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. 2015 Nov 18;116(1):115–138. doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldv047

Table 5.

Main statements about ESWT based on the RCTs on rESWT and fESWT listed in the PEDro database

No. Statement
1 ESWT is effective.
2 ESWT is safe.
3 For certain orthopedic conditions, RCTs on ESWT were the predominant type of RCT listed in the PEDro database and/or obtained the highest PEDro scores among all investigated treatment modalities.
4 There was no difference in the ‘quality’ of RCTs on ESWT in PEDro with positive or negative outcome.
5 Application of local anesthesia adversely affects outcome of ESWT.
6 Application of insufficient energy adversely affects outcome of ESWT.
7 There is no scientific evidence in favor of either rESWT or fESWT with respect to treatment outcome.
8 The distinction between radial ESWT as ‘low-energy ESWT’ and focused ESWT as ‘high-energy ESWT’ is not correct and should be abandoned.
9 There is no scientific evidence that a certain fESWT technology is superior to the other technologies.
10 An optimum treatment protocol for ESWT appears to be three treatment sessions at 1-week intervals, with 2000 impulses per session and the highest energy flux density that can be applied.