Conducting systematic reviews of applied interventions: A comment on Cabral et al. (2022)

In their recent systematic review and meta-analysis, Cabral et al. (2022) explored the effects of implicit motor learning under pressure conditions. As a stated focus, they aimed to address the previously inconsistent findings in the literature and provide clarity to researchers and practitioners. Although we agree that such clarity is needed, we contend that there are critical methodological and procedural concerns that prevent this systematic review from achieving its objectives. In this commentary, we lay out these specific concerns in light of recent debates in this research area and the demands of real-world sporting contexts. More generally, we also call attention to important principles to consider when planning a systematic review of interventions in order to maximise contributions to the literature and usefulness for applied psychology practice.