scholarly journals Augmented Interaction Systems for Supporting Autistic Children. Evolution of a Multichannel Expressive Tool: The SEMI Project Feasibility Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (15) ◽  
pp. 3081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Magrini ◽  
Olivia Curzio ◽  
Andrea Carboni ◽  
Davide Moroni ◽  
Ovidio Salvetti ◽  
...  

Background: Over the past ten years, the authors have been designing, developing, and testing pervasive technology to support children with autism (ASD). Methods: In the present study, an integrated system based on multimedia and augmented interaction technologies have been tested on young subjects with ASD and dyspraxia in the age range of 6–10 years, in charge for rehabilitation treatments; a team of clinical psychologists has analyzed the results of the experimentation. The ten children involved in the project underwent an initial assessment of praxis skills and motor coordination. Subsequently, the subjects were subdivided into two subgroups: five children participated in the experimentation and five were evaluated as the control group (treatment as usual). Results: The evaluation showed an increased score in the several aspects considered, and particularly those related to motor coordination. An improvement in balancing tests and in hands-movement testing was found. Conclusion: The children involved in the sessions showed greater ability to self-control the movement as well as to select specific motor areas. The methods used seem to be promising to improve emotional and social skills too in a motivating and enjoyable climate. A high level of acceptance by professionals was observed and parents’ feedback was also positive.

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 768-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maite Ferrin ◽  
Viviana Perez-Ayala ◽  
Samaa El-Abd ◽  
Teresa Lax-Pericall ◽  
Brian Jacobs ◽  
...  

Objective: Psychoeducation forms part of the current practice for ADHD; however, its efficacy is yet to be established. Method: Sixty-nine children/adolescents with ADHD were randomly assigned for their families to receive either a well-structured psychoeducation program ( n = 35), or belong to a control group (treatment-as-usual, n = 34). Results: One-way analyses of variance showed a statistically significant Treatment × Time interaction, for ADHD total symptoms, inattention/cognition, and hyperactivity/impulsivity subdomains according to the parents, the first two with medium-large effect sizes. The effects of the intervention on the ADHD total and the inattention/cognition domain persisted after 6 months follow-up. No significant differences in teacher ratings were found; however, an improvement in clinical functioning as measured by clinicians was observed. Conclusion: This psychoeducation program has shown effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms when compared with treatment as usual. Psychoeducation needs to be considered as a valid and additional approach in ADHD.


Author(s):  
Kees Blase ◽  
Eric Vermetten ◽  
Paul Lehrer ◽  
Richard Gevirtz

Background: Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) is a treatment in which patients learn self-regulation of a physiological dysregulated vagal nerve function. While the therapeutic approach of HRVB is promising for a variety of disorders, it has not yet been regularly offered in a mental health treatment setting. Aim: To provide a systematic review about the efficacy of HRV-Biofeedback in treatment of anxiety, depression, and stress related disorders. Method: Systematic review in PubMed and Web of Science in 2020 with terms HRV, biofeedback, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, panic disorder, and anxiety disorder. Selection, critical appraisal, and description of the Random Controlled Trials (RCT) studies. Combined with recent meta-analyses. Results: The search resulted in a total of 881 studies. After critical appraisal, nine RCTs have been selected as well as two other relevant studies. The RCTs with control groups treatment as usual, muscle relaxation training and a “placebo“-biofeedback instrument revealed significant clinical efficacy and better results compared with control conditions, mostly significant. In the depression studies average reduction at the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale was 64% (HRVB plus Treatment as Usual (TAU) versus 25% (control group with TAU) and 30% reduction (HRVB) at the PSQ scale versus 7% (control group with TAU). In the PTSD studies average reduction at the BDI-scale was 53% (HRV plus TAU) versus 24% (control group with TAU) and 22% (HRVB) versus 10% (TAU) with the PTSD Checklist (PCL). In other systematic reviews significant effects have been shown for HRV-Biofeedback in treatment of asthma, coronary artery disease, sleeping disorders, postpartum depression and stress and anxiety. Conclusion: This systematic review shows significant improvement of the non-invasive HRVB training in stress related disorders like PTSD, depression, and panic disorder, in particular when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy or different TAU. Effects were visible after four weeks of training, but clinical practice in a longer daily self-treatment of eight weeks is more promising. More research to integrate HRVB in treatment of stress related disorders in psychiatry is warranted, as well as research focused on the neurophysiological mechanisms.


GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Lech ◽  
Julie L. O’Sullivan ◽  
Paul Gellert ◽  
Jan‐Niklas Voigt-Antons ◽  
Robert Greinacher ◽  
...  

