scholarly journals Evaluating the effect of the initiative ‘Caring for the Newborn and the Mother at Home’ in Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mishel Unar-Munguía ◽  
Teresita González de Cosío ◽  
Ericka Ileana Escalante-Izeta ◽  
Isabel Ferré-Eguiluz ◽  
Matthias Sachse-Aguilera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Home Visits ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Initial Care ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum

AbstractObjective:The WHO and UNICEF recommend home visits to improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns. We evaluated the effect of home visits by community volunteers during pregnancy and postpartum on breast-feeding practices, women’s knowledge about benefits, beliefs and myths of breast-feeding, obstetric and neonatal warning signs, preparation for childbirth and initial care for newborns, and diarrhoea and respiratory diseases in children.Design:Community quasi-experimental design. We estimated difference-in-difference models with fixed effects at the community level weighted by propensity score and investigated implementation barriers through focus groups and semi-structured interviews.Setting:Poor rural communities in Mexico; 48 intervention and 29 control.Participants:Baseline and follow-up information were reported from two independent cross-sectional samples of women with babies aged between 6 and 18 months (baseline: 292 control, 320 intervention; follow-up: 292 control, 294 intervention).Results:The intervention increased reports of exclusive breast-feeding in the first 6 months by 24·4 percentage points (pp) (95 % CI: 13·4, 35·4), mothers’ knowledge of obstetric warning signs by 23·4 pp (95 % CI: 9·2, 37·5) and neonatal warning signs by 26·2 pp (95 % CI: 15·2, 37·2) compared to the control group. A non-linear dose–response relation with the number of home visits was found. Diarrhoea and respiratory diseases among children decreased in the intervention v. control group but were not statistically significant.Conclusions:Home visits should be implemented as a complementary strategy to the provision of prenatal and postnatal care in rural communities due to their potential positive effects on the health of mothers and their children.

scholarly journals Short-term balance training and acute effects on postural sway in balance-deficient older adults: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklas Sörlén ◽  
Andreas Hult ◽  
Peter Nordström ◽  
Anna Nordström ◽  
Jonas Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Balance Exercise

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks of balance exercise compared with no intervention on objectively measured postural sway. Methods This was a single-center parallel randomized controlled, open label, trial. A six-sided dice was used for allocation at a 1:1-ratio between exercise and control. The trial was performed at a university hospital clinic in Sweden and recruited community-dwelling older adults with documented postural instability. The intervention consisted of progressively challenging balance exercise three times per week, during 4 weeks, with follow-up at week five. Main outcome measures were objective postural sway length during eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Results Sixty-five participants aged 70 years (balance exercise n = 32; no intervention n = 33) were randomized. 14 participants were excluded from analysis because of early dropout before follow-up at week five, leaving 51 (n = 22; n = 29) participants for analysis. No significant differences were detected between the groups in any of the postural sway outcomes. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in hand grip strength for the intervention group, while Timed Up & Go improvements were comparable between groups but only statistically significant in the control group. Conclusions Performing balance exercise over a four-week intervention period did not acutely improve postural sway in balance-deficient older adults. The lower limit in duration and frequency to achieve positive effects remains unclear. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT03227666, July 24, 2017, retrospectively registered.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3007
Author(s):  
José Antonio Mingorance ◽  
Pedro Montoya ◽  
José García Vivas Miranda ◽  
Inmaculada Riquelme
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Body Vibration ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Therapy Program

Whole body vibration has been proven to improve the health status of patients with fibromyalgia, providing an activation of the neuromuscular spindles, which are responsible for muscle contraction. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two types of whole body vibrating platforms (vertical and rotational) during a 12-week training program. Sixty fibromyalgia patients (90% were women) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group A (n = 20), who performed the vibration training with a vertical platform; group B (n = 20), who did rotational platform training; or a control group C (n = 20), who did not do any training. Sensitivity measures (pressure pain and vibration thresholds), quality of life (Quality of Life Index), motor function tasks (Berg Scale, six-minute walking test, isometric back muscle strength), and static and dynamic balance (Romberg test and gait analysis) were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after the therapy program. Although both types of vibration appeared to have beneficial effects with respect to the control group, the training was more effective with the rotational than with vertical platform in some parameters, such as vibration thresholds (p < 0.001), motor function tasks (p < 0.001), mediolateral sway (p < 0.001), and gait speed (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, improvements disappeared in the follow-up in both types of vibration. Our study points out greater benefits with the use of rotational rather than vertical whole body vibration. The use of the rotational modality is recommended in the standard therapy program for patients with fibromyalgia. Due to the fact that the positive effects of both types of vibration disappeared during the follow-up, continuous or intermittent use is recommended.

scholarly journals Effects of gait retraining with focus on impact versus gait retraining with focus on cadence on pain, function and lower limb kinematics in runners with patellofemoral pain: Protocol of a randomized, blinded, parallel group trial with 6-month follow-up

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0250965
Author(s):  
José Roberto de Souza Júnior ◽  
Pedro Henrique Reis Rabelo ◽  
Thiago Vilela Lemos ◽  
Jean-Francois Esculier ◽  
João Pedro da Silva Carto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Patellofemoral Pain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gait Retraining ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Clinical Applicability ◽  
Limb Kinematics ◽  
Lower Limb Kinematics

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most prevalent injuries in runners. Unfortunately, a substantial part of injured athletes do not recover fully from PFP in the long-term. Although previous studies have shown positive effects of gait retraining in this condition, retraining protocols often lack clinical applicability because they are time-consuming, costly for patients and require a treadmill. The primary objective of this study will be to compare the effects of two different two-week partially supervised gait retraining programs, with a control intervention; on pain, function and lower limb kinematics of runners with PFP. It will be a single-blind randomized clinical trial with six-month follow-up. The study will be composed of three groups: a group focusing on impact (group A), a group focusing on cadence (group B), and a control group that will not perform any intervention (group C). The primary outcome measure will be pain assessed using the Visual Analog Pain scale during running. Secondary outcomes will include pain during daily activities (usual), symptoms assessed using the Patellofemoral Disorders Scale and lower limb running kinematics in the frontal (contralateral pelvic drop; hip adduction) and sagittal planes (foot inclination; tibia inclination; ankle dorsiflexion; knee flexion) assessed using the MyoResearch 3.14—MyoVideo (Noraxon U.S.A. Inc.). The study outcomes will be evaluated before (t0), immediately after (t2), and six months (t24) after starting the protocol. Our hypothesis is that both partially supervised gait retraining programs will be more effective in reducing pain, improving symptoms, and modifying lower limb kinematics during running compared with the control group, and that the positive effects from these programs will persist for six months. Also, we believe that one gait retraining group will not be superior to the other. Results from this study will help improve care in runners with PFP, while maximizing clinical applicability as well as time and cost-effectiveness.

Evaluating the effects of a mindfulness mobile application on student pharmacists’ stress, burnout, and mindfulness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Chu ◽  
Tyler M Rose ◽  
Danielle A Gundrum ◽  
Tressa E McMorris ◽  
Eytan A Klausner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose Pharmacists report high levels of burnout. Mindfulness approaches have been demonstrated to have positive results in the general population and in other healthcare professions. However, limited studies have been performed evaluating mindfulness approaches in student pharmacists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of daily use of a mindfulness mobile application in improving student pharmacists’ perceived stress, burnout, and mindfulness. Methods This study was a randomized, longitudinal, waitlist-controlled trial. The intervention group was asked to meditate using the mindfulness application Headspace daily for at least 6 weeks. The waitlist control group was asked to abstain from using the application for the entire study. Stress, burnout, and mindfulness were assessed using validated survey instruments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks. A secondary outcome was to assess the persistence of application use after the intervention period. Results Fifty-six participants completed the study. The intervention group reported significantly lower scores on stress and burnout at 6 weeks compared to the control group. The intervention group also reported significantly higher scores on mindfulness. The differences in stress, burnout, and mindfulness persisted at follow-up. The mean percentage of students in the intervention group who used the application each day was 90% over the intervention period and 62% over the follow-up period. Conclusion A mindfulness mobile application significantly improved student pharmacists’ stress, burnout, and mindfulness with daily use. Most participants continued to use the application for 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. Positive effects on stress and mindfulness persisted even with decreased use.

scholarly journals A HOME-VISIT PILOT INTERVENTION TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND WELL-BEING FOR DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S676-S676
Author(s):  
Jung-Ah Lee ◽  
Priscilla Kehoe ◽  
Lisa Gibbs
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Home Visit ◽  
Home Visits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Positive Effects

