Table 1.4 Levels of Evidence
by stwadmin | Dec 5, 2018
Table 1.4 Levels of Evidence
Level |
Research Design |
Description |
Level 1a |
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) |
More than 1 RCT with PEDro score ≥6.
Includes within subjects comparison with randomized conditions and crossover designs. |
Level 1b |
RCT |
1 RCT with PEDro ≥6. |
Level 2 |
RCT |
RCT, PEDro <6. |
PCT |
Prospective controlled trial (not randomized). |
Cohort |
Prospective longitudinal study using at least two similar groups with one exposed to a particular condition. |
Level 3 |
Case Control |
A retrospective study comparing conditions including historical controls. |
Level 4 |
Pre-Post test |
A prospective trial with a baseline measure, intervention, and a post- test using a single group of subjects. |
Post-test |
A prospective intervention study using a post intervention measure only (no pre-test or baseline measurement) with one or more groups |
Case Series |
A retrospective study usually collecting variables from a chart review. |
Level 5 |
Observational Study |
Using cross sectional analysis to interpret relations |
Clinical Consensus |
Expert opinion without explicit critical appraisal, or based on physiology, biomechanics or “first principles”. |
Case Reports |
Pre-post or case series involving one subject. |