Assessment of the reporting quality of resistance training interventions in randomised controlled trials for lower limb tendinopathy: A systematic review protocol

Abstract

Review objectives: (1). To describe what exercises and intervention variables are used in resistance training interventions in randomised controlled trials for lower limb tendinopathy. (2). To assess completeness of reporting as assessed by the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) and the Toigo and Boutellier framework. (3). To assess the implementation of scientific resistance training principles. (4). To assess therapeutic quality of exercise interventions with the i-CONTENT tool. Design: Systematic review. Elligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials only, that have reported using resistance exercises for common lower limb tendinopathies including Achilles, patellar, gluteal, and plantar heel pain. Methods: The authors will search for a wide range of sources to find both published and unpublished studies via EBSCOhost, including, but not limited to, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED). Studies published in a language other than English will only be considered if a translation is available. Data synthesis will be presented in tabular form with an accompanying narrative synthesis. Completeness of reporting will be presented as the number of items reported for each of the tools used: the CERT, Toigo and Boutellier framework, i-CONTENT tool, and resistance training principles. Dissemination of the reporting findings of efficacious resistance training interventions used for lower limb tendinopathies, will allow for translation into clinical practice.