scholarly journals A randomized controlled pilot study of the University of Minnesota mentoring excellence training academy: A hybrid learning approach to research mentor training

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 152-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Marie Weber-Main ◽  
Janet Shanedling ◽  
Alexander M. Kaizer ◽  
John Connett ◽  
Michelle Lamere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Mentor Training ◽  
Development Activity ◽  
Online Module ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Research Mentor

AbstractIntroduction:Research mentor training is a valuable professional development activity. Options for training customization (by delivery mode, dosage, content) are needed to address the many critical attributes of effective mentoring relationships and to support mentors in different institutional settings.Methods:We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate a hybrid mentor training approach consisting of an innovative, 90-minute, self-paced, online module (Optimizing the Practice of Mentoring, OPM) followed by workshops based on the Entering Mentoring (EM) curriculum. Mentors (n = 59) were randomized to intervention or control arms; the control condition was receipt of a two-page mentoring tip sheet. Surveys (pre, post, 3-month follow up) and focus groups assessed training impact (self-appraised knowledge, skills, behavior change) and participants’ perceptions of the blended training model.Results:The intervention (∼6.5 hours) produced significant improvements in all outcomes, including skills gains on par with those reported previously for the 8-hour EM model. Knowledge gains and intention-to-change mentoring practices were realized after completion of OPM and augmented by the in-person sessions. Mentors valued the synergy of the blended learning format, noting the unique strengths of each modality and specific benefits to completing a foundational online module before in-person engagement.Conclusions:Findings from this pilot trial support the value of e-learning approaches, both as standalone curricula or as a component of hybrid implementation models, for the professional development of research mentors.

scholarly journals ‘Tracking Together’—Simultaneous Use of Human and Dog Activity Trackers: Protocol for a Factorial, Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1561
Author(s):  
Wasantha Jayawardene ◽  
Lesa Huber ◽  
Jimmy McDonnell ◽  
Laurel Curran ◽  
Sarah Larson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
Simultaneous Use

Dog-walkers are more likely to achieve moderate-intensity physical activity. Linking the use of activity trackers with dog-walking may be beneficial both in terms of improving the targeted behavior and increasing the likelihood of sustained use. This manuscript aims to describe the protocol of a pilot study which intends to examine the effects of simultaneous use of activity trackers by humans and their dogs on the physical activity level of humans and dogs. This study uses nonprobability sampling of dog owners of age 25–65 (N = 80) and involves four parallel groups in an observational randomized controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design, based on use of dog or human activity trackers for eight weeks. Each group consists of dog-human duos, in which both, either or none are wearing an activity tracker for eight weeks. At baseline and end, all human subjects wear ActiGraph accelerometers that quantify physical activity for one week. Commercial activity trackers are used for tracking human and dog activity remotely. Additional measures for humans are body composition and self-reported physical activity. Dog owners also report dog’s weight and physical activity using a questionnaire. A factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) is used to compare physical activity across the four groups from baseline to week-10.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Professional Development for Interdisciplinary Civic Education: Impacts on Humanities Teachers and Their Students

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-52
Author(s):  
Dennis J. Barr ◽  
Beth Boulay ◽  
Robert L. Selman ◽  
Rachel Mccormick ◽  
Ethan Lowenstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
The United States ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Civic Learning ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
10Th Grade ◽  
The Impact

