This news story reports on results from a recent randomized trial suggesting that strength training offers improvement in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Although it was not explicitly stated, it is prudent for the readers to understand that these results have not yet been published in a medical journal and have yet to undergo a formal review to ensure the methodology is sound. (See our primer on reporting news from talks at scientific meetings.) In addition, the reader is not given any context to determine the clinical significance of the results, which are presented in terms of relative benefit (rather than absolute). (See another primer on this topic.)
The story also would have been improved by including expert commentary from those unaffiliated with the trial; indicating that strengthening exercises are currently part of recommended, non-pharmacologic treatment for chronic low back pain; and providing additional discussion on the other treatment modalities for chronic back pain.
A discussion of costs would be warranted if the training took place in a physical therapy center. Since weight training is a standard treatment for patients with chronic low back pain, it would most likely be covered by insurance; however, we are not given the specifics of the treatment duration or frequency to make that assumption.
The story states that strengthening exercises increased participants’ quality of life by 28%; however, the writer does not indicate how quality of life was defined by the researchers, nor does she provide any context regarding how it was measured. Does a 28% increase in quality of life make the participants happy, able to go back to work, be satisfied with their current state? Not sure. Additionally, the story states that "more frequent training" resulted in a better outcome, but the specific frequency of exercise was not provided. There was also mention of the average number of weeks the participants needed to train before a significant benefit was realized.
While the story points out that those with lower back pain should consult their doctor before starting an exercise program, it would have been useful to point out that some patients experience increased pain, even just temporarily, with this type of program.
The story mentions that the results were recently presented at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting, but does not explicitly state that the research has yet to be published in a medical journal. Unlike published articles, this study has not gone through a rigorous review process. Additionally, the abstract submitted for the meeting only included data on the male participants. See our primer on the pitfalls of reporting on talks at scientific meetings.
The story did not exaggerate the seriousness or prevalence of chronic back pain.
Only quotes from the study’s lead investigator were provided. Commentary from additional experts in the field would have added value to the story.
The story cites a recent review article which suggests that current treatment options are "not highly successful." Specific information regarding their efficacy would have been beneficial. Incidentally, the writer states that this review was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, when in fact it was published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Though not explicitly stated, it sounds as if the weight training was done in a supervised setting such as a physical therapy center. Regardless, such equipment is generally widely available. We’re going to rule this criterion Not Applicable in this case.
The story would have benefited from pointing out that strengthening exercise, in general, is not a novel treatment modality for chronic low back pain. It is widely recommended as a non-pharmacologic option in these patients.
This story does not appear to rely on a press release.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
Puleeeeease... this 'game changer' weight loss drug causes more nausea and vomiting than a placebo. Some game, some change. My friend Gary would spank you for using the eighth word medical reporters should never, ever use. @garyschwitzer @thackerpd
https://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/just-journalists-writing-tips-case-studies/7-words-and-more-you-shouldnt-use-in-medical-news/ https://twitter.com/OttawaCitizen/status/1361426796126830597
A scary @statnews Op-Ed warns that govt attempts to rein in Pharma may cut off access to "life-changing" drugs.
It takes @garyschwitzer to let us know: the author spent 10 years as Pfizer's public-policy chief. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1360325022578053123
.@TranspariMED criticizes STAT op-ed for not disclosing pharma funding of author’s institute - similar to criticism we’ve made of STAT op-eds in the past. @transparify @ThinkTankWatch @icer_review https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2021/02/transparency-watchdog-criticizes-stats-non-disclosure-on-pro-pharma-op-ed/
Comments
Please note, comments are no longer published through this website. All previously made comments are still archived and available for viewing through select posts.
Our Comments Policy
But before leaving a comment, please review these notes about our policy.
You are responsible for any comments you leave on this site.
This site is primarily a forum for discussion about the quality (or lack thereof) in journalism or other media messages (advertising, marketing, public relations, medical journals, etc.) It is not intended to be a forum for definitive discussions about medicine or science.
We will delete comments that include personal attacks, unfounded allegations, unverified claims, product pitches, profanity or any from anyone who does not list a full name and a functioning email address. We will also end any thread of repetitive comments. We don”t give medical advice so we won”t respond to questions asking for it.
We don”t have sufficient staffing to contact each commenter who left such a message. If you have a question about why your comment was edited or removed, you can email us at feedback@healthnewsreview.org.
There has been a recent burst of attention to troubles with many comments left on science and science news/communication websites. Read “Online science comments: trolls, trash and treasure.”
The authors of the Retraction Watch comments policy urge commenters:
We”re also concerned about anonymous comments. We ask that all commenters leave their full name and provide an actual email address in case we feel we need to contact them. We may delete any comment left by someone who does not leave their name and a legitimate email address.
And, as noted, product pitches of any sort – pushing treatments, tests, products, procedures, physicians, medical centers, books, websites – are likely to be deleted. We don”t accept advertising on this site and are not going to give it away free.
The ability to leave comments expires after a certain period of time. So you may find that you’re unable to leave a comment on an article that is more than a few months old.
You might also like