Abstract. Most people with dementia (PwD) are treated on an outpatient basis, predominantly by general practitioners (GPs). This article provides a detailed protocol of a study aimed at developing and evaluating a tablet-based intervention to improve outpatient dementia care by fostering guideline-based treatment. A cluster-randomized controlled trial with an intervention group (tablet-based intervention) and a control group (treatment as usual plus information handbook) will be conducted. Clusters will be randomized at GP level. Primary outcome is defined as adherence to dementia guideline recommendations after 9 months. Secondary outcomes include various health outcomes assessed in PwD (e.g., quality of life) and informal caregivers (e.g., caregiver burden). Outcomes will be analyzed by an intention-to-treat analysis and using mixed models.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Shrikant Pawar ◽  
Niteen Abhivant ◽  
Praful Kapse ◽  
Manisha Kiran ◽  
Amol Ranjan Singh

Background: Alcohol dependence is a complex behaviour with far-reaching harmful effects on the family, work, society, as well as on the physical and mental health of the individual. Epidemiological studies conducted in India showed that 20-30% of our population is using alcohol at a harmful level. Mental health professionals provide support and understanding of the illness for the affected individual and family members. They work together on planning treatment; provide mutual support and understanding of the disorder. Aim: To study the effects of strength based supportive therapy on family functioning and coping of persons with alcohol dependence syndrome. Methodology: This was a hospital based intervention study. It had adopted the quasi-experimental before and after with control group research design. Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. 10 persons with alcohol dependence syndrome were selected for the study  five each person with alcohol dependence syndrome and their family members were assigned in the control group (treatment as usual group; TAU) and five persons with alcohol dependence syndrome and their family members were assigned in the experimental group (treatment as usual positive family intervention group). Family functioning was assessed through McMaster family assessment device Patients were assessed through brief cope. Result: The study results indicated a significant improvement in various domains of family functioning in experimental group participants compared to the treatment as usual group. It has also noted improvement in coping among patients. Conclusion: strength based supportive intervention useful for the caregivers as well as it also helps in improving coping among person with alcohol dependence syndrome.


2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
R. S. Mansour

A trail of feeding broiler breeders crude and treated Vicia sativa at a rate of 11% and 22%, was conducted to elucidate the effect of using this seed on the egg's IgY content and on the relative weight of the ovarian follicles. Results revealed that crude seeds were effective in significant reduction of IgY content and of the ovarian weight. Treating crude seeds at the low level (11%) with water, acetic acid, Saccharomyces cereviceae, and activated charcoal were effective in ameliorating the negative effects of antinutritional factors in crude V. sativa and transfer more immunoglobulin IgY through eggs comparing with control group. Treatment of crude seed at a high level (22%) was different in their effect on IgY content and the relative ovarian follicle weight. This study reveals and for the first time, that different treatments of crude V. sativa could enhance the maternal immunity transferred via IgY through eggs to offspring in order to improve the transferred maternal immunity to the hatched chicks and to sustain a high immunological profile against different infectious diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elin Monell ◽  
Caroline Meyer ◽  
Agnieszka Szwajda ◽  
Emma Forsén Mantilla

Abstract Background About half of Swedish eating disorder patients report exercising compulsively and compulsive exercise (CE) is prevalent in all diagnoses and both genders. Yet there are no systematic treatments targeting CE in specialist care. This study aims to evaluate the effects of The CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) - a promising group treatment targeting compulsive exercise, in Swedish eating disorder patients. Method One hundred twenty-eight adult females and males suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or other specified feeding and eating disorders (type 1, 2, or 4) with CE will be recruited via four specialist eating disorder treatment units. Participants will be randomized to receive treatment as usual (control group) or treatment as usual plus LEAP (intervention group). The groups will be assessed on key variables (e.g., BMI, eating disorder symptoms, exercise cognitions and behaviors) at three occasions: initially, after 3 months and after 6 months. Discussion The project takes place in a clinical setting, including both male and female patients with different eating disorder diagnoses with CE, enabling a good indication of the efficacy of LEAP. If our results are positive, LEAP has the potential of benefiting about half of the eating disorder population, with remission and recovery hopefully improving as a result. Trial registration The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry (registration date 2020-03-25), trial ID: ISRCTN80711391.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Ria Fatma Ramadhani ◽  
Iswinarti Iswinarti ◽  
Uun Zulfiana

