Table 1.

Brief Study Descriptions

Study number (reference)CAM modalitiesDescription of studyWording of questions on first post-treatment assessmentResults of first post-treatment assessmenta
Study16AcupunctureA randomized controlled trial comparing individualized acupuncture (n = 157), standardized acupuncture (n = 158), and simulated acupuncture (n = 162) with a control group receiving usual care (n = 161). All participants received a self-care bookHave you changed the way you think about your back pain as a result of having received acupuncture? (If yes, please explain how the way you think about back pain has changed)
Have you changed anything you do as a result of having received acupuncture? (If yes, please explain what you have changed)
Is there anything else you would like to tell us? (If yes, please explain)
Statistically significant difference in function among the four groups and between usual care and each acupuncture group at 8 weeks
No significant pairwise differences in function among acupuncture groups

Study 211YogaA randomized controlled trial comparing yoga (n = 36) with conventional exercise classes (n = 35) and a self-care book (n = 30)What effect, if any, has yoga had on you? For example, this might include your thoughts, feelings, reactions, or activities.At 12 weeks, back-related function in yoga group superior to that in book and exercise groups

Study 317Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), t'ai chi, massageA randomized pilot trial comparing mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR, n = 22), t'ai chi (n = 22) and massage (n = 23) with a control group receiving usual care and a self-care book (n = 23)What effect, if any, has [t'ai chi training/stress reduction training/massage] had on you? For example, this might include your thoughts, feelings, reactions, or activities.
Is there anything else you'd like to tell us? (Specify.)
At 12-week follow-up, participants in massage and MBSR groups improved by 2 points more on Roland scale than those in t'ai chi and book groups; however, differences among treatment groups at baseline made comparisons difficult

Study 418Massage, acupuncture, chiropracticA randomized pilot trial comparing massage (n = 28), acupuncture (n = 26) and chiropractic (n = 27) with a control group receiving usual care and a self-care book (n = 27)What effect, if any, has [massage/acupuncture/chiropractic] had on you? For example, this might include your thoughts, feelings, reactions, or activities.
Is there anything else you'd like to tell us? (Specify.)
No clear differences among the groups

Study 5MassageA randomized controlled trial comparing relaxation massage (n = 136) and focused structural massage (n = 132) with a control group receiving usual care (n = 133)Overall, what effect, if any, has massage had on you? For example, this might include your thoughts, feelings, reactions, or activities.
Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?
Currently under analysis
aAll studies used the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire12 and a bothersomeness scale as the primary outcomes.1315
CAM, complementary and alternative medicine.