scholarly journals Effectiveness of the Healthy e-Elderly People Intervention (HEPI) mobile application for the reduction of physical health effects caused by smartphone usage among elderly individuals in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wachiraporn Wilaiwan ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Elderly Individuals

PurposeThe study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Healthy e-Elderly People Intervention (HEPI) mobile application in reducing the physical health effects caused by smartphone usage.Design/methodology/approachThis randomized controlled trial involved elderly volunteers residing in different regions of Thailand and using smartphones. The samples included 33 participants in each control and intervention group. The intervention group received the HEPI application with reminder messages, while the control group received the HEPI application without reminder messages. Assessments were conducted at baseline, follow-up 1 (four weeks after the last reminder messages) and follow-up 2 (12 weeks after the last reminder messages). Data analyses (i.e descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and repeated-measures analysis of variance) were used to obtain the overall mean change difference between the intervention and control groups at different time points (per-protocol analysis). The priorities of physical health risk were assessed using Health Risk Matrix.FindingsThe HEPI mobile application significantly improved knowledge, attitudes and practice scores in both the HEPI with and without reminder messages. The mean physical health risk score in both control and intervention groups was radically decreased from baseline to follow-up 1; lower physical health scores suggested lower health risk.Originality/valueIncreased duration of smartphone usage by elderly individuals in Thailand may result in a risk of developing several serious health conditions. The HEPI application with reminder messages could be used as a tool to benefit smartphone users and would further benefit from a booster after four weeks of intervention.

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.

Development and implementation of a multifaceted well-being intervention

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 360-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura J. Mills ◽  
Clive J. Fullagar ◽  
Satoris S. Culbertson
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive Reframing ◽  
The One

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement an intervention to increase individuals’ hedonic well-being (HWB) and/or eudaimonic well-being (EWB) via cognitive reframing and action-based behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Time 1 and Time 2 data were collected two weeks apart from 76 participants (comprised of city employees, extension agents, and students) in an intervention group (23) and a characteristically similar control group (53). The intervention included an in-person facilitated meeting with a series of follow-up e-mails designed to focus participants on well-being improvement strategies and provide them resources for continued well-being development. Findings Intervention participants evidenced a significant increase in EWB after two weeks, particularly the personal growth dimension. No significant increase resulted for HWB. Research limitations/implications The present intervention indicates the importance of targeting well-being at a facet level, including a focus on multidimensional EWB. The intervention also serves to guide the informed development of future well-being programs. Practical implications These findings have important implications for organizations in light of increased employee desire for personal and professional growth opportunities supported by their employer. Group interventions such as the one reported herein are an important way for organizations to develop and invest in employees. Originality/value This paper traces the development of prior well-being interventions, evaluating their successes and failures and using those to guide the informed development of the present intervention. By utilizing both in-person and follow-up components, and incorporating both hedonic and multidimensional eudaimonic components, the proposed intervention serves as an important step toward a feasible organizational intervention that can benefit many.

Does strawberry supplementation ameliorate markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reihaneh Mousavi ◽  
Morteza Arab-Zozani ◽  
Elaheh Foroumandi ◽  
Majid Karandish ◽  
Leila Maghsoumi-Norouzabad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Metabolic Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to identify the effect of strawberry supplementation on some metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative parameters in adults with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature search was performed up to November 2020 using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Sciences and Scopus databases. The pooled mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to analyze the data by random-effects model. I2 statistics and Cochrane risk of bias tool were used for investigating heterogeneity and quality of included studies, respectively. Findings In total, 13 randomized controlled trials with 488 participants were included. Strawberry supplementation significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (MD = −2.1, 95% CI [−3.7, −0.42], P = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.16, −0.30, −0.02, P = 0.03), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) (−0.76, −1.4, −0.05, P < 0.001) and CRP (−0.31, −0.43, −0.18, P = 0.04). Leptin levels were raised in control group compared with participants who had received strawberry (0.65, 0.09 and 1.2, P = 0.02). The results of subgroup analysis based on the follow-up duration and supplementation dose showed that consumption of strawberry for more than eight weeks and 50 g day−1 can significantly decrease some other CV risk factors compared to control group. Further, both higher follow-up duration and supplementation dose were more effective in increasing leptin levels of control group compared to intervention group. Originality/value The use of some useful plant foods such as strawberries by the pharmaceutical industry and the community health sector can greatly help improve people’s CV and metabolic health.

