Meta-Analysis as Topic ; Research Design

PURPOSE: Use of inappropriate statistical methods may lead to incorrect conclusions and a waste of valuable resources. The goal of this study was to assess the frequency and the types of several common statistical errors in the published articles of the Journal of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics (JKAP) for a 5-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 336 articles in the JKAP published from 2006 to 2010, 255 articles using statistics were reviewed and classified by statistical method and year. The frequency and types of the statistical methods were examined, and the statistical errors were evaluated by the appropriateness of the experimental design, assumption check, independent outcomes, proper sample size and suitable use of statistical method. Statistical guidelines were completed based on the appropriateness. RESULTS: Of the 255 articles using statistics, 193 articles (75.9%) used inferential statistics and 153 articles used SPSS statistical software (60.0%). Of the articles using inferential statistics, the three most frequently used statistical methods were ANOVA (41.5%), t-test (20.0%), and the nonparametric method (16.9%). The average rate of statistical errors was 61.2 percent, similar to the rate reported by several studies completed for the medical journal. CONCLUSION: After the whole analysis of the difference among the groups, post-hoc tests for the pairwise comparisons are required. The optimal sample size calculation is an essential part of this study protocol. To minimize the occurrence of statistical errors, statistical guidelines were developed according to each statistical test procedure and will contribute to the academic improvement in the JKAP.
Prosthodontics ; Research Design ; Sample Size

Random allocation is commonly used in medical researches, and has become an essential part of designing clinical trials. It produces comparable groups with regard to known or unknown prognostic factors, and prevents the selection bias which occurs due to the arbitrary assignment of subjects to groups. It also provides the background for statistical testing. Depending on the change in allocation probability, random allocation is divided into two categories: fixed allocation randomization and dynamic allocation randomization. In this paper, the author briefly introduces both the theory and practice of randomization. The definition, necessity, principal, significance, and classification of randomization are also explained. Advantages and disadvantages of each randomization technique are further discussed. Dynamic allocation randomization (Adaptive randomization), which is as yet unfamiliar with the anesthesiologist, is also introduced. Lastly, the methods and procedures for random sequence generation using Microsoft Excel is provided.
Classification ; Random Allocation* ; Research Design ; Selection Bias

Random allocation is commonly used in medical researches, and has become an essential part of designing clinical trials. It produces comparable groups with regard to known or unknown prognostic factors, and prevents the selection bias which occurs due to the arbitrary assignment of subjects to groups. It also provides the background for statistical testing. Depending on the change in allocation probability, random allocation is divided into two categories: fixed allocation randomization and dynamic allocation randomization. In this paper, the author briefly introduces both the theory and practice of randomization. The definition, necessity, principal, significance, and classification of randomization are also explained. Advantages and disadvantages of each randomization technique are further discussed. Dynamic allocation randomization (Adaptive randomization), which is as yet unfamiliar with the anesthesiologist, is also introduced. Lastly, the methods and procedures for random sequence generation using Microsoft Excel is provided.
Classification ; Random Allocation* ; Research Design ; Selection Bias

This study is aimed at analyzing the trend of research on the use of exercise in nursing research, through suggesting directions for future research and implementation of the various exercise therapies. Research studies were taken from dissertations and theses selected from the Academic Society Journals of nursing science, Journals from universities, medical and nursing schools, research institutes in various universities, the Central Journal of Medicine, and the New Medical Journal. The research published between 1970 and 1997 in Korea were analyzed, 51 research were selected. The research are analyzed according to: published time, source of the research, research design, subjects, sample size, dependant variables, exercise therapy, and effect of exercise therapy. The results were as follows: 1. Research on exercise therapy increased rapidly in the 1990's. At this time, 88.2% of research was published. 2. Research areas included: 54.9% non- degree research, 27.5% Doctoral theses, and 17.6% Master's theses. 3. The experimental design included: 66.7% non- equivalent control group pre-test/ post-test design and 29.4% one group pre-test/post- test design. 4. Out of the Subjects: 52.9% were patients with various health problems, and 47.1% were healthy individuals. 5. Sample size included: 52.9% with above 31 subjects, 11.8% with 11~15 and 26~30. 6. Exercise therapy was analyzed by type, intensity, frequency, duration, and period. 1) The Types: Aerobic exercise at 60.8% was the most common, active exercise for muscle strengthening and building made up 21.6%. 2) Exercise with 40~65% intensity comprised 25.5%, 70~85% with 7.8%, and no description of the intensity was 66.7%. 3) Frequency of 3~5 per week was the most common at 78.4%. 4) Duration: 15~60 minutes was the most common length of time at 76.5%. 5) Periods: More than 5 weeks at 82.3% were the most common in their categories. 7. Dependant variables: Psychological response was measured as a dependant variable in 92.2%, Cardio-pulmonary function 88.2%, Body Composition was 86.3%, Physical Response was 60.8%, Lipid Metabolism was 58.8%, Physical Strength was 49.0%, Glucose Metabolism was 25.5%, Activities of Daily Living was 17.6% and others added to be 3.9%. 8. The effect of Exercise Therapy was categorized into 'positive', 'partially positive', and 'no effect' according to dependant variables: Having a positive effect - Glucose Metabolism (93.3%), Physical Response (85.0%), Activities of Daily Living (81.8%), Psychological Response (71.6%), Lipid Metabolism (67.6%), Cardio- pulmonary Function (63.6%), Physical Strength (68.1%), and Body Composition (56.4%). The following suggestions can be made on the above findings: 1. Research findings on Exercise Therapy as a Nursing Intervention need to be described by their elements of type, intensity, frequency, duration and period. 2. Toproperly study the positive effects of Exercise Therapy, there needs to be (1) appropriate research design, (2) selection criteria for the subjects (3) contents of exercise prescription to individuals or groups (4) measurement criterion for the dependent variables. 3. Meta-analysis on exercise therapy also needs to be done to analyze and integrate the various results.
Academies and Institutes ; Activities of Daily Living ; Body Composition ; Exercise ; Exercise Therapy* ; Glucose ; Humans ; Korea ; Lipid Metabolism ; Metabolism ; Nursing Research* ; Nursing* ; Patient Selection ; Prescriptions ; Research Design ; Sample Size ; Schools, Nursing

