scholarly journals Comparing the effects of a mindfulness versus relaxation intervention on romantic relationship wellbeing

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan C. Karremans ◽  
Gesa Kappen ◽  
Melanie Schellekens ◽  
Dominik Schoebi
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Relative Lack ◽  
Relaxation Intervention ◽  
Potential Association ◽  
Relaxation Exercises ◽  
Guided Relaxation

AbstractThere is increasing scientific interest in the potential association between mindfulness and romantic relationship wellbeing. To date, however, experimental studies using active control groups and testing dyadic effects (i.e. examining both actor and partner effects) are lacking. In the current study, romantically involved individuals engaged for 2 weeks daily in either guided mindfulness exercises, or guided relaxation exercises. Participants, and their partners, completed measures of relationship wellbeing at pre- and post-intervention, and at 1-month follow up. The mindfulness intervention significantly promoted relationship wellbeing, for both participants (i.e. actor effects) and their partners (i.e. partner effects). However, these findings did not significantly differ from changes in relationship wellbeing in the relaxation condition. Theoretical implications of these findings for understanding the association between mindfulness and romantic relationship wellbeing are discussed. Moreover, the findings are discussed in light of recent debates about the relative lack of proper control groups in mindfulness research.

scholarly journals Challenges and results of a school-based intervention to manage excess weight among school children in Tunisia 2012–2014

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihen Maatoug ◽  
Sihem Ben Fredj ◽  
Zeineb Msakni ◽  
Emna Dendana ◽  
Jihene Sahli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
The Body ◽  
Calorie Intake ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
School Based ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: Obesity is a serious health issue and predisposes individuals to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence in children has increased worldwide. Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based management program based on healthy lifestyle promotion for obese and overweight adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study among overweight and obese school children enrolled in 7th and 8th grades in Sousse, Tunisia with two groups, intervention and control. The 1-year intervention was based on promoting healthy eating and physical activity through a collective intervention for all recruited children and an individual intervention only for obese children who require intensive managing. Data collection was done before, at the end and at a 4-month follow up of the intervention, both in intervention and control groups. Results: The body mass index Z score decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention (1.89±0.57 to 1.76±0.63, p<0.001) and from post-intervention to the follow-up (1.76±0.63 to 1.55±0.68, p<0.001) in the intervention group. In the control group, it decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention but not significantly from post-intervention to follow-up assessment. Calorie intake decreased significantly both in intervention and control groups. Conclusion: This project began with introducing a new culture of health management in schools on one side and with increasing awareness of the importance of obesity prevention and treatment. The support of authorities for this type of action is very important to guarantee its sustainability.

scholarly journals A Randomised Controlled Single-Blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefitting Mood and Well-Being

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Bowden ◽  
Lorna Goddard ◽  
John Gruzelier
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Guided Relaxation ◽  
Single Blind

This is a constructive replication of a previous trial conducted by Bowden et al. (2010), where students who had received Reiki demonstrated greater health and mood benefits than those who received no Reiki. The current study examined impact on anxiety/depression. 40 university students—half with high depression and/or anxiety and half with low depression and/or anxiety—were randomly assigned to receive Reiki or to a non-Reiki control group. Participants experienced six 30-minute sessions over a period of two to eight weeks, where they were blind to whether noncontact Reiki was administered as their attention was absorbed in a guided relaxation. The efficacy of the intervention was assessed pre-post intervention and at five-week follow-up by self-report measures of mood, illness symptoms, and sleep. The participants with high anxiety and/or depression who received Reiki showed a progressive improvement in overall mood, which was significantly better at five-week follow-up, while no change was seen in the controls. While the Reiki group did not demonstrate the comparatively greater reduction in symptoms of illness seen in our earlier study, the findings of both studies suggest that Reiki may benefit mood.

Theoretical and Methodological Problems of a 10-Year Follow-Up Program Evaluation Study

2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt A. Heller ◽  
Ralph Reimann
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Partial Inclusion ◽  
Methodological Problems

Summary In this paper, conceptual and methodological problems of school program evaluation are discussed. The data were collected in conjunction with a 10 year cross-sectional/longitudinal investigation with partial inclusion of control groups. The experiences and conclusions resulting from this long-term study are revealing not only from the vantage point of the scientific evaluation of new scholastic models, but are also valuable for program evaluation studies in general, particularly in the field of gifted education.

