Methodological limitations and conflicts of interest in spinal cord stimulation research impair trustworthiness

Key Points

• This research aims to identify and discuss the methodological limitations and conflicts of interest in spinal cord stimulation studies.
• Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of spinal cord stimulation research.
• Analyzed multiple studies for consistency and quality based on a predefined PROSPERO protocol.
• Examined the influence of conflicts of interest on reported outcomes.
• Identified significant methodological limitations that compromise study reliability.
• Highlighted conflicts of interest present in many of the reviewed studies, impacting trustworthiness.
• Concluded that these issues diminish the credibility of current spinal cord stimulation research findings.