Topics Selection and Methodological Issues of Meta-analysis in Chinese Sports Core Journals
Objective:To explore the topic selection and methodological issues in meta-analyses which published in Chinese sports core journals,and to provide recommendations for the improvement of research quality.Methods:Meta-analyses published in 16 Chinese sports core journals were retrieved from the CNKI database.Based on the Cochrane Handbook and classic meta-analysis literature,this study discussed the topic selection issues and evaluated the methodological issues in the selected meta-analyses,the items including:1)The presence of outliers(effect size＞3);2)conversion of standard errors to standard deviations;3)consideration of within-study correlations;4)oversight of within-study variances;5)focus on within-study rather than between-study differences;6)extraction of only one effect size from multiple effect sizes in one study.Results:In terms of topic selection,71.1%of Chinese meta-analysis research topics were similar to existing English meta-analysis,with 27.3%of them were nearly identical to their English counterparts.In terms of methodological problem,82.2%of the studies had at least one methodological issues,which could potentially alter 43.8%of the meta-analyses results.Conclusions:The aim of meta-analyses should focus on the resolution of major research problems with practical significance.When performing a meta-analysis,researchers should carefully check the reporting form of original data and employ various effect models,analysis methods,combining strategies,meta-analysis software,and presentation methods,and collaborating with other researchers to ensure the stability of meta-analysis results.More importantly,the author need to detail and explain the analysis process in the methods section to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of the study.
万方数据
维普
