2.7 | Quality appraisal
The quality of the included randomized controlled trials was
independently evaluated by 2 investigators (first and second authors)
using the Cochrane Handbook (5.1) Risk of Bias Assessment Tool, and a
third investigator (corresponding author) was asked to adjudicate
collaboratively in case of disagreement. Among them, the RCT evaluation
tool included 7 entries, which were: generation of randomized sequences,
allocation concealment, blinding of study subjects and interveners,
implementation of blinding by outcome measures, loss to visit, selective
reporting, and other biases.