Rehabilitation

Second reviewer for systematic review on stretching and orthotic interventions in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Skills / interests: Risk of Bias assessment, Clinical peer review, Review development, Searching for evidence, Screening and selecting studies, Data analysis and organisation, Writing (drafting and editing), Data extraction

Methodological skills / interests: Information retrieval, Patient reported outcomes, Non-randomised studies of interventions, Qualitative evidence synthesis

This project is a systematic review examining the effectiveness of stretching and orthotic interventions for people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The aim is to bring together and critically appraise existing evidence to inform best practice guidance and support a linked clinical requirements paper on lower limb stretching in DMD.

We are looking for a second reviewer to:

  • Screen titles/abstracts and full texts against predefined eligibility criteria.

  • Assist with data extraction using a structured template.

  • Contribute to risk of bias assessment and, depending on experience, support data synthesis and interpretation.

  • Join occasional online meetings (frequency negotiable) to discuss decisions and progress.

Skills and experience:

  • Clinical background (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation medicine, neuromuscular clinics, paediatrics, orthotics) or strong relevant research experience.

  • Prior experience with DMD, neuromuscular conditions, stretching interventions, contracture management, orthoses, or rehabilitation is highly desirable but not essential.

  • Familiarity with systematic review methods (screening, data extraction, basic critical appraisal) is preferred.

  • Ability to work collaboratively, respond to email/online communication in a timely way, and maintain confidentiality.

Time commitment and timeline:

  • The main work will involve screening and data extraction over approximately [6–12] weeks, depending on availability and the volume of studies.

  • Estimated time commitment: around 2–3 hours per week, with flexibility to work remotely and “chip away” at tasks.

  • Authorship on resulting outputs (systematic review and related paper) will be offered in line with contribution, and Cochrane membership points will be available where applicable.

Ideal applicant

The ideal applicant will have a clinical or research background relevant to neuromuscular disorders, rehabilitation, or orthotics (e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist, rehabilitation clinician, orthotist, or researcher). Experience working with people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or similar neuromuscular conditions, and familiarity with stretching, contracture management, or orthotic interventions, would be highly valued. Prior involvement in systematic reviews (screening, data extraction, or risk of bias assessment) is desirable but not mandatory if the applicant is motivated to learn and can commit the time. The role is fully remote and can be undertaken from any location. The time commitment is flexible (around 2–3 hours per week on average), and the work can be completed asynchronously, with occasional online meetings arranged to suit time zones. Good written English and reliable internet access are important. Authorship on resulting publications will be offered where contribution meets authorship criteria.

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