Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that met all of the criteria developed by Sackett et al. (see Other Publications of Related Interest) were eligible.
Specific interventions included in the review
Comparisons of therapeutic ultrasound with placebo ultrasound treatment were eligible if both groups otherwise received identical treatments. Ultrasound frequency varied from 0.89 to 3.28 MHz; the output included pulsed and continuous; the space-averaged time-averaged intensity ranged from 0.02 to 2.6 W/cm2; the applicator size ranged from 1 to 10 cm2; the time per typical initial session ranged from 2 to 15 minutes; the estimated total energy ranged from 30 to 11,600 joules; the estimates of area ranged from 10 to 125 cm2; and energy density ranged from 2 to 150 joules/cm2. The control interventions included placebo ultrasound and a true control intervention in which the patients received neither active nor placebo ultrasound.
Participants included in the review
Patients with pain or musculoskeletal or soft tissue injuries were eligible. Participants with the following conditions were included: surgical extraction of third molar, lateral epicondylitis, perineal trauma, breast engorgement, osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder pain, calcific tendinitis, pressure sores and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies judged to have assessed at least one outcome with face validity were eligible. The actual outcomes assessed included electroneurological tests, pain, facial swelling, trismus, serum C-reactive proteins, plasma cortisol, weight test, pain and power with wrist dorsiflexion, and grip strength.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Both authors read the identified studies and applied the inclusion criteria.