystic fibrosis.
This blog takes a critical look at a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of an exercise program for improving functioning & pain in pregnant women suffering from low back pain and pelvic pain (LBPP)
This blog looks at the importance of the use of video games or stimulation games for the use in physiotherapy treatment, in relation to aiding patients with proprioception post stroke. It analyses an article looking at balance training post stroke using the Wii Fit balance board and balance games. Reviewing the article and suggesting whether it is relevant or requires further studies or investigations.
Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) are central to evidence-based healthcare; but they themselves are riddled with inefficiency. Trial Forge aims to change that.
This week Robert Kemp grapples with two trials featured in Richard Lehman’s reviews in the BMJ, with a focus on surrogate outcomes.
This time we’re looking at a couple of pragmatically designed randomised controlled trials examining the role of integrated care programmes in treating COPD.
Is NDT-based therapy & task practice more beneficial in improving walking ability compared to task practice alone in patients post-stroke?
Anna reminds us of the value of observational evidence in low income countries.
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