Scales to assess the quality of randomized controlled trials: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is commonly evaluated in order to assess the risk of biased estimates of treatment effects. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify scales used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs in health care research and summarize the content, construction, development, and psychometric properties of these scales.


METHODS
Extensive electronic database searches, along with a manual search, were performed.


RESULTS
One hundred five relevant studies were identified. They accounted for 21 scales and their modifications. The majority of scales had not been rigorously developed or tested for validity and reliability. The Jadad Scale presented the best validity and reliability evidence; however, its validity for physical therapy trials has not been supported.


CONCLUSIONS
Many scales are used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs, but most of these scales have not been adequately developed and have not been adequately tested for validity and reliability. A valid and reliable scale for the assessment of the methodological quality of physical therapy trials needs to be developed.
Olivo
Susan Armijo
SA
University of Alberta, 3-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G4. sla4@ualberta.ca
Macedo
Luciana Gazzi
LG
Gadotti
Inae Caroline
IC
Fuentes
Jorge
J
Stanton
Tasha
T
Magee
David J
DJ
D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design