Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Using a Rabbit Model to Explore the Efficacy of Tuina in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: August 25, 2023
Trial Designs Beyond Traditional Randomized Controlled Trials: Applications and Appropriateness in Osteoarthritis
Kalpana Singh1, Liyan Dsouza2, Treesa Thomas3
1Biostatistics Unit, Nursing and Midwifery Research Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT.
Abstract:
The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) has been rising, and despite the many years of scientific research and evidence collection, OA remains a medical issue where effective interventions are limited due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease, the disconnect between symptoms and structural changes, and potential demands from an authoritative standpoint. Though randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard in research, they might not be as applicable in the context of OA research. Hence, this editorial aims to investigate alternative trial designs and highlight the strengths and limitations of their utilization to develop effective interventions and treatments, which may ultimately lower the OA burden and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Trials
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
Bioequivalence Experimental Study Designs: Repeated Measures, Cross-Over, Carry-Over, and Latin Square Designs
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,...
Clinical Trials: Overview
Crossover Experiments
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and...

