ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are used by clinicians to inform evidence-based practice including when providing exercise programs. They should sufficiently report exercise interventions to permit accurate replication and incorporation into clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this scoping review was to describe the elements used within the exercise prescription process for musculoskeletal rehabilitation in a one-on-one setting reported in RCTs including their methods and prescription in intervention or control groups. METHODS: The databases CINHAL, COCHRANE, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PUBMED were searched using a predefined strategy. Articles were reviewed according to detailed inclusion/exclusion criteria which included whether they were RCTs prescribing exercises for musculoskeletal rehabilitation in a one-on-one setting published within the last 5 years. For studies retained following screening, data extracted included year of publication, musculoskeletal condition and interventions studied. A pre-determined checklist ascertained the elements of the exercise prescription process reported in each study. Data obtained were analysed descriptively and summarised. RESULTS: After screening, 153 studies were retained for data extraction. The two most reported items included 'specific dosages provided' (75%, n = 115), and 'observe the patient performing the exercises' (71%. n = 108). Over half of studies reported basing their exercise intervention on existing evidence-based protocols (61%, n = 93). Elements considering biomechanical principles were the most 'unclear'. Most of the checklist items received an 'unclear' score due to inadequate descriptions of interventions. CONCLUSION: Many RCTs under report the development and prescription of exercise interventions, limiting replication of findings in clinical practice. A comprehensive framework is needed to ensure exercise prescription is adequately reported.