Methods	RCT, DB, parallel groups Participants given specific instructions on how to apply gel (not reported) to affected area two to six times daily as required Assessment at baseline, 3, 7 days in clinic
Participants	Soft tissue injuries (<48 hours) N = 120 M 85, F 35 Mean age 27 years Basline pain moderate to severe
Interventions	Naproxen gel 10%, 2-6 × daily, n = 60 Placebo gel, n = 60 Rescue medication: paracetamol 500 mg
Outcomes	PGE: 5 point (responder = “good” and “very good”) Pain on passive movement: 4 point scale (mean data) Adverse events Withdrawals
Notes	Oxford Quality Score: R1, DB1, W1. Total = 3/5 Oxford Validity Score: 13/16
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors’ judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Unclear risk	Not described
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Unclear risk	Not described
Blinding (performance bias and detection bias) All outcomes	Low risk	“supplied in unmarked tubes”