scholarly journals Effects of a training program for occupational health professionals on the cognitions and perceptions of workers: a randomized controlled trial

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariska de Wit ◽  
Bedra Horreh ◽  
Carel T. J. Hulshof ◽  
Haije Wind ◽  
Angela G. E. M. de Boer
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Work Participation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effects of a training program for occupational health professionals (OHPs) on their ability to identify the cognitions and perceptions of workers with a chronic disease that may hinder work participation, and on their ability to recommend evidence-based interventions aimed at the identified cognitions and perceptions. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which OHPs were randomly assigned to a training program on the cognitions and perceptions of workers with a chronic disease (n = 29) or to a control group that did not receive training (n = 30). Participants received home assignments in which they had to identify the cognitions and perceptions of workers in video vignettes and had to indicate which interventions they would recommend to foster work participation. A generalized linear model repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to study the effects of the training program. Results The results of the analyses showed an increase in the ability to identify the cognitions and perceptions of workers of OHPs who received the training compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The results also showed an increased ability to recommend evidence-based interventions aimed at these cognitions and perceptions (p < 0.001) as a result of participation in the training. Conclusion The training program helps OHPs to identify cognitions and perceptions and to recommend evidence-based interventions. This can support them in their activities to increase the work participation of workers with a chronic disease.

scholarly journals Implementation and Effects of an Information Technology-Based Intervention to Support Speech and Language Therapy Among Stroke Patients with Aphasia: Protocol for a Virtual Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Kim ◽  
Laura Laird ◽  
Carlee Wilson ◽  
Till Bieg ◽  
Phillip Mildner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lexical Retrieval ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Treatment Assessment ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

BACKGROUND Mobile application-based therapies are increasingly being employed by speech-language pathologists in the rehabilitation of people with aphasia (PwA) as an adjunct or in lieu of traditional in-person therapy approaches. These apps can increase the intensity of treatment, and have been shown to result in meaningful outcomes across several domains OBJECTIVE VoiceAdapt is a mobile therapy app designed with user and stakeholder feedback within a user-centered design framework. VoiceAdapt uses two evidence-based lexical retrieval treatments to engage PwA to improve their naming abilities through interaction with the app. The purpose of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) proposed here is to examine the feasibility and clinical efficacy of training with VoiceAdapt on the language and communication outcomes of people with aphasia. METHODS A multicenter RCT is being conducted at two locations within Canada. A total of 80 people with aphasia will be recruited to participate in a two-arm, waitlist-controlled, crossover group RCT. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomized into an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Intervention group participants will engage in five weeks of training with the app, followed by post-treatment assessment and follow-up assessment after an additional five weeks. Those in the waitlist control group will have five weeks of no training, followed by a pre-treatment assessment, training for five weeks and post-treatment assessment. All aspects of the trial are being conducted remotely given the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Recruitment of participants started in September 2020 and the study is expected to be completed by March 2022. Publication of results is expected within six months of study completion. CONCLUSIONS Results of the RCT will provide data to inform evidence-based practice on the use of technology-based solutions to treat aphasia. If positive results are obtained from this RCT, the VoiceAdapt app can be recommended as an efficacious means of improving lexical retrieval and communicative functioning in PwA within an easily accessible, cost-effective manner. Moreover, the implementation of this RCT through remote assessment and delivery can inform the profession on telerehabilitation practices and monitoring app-based home therapy programs. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04108364; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04108364

scholarly journals Save the children by treating their mothers (PriVileG-M-study) - study protocol: a sequentially randomized controlled trial of individualized psychotherapy and telemedicine to reduce mental stress in pregnant women and young mothers and to improve Child’s health

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bischoff ◽  
V. Howland ◽  
J. Klinger-König ◽  
S. Tomczyk ◽  
S. Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Maternal Sensitivity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Abstract Background As early as pregnancy, maternal mental stress impinges on the child’s development and health. Thus, this may cause enhanced risk for premature birth, lowered fetal growth, and lower fetal birth weight as well as enhanced levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lowered levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin. Maternal stress further reduces maternal sensitivity for the child’s needs which impairs the mother-child-interaction and bonding. Therefore, prevention and intervention studies on mental stress are necessary, beginning prenatally and applying rigorous research methodology, such as randomized controlled trials, to ensure high validity. Methods A randomized controlled trial is used to assess the impact of psychotherapy and telemedicine on maternal mental stress and the child’s mental and physical health. Mentally stressed pregnant women are randomized to an intervention (IG) and a not intervened control group. The IG receives an individualized psychotherapy starting prenatal and lasting for 10 months. Afterwards, a second randomization is used to investigate whether the use of telemedicine can stabilize the therapeutic effects. Using ecological momentary assessments and video recordings, the transfer into daily life, maternal sensitivity and mother-child-bonding are assessed. Psycho-biologically, the synchronicity of cortisol and oxytocin levels between mother and child are assessed as well as the peptidome of the colostrum and breast milk, which are assumed to be essential for the adaptation to the extra-uterine environment. All assessments are compared to an additional control group of healthy women. Finally, the results of the study will lead to the development of a qualification measure for health professionals to detect mental stress, to treat it with low-level interventions and to refer those women with high stress levels to mental health professionals. Discussion The study aims to prevent the transgenerational transfer of psychiatric and somatic disorders from the mother to her child. The effects of the psychotherapy will be stabilized through telemedicine and long-term impacts on the child’s and mothers’ mental health are enhanced. The combination of psychotherapy, telemedicine and methodologies of ecological momentary assessment, video recording and bio banking are new in content-related and methodological manner. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00017065. Registered 02 May 2019. World Health Organization, Universal Trial Number: U1111–1230-9826. Registered 01 April 2019.