Abstrak. Pada zaman yang semakin canggih ini penggunaan gadget tidak terbatas pada kalangan orang dewasa saja melainkan anak-anak juga telah menggunakan gadget. Gadget digunakan untuk membantu memenuhi segala kebutuhan salah satunya adalah kebutuhan mencari hiburan dengan bermain game, yang dengan mudah bisa dimainkan dengan menggunakan internet. Penggunaan internet untuk bermain game secara terus menerus dan mengakibatkan dampak negatif bagi dirinya akan menyebabkan internet gaming disorder. Tingginya tingkat internet gaming disorder pada anak dapat diatasi, salah satunya dengan memberikan pelatihan kontrol diri. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan konrol diri sebagai metode eksperimen dalam mengurangi tingkat internet gaming disorder pada anak usia sekolah serta melihat seberapa besar pengaruh perlakuan pada tingkat internet gaming disorder. Penelitian ini merupakan  penelitian eksperimen dengan desain control group pre-test post-test. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada 12 orang anak usia sekolah 9-11 tahun dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling yang terbagi menjadi 2 grup. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya pengaruh signifikan pelatihan kontrol diri terhadap tingkat internet gaming disorder (p = 0,04 dimana nilai p < 0,05). Dengan begitu, pelatihan kontrol diri dapat menurunkan internet gaming disorder pada anak usia sekolah. Kata kunci: Internet Gaming Disorder, Pelatihan Kontrol Diri, Anak Usia Sekolah  Abstract. In this particular sophisticated era, the use of gadget is not limited only within the reach of the adults but also children for the sake of fulfilling many of the needs which one of it happened to be the need of entertainment through internet gaming. The use of internet for playing games continuously with its negative effect will lead to an Internet Gaming Disorder. High level of Internet Gaming Disorder can be overcome, one of it would be by giving a self-control training. This research aims to apply a self-control training as an experimental method to reduce the level of Internet Gaming Disorder in children as well as sighting at how much of an impact the intervention will be on the level of IGD. This research is experimental with control group pre-test post-test design. 12 children with the age of 9-11 will be chosen as participants through purposive sampling technique. The result of this research showed that there is a significant impact of a self-control training towards the level of igd (p = 0.04). With that being said, self-control training is capable of reducing the level of igd in children. Keyword: Internet Gaming Disorder, Self-control training, Schooler


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
Vanessa Melton ◽  
Sue Ledwith

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of node-link mapping (NLM) on the effectiveness of a structured treatment for dual diagnosis for men living in a low-secure environment. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 15 participants were recruited and randomly allocated to one of two conditions. The control group, treatment as usual (TAU) or the treatment group, TAU with NLM. Outcome measures used were: a qualitative evaluation form, The Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Decisional Balance Scale and the Brief Situational Confidence Questionnaire. Findings – Results indicate no statistically significant difference for either group on the pre- and post-treatment outcome measures used. Qualitative data indicated that those using NLM reported the intervention as useful and instructive more often. Research limitations/implications – The results gained were only a snapshot of the intervention straight after treatment and did not take into account any long-term benefits of therapy such as substance use relapse rates. The outcome measures used may not have been properly understood by all respondents, or reflect practical change. The NLM tool may not have been used as confidently as TAU. The TAU condition needs to be reviewed to improve effectiveness, and NLM to be included to improve the accessibility. A study comparing other outcome tools needs to be completed. Training for staff using NLM may require coaching. Originality/value – This paper has a high/low originality. It highlights a number of advantages to NLM when comparing this to TAU.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110227
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Kelley ◽  
Jacqueline Hollows ◽  
Jack Pransky ◽  
Alena Kryvanos ◽  
Sarah Bowen

This study is the first to test the efficacy of principle-based correctional counseling (PBCC) for improving the self-control and mental health of people incarcerated for sexual violence (SV). A total of 132 males incarcerated for SV were assigned to a treatment group that received cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) supplemented with intensive PBCC and a waitlist control group that received only CBT. Results using paired t-tests and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to control for pretest scores showed that compared with the control group, treatment participants showed a significant increase in affective well-being and a significant decrease in low self-control, depression, anxiety, and anger.


Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 415-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yik-Wa Law ◽  
Paul S. F. Yip ◽  
Carmen C. S. Lai ◽  
Chi Leung Kwok ◽  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Studies have shown that postdischarge care for self-harm patients is effective in reducing repeated suicidal behaviors. Little is known about whether volunteer support can help reduce self-harm repetition and improve psychosocial well-being. Aim: This study investigated the efficacy of volunteer support in preventing repetition of self-harm. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design by assigning self-harm patients admitted to the emergency departments to an intervention group with volunteer support and treatment as usual (TAU) for 9 months and to a control group of TAU. Outcome measures include repetition of self-harm, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and level of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 74 cases were recruited (38 participants; 36 controls). There were no significant differences in age, gender, and clinical condition between the two groups at the baseline. The intervention group showed significant improvements in hopelessness and depressive symptoms. However, the number of cases of suicide ideation and of repetition of self-harm episodes was similar for both groups at the postintervention period. Conclusion: Postdischarge care provided by volunteers showed significant improvement in hopelessness and depression. Volunteers have been commonly involved in suicide prevention services. Further research using rigorous methods is recommended for improving service quality in the long term.


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