scholarly journals The Impact of a Short-Term Walking Intervention to Decrease Perceived Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie J. Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Private University ◽  
Upper Midwest ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
University Employees ◽  
Walking Intervention ◽  
The Impact

This study examined a short-term, low-cost walking intervention developed and implemented at a small, private university in the upper Midwest. Results showed a significant decrease in perceived stress (pre-intervention PSQ mean = 0.41 ± 0.16 versus post-intervention PSQ mean = 0.30 ± 0.14, p <0.001), and a significant increase in daily steps (pre-intervention mean = 6,810 ± 2,544 versus post-intervention mean = 9,352 ± 2,825, p < 0.001). These results provide support for the effectiveness of a short-term walking intervention to increase daily steps and decrease perceived stress for university employees.

scholarly journals The Impact of Short-term Integrated Yoga practice on Psychological wellbeing in special educators of individual with special needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (04) ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
Vijayakumar PS ◽  
Sahana AU ◽  
Anusha Rajanna
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Special Educators ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Yoga Practice ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
The Impact

Background: Special educators face unprecedented work conditions and expectations that affect their psychological wellbeing and professional outcome as well. This study examines the growing evidence that even a short-term Integrated yoga practice enhance psychological wellbeing among special educators by reducing their stress, anxiety and depression levels. Materials and Methods: Special educators were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria (n=20) age ranging between 25-50 years (Mean35±6.3) for a single group interventional pre-post study design: Integrated yoga module (included postures, breathing practices, relaxation and mediation) was given for a period of 8 weeks. The subjects were assessed on day 1 pre and post intervention on day 60 on perceived stress scale (PSS), Beck’s depression inventory (BDI-II) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: After 8 weeks of Integrated yoga practice there was asignificant reduction in anxiety scores (P less than 0.000), depression scores (P less than 0.000) and perceived stress levels (P less than 0.000) respectively compared to baseline by wilcoxon signed rank test. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that even a short-term integrated yoga intervention that can enhance psychological wellbeing of the special educators.

scholarly journals Applying quality improvement principles to improve accident and emergency department overcrowding and flow in Rwanda: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Claude Byiringiro ◽  
Rex Wong ◽  
Caroline Davis ◽  
Jeffery Williams ◽  
Joseph Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Triage System ◽  
Accident And Emergency ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Accident And Emergency Department ◽  
The Impact

Few case studies exist related to hospital accident and emergency department (A&E) quality improvement efforts in lowerresourced settings. We sought to report the impact of quality improvement principles applied to A&E overcrowding and flow in the largest referral and teaching hospital in Rwanda. A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted. A linked set of strategies included reallocating room space based on patient/visitor demand and flow, redirecting traffic, establishing a patient triage system and installing white boards to facilitate communication. Two months post-implementation, the average number of patients boarding in the A&E hallways significantly decreased from 28 (pre-intervention) to zero (post-intervention), p < .001. Foot traffic per dayshift hour significantly decreased from 221 people to 160 people (28%, p < .001), and non-A&E related foot traffic decreased from 81.4% to 36.3% (45% decrease, p < .001). One hundred percent of the A&E patients have been formally triaged since the implementation of the newly established triage system. Our project used quality improvement principles to reduce the number of patients boarding in the hallways and to decrease unnecessary foot traffic in the A&E department with little investment from the hospital. Key success factors included a collaborative multidisciplinary project team, strong internal champions, data-driven analysis, evidence-based interventions, senior leadership support, and rapid application of initial implementation learnings. Results to date show the application of quality improvement principles can help hospitals in resource-limited settings improve quality of care at relatively low cost.

scholarly journals Comparison of anti-plaque efficacy between a low and high cost dentifrice: A short term randomized double-blind trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 08 (03) ◽  
pp. 381-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Ganavadiya ◽  
B. R. Chandra Shekar ◽  
Pankaj Goel ◽  
Sudheer G. Hongal ◽  
Manish Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
T Test ◽  
Residential Home ◽  
Gingival Inflammation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Baseline Difference ◽  
Paired T Test