Background/Context Billions of dollars are spent annually on professional development (PD) for educators, yet few randomized controlled trials (RCT) have demonstrated the ultimate impact PD has on student learning. Further, while policymakers and others speak to the role schools should play in developing students’ civic awareness, RCTs of PD designed to foster civic learning are rare. This randomized controlled trial contributes to the knowledge base on the effectiveness of PD designed to integrate civic learning, ethical reflection, and historical thinking skills into high school humanities courses. Focus of Study The study examined the impact of a PD intervention in two areas: (a) teacher self-efficacy, burnout, and professional engagement and satisfaction; and (b) the academic, civic, social, and ethical competencies of 9th and 10th grade students in the teachers’ classes. Population/Participants/Subjects The study involved 113 teachers and 1,371 9th and 10th grade students in 60 high schools from eight metropolitan regions in the United States. Intervention/Program/Practice The intervention, Facing History and Ourselves, provides PD through a five-day seminar, curricular materials, and follow-up coaching and workshops to help teachers develop their capacities to implement an interdisciplinary historical case study unit using student-centered pedagogy. Research Design The study used a school-level, randomized, experimental design to investigate impacts of the intervention for teachers and their 9th and 10th grade students. Findings/Results Intervention teachers showed significantly greater self-efficacy in all eight assessed domains, more positive perceptions of professional support, satisfaction and growth, and greater personal accomplishment. Intervention students demonstrated stronger skills for analyzing evidence, agency, and cause and effect on a historical understanding performance measure; greater self-reported civic efficacy and tolerance for others with different views; and more positive perceptions of the classroom climate and the opportunities afforded for engaging with civic matters. Fidelity analysis found these causal effects despite the fact that roughly half of the intervention teachers did not fully implement the program. Conclusions/Recommendations Educators need evidence-based approaches for teaching complex social, civic, and political issues enabling students of diverse mindsets and backgrounds to engage constructively with one another while obtaining necessary skills and knowledge. These findings provide empirical support for a professional development approach that engages teachers in fostering academic and civic competencies critical to both participation in a democracy and success in college and career.

scholarly journals Oral dexamethasone for the prevention of acute migraine recurrence in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department with migraine

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 251581631880415
Author(s):  
Serena L Orr ◽  
Lawrence Richer ◽  
Nick Barrowman ◽  
Roger Zemek
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Oral Dexamethasone ◽  
Safety Outcomes

Objective: To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial protocol that aims to determine the efficacy and safety of oral dexamethasone compared to placebo for the prevention of migraine recurrence in children and adolescents visiting the pediatric emergency department (ED) with migraine. Methods: This study was a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial of patients presenting to the pediatric ED with migraine. Eligible participants were randomized at 1:1 ratio to receive either oral dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg (maximum 15 mg) or matched placebo as a single dose. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed at discharge, 48 h and 7 days after discharge. The primary outcome of the trial was feasibility and was assessed through participant recruitment rate, follow-up completion rates, participant satisfaction ratings and comparison of enrolled versus non-enrolled participants. Efficacy and safety outcomes were not analyzed given that this was a pilot study. Results: Twelve participants were enrolled over the 6-month recruitment period. This represents 60% of the planned sample size and a 10.5% recruitment rate. No other feasibility issues were identified and patients expressed high satisfaction rates with their treatment: 90.9% were satisfied with their treatment at discharge and at 48-h follow-up and 81.8% were satisfied with their treatment at 7-day follow-up (81.8%). There were no significant differences observed when comparing enrolled participants to those not enrolled. Conclusion: This pilot randomized controlled trial is the first to assess dexamethasone in the pediatric ED for the prevention of migraine recurrence. The protocol is feasible but recruitment in a single center was lower than expected. Future pediatric ED migraine studies may use innovative or pragmatic trial designs to maximize feasibility from a recruitment standpoint.

scholarly journals A Guided Internet-Based Problem-Solving Intervention Delivered Through Smartphones for Secondary School Pupils During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/30339 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e30339
Author(s):  
Pattie P Gonsalves ◽  
Rhea Sharma ◽  
Eleanor Hodgson ◽  
Bhargav Bhat ◽  
Abhijeet Jambhale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Sample Size Calculation ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Mental Health Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background “POD Adventures” is a gamified mental health intervention delivered via a smartphone app and supported by counsellors for a target population of secondary school students in India. This paper describes the protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial of a remotely delivered version of the intervention in the context of COVID-19 restrictions. Objective Our objectives are to assess the feasibility of research procedures and intervention delivery and to generate preliminary estimates of the effectiveness of the intervention to inform the sample size calculation of a full-scale trial. Methods We will conduct a parallel, 2-arm, individually randomized pilot controlled trial in 11 secondary schools in Goa, India. This pilot trial aims to recruit 70 participants with a felt need for psychological support. Participants will receive either the POD Adventures intervention delivered over 4 weeks or usual care comprising information about local mental health services and national helplines. Outcomes will be assessed at two timepoints: baseline and 6 weeks post randomization. Results The first participant was enrolled on January 28, 2021, and 6-week assessment completed on April 4, 2021. Owing to a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, schools in Goa were closed on April 22, 2021. Trial participants are currently receiving the intervention or completing follow-up assessments. Conclusions This pilot trial will help understand the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a remotely delivered digital mental health intervention in a low-resource setting. Our findings will be used to design future trials that can address difficulties of accessing psychosocial support in-person and support wider efforts to scale up evidence-based mental health interventions for young people. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04672486; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672486 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/30339

