The Role of Choral Singing in Speaking Voice Preservation of Aging Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (7) ◽  
pp. 2099-2114
Author(s):  
Sheila V. Stager ◽  
Andrew D. Sparks ◽  
Steven A. Bielamowicz ◽  
Julia D. Edgar
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Vocal Function ◽  
Choral Singing ◽  
Noise Energy ◽  
Cepstral Peak Prominence ◽  
Speaking Voice ◽  
Aging Adults ◽  
Voice Preservation

Purpose This descriptive cohort pilot study, using a convenience sample, examined whether evidence from vocal function measures, auditory–perceptual ratings, and/or endoscopic signs of aging supported singing in senior chorales as a possible intervention to preserve the speaking voice in aging adults. Method Thirteen singers and five nonsinging controls, all over 65 years of age, participated. They were assessed at two visits, 15–20 months apart. Vocal function measures and auditory–perceptual ratings of estimated age and the presence of voice disorders were compared across singing status and visit. Changes in the presence and degree of laryngeal signs of aging between visits were compared across singing status. Results Using an alpha of .2, deemed acceptable for pilot studies, vocal function measures supported choral singing as an intervention to preserve the speaking voice as less noise energy between 2 and 3 kHz ( p = .01) and lower phonation threshold pressures (PTPs) were present ( p = .09) for singers compared to nonsinging controls. Greater flows at comfortable pitch ( p = .04) and high pitch ( p = .06) as well as lower cepstral peak prominence smoothed (CPPS) for the vowel /a/ ( p < .01) were found at Visit 2 for both groups, but singers demonstrated lower flows at Visit 2 than nonsinging controls at comfortable pitch ( p = .06). Auditory–perceptual ratings did not support preservation of speaking voice, although a larger percentage of listeners rated nonsinging controls as voice disordered at Visit 2. Endoscopic ratings supported preservation, as singers were more likely than nonsinging controls to be rated as having laryngeal signs of aging absent at both visits ( p = .02). Conclusion The findings from this pilot study provide evidence that regular singing in senior chorales may assist in preserving older adults' speaking voices.

Attempting to reconcile large differences in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies recovery rates

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 1153-1158
Author(s):  
Scott H Waltman
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Public Funds ◽  
Recovery Rates ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Percent Recovery ◽  
Small N ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Limited Scope

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative has a reported 50 percent recovery rate. Recently, Scott published a scathing report asserting that 9.2 percent is the correct rate. This alarming assertion requires a closer look and further scrutiny of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies. Scott’s study is fundamentally flawed in many ways; chiefly, the small ( n = 87), forensically involved, convenience sample is not representative of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies population. Scott’s study is more a limited-scope non-representative-sampled audit (or pilot study audit) of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies. Given the large amount of public funds involved in the project, further research and a high degree of transparency is warranted.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study of Clinicians' Perceptions of Feasibility, Client-Centeredness, and Usability of the Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality Protocol

Crisis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacinta Hawgood ◽  
Tamara Ownsworth ◽  
Helen Mason ◽  
Susan H. Spence ◽  
Ella Arensman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Training Requirements ◽  
Assessment Protocol

Abstract. Background: The Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality (STARS) is a client-centered, psychosocial needs-based assessment protocol. This semistructured interview obtains client prioritized indicators that contribute to suicidality and informs commensurate care responses for preventing suicide. Aim: To pilot the feasibility, client-centeredness, and usability of the STARS protocol, including clinicians' perceptions of ease of use; content validity; and administration within the community setting. Method: A convenience sample of clinicians who undertook assessment and/or intervention with suicidal persons and had used STARS between mid-2016 and early 2017 completed an online survey assessing feasibility, client-centeredness, and usability of STARS. Results: Of the 51 clinicians who entered the survey, 42 (82.3%; aged 25–74; 69% female) completed it. Overall, perceptions of feasibility and usability of STARS were positive, particularly regarding client-centeredness of the protocol and confidence in information obtained for screening suicidality and informing needs-based priority responses. Limitations: The pilot findings are limited by the use of a small convenience sample and the low completion rate of clinicians with STARS training. Conclusion: STARS was perceived as a feasible and useful psychosocial needs-based assessment protocol. Suggestions for improving STARS, training requirements, and application to diverse populations are outlined.