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the anti-plaque efficacy of a low and high cost commercially available tooth paste among 13-20 years old adolescents in a Residential Home, Bhopal, India. Materials and Methods: The study was randomized double-blind parallel clinical trial conducted in a Residential Home, Bhopal, India. A total of 65 patients with established dental plaque and gingivitis were randomly assigned to either low cost or high cost dentifrice group for 4 weeks. The plaque and gingival scores at baseline and post-intervention were assessed and compared. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and the independent sample t-test. The statistical significance was fixed at 0.05. Results: Results indicated a significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores in both groups post-intervention compared with the baseline. Difference between the groups was not significant. No adverse events were reported and both the dentifrices were well-tolerated. Conclusion: Low cost dentifrice is equally effective to the high cost dentifrice in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation.

scholarly journals Assessing the feasibility of applying a combined osteopathy and psychoeducation therapy (OsteoPeCT) and its influence on levels of psychological and physiological stress in adult participants with moderate stress: A pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Rahier ◽  
Victoria J Taylor ◽  
Teena KJB Gamage ◽  
Alastair Treacher ◽  
Simon J O’Carroll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Biomarker Analysis ◽  
Mood Scale ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moderate Stress

Abstract Background: There is mounting evidence suggesting a relationship between stress and adverse health outcomes. Stress is a multidimensional phenomenon requiring a multimodal approach. While there is some evidence indicating a positive effect of massage therapy, there is limited research regarding the impact of related approaches such as general osteopathic techniques (GOTs). Further, research examining the feasibility and effectiveness of combining GOTs with psychoeducation in the management of stress is lacking. The present pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of applying a therapy package consisting of GOTs and brief psychoeducation and its influence on moderate stress in a convenience sample.Methods: A pilot uncontrolled trial with mixed pragmatic and exploratory design was conducted. The therapy package comprised of ten GOTs and ten minutes of scripted psychoeducation (OsteoPeCT) was applied in two sessions over two consecutive days to 18 adult participants with moderate stress. Feedback from participants and challenges experienced by both participants and researchers were recorded. The effects of OsteoPeCT were assessed by measuring pre-and post- intervention scores of self-reported perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, PSS-10; Profile of Mood Scale, POMS) and salivary levels of physiological stress biomarkers (cortisol; secretory immunoglobulin A, sIgA and interleukin-6, IL-6).Results: All aspects related to the application of OsteoPeCT (participant recruitment, participant retention, therapy application, administration of health screen and self-reported perceived stress questionnaires, and the collection of saliva samples for biomarker analysis) were feasible. A total of 18 participants were enrolled. The timing of sessions on consecutive days was reported to be challenging. While a measurable decrease in perceived stress (PSS-10) and in mood scores (Tense, Fatigue, Depression, Anger) were noted post therapy (OsteoPeCT) application, physiological stress markers were unaffected. Diurnal variations of these biomarkers may need further consideration.Conclusion: The application of OsteoPeCT was feasible, well received with some beneficial influence on perceived stress indicating that an integration of psychoeducation and osteopathic care may confer benefits to patients. Future investigations with adapted protocols and larger sample size is warranted to assess effectiveness.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (registration number ACTRN12620000763943 ) and ICTRP .

scholarly journals Decreasing Stress for Parents of Special Needs Children through a Web-Based Mindfulness Program: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Shaffer ◽  
Jennifer Lape ◽  
Joyce Salls
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Children With Special Needs ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Mindfulness Practices ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Parents often experience moderate to severe levels of stress due to the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Previous research has proven that excessive parental stress negatively impacts both the parent and child’s health. However, few organizations have been identified which offer intervention programs focusing directly on decreasing parental stress. This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of a 6-week online mindfulness-based course in reducing stress experienced by parents of children with special needs. Method: A pre-test, post-test pilot design, as well as a participatory action approach, were employed to determine the impact of the online mindfulness-based course in reducing perceived stress experienced by parents of children with special needs. Eleven parents participated in the pilot study. The course was facilitated by an occupational therapist (the first author) trained and experienced in mindfulness practices and a parent of two children with special needs. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - Stress subscale (DASS-SS), The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15 (FFMQ-15), and author-generated measures were administered pre- and post-intervention to determine changes in perceived stress levels, as well as, the impact and application of mindfulness practices. Results: The DASS-SS measuring the parents’ perceived stress level revealed a 30% mean reduction in stress when comparing pre-and post-intervention scores. The PSS revealed a 21% mean reduction in perceived stress score post-intervention. The FFMQ-15 (used to measure changes in the integration of mindfulness practices into the parent’s daily routine) indicated a 4% increase in the groups’ mindfulness practices comparing pre- and post-intervention scores. Responses to the author-generated measure revealed that 82% of parents believed they could better handle challenging situations post-intervention; 100% of the parents agreed that the course made them more mindful of their thoughts. Conclusion: Results indicate that an introductory online mindfulness-based parenting program can be an effective intervention for reducing the stress experienced by parents of children with special needs.

Education and devices to prevent blood and body fluid exposures

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Cheetham ◽  
H Ngo ◽  
J Liira ◽  
E Lee ◽  
C Pethrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Fluid ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Interrupted Time Series Analysis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Full Time Equivalent ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Healthcare workers are at risk of blood and body fluid exposures (BBFE) while delivering care to patients. Despite recent technological advances such as safety-engineered devices (SEDs), these injuries continue to occur in healthcare facilities worldwide. Aims To assess the impact of an education and SEDs workplace programme on rates of reported exposures. Methods A retrospective cohort study, utilizing interrupted time series analysis to examine reported exposures between 2005 and 2015 at a 600-bed hospital in Perth, Western Australia. The hospital wards were divided into four cohorts. Results A total of 2223 records were available for analysis. The intervention was most effective for the first cohort, with significant improvements both short-term (reduction of 12 (95% CI 7–17) incidents per 1000 full-time equivalent (FTE) hospital staff) and long-term (reduction of 2 (CI 0.6–4) incidents per 1000 FTE per year). Less significant or consistent impacts were observed for the other three cohorts. Overall, the intervention decreased BBFE exposure rates at the hospital level from 19 (CI 18–20) incidents per 1000 FTE pre-intervention to 11 (CI 10–12) incidents per 1000 FTE post-intervention, a 41% reduction. No exposures resulted in a blood-borne virus infection. Conclusions The intervention was most effective in reducing exposures at a time when incidence rates were increasing. The overall effect was short-term and did not further reduce an already stabilized trend, which was likely due to improved safety awareness and practice, induced by the first cohort intervention.

scholarly journals Impact of Self-Selected Customized Orthotics on Lower Limbs Biomechanics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Dourthe ◽  
Judith Osterloh ◽  
Vinzenz Von Tscharner ◽  
Sandro Nigg ◽  
Benno M. Nigg
Keyword(s):  
Isometric Contraction ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Walking Intervention ◽  
Foot Arch ◽  
The Impact

Customized insoles are commonly prescribed to prevent or treat a variety of foot pathologies and to reduce foot and lower limb fatigue. Due to the patient-specific design and production of such orthotics, the concept of self-selected customized orthotics (SSCO) has recently been developed. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of SSCO technology on several physiological and biomechanical variables during uphill power walking. Thirty male participants underwent an uphill power walking intervention at constant speed in two insoles conditions (control and SSCO). The electromyographic (EMG) activity of their right gastrocnemii and vastii muscles was measured. Perceived fatigue was assessed every 5 minutes and the intervention stopped when the targeted fatigue level was reached. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were also performed. Sixty-three percent of the participants experienced an improvement in foot fatigue while wearing the SSCO. The foot arch seemed to collapse less when participants wore the SSCO, but statistical significance was not reached. The changes in mean EMG activity was not consistent between the 50% isometric contraction and the walking trial. In conclusion, while some interesting trends were observed when wearing SSCO, further investigations should be performed to try and reach statistical significance.

scholarly journals Indoor positioning system for movement path analysis in healthcare institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Grönroos ◽  
Laura-Maria Peltonen ◽  
Valentin Soloviev ◽  
Johan Lilius ◽  
Sanna Salanterä
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Signal Strength ◽  
Indoor Positioning ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Fitness For Purpose ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Indoor Positioning System

In this paper, we describe an indoor positioning system designed to provide data on the movement patterns of hospital personnel. The data collection is ongoing and part of a larger study project, which aims to evaluate the impact of an information system implemented in a hospital setting. The indoor positioning system was designed to be non-intrusive and straightforward to deploy in multiple hospitals, while requiring minimal existing infrastructure. To this end, the system is based on battery-powered Bluetooth beacons, and mobile phones measuring the signal strength of the beacons to position their bearers. This paper describes the design and implementation of the system. We analyze the positioning accuracy of the system in order to evaluate its fitness for purpose. Based on the results, the system is suitable for short-term deployments due to its low cost and ease of installation.  

scholarly journals Stress, Hope, and Depression Among Older Adults Living in Public Housing

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 338-338
Author(s):  
Mignon Montpetit ◽  
LaKeesha James-Smith ◽  
Amy Gourley
Keyword(s):  
Public Housing ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Initial Questionnaire ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Individuals living in public housing often experience myriad stressors related to poverty and mental illness. The current study explores how hope impacts the relationship between stress and depression in a sample of adults (aged 51-90 years; Mage= 63.3 years; SDage= 8.6 years) living in public housing. Questionnaire data were collected before and after running an intervention geared toward improving residents’ well-being. Results of the initial questionnaire study suggest that hope moderates the stress -&gt; depression relationship (p = .001), with effects in the expected directions: individuals exhibiting higher-than-average levels of stress and below-average hope reported the highest levels of depression. Data further suggest modest increases in hope post-intervention (p = .06). Overall, results suggest that hope may be important in helping mitigate the impact of life stress on vulnerable individuals, and that it can be augmented in the context of a short-term, cost-effective intervention.

scholarly journals Use of Audiobooks as an Environmental Distractor to Decrease State Anxiety in Children Waiting in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah I. Stein Duker ◽  
Anita R. Schmidt ◽  
Phung K. Pham ◽  
Sofronia M. Ringold ◽  
Alan L. Nager
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pediatric Emergency Department ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Anxiety and anticipatory stressors are commonly experienced by children visiting the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED), but little research exists that addresses the efficacy of interventions to decrease this stress. This one-sample pretest-postest pilot study gathered preliminary data on the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing audiobooks to reduce fear and state anxiety in children in the PED.Methods: Participants were 131 children in kindergarten through 8th grade (M = 9.4 years, 54% female), triaged urgent or emergent, presenting to the PED. Participants self-reported fear (Children's Fear Scale) and state anxiety (modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children; mSTAIC) before and after listening to an age-appropriate audiobook (two options). Data regarding patient experience were also collected. Paired samples t-test was used to examine pre–post intervention changes in fear and state anxiety.Results: Significant, albeit small, improvements in fear and the mSTAIC states of nervous, calm, happy, and relaxed were found after use of the audiobook (Cohen's dz = 0.22–0.35). Small, yet significant correlations were found between child age/grade level and improvements in fear and in the mSTAIC states of scared and relaxed, suggesting that the audiobook was more beneficial for older participants. Over 60% of participants liked the audiobook content “a lot” as well as enjoyed listening to the audiobook “a lot.” Without prompting, 15% of participants requested to listen to an additional audiobook.Conclusions: Listening to an audiobook is feasible and could be effective in decreasing fear and state anxiety for children during a waiting period in the PED. The technology is low-cost, simple, and portable. The results of this study should be interpreted with prudence due to the lack of a control group and results that, although significant, were modest based on effect size conventions; future studies should explore the impact of audiobooks on patient stress with an expanded sample size and control group.

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