Repetita Iuvant? A Repeated Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of an At-Scale Teacher Professional Development Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 0193841X2110553
Author(s):  
Giovanni Abbiati ◽  
Gianluca Argentin ◽  
Andrea Caputo ◽  
Aline Pennisi
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teacher Collaboration ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Professional Development Program ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Background A recent stream of literature recognizes the impact of good/poor implementation on the effectiveness of programs. However, implementation is often disregarded in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) because they are run on a small scale. Replicated RCTs, although rare, provide a unique opportunity to study the relevance of implementation for program effectiveness. Objectives Evaluating the effectiveness of an at-scale professional development program for lower secondary school math teachers through two repeated RCTs. Research Design The program lasts a full school year and provides innovative methods for teaching math. The evaluation was conducted on two cohorts of teachers in the 2009/10 and 2010/11 school years. The program and RCTs were held at scale. Participating teachers and their classes were followed for 3 years. Impact is estimated by comparing the math scores of treatment and control students. Subjects The evaluation involved 195 teachers and their 3940 students (first cohort) and 146 teachers and their 2858 students (second cohort). Measures The key outcome is students’ math achievement, measured through standardized assessment. Results In the first wave, the program did not impact on students’ achievement, while in the second wave, a positive, persistent, and not insignificant effect was found. After excluding other sources of change, different findings across waves are interpreted in the light of improvements in the program implementation, such as enrollment procedure, teacher collaboration, and integration of innovation in daily teaching. Conclusions Repeated assessment of interventions already at-scale provides the opportunity to better identify and correct sources of weak implementation, potentially improving effectiveness.

The effect of Baduanjin exercise for functional ankle instability rehabilitation: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhou ◽  
Juanjuan Ai ◽  
Kuangshi Li ◽  
Yiting Sun ◽  
Ruyu Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Bilateral Symmetry ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Joint Control ◽  
Functional Ankle Instability ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Patients with functional ankle instability (FAI) have problems with joint control, balance, gait, and postural symmetry. Baduanjin is a type of traditional Chinese exercise, which has been shown to be effective for treating many diseases and symptoms. However, the effect of Baduanjin in patients with FAI has not been proved. This trial is an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT), its objective is to study the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin on the rehabilitation of patients with FAI. Methods Seventy-two participants, who are eligible according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, will be randomized (in a 1:1 ratio) using a random numbers table into two groups: a Baduanjin group and a control group (subjected to conventional physical therapy). The Baduanjin group will be subjected to Baduanjin exercise in addition to the conventional physical therapy. The participants’ exercise will be implemented for 4 weeks (5 days a week). All the participants will be assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks’ treatment, and after 4 weeks’ treatment (after the intervention). The efficacy of Baduanjin will be assessed based on three types of outcome: (1) surface electromyography (sEMG) results of the bilateral erector spinae, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus; (2) balance function under different conditions; and (3) the severity of ankle instability in daily life, using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Discussion The aim of the trial is to study the effect and safety of Baduanjin in patients with FAI. The study findings may show whether Baduanjin could be used to complement medical FAI rehabilitation methods. The study findings could also highlight the importance of Baduanjin in promoting the bilateral symmetry of motor function.

