Table 3.

Quality appraisal, using an adapted EBL Critical Appraisal Checklist.

Item	Yes	No	Unclear	N/A
Study population
1.1 Is the chosen study population consistent with the population about which conclusions are drawn?	23	1	1
1.2 Are inclusion and exclusion criteria definitively outlined?	21	2	2
1.3 Is the sample size large enough for sufficiently precise estimates, representative of the entire population?				25
1.4 Is the choice of population bias-free?				25
1.5 If a comparative study, were participants randomised into comparable groups?		2		23
1.6 Was informed consent obtained?	15	3	7
Data collection
2.1 Are data collection methods clearly described?	18	7
2.2 Were inter-observer and/or intra-observer bias reduced?	11	11	3
2.3 Is the instrument included in the publication or is its content clearly described?	16	8	1
2.4 Is the data collection instrument validated?	2	13	10
2.5 Does the study measure the outcome at a time appropriate for capturing the intervention’s effect?	19		6
Study design
3.1 Is the study type/methodology utilised appropriate?	19		6
3.2 Is the research methodology clearly stated at a level of detail that would allow its replication?	14	6	5
3.3 Was ethics approval obtained?	15	7	3
Results
4.1 Are the outcomes clearly stated and discussed in relation to data collection?	21		4
4.2 Are the results clearly outlined?	23	1	1
4.3 Are confounding variables accounted for?	14	9	2
4.4 Do the conclusions accurately reflect the analysis?	19		6
4.5 Does the study build upon previous research and are suggestions provided for further areas to research?	22	3
4.6 Is there external validity?		25