Table 4 Quality appraisal of non-randomized experimental studies using JBI risk-of-bias tool

Is it clear in the study what is the ‘cause’

and what is the ‘effect’

Y

Y

Y

Were the participants included in any comparisons similar?

Y

Y

Y

Were the participants included in any comparisons receiving similar treatment/care, other than the exposure or intervention of interest?

Y

Y

Y

Was there a control group?

Y

Y

Y

Were there multiple measurements of the outcome both pre and post the intervention/exposure?

N

Y

Y

Was follow up complete and if not, were differences between groups in terms of their follow up adequately described and analyzed?

Y

N

N

Were the outcomes of participants included in any comparisons measured in the same way?

Y

Y

Y

Was appropriate statistical analysis used?

Y

Y

Y

Were outcomes measured in a reliable way?

Yes

Y

Y

Overall appraisal (Include, exclude, seek further info)

Include

Include

Include