of the study, to evaluate the possible confounding effect of weight
loss or gain.We found no significant differences.
We used different measurement techniques to evaluate the
results obtained, testing whether the changes were all in the same
direction and checking the consistency of the efficacy end points.
We decided to use the categorical version of the WOMAC index
because of the low cultural level of the population in the study
area, and Spain’s index of quality of life (PQLC ) as a valid test for
chronically ill patients. We considered the “total accumulated
consumption of diclofenac” an objective variable with which to
measure the responses of the two sample groups. As osteoarthri-
tis is still an incurable illness, treatment is fundamentally aimed at