Why are treatment effects so small in musculoskeletal interventions? Part I: methodological and measurement considerations

Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 2026 Open access

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Authors: Cody M. Ballay, Andréas Remis, Preston E Roundy, Marissa Carvalho, Nicholas LeBlond, C. Edmisten Cook, Duke University Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship
DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2026.2621130
Cited by: 0
References: 44

Abstract

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) minimize bias and enhance the reliability of findings, making them the preferred research design for evaluating musculoskeletal (MSK) interventions. These studie...

Fields of Study & Subjects

Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation Meta-analysis and systematic reviews Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rehabilitation

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy
Volume
34
Issue
4
Pages
291–298
Publication date
8 February 2026
Language
EN