Citation

van Ierssel JJ, Galea O, Holte K, Luszawski C, Jenkins E, O'Neil J, Emery CA, Mannix R, Schneider K, Yeates KO, Zemek R. J. Sport Health Sci. 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Shanghai University of Sport, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jshs.2023.08.003

PMID

37619783

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the reporting completeness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of non-pharmacological interventions following concussion.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science up to May 2022. Two reviewers independently screened studies and assessed reporting completeness using TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication), CERT (Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template), and i-CONTENT (international Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise aNd Training) checklists. Additional information was sought my study authors where reporting was incomplete. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed with the Cochrane ROB-2 Tool. RCTs examining non-pharmacological interventions following concussion.

RESULTS: We included 89 RCTs (n = 53 high ROB) examining 11 different interventions for concussion: sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise, cervicovestibular therapy, physical/cognitive rest, vision therapy, education, psychotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, blue light therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and head/neck cooling. Median scores were: TIDieR 9/12 (75%; IQR: 5; range: 5-12), CERT 17/19 (89%; IQR: 2; range: 10-19), and i-CONTENT 6/7 (86%; IQR: 1; range: 5-7). Percentage of studies completely reporting all items was TIDieR 35% (31/89), CERT 24% (5/21), and i-CONTENT 10% (2/21). Studies were more completely reported after publication of TIDieR (t(87) = 2.08; p = 0.04) and CERT (t(19) = 2.72; p = 0.01). Reporting completeness was not strongly associated with journal impact factor (TIDieR: r(s) = 0.27; p = 0.01; CERT: r(s) = -0.44; p = 0.06; i-CONTENT: r(s) = -0.17; p = 0.48) or ROB (TIDieR: r(s) = 0.11; p = 0.31; CERT: r(s) = 0.04; p = 0.86; i-CONTENT: r(s) = 0.12; p = 0.60).

CONCLUSION: Randomized controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions following concussion demonstrate moderate to good reporting completeness, but are often missing key components, particularly modifications, motivational strategies, and qualified supervisor. Reporting completeness improved after TIDieR and CERT publication, but publication in highly cited journals and low ROB do not guarantee reporting completeness.

Language: en

Keywords

Concussion; Systematic review; Intervention; Randomized controlled trial