The analysis indicates a measurable placebo effect on SARA scores. Both intervention type and geographic region significantly influenced the strength of this effect, suggesting roles for patient expectations and cultural factors. Additionally, there was a trend toward reduction of placebo response as trial duration increased.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Quantifying Placebo Effects in Hereditary Ataxia Trials: A Meta-Analysis of Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) Score Changes
Petit E, Beaubois-Gandoin A, Durr A, du Montcel ST, Coarelli G. Quantifying Placebo Effects in Hereditary Ataxia Trials: A Meta-Analysis of Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) Score Changes. Mov Disord. 2026 Jan 29. doi: 10.1002/mds.70151. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41612637.
