Analysis of Two Group Comparisons: A Practical Guide

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 166-169
Author(s):  
Ji-Hyun Lee ◽  
Branko Miladinovic ◽  
Michael J Schell

In health science research, comparing two groups on a continuous outcome variable is one of the most common statistical analyses performed. One must choose between two families of tests: parametric and nonparametric. Parametric methods depend upon more stringent assumptions, and violating these assumptions can result in incorrect conclusions. The dominant two-sample approach appearing in Medical Problems of Performing Artists seems to be the Student t-test, which is a parametric test. Despite being the standard choice, this test is not always appropriate. Common textbook prescriptions regarding its use are often misleading and defective in some respects. This article revisits the basic and methodologically important problems in comparing two groups and seeks to provide a practical guide to researchers.

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 167-169
Author(s):  
Ruth Solomon ◽  
John Solomon

The purpose of this study was to provide a statistical review of trends in dance medicine and science research over the last 38 years with regard to how much is being published, where it is being published, and what subject matter is attracting the most attention. All data were compiled through computer tabulations of entries in the authors’ Dance Medicine & Science Bibliography, 3rd Edition. When viewed in three-year intervals, the number of publications was seen to increase dramatically between 1977 and 1988, and decrease steadily at each interval through 2003. Over the time span in question, 141 authored books, 36 edited books, and 321 chapters have appeared, along with 405 articles in periodicals (led by Medical Problems of Performing Artists and the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, with 151 and 136 articles, respectively). Eleven research subjects can be identified which have produced at least 100 references; the 3 most prolific subjects are Psychology/Personality/Perception/Memory/Stress, psychological (308); Technique/Teaching/Training (284); and Stress fracture/Overuse injury (241). Publications over the last 38 years in dance medicine and science portray it as a vigorous and diverse field, although there is potential cause for concern in the (at this time unexplained) decrease in number of publications since 1989.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-78
Author(s):  
Rachel Hodgett ◽  
Richard Ward

Background: In the UK, around 500–600 people a year sustain traumatic injuries to the spinal cord, half of which involve the cervical spine. UK ambulance guidelines stipulate that if immobilisation is indicated, the entire spine should be immobilised using an orthopaedic scoop stretcher, head restraints and a rigid cervical collar. However, the use of cervical collars is being debated in the paramedic profession. Although they were originally considered harmless and used as a precautionary measure, an increasing amount of evidence suggests otherwise and it is argued that they can do more harm than good. Therefore, it is debatable whether using them is consistent with the principles of patient safety and evidence-based practice. Aim: A literature review was carried out to comprehensively examine research surrounding the adverse effects of cervical collars and the range of movement they allow to gain a comprehensive understanding of their efficacy. Methods: The EBSCOhost Health Science Research database was searched. Seven articles were found and chosen for inclusion in the literature review. Results: Two themes were identified regarding cervical collars: adverse effects and range of movement. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that cervical collars can cause more harm than good, and UK ambulance guidelines for spinal immobilisation should be reconsidered.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J Colvonen ◽  
Pamela N DeYoung ◽  
Naa-Oye A Bosompra ◽  
Robert L Owens

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