Table 3

Candidate lumbar spinal stenosis outcomes and definitions

NoCandidate outcomeDefinitionResources
1PainExperiencing an unpleasant physical sensation that aches, hurts in one or more joints or the spine; an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described for such damage.29SLR+Int
2FunctionBeing able to perform physical activities (includes lower extremity functioning, balance); patient’s ability to carry out daily physical activities required to meet basic needs, ranging from self-care to more complex activities that require a combination of skills.24SLR+Int
3ADLFundamental skills required to independently care for oneself, such as eating, bathing and mobility.25SLR+Int
4ROMQuantity of movement of the lumbar spine and/or of other adjacent body parts (ie, thoracic spine, pelvis, rib cage or lower limbs).24SLR+Int
5SymptomsPresence of symptoms on back, leg and walking.27SLR+Int
6Measure of walkingMeasuring ability, capability, distance, performance of walking.24SLR+Int
7Global rating of changeConsidering the ways that the health condition affects the individual on a given day.30SLR+Int
8AEAny untoward medical occurrence associated with the use of an intervention in humans, whether or not considered intervention related.31SLR+Int
9BiomarksIndicators aimed at providing insight into peripheral and central neurobiological mechanisms of pain.24SLR
10Radiographic changesmedical imaging such as MRI, CT, X-ray detecting the changes of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and other body structures localised on the lumbar spine and/or on other adjacent body parts (ie, thoracic spine, pelvis, rib cage or lower limbs).24SLR+Int
11CM-specific outcomesCM outcomes related to CM Zheng or meridians based on CM theory.28SLR
12Mental healthA person’s condition with regard to their psychological, social and emotional well-being.26SLR+Int
13Satisfaction indexSatisfaction with care received, including of the process and outcomes of the treatment experience and care providers.24SLR+Int
14Quality of lifeBroad multidimensional concept that usually includes subjective evaluations of both positive and negative aspects of life, including health-related quality of life.26SLR
15Adherence and attritionWithdrawal from treatment.20SLR
16PsychosocialAn individual’s interactions with their environment and the ability to fulfil their role within such environments as work, social activities, and relationships with partners and family.24SLR
17Resource useTreatment burden such as impact of treatment and monitoring of disease or treatment (ie, financial loss due to treatment cost, work loss or time commitment).20Int
  • ADL, activities of daily living; AE, adverse events; CM, Chinese medicine; Int, interview; ROM, range of movement; SLR, systematic literature review.