scholarly journals Clowns Benefit Children Hospitalized for Respiratory Pathologies

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Bertini ◽  
Elena Isola ◽  
Giuseppe Paolone ◽  
Giuseppe Curcio

The study aims at evaluating health-generating function of humor therapy in a hospital ward hosting children suffering from respiratory pathologies. The main scope of this study is to investigate possible positive effects of the presence of a clown on both the clinical evolution of the on-going disease, and on some physiological and pain parameters. Forty-three children with respiratory pathologies participated in the study: 21 of them belonged to the experimental group (EG) and 22 children to the control group (CG). During their hospitalization, the children of the EG interacted with two clowns who were experienced in the field of pediatric intervention. All participants were evaluated with respect to clinical progress and to a series of physiological and pain measures both before and after the clown interaction. When compared with the CG, EG children showed an earlier disappearance of the pathological symptoms. Moreover, the interaction of the clown with the children led to a statistically significant lowering of diastolic blood pressure, respiratory frequency and temperature in the EG as compared with the control group. The other two parameters of systolic pressure and heart frequency yielded results in the same direction, without reaching statistical significance. A similar health-inducing effect of clown presence was observed on pain parameters, both by self evaluation and assessment by nurses. Taken together, our data indicate that the presence of clowns in the ward has a possible health-inducing effect. Thus, humor can be seen as an easy-to-use, inexpensive and natural therapeutic modality to be used within different therapeutic settings.

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Zhiping Liu ◽  
Menglin Yue

 Purpose: to explore and discuss the effects of PAD Class Teaching Model on nursing students who are expected to enter undergraduate schools from junior colleges. Method: Randomly select 112 students from two classes (2016) who are expected to enter undergraduate schools from junior colleges in a medical school in Pingdingshan, and divide them into a control group and an experimental group using a method of cluster randomization. In the teaching process of “Nursing Psychology”, the control group and the experimental group respectively adopted the traditional teaching mode and the PAD class teaching mode. After the implementation of one semester, compare the nursing students’ learning attitudes change before and after the implementation. Results: The scores of the nursing students in the experimental group at the three latitudes of learning interests, learning habits, and professional cognition were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the differences have statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: PAD class teaching mode helps improve nursing students’ learning attitudes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-167
Author(s):  
Michał Sawczyn

Background and Study Aim: To examine the effects of periodized functional strength training (FST) on FMS scores of sport university students with higher risk of injury. Material and Methods: Thirty three  participants (age 21.6±1.3 years, height 177.8±6.9 m, mass 80.4±7.7 kg) with FMS total score ≤ 14 were selected from eighty two volunteered students of University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk and randomly assigned to experimental group (n=16) and control group (n=17). The FMS test was conducted one week before and one week after the 12 week training intervention. The experimental group participated in FST program through 12 weeks. The control group did not engaged in any additional physical activity than planned in their course of study. The  collected  data  were  analysed  using Statistica 13.3 pl (StatSoft Inc). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to establish the statistical significance of the difference between FMS total scores within each group and Mann Whitney U test between groups before and after the 12 week training intervention. Results: 45 % of volunteers in the first FMS testing showed total scores ≤14. The experimental group that participated in FST program changed significantly FMS total scores after 12 weeks (p<0.05). There were also significant differences in FMS total score between groups after the experiment (p<0.05). Conclusions: There is a need for injury prevention programs for students of University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk. It is clear from this study that FST is effective in improving FMS total score in students with cut off score ≤14.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Chaiwat Waree

The purpose of the study was to develop a powerful and empowering guide (CBT) of elementary school teachers, to compare the ability of elementary school teachers. Management learning uses brain as a base. The experimental group with a control group the experimental group used in this research was a teacher at the grade level. 4-6 in province By randomization group (Cluster Sampling) 2 Education Service Area Office, District 15 schools, three people were 90 percent of the control group in this study is grade 4-6 teachers in the Samut Songkram Province has a total of 90 people selected by model. The instruments used in the trial include training courses Empowerment (CBT) of elementary school teachers. After training, the test results of 60 studies found that the development of training courses to increase the capacity of the elementary school teachers. The experts found that the overall effectiveness of the program at the highest level. Before and after the process of empowerment (CBT), t equals 58.01 posttest scores higher than the previous level of statistical significance .05, comparing the capabilities of elementary school teachers. The experimental group with the control group, the experimental group was 47.98 t test scores than the control group, the experimental group had a statistically significant level .05.


