Adaptive trials in low back pain and osteoarthritis: How common are they and when should they be used? A systematic review from ClinicalTrials.gov

Abstract

Objective: This registry-based systematic review aimed to investigate the use and applicability of adaptive designs in ongoing low back pain (LBP) and osteoarthritis (OA) trials and discuss emerging opportunities of adaptive designs in the field, in light of the expected advantages and possible challenges. Method: We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for records of ongoing studies in chronic LBP or OA. The applicability of adaptive designs for the included trials was assessed based on the ratio of primary endpoint length to recruitment length, considering a ratio below 0.25 as an indicator of potential feasibility. Meeting this ratio means there may be opportunities to implement adaptations that i..