Foundations of Critical Enquire Part D

Introduction

Part D of the assignment involves critically analysing the conclusion portion of the research paper that has been chosen, 'Naturopathic Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis among Canadian Postal Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial', by Szczurko et al (2009).

Discussion and Conclusion

Szczurko et al (2009) research paper was about weather naturopathic treatment with the help of alternative therapies will be able to treat rotator cuff tendinitis. In Szczurko et al (2009) conclusion (pg1) they state that "Naturopathic Care and Physical Exercise provided significant improvements, with greater improvement in shoulder function in the Naturopathic Care group compared to the Physical Exercise group". This statement shows that they have a hypothesis that they are able to prove to be true.

In their first part of the discussion Szczurko et al (2009) states that during their 12 week trial they found "the study showed a reduction in rotator cuff tendinitis with the use of standardised physical exercises routinely used by physical therapists". This shows that they are able to show other alternative therapists that they are able to help their patients with rotator cuff tendinitis. However Szczurko et al (2009) study was a pragmatic randomised controlled trial and as such the information that has been obtained was used to show that the treatments of naturopathic care can be useful in helping rotator cuff tendinitis however as Szczurko et al (2009) has stated that there would need to be further studies in order to "examine the effects of the individual components of treatments".

Ethics

Szczurko et al (2009) stated that because it was a pragmatic randomised controlled trial it was impossible to have a precise effect of the individual component therapies of either the naturopathic care or the physical exercise treatment packages. As they have stated this it makes the reader think that the results are not accurate however may have been one of estimation. Szczurko et al (2009) has also stated that if there was missing data in week 12 they would replace the value from week 8; this has a bias effect on the results.

Szczurko et al (2009) stated that the participants were informed of what the trial consisted of and what was needed to be able to participate. All participants signed a consent form, and were able to withdraw at any time.

Szczurko et al (2009) could of have been more specific on whether there was any funding from other resources or if there were any other resources that may have been involved with this trail.

Reflection / Decision / Conclusion

Overall Szczurko et al (2009) research paper has shown evidence that as a naturopath with the combination of using other alternative therapies will help in treating