scholarly journals A web-based dietary intervention in early pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: a randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
R A K Kennedy ◽  
C M E Reynolds ◽  
S Cawley ◽  
E O’Malley ◽  
D M McCartney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Maternal nutrition is a determinant of pregnancy outcomes. Few studies have evaluated the potential of online nutrition resources to modify behaviour. This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether access to a customized evidence-based nutrition website in pregnancy improved neonatal outcomes. Methods Women <18 weeks gestation were recruited at their convenience. The control group received standard care. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received access to an evidence-based nutrition website, customized to the preferences of pregnant women. Results Of the 250 women, there were no differences in characteristics between the two groups. Of the women, 91.0% reported they make a conscious effort currently to eat a healthy diet. However, only 19.6% met dietary requirements for calcium, 13.2% for iron, 2.7% for folate and 2.3% for iodine. The most popular website section was pregnancy nutrition advice but engagement was not sustained. Access to the website was not associated with any improvement in clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). Conclusions We found that provision of a customized website providing nutrition information, did not improve neonatal outcomes. Future studies should explore whether redesign with website interactivity or embedding information on popular digital platforms sustains women’s engagement and modifies dietary behaviour.

Self-Kinematic Training for Flight-Associated Neck Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (10) ◽  
pp. 790-797
Author(s):  
Hilla Sarig Bahat ◽  
Dmitry German ◽  
Galia Palomo ◽  
Hila Gold ◽  
Yael Frankel Nir
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Exercise Duration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Kinematic Performance

BACKGROUND: Flight-associated neck pain (FANP) is a serious problem in fighter pilots. Despite the high impact of FANP there is little evidence for effective management. However, self-kinematic training showed a positive effect in the general population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a self-kinematic training program using virtual reality in improving neck pain in fighter pilots.METHODS: There were 45 pilots with FANP who were randomized to a control group (N 23) or a training group (N 22). Training participants were instructed to exercise using a personalized self-training program, for 20 min/wk, for 4 wk. Primary outcome measures were neck disability (NDI%) and mean velocity ( s1), and secondary were pain, health status, accuracy, and isometric strength. Assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis by a blinded statistician.RESULTS: There were 40 pilots who completed the postintervention assessments, and 35 completed the 6-mo follow-up. Baseline measurements showed mild pain and disability (mean VAS 43 22.73, NDI 17.76 9.59%) and high kinematic performance. Compliance with self-training was poor. No differences were observed in self-reported measures and strength. Exercise duration was correlated with NDI% improvement.DISCUSSION: This self-kinematic training promoted kinematic performance, but was ineffective in engaging the pilots to exercise, and consequently did not improve pain and disability. Poor compliance was previously reported in self-training for FANP, suggesting further studies should prioritize supervised training. Considering the high baseline kinematic performance, kinematics does not seem to be a key factor in FANP, and future exercise research should aim for intense strengthening to increase endurance to the high Gz pilots experience.Sarig Bahat H, German D, Palomo G, Gold H, Frankel Nir Y. Self-kinematic training for flight-associated neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(10):790797.

