Responder Analyses: A Methodological Mess.

Cook, Chad E; Bejarano, Geronimo; Reneker, Jennifer; Vigotsky, Andrew D; Riddle, Daniel L · J Orthop Sports Phys Ther · 2023

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

<b>SYNOPSIS:</b> Responder analyses are methods for analyzing randomized controlled trials, which purport to identify individuals or subgroups of study participants who experienced a "clinically meaningful" improvement from a treatment. Unfortunately, responder analyses have numerous methodological shortcomings, which preclude inferences concerning individual response to treatments and, thus, adoption into clinical practice. In this Viewpoint, we summarize 2 major limitations of responder analyses: (1) their thresholds of success involve arbitrary criteria and (2) responder analyses do not capture true individual treatment effects. <i>J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(XX):1-3. Epub: 20 June 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11853</i>.

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