Table 1.

Characteristics of the RCTs included in meta-analysis

	Randomization	Baseline characteristics of study and control groups	Co-interventions	Patient blinding	Follow-up (month)	Lost to follow-up/Total		Outcome measurement			Score based on modified van Tulder list
								Objective	Calibrated investigators	Blinded investigators
						MTA	CH
Percinoto et al. [9]	Ok	NM	No	NM	3,6,12	10/55	10/55	Yes	Yes	Yes	9
Moretti et al. [24]	Ok	NM*	No	NM	3,6,12,18,24	1/15	1/15	Yes	Yes	Yes	11
Sonmez et al. [25]	Ok	NM	No	NM	6,12,18,24	0/15	10/23	Yes	No	No	9
Liu et al. [13]	Ok	NM	NM	NM	56	3/20	3/20	Yes	NM	NM	9
Oliviera et al. [26]	Ok	NM	No	NM	6,12,24	0/15	0/15	Yes	Yes	Yes	12

^* NM: Not Mentioned