Article

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the reporting of sample size calculation in
randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on rehabilitation interventions for
mechanical low back pain.
DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews was searched through February 2015. STUDY SELECTION: We conducted an
electronic database search for RCTs published from January 1, 1968 to February
28, 2015 and included in the Cochrane Systematic Reviews. DATA EXTRACTION: Two
investigators independently used an ad hoc 6-item checklist derived from the
Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 statement
recommendations to extract data on sample size calculation. The primary outcome
was the proportion of RCTs that reported sample size calculation; the secondary
outcome was the completeness of sample size analysis reporting. We also evaluated
improvement in reporting of sample size calculation over time. DATA SYNTHESIS:
Sample size calculation was reported in 80 (36.0%) of the 222 eligible RCTs
included in 14 Cochrane Systematic Reviews. Only 13 (16.3%) of these RCT reports
gave a complete description, and about half reported >/=4 of the 6 elements of
sample size calculation (median, 4; interquartile range, 3-5). Completeness of
reporting of sample size calculation improved from 1968 to 2013; since 2005, the
number of RCTs reporting sample size calculation has increased compared with the
number of RCTs not reporting it. CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvement, reporting of
sample size calculation and power analysis remains inadequate, limiting the
reader's ability to assess the quality and accuracy of rehabilitation studies.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Statistiques

Langue : ANGLAIS