Table 2.
Methodological quality of trials included in meta-analysis
| Year | Randomization method | Blind | Explanation for withdrawals/drop outs | Jadad score | Allocation concealment | Intention-to-treat analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ali et al. [16] |
2007 |
Computer-generated random numbers |
Single blind |
Yes |
3 |
Sealed envelopes |
Yes |
| Hoole et al. [17] |
2009 |
Computer-generated random numbers |
Single blind |
Yes |
3 |
Sealed envelopes |
No |
| Walsh et al. [18] |
2009 |
Computer-generated random numbers |
Unclear |
Yes |
3 |
Sealed envelopes |
Yes |
| Walsh et al. [19] |
2010 |
Computer-generated random numbers |
Unclear |
Yes |
3 |
Sealed envelopes |
Yes |
| Rahman et al. [20] |
2010 |
Computer-generated random numbers |
Double blind |
Yes |
5 |
Sealed envelopes |
Yes |
| Choi et al. [21] |
2010 |
Computer-generated randomization table |
Unclear |
Yes |
3 |
Unclear |
Yes |
| Thielmann et al. [22] |
2010 |
Unclear |
Single blind |
Yes |
2 |
Unclear |
Yes |
| Zimmerman et al. [23] |
2011 |
A block randomization generated by the study coordinator |
Single blind |
Yes |
2 |
Sealed envelopes |
Yes |
| Lucchinette et al. [24] |
2012 |
Computer-generated random numbers |
Unclear |
Yes |
3 |
Sealed envelopes |
Yes |
| Young et al. [25] | 2012 | A block randomization using online randomization sequence generator | Double blind | Yes | 5 | Sealed envelopes | Yes |