Cochrane

Review question To evaluate the effectiveness of motor control exercise (MCE) in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). Background Motor control exercise is a popular form of exercise that aims to restore co-ordinated and efficient use of the muscles that control and support the spine. Patients are initially guided by a therapist ...

An arteriovenous access consists of a direct surgical connection between an artery and a vein in the arm (fistula) or a plastic conduit connecting an artery and a vein (graft). If these forms of access become dysfunctional the delivery of dialysis therapy becomes suboptimal. The most common cause of access dysfunction is the development of a restriction ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effect of non-drug treatments for depression after traumatic brain injury (TBI), to determine whether these treatments are better than no intervention, or better than drug-based treatments, at reducing the symptoms or diagnosis of depression. We searched for evidence about the relative effectiveness ...

Review question: Cochrane authors investigated whether the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) can reduce the risk of endometrial polyps, abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus and endometrial cancer in women taking tamoxifen following breast cancer. The review also investigated whether use of the LNG-IUS influences the ...

Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important cause of death nowadays. People at high risk (mainly with any sort of heart disease) die unexpectedly from cardiac causes, primarily from arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat). The treatment of choice is a device called an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD), but it is not widely available in ...

Background Partner abuse (domestic violence) is common worldwide. It includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; threats; withholding money; causing injury; and long-lasting physical and emotional health problems. Advocacy (active support by trained people) may help women make safety plans, deal with abuse, and access community resources. Evidence ...

What is the issue? The World Health Organization recommends at least four antenatal visits for all pregnant women. Almost half of pregnant women worldwide miss out on this level of care, and this is more problematic in low- and middle-income countries. Why is this important? Healthcare during pregnancy is a priority because poor antenatal attendance ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the accuracy of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (commercially available as the Heidelberg Retinal Tomogram (HRT)), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser polarimetry (as used by the GDx device) for diagnosing glaucoma in people who are at risk. These tests can measure the structure ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence of the effects of methylphenidate on the behaviour of children and adolescents with ADHD. Background ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated childhood psychiatric disorders. Children diagnosed with ADHD find it hard to concentrate. They are often hyperactive (fidgety, unable to sit still for ...

Review question We wanted to see if shared decision making was better or worse than usual care in reducing antibiotic prescribing for an acute respiratory infection in primary care. Background Shared decision making enables health decisions to be made jointly by a clinician and patient. The decision making occurs after the options and their benefits ...