Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025

Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Trials Informing Back Pain Guidelines Underreport Key Sociodemographic Data
Introduction:
Sociodemographic characteristics are related to low back pain (LBP) outcomes, therefore diverse representation is important when appraising clinical trials. We investigated the reporting of participant sociodemographic variables in trials informing the American College of Physicians (ACP) guidelines for the treatment of LBP.
Methods:
Clinical trials supporting recommended interventions in the ACP guidelines were reviewed for reporting of participant sociodemographic data.
Results:
Of 116 trials, 34 reported participant race and/or ethnicity. Education level, income level, and employment status were reported in 24, 10, and 31 trials, respectively; insurance coverage, marital status, and religion were reported in three, 16, and two trials, respectively. Two trials reported on duration or location of residence. Language comprehension was the most frequent exclusion criterion.
Conclusions:
Insufficient sociodemographic data exist in trials informing the ACP guidelines for the treatment of LBP. Investigators of LBP interventions should recruit diverse study participants and report comprehensive sociodemographic data.
Related Concept Videos
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Clinical Trials: Overview
Blind Procedures
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
Blinding

