Table 1.

 Some reasons for non-reproducibility for studies

Type of problem and examples	Additional information obtained
Description of method
Craniocervical training programme for tension-type headache: home schedule not provided in publication	Authors provided details of the recommended regimen of exercises at home
Comprehensive lifestyle modification on diet, weight, physical fitness, and blood pressure control	Author provided website with protocol which included details and handbooks used
ACE inhibitor in coronary artery disease: review with several combinations of drug and dose	Author recommended two similar, acceptable regimens
Systematic review of probiotics for preventing antibiotic associated diarrhoea and treating Clostridium difficile disease	Author provided suggestions on appropriate types and doses of probiotic, plus websites
Lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease	Review author suggested appropriate variants
Access to educational materials
Patient instructions for watchful waiting with hernia	Patient handout provided by author
Inadequate instructions for patient self-Epley procedure	Website and instructions found in a paper referenced in main paper
Name of IBS self help guidebook not given in paper or in references	Author did not reply (three attempts), but a colleague provided details of access to the guidebook via the publisher’s website
Description of equipment
BugBuster kit for eliminating head lice: needed details of combs and combing methods	Website found (via search engine) with treatment details and confirmed by author