scholarly journals Demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals’ Intentions to attend cardiac rehabilitation following hospitalization for heart failure: a descriptive analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Rehabilitation Centers ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive

There is limited literature available that addresses heart failure patient attendance at cardiac rehabilitation centers. This quantitative descriptive pilot study used a convenience sample (n=30) to determine differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and complications among individuals with heart failure who intended or did not intend to attend cardiac rehabilitation six weeks post-discharge. Findings suggest those intending to attend were significantly (p<0.05) older, unemployed/retired, received an income >$50,000, were able to drive, had lower functional classification scores, and experienced fewer complications over six weeks post-discharge. This descriptive pilot study provides an understanding of factors associated with intention to attend cardiac rehabilitation as well as the feasibility of the study design and procedures. Implications focus on strategies to increase potential attendance at cardiac rehabilitation in the heart failure population at the health care provider, organizational and policy levels as well as areas for future research.

Mobile Learning Apps

2014 ◽  
pp. 26-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Holland
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Instructional Practices ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
The Third ◽  
Instructional Needs ◽  
Instructional Use ◽  
Best Instructional Practices

With the phenomenal growth of mobile applications or apps used for teaching and learning, we are all challenged with determining which ones are effective and efficient in meeting our specific instructional needs. The use of mobile apps directly impacts students, teachers, administrators, trainers, and employees worldwide. Apps are used across all discipline areas in a variety of settings including applied interdisciplinary approaches. With this in mind, it is critical to have a workable set of app analysis questions based on current best educational practices to assist in making informed decisions on app selections to provide quality teaching and learning experiences. This chapter provides a mixed method research study combining class observations with results from three pilots in an effort to create a set of quality questions for quickly evaluating mobile apps for instructional implementation. After creating a set of questions for evaluating the quality of the apps based on current best instructional practices, the following three pilot studies were conducted. The first pilot allowed students to select an app of their own choice followed by a survey to evaluate the app using both quantitative and qualitative open-ended responses. The second pilot had all students examine the same app followed by the same survey to analyze potential differences in results and to gain additional insights. The third pilot study used the same questions, but this time rather than using it to evaluate the app, the students evaluated the quality of the questions used. During the third pilot study, students were looking strictly at the quality of the questions for instructional use. All study participants were graduate-level students in Instructional Design and Technology and were aware of best instructional practices. It is anticipated, post study, instructors and trainers can begin using the evaluation instrument, selecting those questions meeting their unique instructional needs.

scholarly journals A Dietary Intervention of Bioactive Enriched Foods Aimed at Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: Protocol and Results from PATHWAY-27 Pilot Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Achim Bub ◽  
Corinne Malpuech-Brugère ◽  
Caroline Orfila ◽  
Julien Amat ◽  
Alice Arianna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Serum Triglyceride ◽  
Beta Glucan ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Increased Risk

Around a quarter of the global adult population have metabolic syndrome (MetS) and therefore increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and diabetes. Docosahexaenoic acid, oat beta-glucan and grape anthocyanins have been shown to be effective in reducing MetS risk factors when administered as isolated compounds, but their effect when administered as bioactive-enriched foods has not been evaluated. Objective: The overall aim of the PATHWAY-27 project was to evaluate the effectiveness of bioactive-enriched food consumption on improving risk factors of MetS. A pilot study was conducted to assess which of five bioactive combinations provided within three different food matrices (bakery, dairy or egg) were the most effective in adult volunteers. The trial also evaluated the feasibility of production, consumer acceptability and gastrointestinal tolerance of the bioactive-enriched food. Method: The study included three monocentric, parallel-arm, double-blind, randomised, dietary intervention trials without a placebo. Each recruiting centre tested the five bioactive combinations within a single food matrix. Results: The study was completed by 167 participants (74 male, 93 female). The results indicated that specific bioactive/matrix combinations have effects on serum triglyceride or HDL-cholesterol level without adverse effects. Conclusion: The study evidenced that bioactive-enriched food offers a promising food-based strategy for MetS prevention, and highlighted the importance of conducting pilot studies.

