Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis in Research: A Workshop Success Story
In 2022, during my postdoctoral position, I started a research project aimed at making academic contributions more accessible to researchers and coaches. It began with a literature review on "home-based training in athletes during COVID-19," which laid the groundwork for future projects. Together with Mgr. Marta Gimunová, Ph.D., we explored athletes' perceptions of the menstrual cycle through a systematic review that highlighted gaps in the sports community's understanding. Doctor Gimunova suggested that we share the knowledge about systematic review with our colleagues.
This suggestion led to the creation of a workshop, which we carefully designed to teach the step-by-step process of conducting and writing systematic reviews. The workshop was divided into two comprehensive sessions: the first focused on understanding the principles and methodologies of systematic reviews, while the second session took participants through hands-on activities in writing and structuring their reviews. Our goal was to create a resource that both students and experienced researchers could benefit from.
The response was positive. Faculty members and PhD students from our institution joined the workshop and over the course of two years, this workshop became fundamental, producing high-quality articles published in Q1 and Q2 journals. Many of these articles received more than 10 citations within a short period, demonstrating the relevance and timeliness of the topics explored. Notably, one of the reviews was performed in collaboration with Brazilian researchers, further extending our academic network and enhancing the quality of our work.
The Benefits of Systematic Reviews for Researchers at All Levels
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are powerful tools in research. The literature review article offers students a structured way to understand their topic while gaining experience in critical and scientific writing. A systematic review is an excellent way for students to be listed as first authors in high-impact journals, providing them with a solid start in their academic careers.
For senior researchers, the benefits are equally compelling. Systematic reviews help increase the visibility and impact of one’s research portfolio. By synthesizing existing studies, senior researchers can contribute to advancing knowledge in their field, which often leads to higher citation counts and an increased h-index. This is particularly valuable when applying for research grants, as a strong citation profile is a key factor that funding bodies consider.
The Impact of the Workshop: A Collaborative and Engaged Academic Community
The workshop’s success lies in the articles published and in encouraging a culture of collaboration and shared learning. The involvement of PhD students and early-career researchers created a positive environment where ideas were exchanged freely. Participants learned the critical aspects of developing research questions, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, performing literature searches, and synthesizing findings into comprehensive reviews.
This collaborative approach helped to improve the research culture within our faculty. By making systematic reviews more accessible, we have encouraged our colleagues to explore new research possibilities and produce work that resonates with the wider scientific community. The workshop demonstrated that even complex methodologies like systematic reviews can be demystified and leveraged for high-impact research outputs with the right guidance.
A Model for Building Research Capacity
The workshop and the resulting publications underscore the importance of investing in skills development within academic institutions. Through structured training and collaborative engagement, researchers at all levels can explore the benefits of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, contributing significantly to their fields while advancing their academic careers. Whether you are a student eager to publish your first paper or a senior researcher looking to increase your citations, systematic reviews offer a strategic approach to producing relevant, high-impact work.
The experience we had with the workshop is a testament to how knowledge-sharing initiatives can lead to tangible academic success. With the published articles and counting, the workshop has proven that systematic reviews are not just a publication strategy but a pathway to building an engaged and collaborative research community.
Additionally, for the autumn semester 2024, course e067 Research in Kinesiology has been open. This course aims to provide step-by-step guidance on systematic review writing. The course is open for bachelor and master students who write their thesis as a literature review and doctoral students who want to synthesize the current literature on their research topic and publish a systematic review article.
Articles developed from the workshop:
2022
– Effect of home training during the COVID-19 lockdown on physical performance and perceptual responses of team-sport athletes: a mini-review. Biology Of Sports (Q1). 8 Citations. DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2022.117040.
– Prevalence of Risk for Orthorexia in Athletes Using the ORTO-15 Questionnaire: A Systematic Mini-Review. Frontiers In Psychology (Q2). 4 Citations. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.856185.
– The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Perceptual Responses in Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Frontiers In Psychology (Q2). 12 Citations. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.926854.
– The Prevalence of Menstrual Cycle Disorders in Female Athletes from Different Sports Disciplines: A Rapid Review. International Journal of environmental Research and Public Health (Q2). 19 Citations. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114243.
2024
– The effect of space travel on human reproductive health: a systematic review. Npj Microgravity (Q1). 2 Citations. DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00351-1.
– Effect of circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on physical performance in women: a systematic review. Frontiers in Physiology (Q2). 1 Citation. DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1347036
– Effect of exercise detraining in cognitive functions of older adults: A systematic review. Archives of Gerontology And Geriatrics(Q2). DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105485.
– A literature review of biomarkers used for diagnosis of relative energy deficiency in sport. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (Q2). DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1375740