Effect of Lingual Frenotomy on Tongue and Lip Rest Position: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Introduction The tongue plays an important role in the development of craniofacial structures. At rest, the light and constant pressure of the tongue against the hard palate, counterbalanced by the pressure provided by proper lip sealing, serves as a guide for maxillary growth. Ankyloglossia makes tongue coupling against the hard palate difficult, impacting maxillary development, which may lead to breathing disorders. Objective To verify the effect of lingual frenotomy on the resting position of the tongue and lips in infants with ankyloglossia. Methods The sample consisted of 334 infants aged between 1 and 60 days old diagnosed with ankyloglossia. The groups were divided in: a) experimental group (EG), which consisted of infants whose mothers agreed with lingual frenotomy; b) control group (CG), which consisted of infants whose mothers either refused lingual frenotomy or were waiting for surgery. Both the position of the lips and of the tongue at rest were assessed while the infants were sleeping during the quiet sleep phase. For mothers who refused their infants to undergo the surgical procedure, a follow-up of the infants was proposed to verify possible interference of the frenulum with the resting position of the tongue and lips. Infants whose mothers agreed with surgery were referred for lingual frenotomy. Results Regarding the position of the tongue and lips at rest at the initial and final assessments, the statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between both groups. Conclusion Lingual frenotomy enabled infants diagnosed with ankyloglossia to maintain both tongue coupling against the hard palate and closed lips at rest.

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Marital Problems and Treatment Outcome in Depressed Women

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.151.5.652 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 151 (5) ◽

pp. 652-659 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Roslyn H. Corney

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Social Work ◽

Social Workers ◽

Control Group ◽

Women Patients ◽

Marital Problems ◽

Routine Treatment ◽

Work Intervention ◽

Experimental Group

In a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of social work intervention with depressed women patients in general practice, 80 women were randomly allocated to an experimental group for referral to attached social workers or to a control group for routine treatment by their GPs. They were reassessed at 6 and 12 months. The results indicated that women who had major marital problems were more likely to be depressed at follow-up than those with good relationships. However, patients with marital difficulties in the experimental group made more improvement than the controls. Women initially assessed as suffering from ‘acute on chronic’ depression and having major marital difficulties were found to benefit most from social work intervention.

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COVID-19 Follow-App. Mobile App-Based Monitoring of COVID-19 Patients after Hospital Discharge: A Single-Center, Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm12010024 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 24

Author(s):

Ester Marquez-Algaba ◽

Marc Sanchez ◽

Maria Baladas ◽

Claudia España ◽

Hermes Salvatore Dallo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Mobile App ◽

Control Group ◽

Primary Care Center ◽

Open Label ◽

Return Visits ◽

Experimental Group

Introduction: In the midst of a pandemic, apps can be used to provide close follow-up, ensure that patients are monitored at home, avoid excessive pressure on medical facilities, prevent the movement of people (both patients and health professionals), and reduce the risk of infection. Objective: To adapt and validate the use of a smartphone application for outpatient follow-up of COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. Methods: We conducted an open-label clinical trial at Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Spain. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to be followed by the Farmalarm app or by their primary care center. The primary endpoint was the reduction in the need for in-person return visits. Results: From 31 March to 4 May 2020, 150 patients were enrolled in the study at hospital discharge: 74 patients were randomized to the experimental group, and 76 to the control group. All patients in the control group and all except for six in the experimental group completed the study. During hospitalization, before study inclusion, all but 4 (97.3%) had viral pneumonia, 91 (60.7%) required supplemental oxygen, and 16 (10.7%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. COVID-19–related return visits to the emergency department were significantly higher in the control group (7.9% vs. 0%; p = 0.028) in the per-protocol analysis. Telephone consultations with the emergency department were performed by 12 (15.8%) patients in the control group and 0 (0%) in the experimental group (p < 0.001). Satisfaction with outpatient monitoring was rated higher by the experimental group (5 vs. 4 points; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Following COVID-19 hospital discharge, home follow-up via a mobile app was effective in reducing in-person return visits without undermining patient satisfaction or perception of health, compared with standard follow-up.