The role of maternal psychosocial perceptions in parent-training programs: a preliminary randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 358-381
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. ALPER ◽  
Richard R. HURTIG ◽  
Karla K. MCGREGOR
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Parent Training ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Parent Training Programs ◽  
Control Perceptions

AbstractParent–child interaction is critical for early language and literacy development. Parent training programs have proliferated to support early interactions. However, many environmental and psychosocial factors can impact the quality of parent–child language and literacy interactions as well as training program outcomes. This preliminary randomized controlled trial examined maternal perceived self-efficacy and locus of control during a language and literacy parent training program. Thirty mother–child dyads (mother age 21–40; children 2;6–4;0) were assigned in parallel to the training or control group. The training was efficacious for mothers and children – training-group dyads made significantly greater gains in maternal strategy use, responsivity, and child print awareness than the control group. Gains were maintained one month post-training. Children whose mothers had more external baseline control perceptions identified significantly fewer print targets at baseline and made greater gains than those with more internal control perceptions. Future directions and implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Yoga and Aerobic Dance for Pain Management in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/12823 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e12823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karine Toupin April ◽  
Jennifer Stinson ◽  
Sabrina Cavallo ◽  
Laurie Proulx ◽  
George A Wells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Aerobic Dance ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Dance Training ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common types of arthritis among children. According to JIA guidelines for physical activity (PA), structured PA interventions led to improved health outcomes. However, many PA programs, such as yoga and aerobic dance, have not been studied in this population despite being popular among youth. Web-based PA programs could provide patients with accessible and affordable interventions. Objective The primary aims of the proposed pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) are to examine (1) the feasibility of conducting a full-scale RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of two popular types of PA: a yoga training program and an aerobic dance training program, in female adolescents (aged 13-18 years) with JIA compared with an electronic pamphlet control group; and (2) the acceptability of these interventions. Methods A three-arm prospective randomized open-label study with a parallel group design will be used. A total of 25 female adolescents with JIA who have pain will be randomized in a ratio of 2:2:1 to one of the 3 groups: (1) online yoga training program (group A: n=10); (2) online aerobic dance training program (group B: n=10); and (3) electronic pamphlet control group (group C: n=5). Participants in groups A and B will complete 3 individual 1-hour sessions per week using online exercise videos, as well as a 1-hour virtual group session per week using a videoconferencing platform for 12 weeks. Participants from all groups will have access to an electronic educational pamphlet on PA for arthritis developed by the Arthritis Society. All participants will also take part in weekly online consultations with a research coordinator and discussions on Facebook with participants from their own group. Feasibility (ie, recruitment rate, self-reported adherence to the interventions, dropout rates, and percentage of missing data), acceptability, and usability of Facebook and the videoconferencing platform will be assessed at the end of the program. Pain intensity, participation in general PA, morning stiffness, functional status, fatigue, self-efficacy, patient global assessment, disease activity, and adverse events will be assessed using self-administered electronic surveys at baseline and then weekly until the end of the 12-week program. Results This pilot RCT has been funded by the Arthritis Health Professions Association. This protocol was approved by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Ethics Board (#17/08X). As of May 11, 2020, recruitment and data collection have not started. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga and aerobic dance as pain management interventions for female adolescents with JIA. The use of online programs to disseminate these 2 PA interventions may facilitate access to alternative methods of pain management. This study can lead to a full-scale RCT. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/12823

scholarly journals Training on involving cognitions and perceptions in the occupational health management and work disability assessment of workers: development and evaluation

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariska de Wit ◽  
Nina Zipfel ◽  
Bedra Horreh ◽  
Carel T. J. Hulshof ◽  
Haije Wind ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Work Disability ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Work Participation ◽  
Disability Assessment ◽  
Occupational Health Management ◽  
Recovery Expectations

Abstract Background In order to improve work participation of workers with a chronic disease, it is important for occupational health professionals (OHPs) to focus on those factors that can influence work participation. Cognitions and perceptions, such as recovery expectations and self-efficacy, are examples of these factors that can influence work participation. However, no training program is available for OHPs on how to involve cognitions and perceptions during their practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a training program for OHPs on how to involve cognitions and perceptions in the occupational health management and work disability assessment of workers with a chronic disease. In addition, to evaluate the OHPs’ satisfaction with the training and the feasibility of the training and learned skills. Methods The training program was developed using information from previously conducted studies regarding cognitions and perceptions in relation to work participation. Satisfaction with the training by OHPs was evaluated by means of a questionnaire. A smaller group of OHPs were interviewed three to six months after the training to evaluate the feasibility of the training and learned skills. Results The 4.5-h training program consisted of four parts concerning: 1) cognitions and perceptions associated with work participation, 2) how to obtain information on them, 3) the course of the conversation on these factors, and 4) intervening on these factors. Eight training sessions were conducted with 57 OHPs, of whom 54 evaluated the training. Participants were very satisfied (score 8.5 on a scale from 1 to 10). The eleven interviewed participants were more aware of cognitions and perceptions during consultations and perceived the training to be feasible. However, not all participants had applied the acquired skills in their practice, partially because of a lack of time. Conclusions OHPs are very satisfied with the training program and perceive it to be feasible. The training increases awareness of important cognitions and perceptions and may possibly help to increase work participation of workers with a chronic disease.

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