Table 3. Methodological quality appraisal tool.
| Criterion | Score* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Outcome measures: | ||
| A. Valid/reliable and well described? | 1 | |
| B. Not valid/reliable, poorly described or not identified? | 0 | |
| 2. Background/literature review: | ||
| A. Detailed? | 1 | |
| B. Limited? | 0 | |
| 3. Sample: | ||
| A. Well described? | 1 | |
| B. Poorly described? | 0 | |
| 4. Study design or methodology: | ||
| A. Clear? | 1 | |
| B. Not clear? | 0 | |
| 5. Conclusions: | ||
| Supported by the study results? | 1 | |
| Not supported by the study results? | 0 | |
| Methodological quality: | ||
| High | Moderate | Low |
| Total score ≥ 4 | Total score = 3 | Total score ≤ 2 |
* Total score = sum of individual scores