scholarly journals The Effects of Facial Exercise on Mental Health, Facial Expression and EEG in Community-Dwelling Older People

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Rumiko OKAMOTO ◽  
◽  
Mieko TANAKA ◽  
Katsuyoshi MIZUKAMI ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Facial Expression ◽  
Frontal Lobe ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Healthy Elderly

Although it is well documented that exercising is good for the mental health and cognitive function as well as the physical condition in elderly people, exercising is difficult in elderly individuals with a low motor function. To develop an exercise program targeting elderly individuals unsuited for whole-body exercises, we assessed the effects of facial exercises on the mental health and mood in healthy elderly people. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 75, age range = 65-87 yrs) were randomly divided into a facial exercises group and a wait-listed control group. A facial exercises program of 30 min was given twice a week for 12 weeks. This program consisted of rhythmic facial movement, muscle stretching, facial yoga, and Tanden breathing. The GHQ-12 for mental health were administered to both groups before and after the 12-week study period. In addition, facial expression and EEG were measured. Fifty-three participants completed the protocol. In the intervention group, the GHQ-12, facial expression, and α wave in frontal lobe improved post-intervention. These results suggest that facial exercises are effective in improving the mental health, facial expression, α wave in frontal lobe of elderly people, and that exercises may be useful as a therapeutic modality in this population.

Workplace health programme among individuals with metabolic syndrome

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-188
Author(s):  
Chee Huei Phing ◽  
Hazizi Abu Saad ◽  
Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof ◽  
Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Step Counts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the effect of a physical activity intervention using a combination of Facebook and standing banners on improvements in metabolic syndrome. Design/methodology/approach – In all, 120 (82.8 per cent) government employees with metabolic syndrome completed the programme. A Lifecorder e-STEP accelerometer (Suzuken Company Limited, Nagoya, Japan) was utilized to quantify physical activity. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to “Harmonized” definition at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Findings – There were significantly higher step counts in the intervention group as compared to the control group over time. There were significant within-group differences in the step count at the baseline, post-intervention and follow-up assessments (p < 0.001) in both the intervention and control groups. The step count of the intervention group increased by 4,522 steps in the post-intervention assessment compared to the assessment at baseline. The step count of the intervention group in the follow-up assessment was lower than in the post-intervention assessment, but it was still 2,126 steps higher than at baseline. For control group, the difference between the post-intervention assessment and the assessment at baseline was 520 steps per day, while the difference between the follow-up assessment and assessment at baseline was 379 steps per day. The greatest decrease in the percentage of metabolic syndrome was observed in the intervention group, with a reduction of 88.6 per cent in the post-intervention assessment as compared to that at baseline. Research limitations/implications – Future studies should incorporate measures which will be of interest to employers. Greater understanding and assessment of desirable employer-related outcomes are warranted, such as decreased job stress, turnover, absenteeism and improved job satisfaction, productivity and exploration of how these associated with physical activity. Practical implications – The findings show that delivering information on physical activity through an easily implemented and low-cost physical activity intervention via a combination of Facebook and standing banners was successful in improving step counts and metabolic parameters among individuals with metabolic syndrome. Social implications – The findings draw on supporting evidence for advocacy, which is about influencing the larger environment of public policy, and raising awareness of a single programme is insufficient to create lasting social change. Public policy must be shaped in a way that will sustain change across institutions. Originality/value – Despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity, a growing number of people not achieving the recommended levels of physical activity necessary for good health. Importantly, the study provides a new insight on lifestyle-based physical activity interventions capable of improving step counts and metabolic parameters.

scholarly journals Factors that Decrease Sedentary Behavior in Community-Dwelling Elderly People: A Longitudinal Study

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 157
Author(s):  
Yutaka Owari
Keyword(s):  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Behavior Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year

