3.1 Search and study selection results
A total number of 2,050 pertinent
results were found across all the searches performed. After restricting
the searches to RCTs within the databases, this number was eventually
reduced to 1,405 citations. After removing the duplications, 562
citations were retrieved to enable the screening of each result’s title
and abstract. A total of 37 full text articles were identified as being
relevant to the topic. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were
applied to the 37 relevant trials, only 7 trials which met the criteria
were included in the review. In addition, three studies were identified
through reviewing the reference lists from the included trials. However,
they were all excluded after the eligibility criteria were applied to
them. Figure 1 represents the flow chart of the study selection process.