Table 2.
Characteristics of included studies (n = 62)
| n | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Study design | ||
| Individually randomised | 61 | 98 |
| Cluster-randomised | 1 | 2 |
| Study hypothesis | ||
| Superiority | 40 | 65 |
| Non-inferiority | 3 | 5 |
| Multiple | 1 | 2 |
| Unclear | 18 | 29 |
| Allocation ratio | ||
| 1:1 | 61 | 98 |
| Unclear | 1 | 2 |
| Study centres | ||
| Single centre | 46 | 74 |
| Multi-centre | 9 | 15 |
| Unclear | 7 | 11 |
| Funding source | ||
| Industry | 8 | 13 |
| Non-industry | 25 | 40 |
| Combination | 3 | 5 |
| No funding | 4 | 6 |
| Not reported | 22 | 35 |
| Population | ||
| Knee OA | 57 | 92 |
| Hip OA | 4 | 6 |
| Hip or knee OA | 1 | 2 |
| Intervention | ||
| Drug | 19 | 31 |
| Surgery | 4 | 6 |
| Exercise | 14 | 23 |
| Other | 25 | 40 |
| Comparator | ||
| Active treatment | 41 | 66 |
| Usual care | 8 | 13 |
| Placebo or sham | 13 | 21 |