Statistical Power in Musculoskeletal Research: A Meta-Review of 266 Randomised Controlled Trials
Low statistical power permeates musculoskeletal injury research, limiting the clinical utility of many RCTs. The underlying causes of low power in this field are multifactorial and extend beyond sample size calculation alone. Enhancing study power requires methodological improvements, including robust planning, stronger theoretical frameworks, multi-center collaboration, data sharing, and the use of valid, reliable outcome measures.
Authors
- James M. Smoliga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1895-5687)
- Jente Wagemans (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7856-463X)
- Fredh Netterström-Wedin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4419-046X)
- Natalie Klempel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7937-6470)
- Chris Bleakley (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9032-9691)
Institutions
- Tufts University (US)
- University of Ulster (GB)
- University of Antwerp (BE)
- Quantify Research (Sweden) (SE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Sports Medicine - Open
- Published
- 2025-11-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00908-8
- Primary Topic
- Muscle activation and electromyography studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00