Open label placebo for chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To assess the therapeutic potential of Open-Label Placebo (OLP) for chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Materials & methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on 12 September 2024. Data extraction focused on follow-up and change-from-baseline data of the placebo or control groups. The effect sizes were calculated using the inverse variance statistical method.

Results

A meta-analysis of four articles involving 171 OLP patients and 161 controls demonstrated a modest reduction in pain on the numerical rating scale (Mean difference = -0.62; 95% confidence interval: -1.09 to -0.14; p = 0.01; I² = 31%). However, according to GRADE, the certainty of evidence for this finding is very low due to methodological limitations of the included studies and p

SUBMITTER: Flavio-Reis VHP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11881878 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature