This story reports on a new trend in medical devices – home biofeedback. The story clearly states that the concept of biofeedback is not new – psychologists have been using it for a while in their offices. What is new is that these devices are now being marketed for home use.
The story mentions that these devices are available and from which manufacturers, however it does not mention alternative options. Deep breathing exercises are mentioned, but what other options are available? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach by comparison? Although the story mentions costs, it fails to provide cost estimates of the alternatives and no quantification of benefits is provided.
Most importantly, the story does not clearly explain what the target disease or condition is. The story mentions stress, but also depression, asthma, anxiety, insomnia, etc. Having such a wide range of conditions that these devices purport to cure should serve as a red flag that these claims are not credible. The story also does not adequately describe the strength or availability of the evidence to support the use of these devices.
The story does mention that no serious side effects have been reported and quotes two sources who have differing views on the utility of such devices.
Although the story mentions costs, the story does not meet this criteria because it fails to provide cost estimates of the alternative treatments.
No quantification of benefits is provided.
The story mentions that no serious side effects have been reported.
The story does not adequately describe the strength or availability of the evidence to support the use of these devices.
It is not clear from the story what the disease is. Stress is mentioned, but so is depression, asthma, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
Two sources are quoted who have differing views on the utility of such devices. They offer some reasonable expertise and guidance to potential users.
There is no mention of alternative treatment options. Deep breathing exercises are mentioned, but what other options are available? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach by comparison?
The story explains that these devices are available and from which manufacturers.
The story clearly states that this is not a new technique; psychologists have been using it for a while in their offices. What is new is that these devices are now being marketed for home use. The story is not clear on whether or not some of the tools such as the computer program are novel.
We can’t be sure if the story relied solely or largely on a news release.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
The tale of two “negative” studies. Or, how spin is applied to make research findings look more impressive. A must read. https://johnmandrola.substack.com/p/the-tale-of-two-negative-studies
The @nytimes chose to interview one of the editors of the @AnnalsofIM (publisher of this paper) who "gushed with extraordinary glee: It’s huge! There are very few things that reduce your mortality by 30%."
Turns out coffee is not one of those few things despite all that glee. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1533202075928215558
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