Bias control in bodywork therapies: a review of methodological issues
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Published Version
Date
2005-04
Authors
Mehling, Wolf E.
Di Blasi, Zelda
Hecht, Frederick
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert Inc.
Published Version
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the methodological challenges in clinical trials of bodywork or handson mind-body therapies such as Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, Trager Work, Eutony, Body Awareness Therapy, Breath Therapy, and Rolfing, and to discuss ways these challenges can be addressed. DESIGN: Review and commentary. METHODS: Search of databases PubMed and EMBASE and screening of bibliographies. Published clinical studies were included if they used individual hands-on approaches and a focus on body awareness, and were not based on technical devices. RESULTS: Of the 53 studies identified, 20 fulfilled inclusion criteria. No studies blinded subject to the treatment being given, but 5 used an alternative treatment and blinded participants to differential investigator expectations of efficacy. No study used a credible placebo intervention. No studies reported measures of patient expectations. Patient expectations have been measured in studies of other modalities but not of hands-on mind-body therapies. Options are presented for minimizing investigator and therapist bias and bias from differential patient expectations, and for maintaining some control for nonspecific treatment effects. Practical issues with recruitment and attrition resulting from volunteer bias are addressed. CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous clinical trials of hands-on complementary and alternative therapy interventions are scarce, needed, and feasible. Difficulties with blinding, placebo, and recruitment can be systematically addressed by various methods that minimize the respective biases. The methods suggested here may enhance the rigor of further explanatory trials.
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Keywords
Treatment outcome , Control groups , Patient selection , Volunteer bias
Citation
Wolf E. Mehling, Zelda DiBlasi, Frederick Hecht. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. April 2005, 11(2): 333-342. doi:10.1089/acm.2005.11.333
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Copyright
This is a copy of an article published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine © 2005 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.; Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine is available online at: http://www.liebertonline.com.