Association between multimodality measures of aortic stenosis severity and quality-of-life improvement outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Catalano ◽  
Shahryar G Saba ◽  
Bruce Rutkin ◽  
Greg Maurer ◽  
Jacinda Berg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Calcium Score ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Transcatheter Aortic Valve

Abstract Aims Up to 40% of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) present with discordant grading of AS severity based on common transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) measures. Our aim was to evaluate the utility of TTE and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) measures in predicting symptomatic improvement in patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods and results A retrospective review of 201 TAVR patients from January 2017 to November 2018 was performed. Pre- and post-intervention quality-of-life was measured using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12). Pre-intervention measures including dimensionless index (DI), stroke volume index (SVI), mean transaortic gradient, peak transaortic velocity, indexed aortic valve area (AVA), aortic valve calcium score, and AVA based on hybrid MDCT-Doppler calculations were obtained and correlated with change in KCCQ-12 at 30-day follow-up. Among the 201 patients studied, median KCCQ-12 improved from 54.2 pre-intervention to 85.9 post-intervention. In multivariable analysis, patients with a mean gradient &gt;40 mmHg experienced significantly greater improvement in KCCQ-12 at follow-up than those with mean gradient ≤40 mmHg (28.1 vs. 16.4, P = 0.015). Patients with MDCT-Doppler-calculated AVA of ≤1.2 cm2 had greater improvements in KCCQ-12 scores than those with computed tomography-measured AVA of &gt;1.2 cm2 (23.4 vs. 14.1, P = 0.049) on univariate but not multivariable analysis. No association was detected between DI, SVI, peak velocity, calcium score, or AVA index and change in KCCQ-12. Conclusion Mean transaortic gradient is predictive of improvement in quality-of-life after TAVR. This measure of AS severity may warrant greater relative consideration when selecting the appropriateness of patients for TAVR.

scholarly journals Development and preliminary evaluation of EMPOWER for surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Wendy G. Lichtenthal ◽  
Martin Viola ◽  
Madeline Rogers ◽  
Kailey E. Roberts ◽  
Lindsay Lief ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Prolonged Grief ◽  
Surrogate Decision Makers ◽  
Surrogate Decision ◽  
Peritraumatic Distress

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study were to develop and refine EMPOWER (Enhancing and Mobilizing the POtential for Wellness and Resilience), a brief manualized cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based intervention for surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients and to evaluate its preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and promise in improving surrogates’ mental health and patient outcomes. Method Part 1 involved obtaining qualitative stakeholder feedback from 5 bereaved surrogates and 10 critical care and mental health clinicians. Stakeholders were provided with the manual and prompted for feedback on its content, format, and language. Feedback was organized and incorporated into the manual, which was then re-circulated until consensus. In Part 2, surrogates of critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) reporting moderate anxiety or close attachment were enrolled in an open trial of EMPOWER. Surrogates completed six, 15–20 min modules, totaling 1.5–2 h. Surrogates were administered measures of peritraumatic distress, experiential avoidance, prolonged grief, distress tolerance, anxiety, and depression at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up assessments. Results Part 1 resulted in changes to the EMPOWER manual, including reducing jargon, improving navigability, making EMPOWER applicable for a range of illness scenarios, rearranging the modules, and adding further instructions and psychoeducation. Part 2 findings suggested that EMPOWER is feasible, with 100% of participants completing all modules. The acceptability of EMPOWER appeared strong, with high ratings of effectiveness and helpfulness (M = 8/10). Results showed immediate post-intervention improvements in anxiety (d = −0.41), peritraumatic distress (d = −0.24), and experiential avoidance (d = −0.23). At the 3-month follow-up assessments, surrogates exhibited improvements in prolonged grief symptoms (d = −0.94), depression (d = −0.23), anxiety (d = −0.29), and experiential avoidance (d = −0.30). Significance of results Preliminary data suggest that EMPOWER is feasible, acceptable, and associated with notable improvements in psychological symptoms among surrogates. Future research should examine EMPOWER with a larger sample in a randomized controlled trial.

