Table 2.
Critical appraisal of studies
| Question | Hood 197813 | McGowan 197715 | Meiss 198216 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Was true randomization used for assignment of participants to treatment groups? | Y | Y | UC |
| 2. Was allocation to treatment groups concealed? | N | Y | Y |
| 3. Were treatment groups similar at baseline? | Y | Y | Y |
| 4. Were participants blind to treatment assignment? | UC | Y | Y |
| 5. Were those delivering treatment blind to treatment assignment? | UC | Y | Y |
| 6. Were outcomes assessors blind to treatment assignment? | UC | Y | UC |
| 7. Were treatment groups treated identically other than the intervention of interest? | N | Y | Y |
| 8. Was follow-up complete and if not, were differences between groups in terms of their follow up adequately described and analysed? | Y | UC | Y |
| 9. Were participants analysed in the groups to which they were randomized? | Y | Y | Y |
| 10. Were outcomes measured in the same way for treatment groups? | Y | Y | Y |
| 11. Were outcomes measured in a reliable way? | Y | Y | Y |
| 12. Was appropriate statistical analysis used? | UC | Y | Y |
| 13. Was the trial design appropriate, and any deviations from the standard RCT designed accounted for in the conduct and analysis of the trial? | Y | Y | Y |
| Total | 7 | 12 | 11 |
Y, yes; N, no; N/A, not applicable; UC, unclear.