30 Seconds Summary
Meta-Analyses Are the Gold Standard for Evidence, but What’s the Value of Gold These Days?

  • 85% of the 20 most-cited meta-analyses in strength and conditioning contain at least one statistical error, commonly involving issues like ignoring outliers and misusing statistical values.
  • Historical context emphasizes the importance of robust data and appropriate analytical methods in meta-analyses, illustrated by the shortcomings in early 20th-century work on typhoid vaccine efficacy.
  • Statistical errors are prevalent in highly cited studies, indicating a need for improved review and educational efforts among researchers to refine meta-analysis practices.
  • Common missteps include incorrect effect size calculations due to confusion between standard errors and deviations, and issues with handling within-study correlations and variances.
  • Practical applications and a comprehensive checklist are presented to aid in critically evaluating meta-analyses and avoiding common pitfalls.
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