Reported methods for handling missing change standard deviations in meta-analyses of exercise therapy interventions in patients with heart failure: A systematic review.

Change SDs are often not reported in trial papers and while in the first instance meta-analysts should attempt to obtain missing data from trial authors, this information is frequently not forthcoming. Meta-analysts are then forced to make a decision on how these trials and missing data are to be handled. Whilst not one approach is favoured for dealing with this matter, authors need to clearly report the approach to be utilised for missing change SDs. Where change SDs are imputed meta-analyst are encouraged to explore several options and have a sound rationale as to the choice, and where data is imputed, sensitivity analysis should be conducted.