TITLE: Toe separators - a systematic review protocol.
AUTHORS: Hanna Krześniak, Aleksandra Truszczynska-Baszak

[DESCRIPTION]
Toe separators, also known as toe spacers or toe spreaders, have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits in various foot conditions. This scientific article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy and clinical applications of toe separators.

The study begins by reviewing the anatomical structure of the foot and the importance of proper toe alignment for optimal foot function. It then delves into the different types of toe separators available in the market, including gel, foam, and silicone-based separators, highlighting their unique features and potential advantages.

Furthermore, article explores the potential benefits of toe separators in the management of common foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and overlapping toes. It examines existing research studies and clinical trials that have investigated the effectiveness of toe separators in relieving pain, improving toe alignment, and enhancing overall foot health.

The article also discusses the potential limitations and contraindications associated with the use of toe separators, emphasizing the importance of proper fitting and individualized treatment plans. Additionally, it addresses the potential risks of prolonged or incorrect usage of toe separators, including skin irritation and pressure-related complications.

Moreover, this analysis highlights the role of healthcare professionals, including podiatrists and orthopedic specialists, in prescribing and guiding the use of toe separators as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based recommendations and further research to establish standardized protocols for the use of toe separators in clinical practice.

In conclusion, this scientific article provides a comprehensive overview of toe separators, their efficacy, and clinical applications. It serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and researchers interested in understanding the potential benefits and limitations of toe separators in various foot conditions. Further research is warranted to establish clear guidelines for their optimal usage and to explore their long-term effects on foot health.

[BEFORE_START]
Methods of randomisation, treatment allocation, blinding will be assessed. There will be 2 reviewers that will
be involved in the quality assessment. In the event of disagreements between those doing the selection or
data collection, a consensus is reached through discussion.

[GUIDELINES]
The systematic review wil be proceed. The first selection will be based on titles and abstracts, followed by subsequent selections based on full texts. Two authors will independently analyse and select articles, then their results will be compared before the final analysis. In the event of disagreements between those doing the selection or data collection, a
consensus is reached through discussion. The next step is the selection of studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined in the protocol,
first on the basis of titles and abstracts and then on the full texts of the publications.
Once the data have been collected, it will be analysed and the results presented in tabular form.
The systematic review will take a descriptive form, i.e. a narrative presentation of the scientific data found,
due to the wide variation in the results of the papers, as well as the small number of eligible papers

[STEPS]
SECTION: Toe separators - a systematic review protocol
1. 1. Define the Research Question: Clearly articulate the research question or objective of the systematic review on toe separators. This should include the specific population, intervention (toe separators), comparison (if applicable), outcomes of interest, and study design.

2. Select a Suitable Registry: Identify a reputable and recognized registry for systematic review protocols. Examples include PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Ensure that the chosen registry aligns with the scope and requirements of the review.

3. Familiarize with Registry Guidelines: Thoroughly review the guidelines provided by the selected registry. Understand the specific information and documentation required for protocol registration. This may include details on study eligibility criteria, search strategy, data extraction methods, and analysis plan.

4. Prepare the Protocol: Develop a comprehensive protocol for the systematic review on toe separators. This should include a detailed description of the research question, study objectives, inclusion and exclusion criteria, search strategy, data extraction methods, quality assessment criteria, and statistical analysis plan.

5. Complete the Registration Form: Access the registration form provided by the chosen registry and complete all the required fields. Provide accurate and concise information based on the protocol developed in the previous step. Ensure that all sections of the form are filled out correctly and completely.

6. Submit the Protocol for Registration: Follow the instructions provided by the registry to submit the completed registration form. Pay attention to any additional documentation or supplementary materials that may be required, such as the full protocol document or any supporting references.

7. Review and Approval Process: The registry will review the submitted protocol for completeness and adherence to their guidelines. They may provide feedback or request revisions if necessary. Once the protocol is deemed satisfactory, it will be assigned a unique registration number and made publicly available on the registry's website.

8. Update the Protocol: If any changes or amendments are made to the protocol during the course of the systematic review, it is important to update the registered protocol accordingly. This ensures transparency and helps avoid any potential bias or selective reporting.

By following these methods, researchers can effectively register their protocol for a systematic review on toe separators, promoting transparency, reducing duplication, and enhancing the credibility of the review process.
SECTION: Toe separators - a systematic review protocol
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