scholarly journals 986. Improvement in Administration of HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in the Emergency Department Following Sexual Assault

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S521-S522
Author(s):  
Jennifer R Silva-Nash ◽  
Stacie Bordelon ◽  
Ryan K Dare ◽  
Sherrie Searcy
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Assault Victims ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Nonoccupational post exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) following sexual assault can prevent HIV transmission. A standardized Emergency Department (ED) protocol for evaluation, treatment, and follow up for post assault victims was implemented to improve compliance with CDC nPEP guidelines. Methods A single-center observational study of post sexual assault patients before/after implementation of an ED nPEP protocol was conducted by comparing the appropriateness of prescriptions, labs, and necessary follow up. A standardized order-set based on CDC nPEP guidelines, with involvement of an HIV pharmacist and ID clinic, was implemented during the 2018-2019 academic year. Clinical data from pre-intervention period (07/2016-06/2017) was compared to post-intervention period (07/2018-08/2019) following a 1-year washout period. Results During the study, 147 post-sexual assault patients (59 Pre, 88 Post) were included. One hundred thirty-three (90.4%) were female, 68 (46.6%) were African American and 133 (90.4%) were candidates for nPEP. Median time to presentation following assault was 12.6 hours. nPEP was offered to 40 (67.8%) and 84 (95.5%) patients (P&lt; 0.001) and ultimately prescribed to 29 (49.2%) and 71 (80.7%) patients (P&lt; 0.001) in pre and post periods respectively. Renal function (37.3% vs 88.6%; P&lt; 0.001), pregnancy (39.0% vs 79.6%; P&lt; 0.001), syphilis (3.4% vs 89.8%; P&lt; 0.001), hepatitis B (15.3% vs 95.5%; P&lt; 0.001) and hepatitis C (27.1% vs 94.3%) screening occurred more frequently during the post period. Labratory, nPEP Prescription and Follow up Details for Patients Prescribed nPEP Conclusion The standardization of an nPEP ED protocol for sexual assault victims resulted in increased nPEP administration, appropriateness of prescription, screening for other sexually transmitted infectious and scheduling follow up care. While guideline compliance dramatically improved, further interventions are likely warranted in this vulnerable population. Disclosures Ryan K. Dare, MD, MS, Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc (Research Grant or Support)

scholarly journals Efficacy of Manual Therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Cervical Mobility and Endurance in Subacute and Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3245
Author(s):  
Belén Díaz-Pulido ◽  
Yolanda Pérez-Martín ◽  
Daniel Pecos-Martín ◽  
Isabel Rodríguez-Costa ◽  
Milagros Pérez-Muñoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Neck pain is a frequent health problem. Manual therapy (MT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are recommended techniques for treatment of mechanical neck disorders (MND) in Spanish Public Primary Care Physiotherapy Services. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of MT versus TENS in active mobility and endurance in cervical subacute or chronic neck pain. Ninety patients with MND were randomly allocated to receive ten 30-min sessions of either MT or TENS, in a multi-centered study through 12 Primary Care Physiotherapy Units in the Madrid community. Active cervical range of motion (CD-ROM) and endurance (Palmer and Epler test) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up. A generalized linear model of repeated measures was constructed for the analysis of differences. Post-intervention MT yielded a significant improvement in active mobility and endurance in patients with subacute or chronic MND, and at 6-month follow-up the differences were only significant in endurance and in sagittal plane active mobility. In the TENS group, no significant improvement was detected. With regard to other variables, MT improved mobility and endurance more effectively than TENS at post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up in the sagittal plane. Only MT generated significant improvements in cervical mobility and endurance in the three movement planes.

scholarly journals Effect of early intervention for anxiety on sleep outcomes in adolescents: a randomized trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bente Storm Mowatt Haugland ◽  
Mari Hysing ◽  
Asle Hoffart ◽  
Åshild Tellefsen Haaland ◽  
Jon Fauskanger Bjaastad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Standard Length ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Onset Latency ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration

AbstractThe potential effect of early intervention for anxiety on sleep outcomes was examined in a sample of adolescents with anxiety (N = 313, mean 14.0 years, SD = 0.84, 84% girls, 95.7% Norwegians). Participants were randomized to one of three conditions: a brief or a standard-length cognitive-behavioral group-intervention (GCBT), or a waitlist control-group (WL). Interventions were delivered at schools, during school hours. Adolescents with elevated anxiety were recruited by school health services. Questionnaires on self-reported anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and sleep characteristics were administered at pre- and post-intervention, post-waitlist, and at 1-year follow-up. Adolescents reported reduced insomnia (odds ratio (OR) = 0.42, p < 0.001) and shorter sleep onset latency (d = 0.27, p <  0.001) from pre- to post-intervention. For insomnia, this effect was maintained at 1-year follow-up (OR = 0.54, p = 0.020). However, no effect of GCBT on sleep outcomes was found when comparing GCBT and WL. Also, no difference was found in sleep outcomes between brief and standard-length interventions. Adolescents defined as responders (i.e., having improved much or very much on anxiety after GCBT), did not differ from non-responders regarding sleep outcomes. Thus, anxiety-focused CBT, delivered in groups, showed no effect on sleep outcomes. Strategies specifically targeting sleep problems in adolescents should be included in GCBT when delivered as early intervention for adolescents with elevated anxiety.Trial registry Clinical trial registration: School Based Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Anxious Youth (LIST); http://clinicalrials.gov/; NCT02279251, Date: 11.31. 2014

scholarly journals Changes in the Semantic Construction of Compassion after the Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) in Women Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar González-Hernández ◽  
Daniel Campos ◽  
Rebeca Diego-Pedro ◽  
Rocío Romero ◽  
Rosa Baños ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Semantic Differential ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Specific Culture ◽  
Differential Categories

Abstract The growing body of research on compassion has demonstrated its benefits for healthcare and wellbeing. However, there is no clear agreement about a definition for compassion, given the novelty of the research on this construct and its religious roots. The aim of this study is to analyze the mental semantic construction of compassion in Spanish-speaking women breast cancer survivors, and the effects of the Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) on the modification of this definition, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU), at baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up. Participants were 56 women breast cancer survivors from a randomized clinical trial. The Osgood’s Semantic Differential categories (evaluative, potency, and activity scales) were adapted to assess the semantic construction of compassion. At baseline, participants had an undefined idea about compassion. The CBCT influenced subjects’ semantic construction of what it means to be compassionate. Findings could lead to future investigations and compassion programs that adapt to a specific culture or population.

scholarly journals A Short Mindfulness Retreat for Students to Reduce Stress and Promote Self-Compassion: Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Exploring Both an Indoor and a Natural Outdoor Retreat Setting

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 910
Author(s):  
Dorthe Djernis ◽  
Mia S. O’Toole ◽  
Lone O. Fjorback ◽  
Helle Svenningsen ◽  
Mimi Y. Mehlsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Here, we developed and examined a new way of disseminating mindfulness in nature to people without meditation experience, based on the finding that mindfulness conducted in natural settings may have added benefits. We evaluated a 5-day residential programme aiming to reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. We compared an indoor and an outdoor version of the programme to a control group in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Sixty Danish university students experiencing moderate to high levels of stress were randomised into a residential mindfulness programme indoors (n = 20), in nature (n = 22), or a control group (n = 18). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale (primary outcomes) along with additional secondary outcome measures at the start and end of the program and 3 months after. Stress was decreased with small to medium effect sizes post-intervention, although not statistically significant. Self-compassion increased post-intervention, but effect sizes were small and not significant. At follow-up, changes in stress were not significant, however self-compassion increased for both interventions with medium-sized effects. For the intervention groups, medium- to large-sized positive effects on trait mindfulness after a behavioural task were found post-intervention, and small- to medium-sized effects in self-reported mindfulness were seen at follow-up. Connectedness to Nature was the only outcome measure with an incremental effect in nature, exceeding the control with a medium-sized effect at follow-up. All participants in the nature arm completed the intervention, and so did 97% of the participants in all three arms. Overall, the results encourage the conduct of a larger-scale RCT, but only after adjusting some elements of the programme to better fit and take advantage of the potential benefits of the natural environment.

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