What is a systematic review?

A systematic review is defined as a comprehensive overview of multiple studies on a specific topic. This type of review involves a structured and methodical approach to gather, evaluate, and synthesize existing research findings. By systematically assessing research studies, a systematic review provides insights and conclusions based on the totality of evidence, which makes it particularly valuable for understanding complex issues in fields such as sports nutrition.

The focus on compiling and analyzing data from various studies helps identify patterns, discrepancies, and gaps in the research, allowing practitioners and researchers to make informed decisions based on a broad base of evidence rather than relying on isolated studies. This rigorous methodology ensures that the review is thorough and minimizes bias, making the conclusions more reliable and applicable to practice.

In contrast to the other options, which describe different forms of research or assessment, a systematic review encapsulates the critical evaluation of extensive literature rather than focusing on singular or limited scopes.