Placebo Effect Sizes in Clinical Trials of Knee Osteoarthritis Using Intra‐Articular Injections of Biologic Agents
Authors' conclusion
The robust placebo effect is influenced by the active treatment category and changes over time.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with knee OA receiving placebo in randomised trials comparing oral, topical or intra-articular placebo with active treatments129 articles
- Participants
- 9,218 patients
- Comparison
- Placebo effects by treatment type and route of delivery
- Outcome
- Change in pain scores from baseline
Methodological detailsstratified by length of follow-up and treatment subcategory
- Stratified by length of follow-up and treatment subcategory
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Change in pain from baseline · 1 month
| Group | Value | WOMAC mean ± SD |
|---|---|---|
| Biologic intra-articular placebo | mean −32.2 (SD 24.6) VAS | −16.3 ± 3.81 |
Biologic intra-articular placebo
Valuemean −32.2 (SD 24.6) VAS
WOMAC mean ± SD−16.3 ± 3.81
- Intra-articular placebo vs Oral placebo: P ≤ 0.01 — at one month and two months; intra-articular greater pain reduction
Parts of this Brief are withheld: the automatic checks could not confirm them against the abstract.
Original publication
Placebo Effect Sizes in Clinical Trials of Knee Osteoarthritis Using Intra‐Articular Injections of Biologic Agents. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). Published 24 April 2025. doi:10.
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