Table 3 Results of the hierarchy of evidence and quality appraisal stages
From: The postural effects of load carriage on young people – a systematic review
Paper | Hierarchy level | Appropriate design | Specification of subject group | Justification of sample size | Reliable and valid measurements | Sensitive outcome tool | Attention to potential biases | Real life implications | Appraisal score | Quality category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
a | 2a | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10/16 | Moderate |
b | 1b | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 15/16 | High |
c | 1b | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8/16 | Moderate |
d | 1b | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9/16 | Moderate |
e | 1b | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8/16 | Moderate |
f | 2a | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9/16 | Moderate |
g | 2a | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9/16 | Moderate |