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Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
ISSN: 0022-3859 EISSN: 0022-3859
Vol. 54, No. 3, 2008, pp. 214-216
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Bioline Code: jp08073
Full paper language: English
Document type: Special Article
Document available free of charge
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Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Vol. 54, No. 3, 2008, pp. 214-216
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A trial design that generates only "positive" results
Ernst, E & Lee, MS
Abstract
In this article, we test the hypothesis that randomized clinical trials of acupuncture for pain with certain design features (A + B versus B) are likely to generate false positive results. Based on electronic searches in six databases, 13 studies were found that met our inclusion criteria. They all suggested that acupuncture is effected (one only showing a positive trend, all others had significant results). We conclude that the ′A + B versus B′ design is prone to false positive results and discuss the design features that might prevent or exacerbate this problem.
Keywords
Acupuncture, bias, clinical trial, false positive, trial design
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