Quality assessment list
| Criteria for quality score | ||
|---|---|---|
| Study population | ||
| 1 | Study groups are clearly defined | Positive if truly or somewhat representative of the average population (females>males, athletes, patients from primary or secondary care). Studies received also one point if they only included women, because the PFPS is more common in women than in man. Described recruitment of included patients |
| 2 | Number of cases ≥50 | Positive if the total number of cases was ≥50 |
| 3 | Comparable groups | Positive if the study controls are comparable for age and gender |
| 4 | Inclusion and exclusion criteria | Positive if inclusion and exclusion criteria were described |
| Inclusion: a clear definition of PFPS | ||
| Exclusion: a clear definition of the exclusion criteria | ||
| Assessment of outcome | ||
| 5 | Definition of determinant | Positive if a clear definition of outcome measure (variable that might be associated with PFPS) was described |
| Analysing and data presentation | ||
| 6 | Data presentation | Positive if risk estimates were presented or when raw data (numbers and percentages for dichotomous variables and means and SDs for continuous variables) were given that allow the calculation of risk estimates (OR or relative risks) and mean differences |
| 7 | Control for confounding | Positive if the method used to control for confounding was described |
| Blinding | ||
| 8 | Blinding | Positive if the outcome assessor was blinded on health status (PFPS versus controls) subjects |
PFPS, patellofemoral pain syndrome.