We need more randomised controlled trials in injury prevention

Abstract

Results from randomised controlled trials make an important contribution to improvements in injury-related health. However, publication of findings from randomised controlled trials remains a rarity in the injury prevention literature.\n\nIncreasing the quantity of randomised controlled trials research need not reduce other types of injury prevention research activity. Highlighting the importance of publishing trials does not devalue the contribution of other designs. The paucity of trial evidence in injury prevention poses a risk to the advancement of the field. We need more randomised controlled trials in injury prevention.\n\nIn this issue of the journal, we publish five study protocols and the results of one completed study that illustrate how injury prevention researchers are using trial methodology to address important research questions.\n\nThe first protocol describes a randomised controlled trial designed to quantify the effect of a health education intervention on the safe-sleep knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary care givers of infant children. The second protocol is a cluster randomised controlled trial involving female soccer (football) players 14–18 years of age that aims to quantify the effect of a soccer-specific ankle brace on the incidence of acute lateral sprain of the …