Nine RCTs were included (n=493 patients). Jadad quality scores ranged from 1 to 4.
VAS pain intensity (eight RCTs): Six studies reported statistically significant improvement in pain intensity at eight to 12 weeks. Two studies reported statistically significant improvement in pain intensity at 20 to 24 weeks. One study found no significant improvement in pain intensity at 20 weeks.
Lequesne algofunctional index (LAFI) (four RCTs): Three studies reported statistically significant improvement in pain intensity at eight to 12 weeks. Two studies reported statistically significant improvement in pain intensity at 20 to 24 weeks.
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index (WOMAC) (four RCTs): All studies reported statistically significant improvement in pain intensity at eight to 12 weeks.
NSAIDS and/or analgesic intake (four RCTs): Three studies reported statistically significant improvement in analgesic intake at eight to 12 weeks. One study reported statistically significant improvement in analgesic intake at 20 to 24 weeks.
Safety (three RCTs): No serious adverse events were reported in all the studies.