As part of the current review, all potentially relevant RCTs
were independently read by three authors (MC, AC, VR) and
were scored for methodological quality following the JADAD
scale scoring system [35]. This scale assigns points ranging
from poor (=0) to high (=5) methodological quality. The items
of the JADAD score assess randomization (maximum points:
2), blinding (maximum points: 2) and reporting of withdrawals
and dropouts (maximum points: 1) [35]. The decision to use
the JADAD scoring scale lays on the following reasons: The
JADAD scale has been adapted for use in many health care
areas and it was found to be the most frequently cited and the
most commonly used scale by the health care community [36].
Furthermore, it was tested for construct validity [24], test-retest
reliability in different areas and it presented the best validity
evidence compared to other scales [35].