Designs of studies published in two Brazilian journals of orthopedics and sports medicine, recently indexed in the ISI Web of Science

Abstract

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The methodology and relevance of articles are among the keystones for promoting their citation and increasing journals' impact factors. Study designs appropriate for answering the questions and adequate sample sizes have the aim of reducing the risk of bias. This study evaluated the articles published in two Brazilian journals of orthopedics and sports medicine that were recently indexed in the ISI Web of Science, regarding study design, sample size calculation, randomization and blinding. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive study at Brazilian Cochrane Center. METHODS: Through a manual search, all original manuscripts published in 2007 in Acta Ortopédica Brasileira and Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte were selected and evaluated. RESULTS: All the 60 articles published in Acta Ortopédica Brasileira and the 87 articles in Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte were included and evaluated. The commonest design in Acta Ortopédica Brasileira was experimental studies (n = 19) and in Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, update or review articles (n =14). Sample calculations were seen in a minority of the articles. None of the eight clinical trials published presented sample calculations or adequate randomization processes. Three were described as blinded, but none described the measures taken to prevent disclosure of the allocation concealment. CONCLUSIONS: Publication of studies of good methodological quality other than review and experimental studies should be strongly encouraged among Brazilian journals, with the aim of increasing their citation and therefore their impact factor.