What were the inclusion criteria for the study on capsicum plaster for back pain? Key Requirements Explained

The study on capsicum plaster for back pain had specific inclusion criteria to ensure participants had chronic, measurable pain suitable for evaluating treatment efficacy. These criteria focused on pain duration and intensity, aligning with the study's goal of assessing the plaster's effectiveness for non-specific low back pain.

Key Points Explained:

1. Chronic Pain Duration Requirement

   • Participants needed a minimum 3-month history of back pain.
   • This ensured the study evaluated chronic (long-term) pain cases, not acute or temporary discomfort.
   • Chronic pain often requires different therapeutic approaches, making this criterion critical for relevance.

2. Pain Intensity Threshold

   • A pain score of ≥5 on an 11-point visual analogue scale (VAS) was required.
   • The VAS scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), so this threshold targeted moderate-to-severe pain.
   • This standardized measure helped quantify treatment impact objectively.

3. Focus on Non-Specific Low Back Pain

   • The study excluded pain with identifiable causes (e.g., herniated discs), focusing on "non-specific" cases.
   • This narrowed the scope to common, hard-to-treat pain where capsicum plaster might offer a viable alternative.

4. Study Design Alignment

   • These criteria supported the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design by:
     • Ensuring homogeneous participant groups.
     • Minimizing variability from mixed pain types or intensities.
   • The rigor enhanced reliability of the conclusion that the plaster was "statistically superior to placebo."

5. Practical Implications for Purchasers

   • The criteria clarify the plaster’s target demographic: chronic pain sufferers with moderate-to-severe symptoms.
   • Purchasers (e.g., clinics) can reference these thresholds to identify suitable candidates for treatment.

By focusing on these criteria, the study provided actionable insights into where capsicum plaster fits within pain management protocols, offering a tangible option for persistent, high-impact back pain.

Summary Table:

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