Ninety-Seven Percent of Trials Investigating Robotic Interventions in Physiotherapy Contained Abstract Spin: A Meta-Research Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

spin involves misrepresenting or misreporting study findings in the abstract of an article. The abstract is the most easily accessible part of the article and may determine if an article is read, purchased or the findings are implemented into practice. Trials using new technologies, such as robotics, may be particularly vulnerable to spin due to the high costs associated with research and development.

Objective

To identify and assess abstract spin in physiotherapy clinical trials investigating robotic interventions.

Design

Meta-research review.

Methods

We searched the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) in August 2024 for two-armed clinical trials investigating robotic interventions compared to nonrobotic interventions, in any patient population.

SUBMITTER: Tier H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12904089 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature