Use the following information for questions:
A study of 42 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (symptoms of burning numbness in the wrist to difficulty making a fist) was done ("Yoga based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome," Garfinkel et al, JAMA 1998; 280:1601-1603). Subjects were randomly assigned to a yoga group or a control (where they were offered a wrist splint to supplement their current treatment). Results showed that subjects in the yoga group had significant improvement in grip strength, while subjects in the control group did not.
-Can a conclusion that yoga caused the improvement in grip strength be made?

Question

Use the following information for questions:
 A study of 42 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (symptoms of burning numbness in the wrist to difficulty making a fist) was done ("Yoga based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome," Garfinkel et al, JAMA 1998; 280:1601-1603). Subjects were randomly assigned to a yoga group or a control (where they were offered a wrist splint to supplement their current treatment). Results showed that subjects in the yoga group had significant improvement in grip strength, while subjects in the control group did not.
-Can a conclusion that yoga caused the improvement in grip strength be made?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A cause and effect relation might be concluded because the study was a randomized experiment. Randomization helps to ensure that any differences observed between the groups are due to the treatment (yoga) and not to other factors.

Use the Following Information for Questions