Sample sizes and statistical methods in interventional studies on individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Prevalence and incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) are low. However, sample sizes have not been systematically examined yet, although this might represent useful information for study planning and power considerations. Therefore, our objective was to determine the median sample size in clinical trials on SCI individuals. Moreover, within small-sample size studies, statistical methods and awareness of potential problems regarding small samples were examined.

Methods

We systematically reviewed all studies on human SCI individuals published between 2014 and 2015, where the effect of an intervention on one or more health-related outcomes was assessed by means of a hypothesis test. If at least one group had a size <20, the study was classified as a small sample size study.

SUBMITTER: Zimmermann G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6771853 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature