scholarly journals Effects of the Enriched Sports Activities-Program on Executive Functions in Italian Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Marianna Alesi ◽  
Giulia Giordano ◽  
Marcello Giaccone ◽  
Michele Basile ◽  
Sebastiano Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Domain ◽  
Structural Domain ◽  
Italian Children ◽  
Sports Activities

Physical activity (PA) during childhood plays an important role in brain development. This role is played in both the structural domain, prefrontal cortex area, and in the functional domain, involving the higher cognitive functions, including the executive functions (EF). Working memory (WM), inhibition, and switching as fundamental EF were investigated in an Italian children sample before and after four months of an Enriched Sports Activities-Program (ESA-Program). EFs were assessed at pre-test and post-test using, respectively, the digit span test, the color word Stroop test, and the trail making test derived from Millisecond Software. The Italian sample was composed of 141 children aged 8.54 years. The intervention group (IG) was composed of 61 children and the control group (CG) of 80 children. Significant differences in WM (p < 0.05) were found in the IG following the ESA-Program intervention. Children’s performance improved both in forward digit span (FDS1 mean difference = 0.26; p = 0.04; FDS2 mean difference = 0.21; p = 0.01) and backward digit span (BDS2 mean difference = 0.14; p = 0.02). No significant improvements were observed for inhibition and switching processes (p > 0.05). Since this finding suggests that brain functioning is sensitive to lifestyle factors, such as PA, an essential goal for ESA-Program is to emphasize the importance of PA to enhance cognitive skills in childhood and prevent sedentary life.

scholarly journals Effect of Hope-oriented group counseling on mental health of infertile women with failed IVF cycles: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roya Rahimi ◽  
Shirin Hasanpour ◽  
Mojgan. Mirghafourvand ◽  
Khalil Esmaeilpour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women’s mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles. Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45–60 min sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale were filled out by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention. After intervention 26 participants in each group were included in the analysis. Results There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (adjusted mean difference = − 1.7, 95% confidence interval: − 3.2 to − 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (adjusted mean difference = − 1.3, 95% confidence interval: − 4.7 to − 1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = − 1.1, 95% confidence interval: − 2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference = 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles. Trial registration TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003, registered on October 17, 2019.

Multi-institutional intervention to improve patient perception of physician empathy in emergency care

2021 ◽  
pp. emermed-2020-210757
Author(s):  
Katie Pettit ◽  
Anne Messman ◽  
Nathaniel Scott ◽  
Michael Puskarich ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Patient Perception ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Modest Improvement ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
Trust In Physicians ◽  
Physician Empathy

BackgroundPhysician empathy has been linked to increased patient satisfaction, improved patient outcomes and reduced provider burnout. Our objective was to test the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve physician empathy and trust in the ED setting.MethodsPhysician participants from six emergency medicine residencies in the US were studied from 2018 to 2019 using a pre–post, quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design with randomisation at the site level. Intervention participants at three hospitals received an educational intervention, guided by acognitivemap (the ‘empathy circle’). This intervention was further emphasised by the use of motivational texts delivered to participants throughout the course of the study. The primary outcome was change in E patient perception of resident empathy (Jefferson scale of patient perception of physician empathy (JSPPPE) and Trust in Physicians Scale (Tips)) before (T1) and 3–6 months later (T2).ResultsData were collected for 221 residents (postgraduate year 1–4.) In controls, the mean (SD) JSPPPE scores at T1 and T2 were 29 (3.8) and 29 (4.0), respectively (mean difference 0.8, 95% CI: −0.7 to 2.4, p=0.20, paired t-test). In the intervention group, the JSPPPE scores at T1 and T2 were 28 (4.4) and 30 (4.0), respectively (mean difference 1.4, 95% CI: 0.0 to 2.8, p=0.08). In controls, the TIPS at T1 was 65 (6.3) and T2 was 66 (5.8) (mean difference −0.1, 95% CI: −3.8 to 3.6, p=0.35). In the intervention group, the TIPS at T1 was 63 (6.9) and T2 was 66 (6.3) (mean difference 2.4, 95% CI: 0.2 to 4.5, p=0.007). Hierarchical regression revealed no effect of time×group interaction for JSPPPE (p=0.71) nor TIPS (p=0.16).ConclusionAn educational intervention with the addition of text reminders designed to increase empathic behaviour was not associated with a change in patient-perceived empathy, but was associated with a modest improvement in trust in physicians.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Jus Apel Terhadap Penurunan Tekanan Darah pada Lansia Hipertensi di Puskesmas Muara Kaman

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-129
Author(s):  
Siti Khoiroh
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Apple Juice ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
T Test ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
The Mean

Background : Hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure in the arteries that lasted continuously for the long term. Hypertension can be overcome in two ways: pharmacology and non-pharmacology. Pharmacology treatment usually use medicine while one of the ways for non-pharmacology treatment is to consumes apple juice.Research Objective : The aim of this research is to know the effect of apple juice on blood pressure decrease in elderly people with hypertension at Muara Kaman Community Health Center.Methods : The design of this research used quasi experimental design (quasi experiment) with pretest posttest control group design. The sample of the research was hypertensive respondents at Muara Kaman Community Health Center as many as 30 respondents were divided into 2 groups, 15 intervention groups and 15 control groups. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. The research instruments were stethoscope and sphygmomanometer, data analysis using t test dependent and t test independent.Results : There were a significant influence between pretest and posttest of apple juice in the intervention group (P value = 0,000; P <0.005). The mean difference in systolic blood pressure in the intervention group and the control group also had significant differences (P value = 0.002; P <0.05), where as the mean difference in diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group and the control group also had significant differences (P value = 0,039; P <0,05).The Conclusions : The results of this research showed that consumes apple juice gives an effect on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients by consumes regularly.The Suggestions : Nurses and the public can use apple juice as one of the ways to handling to hypertension sufferers besides antihypertensive drugs.

Effects of Cognitive Training on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Teles Santos Golino ◽  
Carmen Flores Mendoza ◽  
Hudson Fernandes Golino
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Digit Symbol ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Picture Completion

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of cognitive training on healthy older adults and verify the transfer effects of targeted and non-targeted abilities. The design consisted of a semi-randomized clinical controlled trial. The final sample was composed of 80 volunteers recruited from a Brazilian community (mean age = 69.69; SD = 7.44), which were separated into an intervention group (N = 47; mean age = 69.66, SD = 7.51) and a control group (N = 33; mean age = 69.73, SD = 7.45). Intervention was characterized by adaptive cognitive training with 12 individual training sessions of 60 to 90 minutes (once a week). Eight instruments were used to assess effects of cognitive training. Five were used to assess trained abilities (near effects), including: Memorization Tests (List and History), Picture Completion, Digit Span, Digit Symbol-Coding, and Symbol Search (the last four from WAIS-III). Two instruments assessed untrained abilities (far effects): Arithmetic and Matrix Reasoning (WAIS-III). The non-parametric repeated measures ANOVA test revealed a significant interaction between group by time interaction for Picture Completion [F(74) = 14.88, p = .0002, d = 0.90, CLES = 73.69%], Digit Symbol-Coding [F(74) = 5.66, p = .019, d = 0.55, CLES = 65.21%] and Digit Span [F(74) = 5.38, p = .02, d = 0.54, CLES = 64.85%], suggesting an interventional impact on these performance tasks. The results supported near transfer effects, but did not demonstrate a far transfer effects.

The Effect of Lullaby Intervention on Anxiety and Prenatal Attachment in Women with High-Risk Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Nazlı Baltacı ◽  
Mürüvvet Başer
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
High Risk Pregnancy ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Prenatal Attachment ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Risk Pregnancy

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Women with high-risk pregnancy experience anxiety and low mother-fetal attachment when faced with signs of danger and health problems. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lullaby intervention on anxiety and prenatal attachment in women with high-risk pregnancy. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the perinatology clinic of a state maternity hospital in Turkey. Seventy-six women with high-risk pregnancy were included. The intervention group listened to lullabies for 20 min once a day, and accompanied by lullabies touched their abdomen and thought about their babies, but the control group did not. Data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Baseline anxiety did not differ in the intervention versus control group (47.83 ± 10.74 vs. 44.10 ± 8.08, mean difference 3.73 [95% Cl –1.18 to 8.64], <i>p</i> = 0.13), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention anxiety was lower in the intervention group versus control group (33.66 ± 9.32 vs. 43.06 ± 8.10, mean difference –9.40 [95% Cl –13.91 to –4.88], <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). Baseline prenatal attachment did not differ in the intervention versus control group (56.03 ± 10.71 vs. 53.86 ± 9.98, mean difference 2.16 [95% Cl –3.18 to 7.51], <i>p</i> = 0.42), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention prenatal attachment was higher in the intervention group versus control group (66.70 ± 7.60 vs. 54.36 ± 9.52, mean difference 12.33 [95% Cl 7.87 to 16.78], <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). In the within-group analysis the intervention group had lower anxiety and better prenatal attachment (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01), but not in the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Lullaby intervention can play an effective role in reducing anxiety and improving prenatal attachment. The use of this integrative, noninvasive, non-pharmacologic, time-efficient, and natural intervention is suggested in the care of pregnant women.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF ADAPTIVE COMPUTER-BASED COGNITIVE TRAINING ON COMMUNITY-DWELLING ELDERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S244-S244
Author(s):  
Guifang Guo ◽  
Huijuan Gongzhi
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
And Control ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract This quasi-experimental designed study analyzed the effects of adaptive computer-based cognitive training among community-dwelling older adults. A 6-week (5 times/week) program was implemented with an intervention group (Difficulty Adaptive Training) and control group (Difficulty Fixed Training). General cognitive, memory, executive and attention functions were evaluated before (T1), completion (T2), and one month after intervention (T3). Sixty-one participants completed data collection. (1) General cognitive function: improved in both groups at T2, and T3, intervention group had better effect; (2) Memory function: improved in both groups in immediate, short and long-delayed recalls at T2 and T3, and recognition at T2. (3) Executive function: improved in both groups. Time of simple information processing was shortened at T2 and T3 in intervention group, at T3 in control group; TMT response inhibition was shortened at T2 and T3 in both groups. (4) Attention function: digit span forward was improved at T2 in intervention group.

scholarly journals Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2021-003068
Author(s):  
Ting Ting Tan ◽  
Maw Pin Tan ◽  
Chee Loong Lam ◽  
Ee Chin Loh ◽  
David Paul Capelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ContextNumerous studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and improve quality of life.ObjectiveOur study aimed to examine the effect of mindful gratitude journaling on suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.MethodsWe conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Ninety-two adult patients with advanced cancer, and an overall suffering score ≥4/10 based on the Suffering Pictogram were recruited and randomly assigned to either a mindful gratitude journaling group (N=49) or a routine journaling group (N=43).ResultsAfter 1 week, there were significant reductions in the overall suffering score from the baseline in both the intervention group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−2.0, 95% CI=−2.7 to −1.4, t=−6.125, p=0.000) and the control group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−1.6, 95% CI=−2.3 to −0.8, t=−4.106, p=0.037). There were also significant improvements in the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (mean difference=−3.4, 95% CI=−5.3 to −1.5, t=−3.525, p=0.000) and the total Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being score (mean difference=7.3, 95% CI=1.5 to 13.1, t=2.460, p=0.014) in the intervention group after 7 days, but not in the control group.ConclusionThe results provide evidence that 7 days of mindful gratitude journaling could positively affect the state of suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.Trial registration numberThe trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN1261800172191) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

scholarly journals A randomized controlled trial of the effect of supervised progressive cross-continuum strength training and protein supplementation in older medical patients: the STAND-Cph trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Merete Pedersen ◽  
Janne Petersen ◽  
Nina Beyer ◽  
Helle Gybel Juul-Larsen ◽  
Pia Søe Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Medical Patients ◽  
Daily Number ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background: During hospitalization, older adults (+65) are inactive, which puts them at risk of functional decline and loss of independence. Systematic strength training can prevent loss of functional performance and combining strength training with protein supplementation may enhance the response on muscle mass and strength . However, we lack knowledge about the effect of strength training commenced during hospitalization and continued after discharge in older medical patients. This assessor-blinded, randomized study investigated the effect of a simple, supervised strength training program for the lower extremities, combined with post-training protein supplementation during hospitalization and in the home setting for 4 weeks after discharge on change in mobility in older medical patients. Methods: Older medical patients (≥65 yrs) admitted acutely from their home to the Emergency Department were randomized to either standard care or supervised progressive strength training and an oral protein supplement during hospitalization and at home 3 days/week for 4 weeks after discharge. The primary outcome was between-group difference in change in mobility from baseline to 4 weeks after discharge assessed by the De Morton Mobility Index, which assesses bed mobility, chair mobility, static and dynamic balance, and walking. Secondary outcomes were 24-hour mobility, lower extremity strength, gait speed, grip strength and Activities of Daily Living. Results: Eighty-five patients were randomized to an intervention group (N=43) or a control group (N=42). In the intervention group, 43% were highly compliant with the intervention. Our intention to treat analysis revealed no between-group difference in mobility (mean difference in change from baseline to 4 weeks: -4.17 (95 % CI: -11.09;2.74; p=0.24) nor in any of the secondary outcomes. The per protocol analysis showed that the intervention group increased significantly more in the daily number of steps taken compared to the control group (mean difference in change from baseline to 4 weeks: 1033.4 steps (95 % CI: 4.1;2062.7), p=0.049, adjusted for mobility at baseline and length of stay; 1032.8 steps (95% CI: 3.6;2061.9), p=0.049, adjusted for mobility at baseline, length of stay and steps at baseline). Conclusions: Simple supervised strength training for the lower extremities, combined with protein supplementation initiated during hospitalization and continued at home for 4 weeks after discharge was not superior to usual care on change in mobility at 4 weeks in older medical patients. For the secondary outcome, daily number of steps, high compliance with the intervention resulted in a higher daily number of steps. Less than half of the patients were compliant with the intervention indicating that a simpler intervention might be needed. Trial registration: NCT01964482, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01964482 , registration date: October 14, 2013, trial protocol: PubMed ID (PMID): 27039381.

scholarly journals The Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Information Technology Trial: Pilot Trial of a Mobile Health App for Atrial Fibrillation (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Guhl ◽  
Andrew D Althouse ◽  
Alexandra M Pusateri ◽  
Everlyne Kimani ◽  
Michael K Paasche-Orlow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Relational Agent ◽  
Rhythm Monitoring

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We conducted a pilot trial of individuals with AF using a smartphone to provide a relational agent as well as rhythm monitoring. We employed our pilot to measure acceptability and adherence and to assess its effectiveness in improving HRQoL and adherence. OBJECTIVE This study aims to measure acceptability and adherence and to assess its effectiveness to improve HRQoL and adherence. METHODS Participants were recruited from ambulatory clinics and randomized to a 30-day intervention or usual care. We collected baseline characteristics and conducted baseline and 30-day assessments of HRQoL using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) measure and self-reported adherence to anticoagulation. The intervention consisted of a smartphone-based relational agent, which simulates face-to-face counseling and delivered content on AF education, adherence, and symptom monitoring with prompted rhythm monitoring. We compared differences in AFEQT and adherence at 30 days, adjusted for baseline values. We quantified participants’ use and acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS A total of 120 participants were recruited and randomized (59 to control and 61 to intervention) to the pilot trial (mean age 72.1 years, SD 9.10; 62/120, 51.7% women). The control group had a 95% follow-up, and the intervention group had a 93% follow-up. The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher improvement in total AFEQT scores (adjusted mean difference 4.5; 95% CI 0.6-8.3; <i>P</i>=.03) and in daily activity (adjusted mean difference 7.1; 95% CI 1.8-12.4; <i>P</i>=.009) compared with the control between baseline and 30 days. The intervention group showed significantly improved self-reported adherence to anticoagulation therapy at 30 days (intervention 3.5%; control 23.2%; adjusted difference 16.6%; 95% CI 2.8%-30.4%; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Qualitative assessments of acceptability identified that participants found the relational agent useful, informative, and trustworthy. CONCLUSIONS Individuals randomized to a 30-day smartphone intervention with a relational agent and rhythm monitoring showed significant improvement in HRQoL and adherence. Participants had favorable acceptability of the intervention with both objective use and qualitative assessments of acceptability.

scholarly journals The FAFA Trial: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Fan Blowing Air on the Face to Relieve Dyspnea in Filipino Patients with Terminal Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (01) ◽  
pp. 03-09 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Ivan Ting ◽  
Sachiko Estreller ◽  
Heinrik Martin Jude Strebel
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Terminal Cancer ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Phase 2 Trial ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Introduction Fan therapy has been suggested by some studies as one of the nonpharmacological supportive interventions to alleviate breathlessness for dyspneic patients with terminal cancer. Unfortunately, data among Asians are limited and there are currently no published data showing that this intervention works among Filipinos—thus this study. Study Design This study was an open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover Phase 2 trial. The experimental group had a fan blowing air directly to the patient’s face for 5 minutes, and the control group had a fan blowing air to the patient’s legs. Treatment crossover was done after a washout period of 1 hour. The primary outcome, which is dyspnea, was measured subjectively using the Modified Borg Scale (MBS). Differences in the patient’s respiratory rate (RR) and oxygen saturation were also measured. Results A total of 48 patients were enrolled in this trial. The mean age of the patients enrolled was 51 years, and the most common primary tumor was lung cancer (21%). In the control group, results showed that the mean difference before and after intervention in the MBS was 0.15, and the mean difference in RR was 0.25. On the other hand, the intervention group showed a statistically significant decrease in the patient’s dyspnea as evidenced by a mean MBS decrease of 2.79 (p < 0.0001), and a mean RR decrease of 1.88 (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The results of this study reveal that fan on face (FAFA) therapy in terminally ill Filipino cancer patients in addition to the prescribed standard of care can significantly alleviate their level of dyspnea. Thus, FAFA therapy should be considered as an adjunct to standard of care for these patients.

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