The study applied the intention-to-treat analyses for the main group comparisons at 6 months and per protocol analyses in the CBT dose response group comparisons.
The primary statistical analyses applied the intention-to-treat principle, i.e. all subjects were analyzed regardless of whether they completed the entire study or not.
Thirdly, although all studies adhered to the same methods of double blindness/randomization, had similar baseline characteristics, and applied the intention-to-treat analysis or modified intention-to-treat analysis for the data analyses, 1 of 3 studies did not report an adequate sequence generation of randomization and the allocation concealment.
Applying the intention to treat approach, a statistically significant group × time interaction was observed for RMDQ (F2,196 = 13.2, P < 0.001), ODI (F2,196 = 9.7, P < 0.001), FFT (F2,196 = 6.8, P = 0.001) and VAS (F2,196 = 19.7, P < 0.001), suggesting that the two groups were changing over time, but in different ways.
1 This principle is a key defence against bias, since participants who depart from randomised treatment are usually a non-random subset whose exclusion can lead to serious selection bias. 2 However, it is unclear how to apply the intention to treat principle when investigators are unable to follow up all randomised participants.
Importantly, one study did not compare one randomized arm to the other (11), while two additional studies did not report applying the intention-to-treat principle to the analysis (12, 14).
Massage is often applied with the intention of improving flexibility or reducing stiffness in musculotendinous tissue.
No imputation of missing values like last observation carried forward (LOCF) was applied as the intention was to describe the patterns for patients still on medication.
In this implementation type, treatments are perceived by the residents as an exceptional care activity, applied with the intention to foster their individual well-being.
In the ICU, EM is applied with the intention of maintaining or restoring musculoskeletal strength and function, thereby potentially improving functional, patient-centered outcomes.
In the case that non-inferiority is evident, assessment as to whether cytisine is superior to NRT will be carried out using the same approach but comparing to a zero difference and applied to the intention to treat population.