Author(s):  
Asma A. Alghamdi ◽  
Tariq Elyas

This study aimed to investigate the effect of electronic flashcards on EFL vocabulary learning of preparatory-year female students at a  Saudi Arabia. It was conducted following the quantitative research methodology with a quasi-experimental design. Two groups were assigned: an experimental group who used electronic flashcards, and a control group who employed the traditional method of vocabulary learning. A pre-test and a post-test were administered in order to appraise their performance before and after the experiment. The results revealed that the post-test scores of students in the experimental group were significantly higher than their pre-test. Also, the results showed that electronic flashcards promoted students' vocabulary, causing a statistical significance in comparison to the control group. Based on these findings, this study was able to draw a number of implications and recommendations


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1018-1032
Author(s):  
Chia-Hsin Wu ◽  
Roger W. Chan

Purpose Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises with tubes or straws have been widely used for a variety of voice disorders. Yet, the effects of longer periods of SOVT exercises (lasting for weeks) on the aging voice are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week straw phonation in water (SPW) exercise program. Method Thirty-seven elderly subjects with self-perceived voice problems were assigned into two groups: (a) SPW exercises with six weekly sessions and home practice (experimental group) and (b) vocal hygiene education (control group). Before and after intervention (2 weeks after the completion of the exercise program), acoustic analysis, auditory–perceptual evaluation, and self-assessment of vocal impairment were conducted. Results Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the two groups in smoothed cepstral peak prominence measures, harmonics-to-noise ratio, the auditory–perceptual parameter of breathiness, and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores postintervention. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other measures. Conclusions Our results supported the positive effects of SOVT exercises for the aging voice, with a 6-week SPW exercise program being a clinical option. Future studies should involve long-term follow-up and additional outcome measures to better understand the efficacy of SOVT exercises, particularly SPW exercises, for the aging voice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Praful Prabhuappa Kapse ◽  
Manisha Kiran

Caring for the persons with first episode psychosis is challenging and demanding. It may lead to the increased burden, expressed emotions among the caregivers. The numerous studies have shown that high burden and negative expressed emotions among caregivers can lead to early relapse in the patients with first episode psychosis. To evaluate the effects of the brief psychoeducation on the caregivers burden and expressed emotions. A quasi experimental - before and after with control group research design was adopted for the study. A total of 60 caregivers have participated in the study, of which 30 caregivers in experimental group and 30 caregivers in the control group. Family Burden Interview Schedule (Pai and Kapoor, 1981) and Attitude Questionnaire (Sethi et al., 1981) was used to assess caregiver's burden and expressed emotions. At end of the psychoeducation intervention, burden among caregivers and negative expressed emotions of the caregivers have significantly reduced. The positive expressed emotions have been increased. Study results demonstrates the importance of psychoeducation intervention in reducing the burden and negative expressed emotions.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 820
Author(s):  
Ju-Yong Bae ◽  
Hee-Tae Roh

We aimed to investigate the effect of Taekwondo training on physical fitness, mood, sociality, and cognitive function among international students in South Korea. We randomly assigned 24 international students to a control group (CG, n = 12) and experimental group (EG, n = 12). The EG performed Taekwondo training for 16 weeks, while the CG did not train. Each participant underwent a physical fitness test and sociability questionnaire before and after the intervention. We also examined changes in mood state and cognitive function, using the Korean version of the Profile of Mood State-Brief (K-POMS-B), and the Stroop Color and Word test, respectively. Regarding the physical fitness variables, sit-and-reach records in the EG significantly increased after intervention (p < 0.05). In the sub-variable of K-POMS-B, Vigor-Activity scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) after intervention, while the Fatigue-Inertia scores significantly decreased in the EG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the EG, peer relationship scores, a sub-variable of sociability, significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that Taekwondo training can not only improve flexibility among physical fitness factors, but can also be effective in improving the mood state and sociality of international students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. A4.2-A4
Author(s):  
Matthew Warren-James ◽  
Julie Hanson ◽  
Belinda Flanagan ◽  
Mary Katsikitis ◽  
Bill Lord