Abstract Dementia takes a significant toll on caregivers resulting in their suffering from chronic stress and depression due to responsibility for care for persons with dementia (PWD). Behaviors of PWD could be aggravated by inappropriate responses by family caregivers such as correcting PWD’s memories. The study purpose is to examine the feasibility of a home-visit-based intervention designed to promote communication skills with PWD and well-being in family caregivers. This pilot study used a single-arm experimental pre-post design to test the feasibility of 4 weekly home visits for 13 female family caregivers in Southern California (spouse, n=7; adult children, n=6; mean age=64.3, ranging 46-82). Trained home visitors used video scenarios for behavioral education for caregivers. All caregivers completed the entire home visit program. Significantly caregiver burden was decreased from baseline (M(SD)=51.38(4.58)) to follow-up at 5 weeks (M=43.31(5.67), Wilcoxon signed rank test: p=.04). Additionally, caregiver-reported PWD’s negative behaviors were reduced from baseline to follow-up (Mbase=22.31(3.52), Mfolllowup=19.31(4.4), p=.13). There were other improvements (non-significant) in greater caregiver self-efficacy and less depressive symptoms from baseline to follow-up. Caregiver satisfaction with the intervention was high (M=4.6(0.65) of 5). Qualitatively, participants appreciated the home visits for educational sessions and welcomed the empathy provided. Caregivers expressed better communications and responsiveness to the PWDs. The results showed the home-visit-based caregiver intervention was feasible and had a potential effectiveness on reduction of caregiver burden and possibly on self-efficacy and well-being. A larger-scale study will be needed to demonstrate long term positive effects on caregiver interactive skills and their well-being.

Collaborative Home-Visit Program for Young Children With Motor Delays in Rural Taiwan: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 979-994
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsin Hsieh ◽  
Hua-Fang Liao ◽  
Suh-Fang Jeng ◽  
Mei-Hui Tseng ◽  
Veronica Schiariti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Home Visits ◽  
International Classification ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
Family Centered ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background Caregiver engagement and collaborative team early childhood intervention (ECI) services are international trends; however, relevant evidence of collaborative home-visiting ECI in rural areas is as yet undetermined. Objective The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a collaborative ECI program in a rural area of Taiwan. Design The study was a pilot randomized control led trial. Methods Children aged 6 to 33 months experiencing motor delays and their caregivers were enrolled in Taitung, Taiwan. Using stratified randomization, 24 participants were allocated to either experimental or control groups, and both received 5 home visits within 3 months. The experimental group received ECI services based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework and family-centered approaches. The control group received regular home visits by local social workers. Child outcomes included Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Chinese Version and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, 2nd edition. Family outcomes included the Disability-Adapted Infant–Toddler version of Home Observation for Measurement, and Chinese versions of the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory and Parental Stress Index-Short Form. A tester blinded to the study conducted assessments at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used with α = .05 (2-tailed). Results The experimental group improved scores on the Disability-Adapted Infant–Toddler version of Home Observation for Measurement significantly more than the control group with an effect size of 0.64 at follow-up. In other outcomes, both groups showed no significant differences. The follow-up rate was 69%, and adherence to the ECI program was acceptable. Limitations A limitation of the study was the heterogeneity of the sample. Conclusions This pilot study revealed possible effectiveness in implementing collaborative ECI programs based on family-centered approaches and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in rural areas. Larger field studies are needed to confirm our findings.

scholarly journals Mindfulness-based and cognitive-based stress prevention in student teachers (startklar): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e021941
Author(s):  
Jasmina Eskic ◽  
Sophie Merle Kuhlmann ◽  
Katharina Kreinbihl ◽  
Florian Hammerle
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Stress Prevention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionTeachers and student teachers in Germany are a high-risk population for stress and stress-related mental health problems. This often leads to early retirement in subsequent professional life. Various trials have demonstrated positive effects of stress prevention training on the perceived stress and stress-related symptoms of teachers. Although many studies show positive effects of mindfulness-based stress interventions, there is not yet any mindfulness-based intervention for teachers or student teachers in Germany. The aim of this trial is to evaluate a training that combines mindfulness-based and cognitive interventions into one programme, addressing to the specific burdens of student teachers.Methods and analysisThis study protocol presents a prospective block-randomised controlled trial. Assessment will take place at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up) for an intervention and waiting control group, and at a fourth assessment point for the waiting control group after receiving the training. The aim is to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based stress prevention on stress, psychological morbidity, burnout and self-efficacy using validated measures. Participants are student teachers from German teacher training colleges and participation will be voluntary. The targeted total sample size is 96 at 3-month follow-up. The training will comprise three 4-hour sessions conducted every 2 weeks. The control group will participate in the training after the 3-month follow-up. The allotment will be randomised with a stratified allocation ratio by gender. After descriptive statistics have been evaluated, inferential statistical analysis will be conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance with interactions between time and group. Effect sizes will be calculated using partial η2values.Ethics and disseminationResults will be disseminated at conferences, in specialist magazines and through peer-reviewed publications. The trial has been approved by the ethics review board of the local medical association, Mainz, Germany, under the reference number 837.192.16 (10511).Trial registration numberDRKS00010897.

