Table 2. Results of the survey of the clinical studies (n = 44).
| Requirement | No n (%) |
Yes n (%) |
Unclear n (%) |
Not applicable n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to specify the inclusion and exclusion criteria? | 37 (84%) | 7 (16%) | - | - |
| Failure to determine and report the error of your measurement methods? | 4 (9%) | 18 (41%) | - | 22 (50%) |
| Failure to specify the exact statistical assumptions made in the analysis? | 18 (41%) | 26 (59%) | - | - |
| Failure to perform sample size analysis before the study begins? | 5 (11%) | 39 (89%) | - | - |
| Failure to implement adequate bias control measures? | 11 (25%) | 26 (59%) | - | 7 (16%) |
| Failure to vigorously recruit and retain subjects? | 38 (85%) | 4 (10%) | - | 2 (5%) |
| Failure to examine for normality of the data? | 17 (38%) | 23 (52%) | - | 4 (10%) |
| Failure to report missing data, dropped subjects and use of an intention to treat analysis? | 10 (23%) | 32 (73%) | - | 2 (5%) |
| Failure to point out the weaknesses of your own study? | 17 (39%) | 27 (61%) | - | - |
| Number of citations: mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range | 1.8 ± 1.9; 1.0; 2.8 | |||
| Time passed from the publication (years): mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range | 4.7 ± 3.2; 4.0; 3.8 | |||
| Number of satisfied criteria per study: mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range | 3.6 ± 1.8; 3.0; 3.0 | |||