BackgroundWhilst there is evidence to suggest paramedics experience significant stress when working in the ambulance setting little is known about the experiences of first year paramedic students. This research aimed to: (i) identify whether levels of stress, anxiety and depression experienced by first year paramedic students changed after ambulance placement compared to a control group, and (ii) identify the main perceived and actual sources of stress around ambulance placement.MethodsA before-and-after quasi-experimental design was used to compare whether the experience of ambulance placement altered the levels of stress, anxiety and depression in an experimental group that attended an ambulance placement (n = 20) and the control group who did not (n = 10). Online surveys encompassing the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and qualitative questions about sources of stress were concurrently deployed to both the experimental and control groups before and after the ambulance placement. Participants were first year paramedic students working in Queensland Ambulance Service, Australia.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in levels of stress in participants after undertaking their first ambulance placement (Mdn = -4.00) when compared to a control group (Mdn = 0.00), U = 52.5, p = .035, n2 = 0.15. Responses to survey questions suggest anticipation about experiencing death and dying of patients was the most frequently reported stressor of student paramedics before undertaking ambulance placements, however insecurity about knowledge, competence and fear of failure was the most frequently experienced stressor reported after completing ambulance placements.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest that the fear of the unknown may be worse than the reality. Anticipatory stress is the foremost problem for first year paramedic students attending their first ambulance placement. Placement pre-briefing should focus on educational interventions to build knowledge and skills competency to reduce stress levels and fear of failure.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Grabowicz ◽  
Anna Daniluk ◽  
Anna Hadamus ◽  
Dariusz Białoszewski

BACKGROUND Balance training in young adults may increase coordination, cognitive function or the symmetry of strength on both sides of the body. It is an essential tool for injury or fall prevention and a precondition for becoming a professional athlete. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Xbox 360 Kinect training on postural balance in young, healthy individuals. METHODS The study enrolled 75 individuals who were randomly assigned to three equal groups. The first group (Group VR) performed exercises on an Xbox 360 Kinect console, and the second group (Group T) performed conventional all-round exercises. The third group was a control group (Group C). Each group underwent balance assessments on the Biodex Balance posturographic platform, including the Balance Error Scoring System test, before and after the training cycle. The level of statistical significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS Group VR and Group T achieved statistically significant improvements in the sway index compared with baseline. Group T gained significant decrease in the sway index on the unstable surface (P=.002). Group VR and group T demonstrated significant decreases in the mean sway index on stable and unstable surfaces (group VR — P=.035; group T — P=.001) Group C did not achieve a statistically significant improvement in the sway index. None of the groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the test error count. CONCLUSIONS Virtual reality in the form of video games played on an Xbox 360 Kinect console may be an effective method of balance training in healthy individuals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 3174-3180
Author(s):  
Turgut Çamlibel ◽  
Mehmet Özal

Aim: In this work, it is aimed that examining the effects of target-oriented circular training on biomotoric features by using a tennis ball throwing machine at 12-14 age tennis performance sportsmen for ten weeks. Method: This research was implemented on sixteen active licensed athletes who played tennis for at least four years in Ankara. The athletes were randomly divided into two separate groups as the experimental group (n=8) and the control group (n=8). After measuring the height, weight, and fat rate of the athletes, biometric tests were started. Flamingo balance, sit-reach, reaction time, five meters and twenty meters sprints, T-test, and standing long jump tests were performed, respectively. Athletes were get heated for ten minutes before the tests and they were given a trying chance. The best scores were recorded by repeating each test twice. In the statistical analysis of the collected data, IBM SPSS 19 package program was used. In repeated measurements, the results were compared by two-way ANOVA with intergroup, intragroup and post-training data. Results: As a result, between the experimental group and control group data; on averages of T-Test (p<0.139), visual reaction (p<0.001), Flexibility (p<0.024), Vertical Jump (p<0.022), Flamingo Balance right foot (p<0.046) and left foot (p<0.045) statistical significance was confirmed. Keywords: Biomotoric features, ITN test, Tennis, Tennis ball machine


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document