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Using a mobile health app to improve patients’ adherence to hypertension treatment: a non-randomized clinical trial

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.11491 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e11491

Author(s):

Simiane Salete Volpi ◽

Daiana Biduski ◽

Ericles Andrei Bellei ◽

Danieli Tefili ◽

Lynn McCleary ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

User Experience ◽

Mobile Health ◽

Control Group ◽

Hypertension Treatment ◽

Men And Women ◽

Access To Health ◽

Mhealth Apps ◽

Experimental Group

Poor adherence to hypertension treatment increases complications of the disease and is characterized by a lack of awareness and acceptance of ongoing treatment. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can optimize processes and facilitate access to health information by combining treatment methods with attractive solutions. In this study, we aimed at verifying the influence of using an mHealth app on patients’ adherence to hypertension treatment, also examining how user experience toward the app influenced the outcomes. A total of 49 participants completed the study, men and women, diagnosed with hypertension and ongoing medical treatment. For 12 weeks, the control group continued with conventional monitoring, while the experimental group used an mHealth app. From the experimental group, at baseline, 8% were non-adherent, 64% were partial adherents and 28% were adherent to the treatment. Baseline in the control group indicated 4.2% non-adherents, 58.3% partial adherents, and 37.5% adherents. After follow-up, the experimental group had an increase to 92% adherent, 8% partially adherent, and 0% non-adherent (P < 0.001). In the control group, adherence after follow-up remained virtually the same (P ≥ 0.999). Results of user experience were substantially positive and indicate that the participants in the experimental group had a satisfactory perception of the app. In conclusion, this study suggests that using an mHealth app can empower patients to manage their own health and increase adherence to hypertension treatment, especially when the app provides a positive user experience.

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Improved shoulder stability through plyometric, proprioceptive and strength exercises in rugby players. A randomized clinical trial

10.31083/jomh.2021.021 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Strength Exercises ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Rugby Players ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Shoulder Stability

Background: The shoulder is one of the most frequently injured joints in rugby. Improving muscle strength can increase glenohumeral joint stability, thus preventing injuries to this joint. Purpose: Evaluating the effectiveness of a plyometric, proprioceptive and strength exercise program in promoting shoulder stability in rugby players. Study design: Randomized single blind clinical trial, with follow up. Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Thirty federated rugby players were included in the study and randomized to the two study groups. The experimental group performed an exercise program including plyometric exercises using a ﬁtness ball, proprioceptive exercises with BodyBlade® and strength training with elastic bands. The intervention lasted four weeks, with two weekly sessions lasting 15 minutes each. The control group continued with their usual routine. The study variable was glenohumeral stability, measured with the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test and the Y-Balance test. Three evaluations (pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up) were carried out. Changes were calculated after each evaluation and repeated measures analysis was performed. Results: Stability improved after the intervention and when comparing pre-treatment and follow-up assessments (P < 0.05) in the experimental group. There were differences between the two groups (P < 0.05) and between the different study evaluations (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A protocol based on plyometric, proprioceptive and strength exercises improves glenohumeral stability. This improvement can be maintained for four weeks.

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The effectiveness of positive training on happiness, aggression and hope in adolescents with leukemia in Ahvaz

Indian Journal of Positive Psychology ◽

10.15614/ijpp.v9i01.11735 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Marzieh . Shamkhani ◽

Ali . Khalafi

Keyword(s):

Sampling Method ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Measurement Tools ◽

Post Test ◽

Aggression Questionnaire ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Period Measurement

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of positive learning on happiness, Aggression and hope for adolescents with leukemia in Ahvaz. The sample consisted of 30 people who were selected by available sampling method. 15 subjects in the experimental group and 15 in the control group were randomly assigned. The experimental design was a pre-test-post-test type with control group and follow-up period. Measurement tools included Oxford Happiness Inventory (Argyle, 1989); Ahwaz's Aggression Questionnaire (Zahedifar, Najarian, and Shokrkon, 2000); Hope Scale (Schneider, 1991). To run, at first, the pre-test was taken from both groups. Then, the experimental group was trained in 14 sessions of 90 minutes, and after each group, they were subjected to post-test. And one month later, the follow-up process was completed. Data analysis was performed using multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that positive attitudes toward happiness, aggressiveness and hopefulness of adolescents with leukemia in Ahvaz were effective.

