How We Score Evidence
Every treatment recommendation on niggle.run comes with a Trust Score — a number from 0 to 100 that tells you how strong the evidence is. Here's how we calculate it.
Evidence Grades
Strong (85–100)
Supported by systematic reviews or multiple high-quality RCTs with consistent results. The evidence base is robust and conclusions are unlikely to change.
Moderate (60–84)
Supported by at least one RCT or multiple well-designed observational studies. Evidence is promising but may be refined by future research.
Limited (40–59)
Based on case series, expert opinion, or studies with significant limitations. Use with caution — the evidence could shift substantially.
Very Limited (0–39)
Minimal or conflicting evidence. May be based on anecdotal reports or extrapolation from unrelated conditions.
How Trust Scores Are Calculated
Each intervention's Trust Score is based on:
- Study design — Systematic reviews and meta-analyses score highest, followed by RCTs, then observational studies.
- Number of studies — More independent replications increase confidence.
- Sample size — Larger studies carry more weight.
- Consistency — Do different studies reach the same conclusion?
- Recency — Recent research is weighted slightly higher.
Citation Verification
Every citation links to its PubMed entry or DOI. We only reference published, peer-reviewed research — no blog posts, no anecdotal claims. Each citation includes the full APA reference so you can verify it yourself.
Demographic Modifiers
Evidence doesn't affect everyone equally. Where research shows that outcomes vary by age, sex, training volume, or experience level, we flag these as demographic modifiers. For example, a treatment might be highly effective for recreational runners but less studied in competitive athletes over 50.
Trust Scores are a tool for understanding evidence quality — they are not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions.