3.3.3. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias
Sensitivity analysis showed that the omission of any of the studies from the meta-analysis, create no change in the outcomes of the meta-analysis on testosterone concentration whereas, the results on cortisol concentration were sensitive to omitting 3 studies (7, 29, 30). Funnel plots for cortisol and testosterone were visually symmetrical, and the results of Egger’s test did not determine any evidence of publication bias in studies that examine the effect of HMB consumption on cortisol (Egger’s test, P = 0.337) and on testosterone (Egger’s test, P = 0.140).