scholarly journals A Randomised Controlled Single-Blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefitting Mood and Well-Being

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Bowden ◽  
Lorna Goddard ◽  
John Gruzelier
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Guided Relaxation ◽  
Single Blind

This is a constructive replication of a previous trial conducted by Bowden et al. (2010), where students who had received Reiki demonstrated greater health and mood benefits than those who received no Reiki. The current study examined impact on anxiety/depression. 40 university students—half with high depression and/or anxiety and half with low depression and/or anxiety—were randomly assigned to receive Reiki or to a non-Reiki control group. Participants experienced six 30-minute sessions over a period of two to eight weeks, where they were blind to whether noncontact Reiki was administered as their attention was absorbed in a guided relaxation. The efficacy of the intervention was assessed pre-post intervention and at five-week follow-up by self-report measures of mood, illness symptoms, and sleep. The participants with high anxiety and/or depression who received Reiki showed a progressive improvement in overall mood, which was significantly better at five-week follow-up, while no change was seen in the controls. While the Reiki group did not demonstrate the comparatively greater reduction in symptoms of illness seen in our earlier study, the findings of both studies suggest that Reiki may benefit mood.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an Ultrasound-Guided Palpation Intervention for Palpation Skill Training: A Single-Blind, Parallel Group, Randomised Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Kitagawa ◽  
Yuma Aoki ◽  
Hotaka Sugimoto ◽  
Natsumi Ozaki
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Single Blind

Abstract Although there are increasing reports on the usefulness of sonopalpation with ultrasound imaging, many previous studies have reported interventions without a control group. This single-blind, parallel group randomised controlled trial aimed to determine whether educational instruction with sonopalpation for medical students has a superior effect on skill improvement than traditional instruction without ultrasonography. Twenty-nine medical students participated in the study and were randomised using block randomisation into an ultrasound imaging group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 14). Then, they underwent three training sessions focusing on the shoulder joint. Participants underwent a scoring assessment of their palpation skills at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up 3 months after training. The raters were blinded to the subjects’ group. The Friedman and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. The intervention group showed a significant increase in scores at post-intervention and at the 3-month follow-up when compared with the pre-intervention group (p < 0.05); the effect sizes were large (0.849 and 0.849, respectively). A comparison of the scores at different time points after the intervention at the 3-month follow-up revealed that there was no significant difference between the groups. Education using ultrasound images may improve the sonopalpation skills of medical students.

scholarly journals A Short Mindfulness Retreat for Students to Reduce Stress and Promote Self-Compassion: Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Exploring Both an Indoor and a Natural Outdoor Retreat Setting

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 910
Author(s):  
Dorthe Djernis ◽  
Mia S. O’Toole ◽  
Lone O. Fjorback ◽  
Helle Svenningsen ◽  
Mimi Y. Mehlsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Here, we developed and examined a new way of disseminating mindfulness in nature to people without meditation experience, based on the finding that mindfulness conducted in natural settings may have added benefits. We evaluated a 5-day residential programme aiming to reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. We compared an indoor and an outdoor version of the programme to a control group in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Sixty Danish university students experiencing moderate to high levels of stress were randomised into a residential mindfulness programme indoors (n = 20), in nature (n = 22), or a control group (n = 18). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale (primary outcomes) along with additional secondary outcome measures at the start and end of the program and 3 months after. Stress was decreased with small to medium effect sizes post-intervention, although not statistically significant. Self-compassion increased post-intervention, but effect sizes were small and not significant. At follow-up, changes in stress were not significant, however self-compassion increased for both interventions with medium-sized effects. For the intervention groups, medium- to large-sized positive effects on trait mindfulness after a behavioural task were found post-intervention, and small- to medium-sized effects in self-reported mindfulness were seen at follow-up. Connectedness to Nature was the only outcome measure with an incremental effect in nature, exceeding the control with a medium-sized effect at follow-up. All participants in the nature arm completed the intervention, and so did 97% of the participants in all three arms. Overall, the results encourage the conduct of a larger-scale RCT, but only after adjusting some elements of the programme to better fit and take advantage of the potential benefits of the natural environment.

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Strategies to Prompt Attendance for a Pap Smear

1995 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Bowman ◽  
Rob Sanson-Fisher ◽  
Catherine Boyle ◽  
Stephanie Pope ◽  
Sally Redman
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Screening Attendance ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Objective – To assess the comparative efficacy, by randomised controlled trial, of three interventions designed to encourage “at risk” women to have a Pap smear: an educational pamphlet; letters inviting attendance at a women's health clinic; and letters from physicians. Methods – Subjects at risk for cervical cancer who had not been adequately screened were identified by a random community survey and randomly allocated to one of the intervention groups or a control group. Six months after intervention implementation, a follow up survey assessed subsequent screening attendance. Self report was validated by comparison with a national screening data base. Results – A significantly greater proportion of women (36.9%) within the group receiving a physician letter reported screening at follow up than in any other group (P =0.012). The variables most strongly predicting screening attendance were: age, perceived frequency of screening required, use of oral contraceptives, and allocation to receive the physician letter intervention. Conclusions – The relative efficacy of the GP letter in prompting screening attendance shows that this strategy is worthy of further investigation. There remains a need to examine the barriers to screening for older women, and to develop tailored strategies for this population.

scholarly journals Reversal of Prediabetes in Saudi Adults: Results from an 18 Month Lifestyle Intervention

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama E. Amer ◽  
Shaun Sabico ◽  
Hanan A. Alfawaz ◽  
Naji Aljohani ◽  
Syed Danish Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Multicenter Trial ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Exercise Behaviors ◽  
Diet And Exercise ◽  
To Receive

Aim: This 18 month intervention study aims to determine the efficacy of a lifestyle modification program on prediabetes reversal among Saudi adults. Methods: An 18 month randomized, multicenter trial was conducted among Saudis with prediabetes aged 25–60 recruited from King Salman Hospital and primary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 180 consenting individuals were randomized (1:1) to receive either intensive lifestyle intervention (ILIG) or guidance (control group, CG). ILIG was provided with a personalized lifestyle counseling by nutritionists every 3 months to improve diet and exercise behaviors. CG was given booklets containing information on prediabetes and its prevention. Data from lifestyle assessments and laboratory measurements were analyzed at baseline and every 6 months. The primary outcome was the reversal rate of prediabetes. Results: 158 participants were analyzed (CG:85, ILIG:73) at the 12 month follow-up and 28 participants (CG:11 and ILIG:17) completed the entire 18 month study. Post-intervention, the cumulative incidence of prediabetes reversal in the ILIG was 38 participants (52.1%) which was significantly higher than CG with 26 participants (30.6%) (p = 0.02). Conclusion: A tailored lifestyle intervention is effective in reversing prediabetes, at least for a year, among Arab adults with prediabetes. The challenge of sustaining interest in adopting lifestyle changes for a longer duration should be addressed in this population.

Online-Streamed Yoga As a Non-Pharmacologic Symptom Management Approach in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5478-5478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Ryan Eckert ◽  
Krisstina L. Gowin ◽  
Brenda Ginos ◽  
Heidi E. Kosiorek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Yoga Intervention ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Introduction: Polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF) are Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) leading to risk of vascular events, splenomegaly and cytopenias in advanced disease as well as disease-originating symptoms, including (but not limited to) fatigue, depressive symptoms, insomnia, inactivity, sexual problems, and pruritis. Current therapy with JAK inhibition has improved MPN symptom burden, yet even in responders, unmet needs remain for alleviating fatigue, mood related symptoms, and insomnia. Yoga used as non-pharmacologic therapy has been shown to be efficacious for improving anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and fatigue in other cancer populations, including hematological malignancies. Due to a lack of this type of research in MPN patients, we undertook the first yoga study in this population as a feasibility trial (i.e., acceptability, demand, practicality) of home-based, online-streamed yoga for improving MPN patient symptom burden. Methods: MPN patients were recruited nationally using social media. Participants were asked to complete 60 minutes of online-streamed yoga weekly for 12 weeks. The yoga video selection included MPN-specific videos as well as others chosen specifically with potential splenomegaly in mind. Additionally, participants were asked to complete online self-report surveys administered via Qualtrics. Survey measures included demographics, total symptom burden and fatigue (MPN Symptom Assessment Form [MPN SAF]) as well as NIH PROMIS measures of pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and sexual function. Surveys were administered at baseline (week 0), mid-point (week 7), post-intervention (week 12), and follow-up (week 16). Weekly yoga minutes were collected through online self-report. Results:Patients: Two hundred and forty-four MPN patients completed the eligibility survey, 134 were eligible, 55 completed the informed consent, and 38 MPN patients completed the 12-week intervention. The majority of participants were diagnosed with either PV (n=16) or ET (n=16), with MF being less common (n=6). Additionally, the majority of participants were female (n=34), Caucasian (n=37), married (n=30) of a normal BMI category (n=26), and had attained a Bachelor's degree or higher (n=25). Median age of those participating was 56 years (range 29-72). Yoga Participation & Safety:Approximately 37% (n=14) of study participants averaged ≥60 min/week of yoga. Yoga participation averaged 50.8±36.2 min/week. Additionally, 75% of participants felt safe from injury while participating in online yoga. Only one adverse event was reported (irritated enlarged spleen). Feasibility:Overall, 68% of participants were either satisfied or very satisfied with online yoga and 75% felt that is was helpful for coping with MPN-related symptoms (i.e., acceptability, practicality). However, only 43% of participants reported that they were likely or very likely to continue their online yoga practice (i.e., demand). Impact of Yoga Intervention: From baseline (week 0) to post-intervention (week 12, n=30), there were significant improvements in total symptom burden (effect size [ES] in standard deviation units=-0.36, p=0.004), anxiety (ES=-0.67, p=0.002), depression (ES=-0.41, p=0.049), sleep (ES=-0.58, p<0.001), and fatigue (ES=-0.33, p=0.04). These improvements remained significant at follow-up (week 16, n=28) for all outcome measures with a trend for maintained fatigue improvement (ES=-0.34, p=0.06). There were no significant differences in outcomes between those that averaged <60 min/week of yoga compared to those that averaged ≥60 min/week of yoga. Conclusions: A 12-week, home-based, online-streamed yoga intervention is feasible (i.e., accepted, practical) for MPN patients. Although the sample size was small and there was no control group, the results suggest that online yoga may be effective for improving MPN symptom burden, with statistically significant improvements observed in total symptom burden, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep. A randomized, controlled trial is warranted to evaluate home-based, online-streamed yoga on MPN patient outcomes. If effective, yoga may represent a unique non-pharmacologic complement to standard therapies in a population with a heterogeneous symptom profile and significant symptom burden. Disclosures Gowin: Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Ariad: Consultancy; Galena: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Promedior: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.

scholarly journals The efficacy of a resilience-enhancement program for mothers in Japan based on emotion regulation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromi Tobe ◽  
Mariko Sakka ◽  
Kiyoko Kamibeppu
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Child Maltreatment ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract Background The demands of daily life often cause mothers high levels of distress and other negative emotions. Anger, including harsh verbal discipline, has been linked to child maltreatment, with long-term adverse effects on a child’s well-being. It is critically important to teach mothers stress management and emotion regulation in addition to parenting skills, but this is yet to be conducted in a formalized manner. Strengthening the multiple protective factors that constitute resilience helps reduce distress. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a resilience-enhancement program for mothers. Methods We designed a two-arm, parallel, randomized trial with an active control. Mothers and their partners with children between three and six years old will be recruited. Following an online baseline survey, 140 mothers will be randomly allocated to either an intervention or control group. Self-report assessment will be conducted online post-intervention and at a two-month follow-up. The control group will participate in a serious of group discussions. The intervention group will participate in four bi-weekly 120-min sessions of a Cognitive Behavior Therapy-based program designed to enhance resilience, focusing on emotion regulation through cognitive reappraisal. Participants will be encouraged to apply and share the skills they acquire with their partner and children at home. Partners will also be assessed to explore their indirect influence from the mothers. Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted and the two groups will be compared, applying covariate analysis. The primary outcome of the intervention is improved resilience. Secondary outcomes include improved anger control, self-esteem, cognition of children’s misbehavior, and reduced parental stress. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this study will evaluate the first resilience-enhancement program focused on emotion regulation for mothers in Japan. It will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on building emotional resilience. If the program is found to be effective, it will provide an alternative means to enhance mothers’ resilience against stress and improve their ability to regulate emotion. In so doing, it will offer a way to prevent child maltreatment and protect the mental health of children and families. Trial registration UMIN000027232, May 3, 2017.

A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Study Evaluating the Effect of a Standardised Education Programme on Quality of Life, Disease Severity, and Disease Knowledge in Patients with Moderate-To-Severe Psoriasis: The EDUPSO Study

Dermatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fatma Jendoubi ◽  
Stefana Balica ◽  
Marie Aleth Richard ◽  
Christine Chiaverini ◽  
Claire Bernier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled Study ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
To Receive

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a profound effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patient education programmes may help patients to gain life-long control over their chronic disease. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This multicentre randomised controlled study evaluated whether a standardised multidisciplinary education programme was beneficial to psoriasis patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were randomly assigned (1:1) to an intervention group to receive an educational programme or to a control group to receive usual care. Randomization was stratified by previous treatment history. The primary outcome was HRQoL, assessed by scoring the Skindex-29 domains emotion, symptom, and functioning. Psoriasis severity was assessed using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Levels of perceived stress, patient knowledge about psoriasis, and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total 142 patients formed the intention-to-treat population: 70 in the control group and 72 in the intervention group. Skindex component scores and the PASI were significantly lower at 3, 6, and 12 months as compared to baseline in both groups, but no significant differences were found between the groups. Knowledge about psoriasis improved significantly during follow-up amongst patients from the intervention group compared to controls (68% of correct answers vs. 56%; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). Patient satisfaction with psoriasis management and treatment was also better in the intervention group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The standardised education programme did not improve HRQoL and disease severity in psoriasis, but led to a significant improvement in patient knowledge about the disease and increased patient satisfaction.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a mindfulness-oriented substance use prevention program for boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Waedel ◽  
Anne Daubmann ◽  
Antonia Zapf ◽  
Olaf Reis
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Boys with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) are at particular risk to drink in harmful ways once they start to consume alcohol. Interventions based on mindfulness have been proven to be effective in preventing substance use, but mostly for adults with MBID. A mindfulness oriented intervention targeting 11–17 years old boys will be tested in a randomised controlled trial. Study aim is to investigate the benefits of this new intervention compared to an active control condition within a 12 months follow-up. Methods In this randomised controlled proof of concept study, 82 boys with MBID who consumed any alcohol during the last year will be randomised either to the 6 week mindfulness oriented intervention or the control group receiving a control intervention equal in dose and length. The intervention group undergoes mindfulness training combined with interactive drug education, while the control group completes a health training combined with the same education. In the intention-to-treat analysis the primary outcome is the self-reported delay of first post-intervention drunkeness within a 12 months follow-up time span, measured weekly with a short app-based questionnaire. Secondary outcome is the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs within 30 days post-intervention. Changes in neurobiological behavioural parameters, such as impulse control, reward anticipation, and decision making, are also investigated. Other secondary outcomes regard trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, psychopathological symptoms, peer networks, perceived stress, and quality of life. In addition, a prospective registry will be established to record specific data on the population of 11–17 year old boys with MBID without any alcohol experience. Discussion This study offers the opportunity to gain first evidence of the effectiveness of a mindfulness-oriented program for the prevention of substance use for boys with MBID. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00014042. Registered on March 19th 2018.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a health literacy intervention based on transformative learning and incorporating positive psychology on health behavior and well-being of Thai families with NCDs risk

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ungsinun Intarakamhang ◽  
Ann Macaskill
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Physiological Measurement

Background: Thailand has a higher global NCD mortality rate in comparison to the rest of the world, accounting for 75% and 71% of all deaths. WHO focused increasingly on health literacy (HL) in order to decrease NCDs. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an HL intervention utilizing transformative learning and positive psychology with mindfulness training in terms of changing levels of HL, health behavior (HB), and health outcomes.  Design and Methods: The study was a randomized control trial from May to September 2019.  The participants were a rural Thai population with low levels of HL, living in an area with high levels of NCDs. The 200 participants were cluster randomly allocated to an eight-week intervention, and the control group. The data were collected by Likert questionnaires and physical exams, and analyzed via ANOVA. Results: The intervention group mean scores for HL, psychological capital, HB, and family well-being increased from baseline to post-intervention, but decreased during the follow-up but were still significantly higher than the control group and baseline scores. The increases in HL and HB were matched by improvements in physiological measurement. The BMI scores of the intervention group decreased in each phase, while the control group scores remained largely unchanged. An intervention group had significantly lower fasting blood sugar than the controls at the intervention and in the follow-up. There was no interaction between social support and any other variables.Conclusion: This program demonstrated improvements in HL, HB and the well-being of Thai families at risk of NCDs in rural communities.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention programme with and without virtual reality support to reduce stress in university students: protocol for a randomized controlled pragmatic trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Modrego-Alarcón ◽  
María Teresa Navarro-Gil ◽  
María Beltrán-Ruiz ◽  
Alicia Monreal-Bartolomé ◽  
Santiago Gascón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: There is growing concern about mental health problems in university students. For this reason, mindfulness training is becoming increasingly popular in university settings. However, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) usually present high attrition rates. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a MBI to reduce perceived stress and to improve the psychological well-being of university students, as well as to explore the capacity of virtual reality (VR) to enhance adherence to the intervention. Methods: This study protocol presents a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving assessment time points of baseline, posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. A total of 280 students from the Spanish National Distance Education University (UNED) or the University of Zaragoza will be randomly assigned to a mindfulness condition, a mindfulness condition complemented by VR, and a relaxation condition to serve as a control group. Stress will be the main outcome and will be measured using the 10-item self-report Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Other well-being and academic functioning outcomes will be assessed, as well as variables that explore the impact of VR. Multilevel mixed-effects models will be calculated to estimate the efficacy of the programme, and effect size estimations will be carried out. Effects of VR in adherence to programme will be evaluated. Discussion: Some strengths of this study are the RCT design, which includes a suitable active control group and a 6-month follow-up assessment; a large sample size of university students at different stages of their courses and a variety of degrees; and the incorporation of the VR support to facilitate completion of the MBI programme. Potential limitations are the voluntary participation of the students and the utilization of self-report measures.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03771300.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document