This study is aimed at analyzing the trend of research on the use of exercise in nursing research, through suggesting directions for future research and implementation of the various exercise therapies. Research studies were taken from dissertations and theses selected from the Academic Society Journals of nursing science, Journals from universities, medical and nursing schools, research institutes in various universities, the Central Journal of Medicine, and the New Medical Journal. The research published between 1970 and 1997 in Korea were analyzed, 51 research were selected. The research are analyzed according to: published time, source of the research, research design, subjects, sample size, dependant variables, exercise therapy, and effect of exercise therapy. The results were as follows: 1. Research on exercise therapy increased rapidly in the 1990's. At this time, 88.2% of research was published. 2. Research areas included: 54.9% non- degree research, 27.5% Doctoral theses, and 17.6% Master's theses. 3. The experimental design included: 66.7% non- equivalent control group pre-test/ post-test design and 29.4% one group pre-test/post- test design. 4. Out of the Subjects: 52.9% were patients with various health problems, and 47.1% were healthy individuals. 5. Sample size included: 52.9% with above 31 subjects, 11.8% with 11~15 and 26~30. 6. Exercise therapy was analyzed by type, intensity, frequency, duration, and period. 1) The Types: Aerobic exercise at 60.8% was the most common, active exercise for muscle strengthening and building made up 21.6%. 2) Exercise with 40~65% intensity comprised 25.5%, 70~85% with 7.8%, and no description of the intensity was 66.7%. 3) Frequency of 3~5 per week was the most common at 78.4%. 4) Duration: 15~60 minutes was the most common length of time at 76.5%. 5) Periods: More than 5 weeks at 82.3% were the most common in their categories. 7. Dependant variables: Psychological response was measured as a dependant variable in 92.2%, Cardio-pulmonary function 88.2%, Body Composition was 86.3%, Physical Response was 60.8%, Lipid Metabolism was 58.8%, Physical Strength was 49.0%, Glucose Metabolism was 25.5%, Activities of Daily Living was 17.6% and others added to be 3.9%. 8. The effect of Exercise Therapy was categorized into 'positive', 'partially positive', and 'no effect' according to dependant variables: Having a positive effect - Glucose Metabolism (93.3%), Physical Response (85.0%), Activities of Daily Living (81.8%), Psychological Response (71.6%), Lipid Metabolism (67.6%), Cardio- pulmonary Function (63.6%), Physical Strength (68.1%), and Body Composition (56.4%). The following suggestions can be made on the above findings: 1. Research findings on Exercise Therapy as a Nursing Intervention need to be described by their elements of type, intensity, frequency, duration and period. 2. Toproperly study the positive effects of Exercise Therapy, there needs to be (1) appropriate research design, (2) selection criteria for the subjects (3) contents of exercise prescription to individuals or groups (4) measurement criterion for the dependent variables. 3. Meta-analysis on exercise therapy also needs to be done to analyze and integrate the various results.
Academies and Institutes ; Activities of Daily Living ; Body Composition ; Exercise ; Exercise Therapy* ; Glucose ; Humans ; Korea ; Lipid Metabolism ; Metabolism ; Nursing Research* ; Nursing* ; Patient Selection ; Prescriptions ; Research Design ; Sample Size ; Schools, Nursing

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality level of Chinese clinical research about dental caries in 1950-2005.

METHODSThe Chinese clinical research literatures about dental caries in 1950-2005 were collected. All the literatures were evaluated by Jadad scale. The score of Jadad scale was form 0 to 5. Score 2 and below was poor quality literature, and score 3 and more was high quality literature. The full marks of Jadad scale was 5.

RESULTS3,201 clinical research papers about dental caries were collected, in which 46 articles were high quality literature. In 3,201 papers, random allocation methods were mentioned in 142 papers, double-blind measure were performed in 26 papers, the withdrawn and missing cases were described in 256 papers.

CONCLUSIONThe high quality literature of Chinese clinical research about dental caries in scientific research design is less. The scientific research design should be strength to enhance the total quality of Chinese clinical research about dental caries.

OBJECTIVES: The systematic review (SR) is a research methodology that aims to synthesize related evidence. Updating previously conducted SRs is necessary when new evidence has been produced, but no consensus has yet emerged on the appropriate update methodology. The authors have developed a new SR update method called 'adaptive meta-analysis' (AMA) using the 'cited by', 'similar articles', and 'related articles' citation discovery tools in the PubMed and Scopus databases. This study evaluates the usefulness of these citation discovery tools for updating SRs. METHODS: Lists were constructed by applying the citation discovery tools in the two databases to the articles analyzed by a published SR. The degree of overlap between the lists and distribution of excluded results were evaluated. RESULTS: The articles ultimately selected for the SR update meta-analysis were found in the lists obtained from the 'cited by' and 'similar' tools in PubMed. Most of the selected articles appeared in both the 'cited by' lists in Scopus and PubMed. The Scopus 'related' tool did not identify the appropriate articles. CONCLUSIONS: The AMA, which involves using both citation discovery tools in PubMed, and optionally, the 'related' tool in Scopus, was found to be useful for updating an SR.
Databases, Factual ; Meta-Analysis as Topic ; *Peer Review, Research ; *Research Design

No abstract available.
Research Design

No abstract available.
Research Design*