Therapeutic effects of exercise interventions for patients with chronic kidney disease: protocol for an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials

Abstract

Introduction An increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials have begun to investigate the effects of exercise interventions in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To systematically appraise and synthesise these results, we will conduct an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods and analysis This is a protocol for an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We will search four databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials evaluating the effect of exercise interventions on patients with CKD will be included. Two independent authors will screen titles and abstracts retrieved in the literature search and select studies meeting the eligibility criteria for full-text review. The methodological quality of the included reviews will be assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2. We estimate the summary effects for each meta-analyses based on the standardised mean difference and its 95% CI. Additionally, the heterogeneity will be assessed by I2 evidence of small-study effect and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval are not required as no private information from individuals is collected. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020223591.