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Developing, Implementing, and Applying Novel Techniques During Systematic Reviews of Primary Space Medicine Data
Andrew Winnard1, Nick Caplan1, Claire Bruce-Martin1
1From the Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; the Department of Physiotherapy, LUNEX International University of Health, Differdange, Luxembourg; Human Performance in Space, International Space University, Strasbourg, France; the Space Medicine Team, ESA HRE-OM, European Astronaut Centre (EAC) and KBR GmbH, Cologne, Germany; and Blue Abyss, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Developing specific systematic review methods for aerospace medicine is crucial. These novel methods enhance data synthesis and highlight the need for standardized practices and more controlled trials in space medicine research.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Systematic Review Methodology
Background:
- Established in 2016, the Aerospace Medicine Systematic Review Group aims to improve evidence-based practice through transparent data synthesis.
- Identified unique research methods in space medicine requiring specialized systematic review approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the evolution of space medicine synthesis methods.
- To discuss the initial application and validity of these newly developed methods.
Main Methods:
- Developed specific guidance for protocol planning, quantitative and qualitative synthesis, gray data sourcing, and quality assessment of simulation environments.
- Created decision algorithms for guidance and tool application based on practical usage.
Main Results:
- Six reviews employed quantitative methods, but meta-analyses were not feasible due to limited controlled trials or reporting deficiencies.
- All reviews assessed the quality and transferability of human spaceflight simulation environments; one review utilized qualitative synthesis.
- Identified several research gaps within the field.
Conclusions:
- The implemented methods demonstrated usability and initial validity for space medicine systematic reviews.
- The current evidence base necessitates standardized synthesis guidance, increased use of controlled trials, standardized outcome measures, and improved reporting standards.
- Space medicine research requires unique systematic review methodologies due to its specialized nature.
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