Table 1

Pooled effect sizes from published meta-analyses evaluating self-management programs for arthritis

Outcome
Meta-analysis
Number of studies
Pooled effect size (95%CI)
Interpretation

Pain
Warsi et al 2003 [7]
16
0.12 (0.00 to 0.24)
No effect

Warsi et al 2004 [8]
16
0.12 (0.00 to 0.24)
No effect

Chodosh et al 2005 [9]
14
-0.06 (-0.10 to -0.02)
Small effect, favours intervention group
Disability
Warsi et al 2003 [7]
12
0.07 (0.00 to 0.15)
No effect

Warsi et al 2004 [8]
12
0.07 (0.00 to 0.15)
No effect

Chodosh et al 2005 [9]
12
-0.06 (-0.10 to -0.02)
Small effect, favours intervention group
Physical outcomes*
Devos-Comby et al 2006 [10]
12
0.09 (-0.01 to 0.19)
No effect
Psychological outcomes
Devos-Comby et al 2006 [10]
9
0.20 (0.08 to 0.33)
Small effect, favours intervention group
Impairment#
Devos-Comby et al 2006 [10]
3
0.04 (-0.25 to 0.34)
No effect

*Includes measures of pain, disability, physical functioning, arthritis impact and mobility [10]

Includes measures of psychological disability, mental functioning, self-efficacy and depressive symptoms [10]

#Includes physiological measures and performance tests [10]

Osborne et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2006 7:90   doi:10.1186/1471-2474-7-90