In a within-group analysis the mean values of every assessed parameter (i.e., VAS assessing pain and stiffness, Lequesne's functional index, and time for climbing up ten steps) in all groups were significantly improved compared with their own baselines. Notably, the improvement of all parameters reached statistical significance from the end of week 1, except for VAS assessing resting pain in TM group of which the significance was found since the end of week 2.
Mean values of VAS assessing stiffness, Lequesne's functional index, and time for climbing up ten steps in intent-to-treat patients (n = 20/group).
In an among-group analysis evaluated at the end of the study (Tables (Tables55 and and6),6), the mean changes from baseline in most parameters did not differ among the three groups, except for the mean changes in VAS assessing pain during climbing up and down stairs in which statistical differences were found in favor of THC compared with ibuprofen and TM. Similarly, mean changes in Lequesne's functional index also significantly differed in favor of THC compared with ibuprofen. Nevertheless, it was worth noting that statistical differences among groups at the earlier time points were rarely found.Mean changes from baseline in VAS assessing pain in intent-to-treat patients (n = 20/group).
Mean changes from baseline in VAS assessing stiffness, Lequesne's functional index, and time for climbing up ten steps in intent-to-treat patients (n = 20/group).