[Evaluation and critical review published in the European literature on osteopathic studies in the clinical field and in the area of fundamental research].
OBJECTIVE
Identification of studies of osteopathic treatment in defined countries. Evaluation of methods and results of the studies and assessment of the available evidence concerning the effectiveness of osteopathy.


METHODS
Systematic review. Assessment of the quality of the studies, with respect to the osteopathic concept and current methodological criteria according to predefined keys.


METHODS
Clinical trials and fundamental studies originating from Germany, England, Austria, The Netherlands, Scandinavia +/- published or unpublished.


RESULTS
Out of a total of 30 studies retrieved, 9 reached the predetermined minimum number of points to be rated into quality categories. In 2 of these studies the osteopathic treatment was more effective than the control intervention (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
No definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of osteopathy can be drawn so far because of the low number of evaluated studies. It seems necessary to scrutinize the relevance of osteopathy through further methodologically adequate studies. Additionally, criteria for evaluation are proposed which correspond to the highest international standards in order to ensure a valid (and commonly accepted) evaluation of the osteopathic literature.
Schwerla
F
F
A.R.E.D.O.E. Deutschland, Gauting. fschwerla@csi.com
Hass-Degg
K
K
Schwerla
B
B
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D010021:Osteopathic Medicine; D011643:Publishing; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards