scholarly journals Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Experimentally Induced Anxiety in Healthy Volunteers Using the Simulated Public Speaking Model: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwin Kamath ◽  
Rathnakar P. Urval ◽  
Ashok K. Shenoy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Public Speaking ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breathing Exercise ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Simulated Public Speaking ◽  
Experimentally Induced

A randomized controlled pilot study was carried out to determine the effect of a 15-minute practice of ANB exercise on experimentally induced anxiety using the simulated public speaking model in yoga-naïve healthy young adults. Thirty consenting medical students were equally divided into test and control groups. The test group performed alternate nostril breathing exercise for 15 minutes, while the control group sat in a quiet room before participating in the simulated public speaking test (SPST). Visual Analog Mood Scale and Self-Statements during Public Speaking scale were used to measure the mood state at different phases of the SPST. The psychometric scores of both groups were comparable at baseline. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of phase (p<0.05), but group and gender did not have statistically significant influence on the mean anxiety scores. However, the test group showed a trend towards lower mean scores for the anxiety factor when compared with the control group. Considering the limitations of this pilot study and the trend seen towards lower anxiety in the test group, alternate nostril breathing may have potential anxiolytic effect in acute stressful situations. A study with larger sample size is therefore warranted. This trial is registered with CTRI/2014/03/004460.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-Pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Female Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1528
Author(s):  
Héctor Guerrero-Tapia ◽  
Rodrigo Martín-Baeza ◽  
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
Experimental Group

Background. Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may be the origin of lower limb injuries, such as adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial over 8 weeks, 25 female footballers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and after a 4-week follow-up period. The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbar-pelvic stability and adductor strength. Results: After the intervention, there was an increase in lumbo-pelvic stability in both groups, being greater in the control group than in the experimental group (mean differences [MD]: 4.84 vs. MD: 9.58; p < 0.01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p < 0.001), but not in group interaction (p = 0.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: −2.48; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −1.48; p < 0.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: −1.68; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −2.05; p < 0.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p < 0.001) and right (p < 0.001) adductor strength. Conclusions: An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength, while improvements in both variables are maintained at four weeks follow-up.

The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation in Women Who Had Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sevde Aksu ◽  
Pelin Palas Karaca
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breast Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Documentation Tool ◽  
And Control

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> The research was conducted as a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of reflexology on lactation in mothers who delivered by cesarean section (CS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A single-blind randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with a total of 60 postpartum women in the reflexology application (<i>n</i> = 30) and control groups (<i>n</i> = 30). After the CS, the mothers in the control group were given approximately 3-h routine nursing care after recovering from the effects of anesthesia; the introductory information form was applied, and the Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool (LATCH) and visual analog scale (VAS) for the signs of the onset of lactation were implemented on the first and second days. Reflexology was applied to the women in the intervention group after an average of 3 h following the mother’s condition had become stable and she had recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Reflexology was applied a total of 20 min – 10 min for the right foot, 10 min for the left foot – twice a day with 8-h intervals on the first and second days after CS. After the last reflexology application, the LATCH and VAS for the signs of the onset of lactation were applied. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the women, 70% breastfed their babies within 60 min after delivery; 46.7% of the mothers received breastfeeding training and 81.7% needed support for breastfeeding after the CS. The LATCH breastfeeding scores of the women in the intervention group on both days were significantly higher compared to those of the women in the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). On the first day after the CS, apart from breast pain, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of breast heat and breast tension (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). On the second day after the CS, apart from breast tension, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of breast heat and breast pain (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). In the study, women in the intervention group were found to have higher scores in terms of all three symptoms compared to the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In the study, it was determined that LATCH scores and signs of the onset of breastfeeding increased in the mothers who received reflexology after CS.

scholarly journals A Collaborative Deprescribing Intervention in a Subacute Medical Outpatient Clinic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
Anissa Aharaz ◽  
Jens Henning Rasmussen ◽  
Helle Bach Ølgaard McNulty ◽  
Arne Cyron ◽  
Pia Keinicke Fabricius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Inappropriate Medication ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Patient Interviews ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Multimorbid Patients ◽  
And Control

Medication deprescribing is essential to prevent inappropriate medication use in multimorbid patients. However, experience of deprescribing in Danish Subacute Medical Outpatient Clinics (SMOCs) is limited. The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of a collaborative deprescribing intervention by a pharmacist and a physician to multimorbid patients in a SMOC. A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted, with phone follow-up at 30 and 365+ days. A senior pharmacist performed a systematic deprescribing intervention using the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria, the Danish deprescribing list, and patient interviews. A senior physician received the proposed recommendations and decided which should be implemented. The main outcome was the number of patients having ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion. Out of 76 eligible patients, 72 (95%) were included and 67 (93%) completed the study (57% male; mean age 73 years; mean number of 10 prescribed medications). Nineteen patients (56%) in the intervention group and four (12%) in the control group had ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion (p = 0.015). In total, 37 medications were deprescribed in the intervention group and five in the control group. At 365+ days after inclusion, 97% and 100% of the deprescribed medications were sustained in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The three most frequently deprescribed medication groups were analgesics, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal medications. In conclusion, a collaborative deprescribing intervention for multimorbid patients was feasible and resulted in sustainable deprescribing of medication in a SMOC.

Effects of Calisthenics and Pilates Exercises on Coordination and Proprioception in Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derya Ozer Kaya ◽  
Irem Duzgun ◽  
Gul Baltaci ◽  
Selma Karacan ◽  
Filiz Colakoglu
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Closed Kinetic Chain

Objective:To assess and compare the effects of 6 mo of Pilates and calisthenics on multijoint coordination and proprioception of the lower limbs at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Design:Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, repeated-measures.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants and Intervention:Healthy, sedentary, female participants age 25–50 y were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: a calisthenic exercise group (n = 34, mean age ± SD 40 ± 8 y, body-mass index [BMI] 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), a Pilates exercise group (n = 32, mean age ± SD 37 ± 8 y, BMI 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), and a control group (n = 41, mean age ± SD 41 ± 7 y, BMI 27.09 ± 4.77 kg/m2). The calisthenics and Pilates groups underwent related training programs for 6 mo, while the controls had no specific training.Main Outcome Measures:Coordination and proprioception of the lower extremities with concentric and eccentric performances in the closed kinetic chain assessed with the monitored rehab functional squat system at baseline and at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Results:For the within-group comparison, coordinative concentric and eccentric deviation values were significantly decreased for both dominant and nondominant lower limbs at pretraining and at the 3rd and 6th mo posttraining in the calisthenics group (P < .05). In contrast, there was no improvement in the Pilates group throughout the training. However, for comparisons between groups, the baseline values of coordinative concentric and eccentric deviations were different in the calisthenics group than in Pilates and the controls (P < .05). There were no differences in the proprioception values of either visible or nonvisible movement in any group throughout the training (P > .05).Conclusions:It seems that calisthenic exercises are more likely to improve coordination of the lower extremity after 3 and 6 mo of training than Pilates exercises. Calisthenic exercises may be useful for individuals who require improved coordination.

scholarly journals Randomized controlled study comparing 2 surgical techniques for decompressive craniectomy: with watertight duraplasty and without watertight duraplasty

2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 1017-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Vieira ◽  
Thiago C. Guimarães ◽  
Igor V. Faquini ◽  
Jose L. Silva ◽  
Tammy Saboia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Infection ◽  
Decompressive Craniectomy ◽  
Surgical Complications ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Surgical Time ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fluid Collections

OBJECTIVEDecompressive craniectomy (DC) is a widely used procedure in neurosurgery; however, few studies focus on the best surgical technique for the procedure. The authors’ objective was to conduct a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing 2 techniques for performing DC: with watertight duraplasty and without watertight duraplasty (rapid-closure DC).METHODSThe study population comprised patients ranging in age from 18 to 60 years who were admitted to the Neurotrauma Service of the Hospital da Restauração with a clinical indication for unilateral decompressive craniectomy. Patients were randomized by numbered envelopes into 2 groups: with watertight duraplasty (control group) and without watertight duraplasty (test group). After unilateral DC was completed, watertight duraplasty was performed in the control group, while in the test group, no watertight duraplasty was performed and the exposed parenchyma was covered with Surgicel and the remaining dura mater. Patients were then monitored daily from the date of surgery until hospital discharge or death. The primary end point was the incidence of surgical complications (CSF leak, wound infection, brain abscess, or subgaleal fluid collections). The following were analyzed as secondary end points: clinical outcome (analyzed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]), surgical time, and hospital costs.RESULTSFifty-eight patients were enrolled, 29 in each group. Three patients were excluded, leaving 27 in the test group and 28 in the control group. There were no significant differences between groups regarding age, Glasgow Coma Scale score at the time of surgery, GOS score, and number of postoperative follow-up days. There were 9 surgical complications (5 in the control group and 4 in the test group), with no significant differences between the groups. The mean surgical time in the control group was 132 minutes, while in the test group the average surgical time was 101 minutes, a difference of 31 minutes (p = 0.001). The mean reduction in total cost was $420.00 USD (a 23.4% reduction) per procedure in the test group.CONCLUSIONSRapid-closure DC without watertight duraplasty is a safe procedure. It is not associated with a higher incidence of surgical complications (CSF leak, wound infection, brain abscess, or subgaleal fluid collections), and it decreased surgical time by 31 minutes on average. There was also a hospital cost reduction of $420.00 USD (23.4% reduction) per procedure.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02594137 (clinicaltrials.gov)

A randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of a Unani formulation in the management of Kalaf (Melasma)

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifra Abdul Qaiyyum ◽  
Mohammad Nawab ◽  
Munawwar Husain Kazmi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
End Point ◽  
Intergroup Comparison ◽  
And Control ◽  
Change In Mean

Abstract Objectives Kalaf (Melasma) is an acquired facial hypermelanism. It has direct impact on patient’s quality of life and leads to development of various personality disorders. Lack of effective treatment and recurrences have drawn the attention of researcher to find alternative treatment. This study aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of a topical Unani formulation in the management of melasma. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized controlled clinical study on the participants diagnosed with melasma. The participants (n=72) randomized into test (n=36) and control (n=36) groups. Sixty participants (n=30 in each group) completed the duration of therapy. The participants of the test group were treated with a classical Unani formulation and control group with hydroquinone 4%. The primary end point was change in mean MASI score and secondary end point was improvement in quality of life after eight weeks of treatment. Results The Unani formulation reduced 40.5% mean MASI score (17.31 ± 9.58 to 10.28 ± 5.92) in comparison to 32% reduction in mean MASI score (20.58 ± 9.49 to 13.92 ± 7.38) in the control group after eight weeks of treatment. When comparing with baseline the difference in MASI score was found statistically significant in both groups (p<0.05). On intergroup comparison, the change in MASI score between both groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In addition, MQOL and DQLI also improved significantly in both groups. Conclusions This study concluded that the Unani formulation and the control drug were equally effective and safer in the management of melasma.

scholarly journals Supragingival plaque removal with and without dentifrice: a randomized controlled clinical trial

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabricio B. Zanatta ◽  
Raquel P. Antoniazzi ◽  
Tatiana M. P. Pinto ◽  
Cassiano K. Rösing
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Separate Analysis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Plaque Removal ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Removal Capacity

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dental plaque removal by brushing with and without conventional dentifrice. Twenty-four students aged 17 to 28 years participated in this randomized controlled clinical trial. Quadrants 1-3 or 2-4 were randomly allocated to the test group (brushing without dentifrice) or control group (brushing with dentifrice). After 72 h of cessation of oral hygiene, Quigley & Hein (Turesky) plaque index was assessed before and after brushing by a calibrated and blind examiner. Overtime and intergroup comparisons were performed by Student's paired sample t-test at 5% significance level. The results showed that both groups after toothbrushing presented statistically significant reductions in plaque, with no differences between them (from 3.06 ± 0.54 to 1.27 ± 0.26 versus from 3.07 ± 0.52 to 1.31 ± 0.23). A separate analysis of the buccal and lingual aspects also showed no significant differences between groups. It may be concluded that the use of a conventional dentifrice during toothbrushing does not seem to enhance plaque removal capacity.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI)-based neurofeedback as a new treatment tool for depression

