Table 5

Analysis of effect size, heterogeneity, and ANOVA testing of difference by study type.

Outcome MeasureStudy DesignNumber of Studies Included in This Analysis (Multiple Study Groups Possible)Effect SizeLower LimitUpper LimitHiggins I 2 Statistic of HeterogeneityVarianceSE N
 Oswestry Disability IndexProspective study80.8900.8210.9600%0.00130.03541774
Randomized prospective study110.8430.7290.9570%0.00340.05811374
Retrospective study320.8840.8460.9220%0.00040.01963314
ANOVA Q random effects test with separate estimates of T 2 P = 0.742Total N 6462
 VAS-backProspective study30.4250.0470.8033%0.03710.1926284
Randomized prospective study110.8060.6530.9590%0.00610.07801542
Retrospective study150.7150.5870.8430%0.00430.06532560
ANOVA Q random effects test with separate estimates of T 2 P = 0.112Total N 4386
 VAS-legProspective study60.9120.8850.9380%0.00020.01361632
Randomized prospective study110.8600.7330.9870%0.00420.06501542
Retrospective study350.8660.8190.9120%0.00060.02384716
ANOVA Q random effects test with separate estimates of T 2 P = 0.175Total N 7890
  • ANOVA, analysis of variance; VAS, visual analog scale.