Feasibility and acceptability of a telephone and web-based stroke caregiver intervention: a pilot randomized controlled trial of the RESCUE intervention

2020 ◽  
pp. 026921552095700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer H LeLaurin ◽  
I Magaly Freytes ◽  
Kimberly E Findley ◽  
Magda K Schmitzberger ◽  
Nathaniel D Eliazar-Macke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Attention Control ◽  
Active Listening ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of an Internet and telephone support and problem-solving intervention for stroke caregivers. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial with four arms: four-week intervention ( n = 13), eight-week intervention ( n = 13), eight-week attention control ( n = 13), and standard care ( n = 14). Setting: Southeastern U.S. Veterans Health System. Participants: Informal caregivers of Veterans who suffered a stroke in the preceding 2.5 years were enrolled over an 18-month period. Interventions: Intervention participants received RESCUE, a support and problem-solving intervention delivered via telephone and Internet by registered nurses. Attention control participants received active listening with no advice delivered by nurses via telephone. Main Measures: Feasibility of a larger trial was assessed via recruitment and retention. Acceptability was assessed using an adapted enactment tool and qualitative interviews. Changes in caregiver depressive symptoms and burden were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Zarit Burden Interview. The study was not powered for significance testing. Results: Of 340 eligible caregivers, 53 (16%) agreed to participate. Among those enrolled, 51 (96%) completed the study. Caregiver mean age was 60.3 (10.1), 49 (93%) were female and 36 (68%) were white. At baseline, 21 (39%) caregivers had high risk of depression and 18 (33%) had significant burden. Acceptability and enactment tool findings indicated positive participant responses to the intervention. Most rated the amount of sessions the “right amount”. Qualitative analysis revealed the intervention was valued by and acceptable to caregivers. Conclusions: Findings indicate the RESCUE intervention is feasible and acceptable to caregivers and warrants further testing.

scholarly journals The translation of an evidence-based preschool physical activity intervention from in-person to online delivery of professional development to preschool teachers

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1186-1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth P Saunders ◽  
Michaela A Schenkelberg ◽  
Christina Moyer ◽  
Erin K Howie ◽  
William H Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Preschool Teachers ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Online Delivery ◽  
Randomized Controlled

An intervention shown to be effective in a randomized controlled trial can be translated into an online professional development program and disseminated on a large scale in a timely manner.

scholarly journals Sauna Yoga Superiorly Improves Flexibility, Strength, and Balance: A Two-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bucht ◽  
Donath
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Minimization Method ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Healthy Elderly

Besides strength and balance, flexibility is an important indicator of health-related physical fitness. Thus, the aim of this two-armed randomized controlled pilot trial was to investigate whether sauna yoga at a moderate temperature (50 °C) beneficially affects flexibility, strength, balance, and quality of life (QOL) in healthy elderly community dwellers. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT, n = 11, age: 68.7 ± 5.9) or control group (CON, n = 12, age: 69.3 ± 4.9), using the minimization method. Age, physical activity, gender, and the primary outcome flexibility were used as strata for group allocation. Both groups completed similar exercises in the sauna over eight weeks. Only the INT group was exposed to moderate temperatures of 50 °C. Large and statistically significant improvement in favor of the sauna group (INT) was observed for the chair sit-and-reach test (INT: +83%, CON +3%, p = 0.028, nр² = 0.24). The shoulder and lateral spine flexibility were not relevantly affected. Strength in the lower extremities merely showed a tendency to significant changes (INT: 16%, CON: 3%, p = 0.061, nр² = 0.181). Additionally, balance abilities, with eyes closed, improved (INT: 187%, CON +58%, p = 0.056, nр² = 0.189) in favor of the INT group. QOL only improved in favor of the INT for environmental dimension (INT: +7%, CON: 0%, p = 0.034, nр² = 0.227). These first but preliminary findings indicate that sauna yoga may serve as a promising and feasible means to improve flexibility in elderly people. Strength and balance do not meaningfully benefit from a sauna environment, although strength improved to a slightly higher extent in the sauna group. Future large-scale research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and corroborate these findings

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document