Controlled trial of an ankle support (Malleotrain) in acute ankle injuries.

A randomized, controlled parallel-group trial has assessed 14 days' use of a new ankle support (Malleotrain, Bauerfeind, Aldershot, UK) in 220 patients (118 Malleotrain, 102 control group) with acute ankle injuries. Self-assessed pain levels were significantly lower in the group using Malleotrain at the end of the trial (P less than 0.05), as were median times taken for reduction of symptom scores to 10% (P less than 0.

Controlled trial of a back support ('Lumbotrain') in patients with non-specific low back pain.

A randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was carried out in general practice to assess the clinical efficacy of a new back support ('Lumbotrain') compared with 'standard therapy' of advice on rest and lifestyle in the treatment of patients with non-specific low back pain. A total of 216 patients entered this study (111 'Lumbotrain' group, 105 control group). All patients were allowed to take 1 g paracetamol up to 4-times daily if necessary for control of pain.

Controlled trial of an elbow support ('Epitrain') in patients with acute painful conditions of the elbow: a pilot study.

A randomized, controlled, parallel-group study was undertaken to assess the clinical efficacy of a new elbow support ('Epitrain') compared with a standard elasticated tubular stockinette support ('Tubigrip') in 35 patients with acute painful elbow disorders. On entry, patients had a clinical examination, including measurement of the range of active and passive movement of the affected joint, and were allocated to one or other treatment group (19 to 'Epitrain', 16 to control). All patients were allowed to take 1g paracetamol up to 4-times daily if necessary for the control of pain.