Randomization

Randomization, in the context of clinical research, is the process in which you associate a probability with being assigned to a treatment group. There are three major types of randomization: simple (each assignment is completely independent), restricted (constraints are used to get an expected ratio in each group), and adaptive (probability changes based on the current situation).

Randomization is an important way to protect against bias in clinical research since it helps balance who ends up in different treatment groups. This is especially important in heterogeneous diseases like ME/CFS. Results from studies that are randomized are more likely to be generalizable to people with ME/CFS as a whole.

OMF’s Life Improvement Trial (LIFT) utilizes restricted randomization when participants are enrolled. Read more about randomization in the LIFT in the protocol paper here.