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Effects of a positive thinking program on hope and sleep quality in Iranian patients with thalassemia: a randomized clinical trial

BMC Psychology ◽

10.1186/s40359-021-00547-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Somayeh Makaremnia ◽

Marieh Dehghan Manshadi ◽

Zahra Khademian

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Training Program ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Thalassemia Major ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Control Group ◽

Positive Thinking ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background Thalassemia have a negative impact on the patients' psychological health and sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the effects of a positive thinking training program on hope and sleep quality of patients with thalassemia major. Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 patients with thalassemia major including 36 males (46.2%) and 42 females (53.8%) with a mean age of 25.56 ± 29.6 in Iran. Subjects were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Experimental group received 16 h training based on positive thinking materials published by Martin Seligman. Control group received only usual programs. Data were collected at baseline, as well as immediately and one month after the intervention, using Snyder’s Hope Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Software 18.0; statistical tests included the independent T-test, the Chi-square, Mann Whitney, and Friedman test. Significance level was set at 0.05 in this study. Results The experimental group had a significantly higher mean hope score compared to the control group immediately (45.38 ± 7.82 vs. 35.32 ± 5.54, P < 0.001) and one month following intervention (44.67 ± 3.47 vs. 35 ± .54, P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean sleep quality scores of the experimental group was significantly greater than that for control group immediately (5.35 ± 2.02 vs. 7 ± 2.4, P = 0.004) and one month after the intervention (4.23 ± 2.2 vs.7.02 ± 3.03, P < 0.001). Conclusion Since our training program on positive thinking improved hope and quality of sleep in patients with thalassemia major, we recommend the use of such courses as an important step toward promotion of hope and sleep quality among these patients. Trial registration The name of the registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2017010431774N1. URL of the trial registry record: https://en.irct.ir/trial/24923. Registration Date: 07/03/2017.

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Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-Pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Female Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041528 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1528

Author(s):

Héctor Guerrero-Tapia ◽

Rodrigo Martín-Baeza ◽

Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Gluteus Medius ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Extrinsic Factors ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Limb Injuries ◽

Experimental Group

Background. Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may be the origin of lower limb injuries, such as adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial over 8 weeks, 25 female footballers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and after a 4-week follow-up period. The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbar-pelvic stability and adductor strength. Results: After the intervention, there was an increase in lumbo-pelvic stability in both groups, being greater in the control group than in the experimental group (mean differences [MD]: 4.84 vs. MD: 9.58; p < 0.01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p < 0.001), but not in group interaction (p = 0.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: −2.48; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −1.48; p < 0.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: −1.68; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −2.05; p < 0.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p < 0.001) and right (p < 0.001) adductor strength. Conclusions: An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength, while improvements in both variables are maintained at four weeks follow-up.

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Stress of nursing students in clinical simulation: a randomized clinical trial

Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0187 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 71 (3) ◽

pp. 967-974 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Radamés Boostel ◽

Jorge Vinícius Cestari Felix ◽

Carina Bortolato-Major ◽

Edivane Pedrolo ◽

Stela Adami Vayego ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Control Group ◽

High Fidelity ◽

Clinical Simulation ◽

Skill Laboratory ◽

Before And After ◽

Experimental Group

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare the perception of stressors by nursing students before and after a high-fidelity clinical simulation or conventional laboratory practice class. Method: This is a randomized clinical trial conducted with 52 nursing students. Both groups had theoretical classes about cardiothoracic physical examination, followed by practice class in skill laboratory. In addition, the experimental group took part in a high-fidelity simulation scenario. Stressors were evaluated before and after class, with the application of KEZKAK questionnaire. Results: The experimental group was significantly more worried about six factors related to lack of competence and to interpersonal relationships (p < 0.05), while the control group was significantly more worried about being in contact with suffering (p = 0.0315). Conclusion: The simulation affects students’ perception of stressors and promotes their self-evaluation and critical thinking regarding the responsibility that comes with their learning.

