Study designs of evaluations included in the review
The designs of the studies were not explicitly stated. Most were single case.
Specific interventions included in the review
Three types of physical restraint: one or more person holding another; use of a mechanical device fitted to limit movement or reduce injury; voluntary application of a personal or mechanical restraint.
Participants included in the review
Mentally retarded adults and children with a mean age of 17.7 years were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The outcomes included changes in behaviour and side-effects such as SIB (self inflicted behaviours), changes in social interaction, head-hitting, kicking, slaps, play patterns and movement suppression
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The author does not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the reviewers performed the selection.