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Table 3 Types of omissions and embellishments in reporting RCT findings when clinical relevance was not reached and considered (n = 42)

From: Rehabilitation interventions in randomized controlled trials for low back pain: proof of statistical significance often is not relevant

Clinical Relevance discussion

Strategy for specific reporting

No. (%)

Clinical relevance discussed

 

24 (57)

Clinical relevance not discussed

 

18 (43)

not reached

 

16 (39)

Full omission for the primary outcome

7 (44) a

Full omission for all primary outcomes used in the sample size calculationb

4 (25) a

Clinical relevance discussed only as within-group improvements

4 (25) a

Clinical relevance discussed at follow-ups not declared in the sample size calculation

1(6) a

reached

 

2 (5) a

  1. a The Total refers to 16 trials that not discussed the clinical relevance
  2. bComposite outcomes