Practical approaches to improving translatability and reproducibility in preclinical pain research

Pain research continues to face the challenge of poor translatability of pre-clinical studies. In this short primer, we are summarizing the possible causes, with an emphasis on practical and constructive solutions. In particular, we stress the importance of increased heterogeneity in animal studies; formal or informal pre-registration to combat publication bias; and increased statistical training in order to help pre-clinical scientists appreciate the usefulness of available experi-mental design and reporting guidelines.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the challenge of poor translatability of pre-clinical studies in pain research and provides practical and constructive solutions, including increasing heterogeneity in animal studies, pre-registration, and enhancing statistical training.