scholarly journals Effects of a Community-based Follow-up Program for Parents with Premature Infants on Parenting Stress, Parenting Efficacy, and Coping

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-375
Author(s):  
Eun Sun Ji ◽  
Ka Ka Shim
Keyword(s):  
Parenting Stress ◽  
Premature Infants ◽  
Coping Behavior ◽  
Home Visits ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Parenting Efficacy ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Experimental Group

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a community-based follow-up program on parenting stress, parenting efficacy, and coping among parents with premature infants.Methods: A non-equivalent control group pre-post quasi-experimental design was used. This program consisted of structured home visits and self-help group meetings for 6 months. The experimental group (n=29) received visits by an experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse and the control group (n=27) was visited by a visiting nurse. Data were analyzed using the <i>x</i><sup>2</sup> test, t-test, and analysis of covariance.Results: Parents' coping behavior significantly differed in the experimental group compared to the control group (t=3.14, <i>p</i>=.003). In particular, coping subscale I, for maintaining the family situation (t=2.63, <i>p</i>=.011), and subscale III, for understanding the infant's medical situation (t=4.30, <i>p</i><.001), showed significant differences in the experimental group. There were no significant between-group differences in parenting stress or parenting efficacy.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that home visits by an experienced NICU nurse provided through a community-based follow-up program were an effective intervention to improve coping behavior among parents with premature infants.

scholarly journals Effect of Manual Therapy and Splint Therapy in People with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Preliminary Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Victoria Espí-López ◽  
Anna Arnal-Gómez ◽  
Alba Cuerda del Pino ◽  
José Benavent-Corai ◽  
Pilar Serra-Añó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Temporomandibular Disorders ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Splint Therapy ◽  
Pressure Threshold ◽  
Pain Pressure Threshold

Background: Isolated manual therapy techniques (MT) have shown beneficial effects in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) but the effect of the combination of such techniques, together with the well-stablished splint therapy (ST) remains to be elucidated. Objective: This study was conducted to ascertain whether a combined program of MT techniques, including intraoral treatment, plus traditional ST improves pain and clinical dysfunction in subjects with TMD. Methods: A preliminary trial was conducted. 16 participants were assigned to either the MT plus ST-Experimental Group (EG, n = 8) or the ST alone—Control Group (CG, n = 8). Forty-five minute sessions of combined MT techniques were performed, once a week for four weeks. Three evaluations were conducted: baseline, post-treatment, and one-month follow-up. Outcome measures were pain perception, pain pressure threshold (PPT), TMD dysfunction, and perception of change after treatment. Results: EG showed significant reduction on pain, higher PPT, significant improvement of dysfunction and significantly positive perception of change after treatment (p < 0.05 all). Additionally, such positive effects were maintained at follow-up with a high treatment effect (R2 explaining 26.6–33.2% of all variables). Conclusion: MT plus ST showed reduction on perceived pain (3 points decrease), higher PPT (of at least 1.0 kg/cm2), improvement of disability caused by pain (4.4 points decrease), and positive perception of change (EG: 50% felt “much improvement”), compared to ST alone.

scholarly journals Bio-psycho-social Intervention for Relapse Prevention among Males with Substance Dependence

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 22-32
Author(s):  
NEHA SHARMA
Keyword(s):  
Relapse Prevention ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Substance Dependence ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Social Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Multiple Substance

Relapse poses a fundamental barrier to the treatment of substance dependence. Preventing relapse is therefore a prerequisite for any attempt to facilitate successful and long-term behavioral changes in substance dependents. Relapse can be caused by biological, psychological and socio-cultural reasons hence this study was aimed to develop and implement a bio-psycho-social intervention program for relapse prevention. 100 male subjects having multiple substance dependence from 16 to 60 years of age were selected through purposive sampling. Subjects were assessed on ‘Advance warning of relapse questionnaire’ followed by a follow up study through telephonic interview for six months. Two null hypotheses were formulated to see the effect of intervention on relapse prevention. Between two groups research design was used for the study with 50 subjects in each group. Data was analyzed by using t and 2x2 contingency χ2 tests. For first hypothesis was significant at 0.01 level and concluded that intervention program reduced advance warning signs of relapse. For second hypothesis 74% experimental group subjects were abstinent till six months after intervention as compared to 22% of control group. It was concluded that bio-psycho-social intervention program is significantly effective in relapse prevention among males with substance dependence.   

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