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Effectiveness of a Mobile Device–Based Resilience Training Program in Reducing Depressive Symptoms and Enhancing Resilience and Quality of Life in Parents of Children With Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.27639 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yuanhui Luo ◽

Wei Xia ◽

Ankie Tan Cheung ◽

Laurie Long Kwan Ho ◽

Jingping Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Training Program ◽

Mobile Device ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Cancer ◽

Resilience Training ◽

Experimental Group

BACKGROUND Caring for children with cancer can be a stressful experience for parents and may have negative effects on their physical and psychological well-being. Although evidence has shown that resilience is associated with positive psychological well-being, few interventions have been specifically designed to enhance the resilience of parents of children with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a mobile device–based resilience training program in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing resilience and quality of life (QoL) in parents of children with cancer. METHODS Parents of children diagnosed with cancer were recruited from the pediatric oncology wards of 3 tertiary hospitals in China. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (52/103, 50.5%) to undergo an 8-week mobile device–based resilience training program or to the control group (51/103, 49.5%) to receive an 8-week program of placebo information. The study outcomes included resilience, depressive symptoms, and QoL, as measured by the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Short Form of the 6-Dimension Health Survey, respectively. All data were collected at baseline and at 2 and 6 months of follow-up. The data analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine the effects of the intervention. RESULTS The participants were mostly female (72/103, 69.9%), and their mean age was 33.6 (SD 5.2) years. The participants in the experimental group showed significantly higher levels of resilience (mean 67.96, SD 15.8 vs mean 58.27, SD 19.0; P<.001) and lower levels of depressive symptoms (mean 40.17, SD 9.9 vs mean 46.04, SD 10.9; P<.001) than those in the control group at 6 months of follow-up. The intervention showed statistically significant effects in improving resilience (β=6.082; P=.01) and decreasing depressive symptoms (β=−2.772; P=.04) relative to the control group. The QoL score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group at 6 months of follow-up (mean 0.79, SD 0.2 vs mean 0.76, SD 0.3; P=.07); however, no statistically significant intervention effect was detected (β=.020; P=.38). CONCLUSIONS The mobile device–based resilience training program effectively enhanced resilience and alleviated depressive symptoms in parents of children with cancer. It is highly recommended that health care professionals incorporate this resilience training program when providing psychological care to parents of children with cancer. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical.Trials.gov NCT04038242; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04038242

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Effectiveness of a Mobile Device–Based Resilience Training Program in Reducing Depressive Symptoms and Enhancing Resilience and Quality of Life in Parents of Children With Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/27639 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (11) ◽

pp. e27639

Author(s):

Yuanhui Luo ◽

Wei Xia ◽

Ankie Tan Cheung ◽

Laurie Long Kwan Ho ◽

Jingping Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Training Program ◽

Mobile Device ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Cancer ◽

Resilience Training ◽

Experimental Group

Background Caring for children with cancer can be a stressful experience for parents and may have negative effects on their physical and psychological well-being. Although evidence has shown that resilience is associated with positive psychological well-being, few interventions have been specifically designed to enhance the resilience of parents of children with cancer. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a mobile device–based resilience training program in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing resilience and quality of life (QoL) in parents of children with cancer. Methods Parents of children diagnosed with cancer were recruited from the pediatric oncology wards of 3 tertiary hospitals in China. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (52/103, 50.5%) to undergo an 8-week mobile device–based resilience training program or to the control group (51/103, 49.5%) to receive an 8-week program of placebo information. The study outcomes included resilience, depressive symptoms, and QoL, as measured by the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Short Form of the 6-Dimension Health Survey, respectively. All data were collected at baseline and at 2 and 6 months of follow-up. The data analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine the effects of the intervention. Results The participants were mostly female (72/103, 69.9%), and their mean age was 33.6 (SD 5.2) years. The participants in the experimental group showed significantly higher levels of resilience (mean 67.96, SD 15.8 vs mean 58.27, SD 19.0; P<.001) and lower levels of depressive symptoms (mean 40.17, SD 9.9 vs mean 46.04, SD 10.9; P<.001) than those in the control group at 6 months of follow-up. The intervention showed statistically significant effects in improving resilience (β=6.082; P=.01) and decreasing depressive symptoms (β=−2.772; P=.04) relative to the control group. The QoL score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group at 6 months of follow-up (mean 0.79, SD 0.2 vs mean 0.76, SD 0.3; P=.07); however, no statistically significant intervention effect was detected (β=.020; P=.38). Conclusions The mobile device–based resilience training program effectively enhanced resilience and alleviated depressive symptoms in parents of children with cancer. It is highly recommended that health care professionals incorporate this resilience training program when providing psychological care to parents of children with cancer. Trial Registration Clinical.Trials.gov NCT04038242; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04038242

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