scholarly journals Reactivating Ovarian Function through Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Intraovarian Infusion: Pilot Data on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Poor Responder Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Sfakianoudis ◽  
Mara Simopoulou ◽  
Sokratis Grigoriadis ◽  
Agni Pantou ◽  
Petroula Tsioulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Ovarian Insufficiency ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Pilot Data

Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion was recently introduced in the context of addressing ovarian insufficiency. Reporting on its effectiveness prior to adopting in clinical routine practice is imperative. This study aims to provide pilot data regarding PRP application for ovarian rejuvenation. Four pilot studies were conducted on poor ovarian response (POR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), perimenopause, and menopause, respectively. Each pilot study reports on thirty patients, 120 participants were recruited in total. All participants provided written informed consent prior to treatment. Primary outcome measures for the POR pilot study were levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and oocyte yield. For the POI, perimenopausal and menopausal pilot studies primary outcome measures were restoration of menstrual cycle, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels. A significant improvement on the hormonal profile and the ovarian reserve status was noted, along with improved intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle performance concerning POR participants. Menstruation recovery was observed in 18 out of 30 POI patients, along with a statistically significant improvement on levels of AMH, FSH, and AFC. Similarly, 13 out of 30 menopausal women positively responded to PRP treatment. Finally, menstruation regularity, improved hormonal levels and AFC were reported for 24 out of 30 perimenopausal women. To conclude, PRP infusion appears to convey promising results in addressing ovarian insufficiency.

scholarly journals Pilot study: Decreasing parental anxiety during peanut oral immunotherapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Kinga P. Olson ◽  
Ruth Rosenblum
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Oral Immunotherapy ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Parent Survey ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Fda Approval

Objective: Peanut allergies are common in the pediatric population. Peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) can cause anxiety for children and families. A pilot study was conducted to determine what elements parents consider most useful in reducing anxiety within a newly implemented OIT program.Methods: A convenience sample of parents (n = 15) was surveyed to measure perceptions of specific anxiety-reducing elements at a private allergy practice.Results: The 10-question parent survey utilized a Likert Scale measuring how various elements of the OIT program reduced their anxiety. All elements that were provided directly by the clinic received favorable ratings.Discussion and conclusions: Commercially prepared peanut OIT will soon receive FDA approval, and allergy clinics will consider implementing this new therapy for peanut allergic patients. Food allergies invariably cause anxiety for parents and children, therefore careful consideration of how to decrease anxiety during OIT therapy was examined in this pilot study.

Review of Key Stakeholders for an mHealth Pilot Study in Malawi Motivations and Expectations

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne O'Connor ◽  
Ciara Heavin ◽  
John O'Donoghue
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Post Trial ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Potential Use

The trial and evaluation of mobile health (mHealth) applications in society is necessary to explore the potential use and benefits of the solution post-trial. In recent years, there is a proliferation of mHealth projects developed and tested in the continent of Africa. The complexity of these projects means that there are typically many stakeholders who are integral to the success of the project. Yet, extant research falls short of capturing the motivations and expectations of multiple key stakeholders (i.e. direct and indirect users) in a single study towards participating in mHealth pilots. To address this gap in research a conceptual model is proposed and examined to explore the impact of motivations and expectations on both community health workers' (direct users) and caregivers' (indirect users) decision to participate in mHealth pilot studies. Findings reveal that both motivations and expectations positively impact decision making, i.e. their decision to participate in the study, with no significant differences emerging between these two groups of stakeholders.

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