| Failure to specify the inclusion and exclusion criteria? |
6 (18%) |
4 (9%) |
7 (16%) |
4 (9%) |
0.595 |
| Failure to determine and report the error of your
measurement methods? |
11 (32%) |
19 (44%) |
18 (41%) |
26 (60%) |
0.006 |
| Failure to specify the exact statistical assumptions
made in the analysis? |
25 (74%) |
22 (51%) |
26 (59%) |
37 (86%) |
0.000 |
| Failure to perform sample size analysis before the
study begins? |
30 (88%) |
37 (86%) |
39 (89%) |
42 (98%) |
0.215 |
| Failure to implement adequate bias control measures? |
16 (47%) |
21 (49%) |
26 (59%) |
31 (72%) |
0.006 |
| Failure to vigorously recruit and retain subjects? |
0 (0%) |
1 (2%) |
4 (10%) |
0 (0%) |
0.077 |
| Failure to examine for normality of the data? |
25 (74%) |
21 (49%) |
23 (52%) |
38 (88%) |
0.000 |
| Failure to report missing data, dropped subjects
and use of an intention to treat analysis? |
4 (12%) |
11 (26%) |
32 (73%) |
31 (72%) |
0.000 |
| Failure to point out the weaknesses of your own study? |
14 (41%) |
12 (28%) |
27 (61%) |
31 (72%) |
0.000 |
| Number of satisfied criteria per study: mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range |
5.1 ± 1.7,
5.0, [2.0] |
5.5 ± 1.5,
6.0, [2.0] |
3.6 ± 1.8,
3.0, [3.0] |
3.4 ± 1.1,
3.0, [1.0] |
0.000 |
| Number of studies that satisfied more than 4 criteria |
22 (65%) |
32 (74%) |
13 (30%) |
7 (16%) |
0.000 |
