Table 1

Study Design Evaluation Criteria

Rating

Description

Criteria

****

Exceptional

-prospective design

-sample size ≥ 50

-information on reliability/validity of measures

-quality of description: population, recruitment, statistical analysis

-appropriate statistical analyses (regression analysis, controlling for confounders considered exceptional)

***

Strong

-missing 1 of the preceding criteria ^a

**

Acceptable

-missing 2 of the preceding criteria

*

Weak

-missing 3 or more of the preceding criteria

a: The highest possible rating for cross-sectional/descriptive studies is ***.

McClain et al. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2009 6:54   doi:10.1186/1479-5868-6-54