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 937-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Linden ◽  
T. Lancaster
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Target Area ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
New Treatment

We investigated whether depressed patients who received fMRI-based neurofeedback are able to upregulate the activity in brain areas devoted to positive emotion processing and thereby establish improvements in mood state. Eight medicated patients with major depression participated in four separate fMRI sessions, each of which consisted of an emotion localiser and three neurofeedback runs. Target areas were selected individually with a functional localiser that identified the region most responsive to positive affective images. The target areas were in uni- or bilateral prefrontal cortex, insula or amygdala. During neurofeedback runs, patients received real-time feedback about activation levels in the target area. Each patient learnt to increase target area activity over successive sessions. Depression scores on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale improved significantly. No such improvement was seen in a non-neurofeedback control group (N = 8) that was matched for symptom severity, demographics and medication and used the same cognitive/affective strategies that were employed successfully by the neurofeedback group, but outside the scanner. This group difference in treatment effects was supported by a significant interaction between the factors time (pre/post-intervention) and group (neurofeedback/controls) on the repeated measures ANOVA (F(1,14) = 10.15, p = .007). The neurofeedback group showed increasing activity in the ventral striatum and regions involved in cognitive control as training progressed. Upregulation of brain areas responsive to positive affective cues through fMRI-neurofeedback is thus a promising tool in the treatment of depression. The novelty of the present approach consists in the combination of biological and cognitive factors in the same intervention.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Women Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor Guerrero-Tapia ◽  
Rodrigo Martín-Baeza ◽  
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background: Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may origin lower limb injuries, such as for example adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: This randomized controlled trial conducted over an 8-week period included 25 female footballers randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength.Results. Lumbo-pelvic stability after surgery was higher in the control group (MD: 4.84 vs MD: 9.58; p < .01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p<.001), but not in group interaction (p =.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: -2.48; p<.001 in the left adductor; MD: -1.48; p<.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: -1.68; p<.001 in the left adductor; MD: -2.05; p<.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p<.001) and right (p<.001) adductor strength.Conclusions. An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength and flexibility, while improvements are maintained at four weeks follow-up. Trial Registration Number: NCT03617887.

A randomized, controlled, parallel group clinical study of cigarette smokers using an innovative oral tobacco-derived nicotine product to determine impact on cigarette consumption and biomarkers of exposure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffery Edmiston ◽  
Qiwei Liang ◽  
Jianmin Liu ◽  
Mohamadi Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Test Group ◽  
Cigarette Consumption ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cigarette Smokers ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Biomarkers Of Exposure ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Use Behavior ◽  
Related Harm

Abstract Background: Despite the well-known health consequences of cigarettes, many adults still smoke. VERVE® Blue Mint Discs (Discs) are innovative, chewable, non-dissolvable oral tobacco-derived nicotine products designed for adult smokers (AS) interested in alternatives to cigarettes. We assessed impact of using Discs on product use behavior and biomarkers of exposure (BOE) in AS. Methods: In this randomized, two-arm, parallel group study, AS (n=154) not planning to quit in the next 30 days were randomized to either a Control Group (n=62) that continued smoking their own brand cigarettes or Test Group (n=92) with the option to use Discs for four weeks under ad libitum conditions. Changes from Baseline to End of Study (EOS) between the Groups were analyzed for CPD and BOEs to select harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) – nicotine, NNK, benzene and carbon monoxide. Results: Most AS (78%) in the Test Group reduced their CPD (~20% on average, p<0.05), some (~9.4%) reducing by 50-99% and a few (~2.4%) switched completely to Discs. The changes in CPD was biochemically confirmed with significant reductions in COHb (p<0.05). Percent changes in BOEs for nicotine, NNK and benzene tended to be lower in participants using Discs compared to the Control Group indicating lower exposure to HPHCs. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that many AS reduced their cigarette consumption, and some switched completely to Discs. Switching completely from cigarettes to Discs, if sustained over time, may offer an opportunity for smoking-related harm reduction. (238 words)

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