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March 2025 1 material

How to calculate reliability

Every study gets a score from 1 to 10 for the reliability of its conclusions. The score depends on:

  • Publication type. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs score highest. Individual RCTs and cohort studies come lower. Preprints (bioRxiv, medRxiv) score even lower due to a lack of peer review.
  • Sample size. A study with 10,000+ participants is more reliable than a pilot study with 14.
  • Journal and peer review. Publication in an impact-factor journal is not the same as a preprint.
  • Methodology. Control groups, randomisation, blinding, duration of follow-up.
  • Conflict of interest and funding. Declared and transparent — a plus.

The score is generated by AI from publication metadata. It is a Guide, not a verdict — even a 6/10 can contain an important result, and 9/10 doesn't exempt you from reading critically. Every source is signed: click "Read research →" to verify for yourself.

PubMed
Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice
8 March
Reliability: 8/10 Reliability is the assessment of how confident we are in the study's conclusion. It accounts for publication type (RCT > cohort > case series > preprint), sample size, journal, and methodology. 9–10: strong evidence. 7–8: confident with caveats. 5–6: preliminary, needs confirmation. The score is generated by AI from publication metadata.

The effects of exercise interventions on fatigue, body composition, physical fitness, and biomarkers in breast cancer patients during and after treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Lee, J, Hwang, Y

English summary coming soon.

Breast cancer Physical activity Tiredness Body composition meta-analysis
Read research
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-025-01772-x