Background and objectives: This study was to clarify how the frequency of participation in a health class affected the reduction in sedentary behavior after two years, and whether decreases in sedentary behavior in elderly people who participated in a health class persisted two years after the end of an intervention. Materials and Methods: This study was longitudinal, and the results of a previous study conducted in 2017 were added to the findings of a different year. The participants were elderly health class members at a community dwelling in Japan who participated between 2016 and 2018. Of the 86 participants that were enrolled, the data of 80 were collected in 2016. A year later, in a 2017 follow-up, the number of participants was 80, and two years later, in a 2018 follow-up, there were 71 participants. Results: There was a significant difference with regards to the reduction of the sedentary behavior rate between two different groups (a health class participation rate of more than 75% and the other with less than 75%) two years later. However, no difference in sedentary behavior rate was found between the two groups (intervention group and control group) at a two-year follow-up, despite observing differences after one year. Conclusions: Continuous participation in a health class may help reduce sedentary behavior. After two years, “Active Guide” brochures and documents may not help in reducing sedentary behavior, despite seeing improvements after one year. Persistent social participation may have a more lasting effect than one-off interventions in reducing the sedentary behavior ratio.

scholarly journals A low-threshold intervention to increase physical activity and reduce physical inactivity in a group of healthy elderly people in Germany: Results of the randomized controlled MOVING study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257326
Author(s):  
Fabian Kleinke ◽  
Sabina Ulbricht ◽  
Marcus Dörr ◽  
Peter Penndorf ◽  
Wolfgang Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Baseline Measurement ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
And Control

Background Lack of physical activity (PA) and a high level of physical inactivity (PI) are associated with a higher risk for mortality and responsible for several non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease. Higher age is associated with a decrease of PA and an increasing level of PI. Studies have shown that interventions in the elderly have the potential to increase the amount of PA and to decrease the level of PI. However, most interventions are complex, elaborated, time- and resource-consuming. Here, we examined the effect of individual feedback-letters reporting the measured PA and PI in a sample of elderly people in Germany. Primary outcomes of the study were overall PA and PI after 6 months in the intervention group compared to a control group. Methods We examined data from the MOVING intervention study (RCT) for people aged ≥ 65 years living in the northeast of Germany. At baseline, 3 and 6-months follow-up, all study participants wore a 3-axis accelerometer over a period of seven consecutive days. After the baseline measurement, the participants were randomized into intervention and control group. Participants in the intervention group received automatically generated, individualized feedback letters reporting their PA and PI by mail after the baseline measurement and after the 3-months follow-up. A Two-Way Mixed ANOVA with repeated measures was calculated with light, moderate and overall PA as well as PI as dependent variables, and group (between subject) and time (inner subject) as factors. The analysis based on retrospective data from the MOVING study (2016–2018). Results N = 258 patients were recruited. N = 166 participants could be included in the analysis, thereof N = 97 women (58.4%). The mean age was 70.8 years (SD 4.8). At baseline, the participants had a mean wearing time of 5,934.5 minutes (SD = 789.5) per week, which corresponds to about 14 hours daily on average. The overall PA in the intervention group at the 6-months follow up was 2488.8 (95% CI 2358.9–2618.2) minutes and 2408.2 (95% CI 2263.0–2553.4) minutes in the control group. There was no statistically significant interaction effect (time*group) between the intervention and control group for the depending variables. Sensitivity analyses showed significant small positive effects of the interaction time*partnership, F(2, 300) = 3.020, p = 0.05, partial η2 = 0.020. Discussion On average, study participants had high levels of PA at baseline and showed a good adherence in wearing the accelerometer. Both is likely due to selection in the convenience study sample. Thus, some ceiling effect reduced the overall intervention effect somewhat. At baseline, the weekly average of PI was 3436.7 minutes, which correspondents to about 8.2 hours per day and about 57% of participants’ daily waking time. The average level of PI could be slightly decreased in both study groups. Trial registration number DRKS00010410, 17 May 2017.

A patient-centered mobile intervention to promote self-management and improve patient outcomes in chronic heart failure: The ManageHF4Life trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Dorsch ◽  
Karen B. Farris ◽  
Brigid E. Rowell ◽  
Scott L. Hummel ◽  
Todd M. Koelling
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Heart Failure Questionnaire

BACKGROUND Successful management of heart failure (HF) involves guideline based medical therapy as well as self-care behavior. As a result, the management of HF is moving toward a proactive real-time technological model of assisting patients with monitoring and self-management. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile application intervention that enhances self-monitoring on health-related quality of life, self-management, and reduces HF readmissions. METHODS A single-center randomized controlled trial was performed. Patients greater than 45 years of age and admitted for acute decompensated HF or recently discharged in the past 4 weeks were included. The intervention group used a mobile application (App). The intervention prompted daily self-monitoring and promoted self-management. The control group (No App) received usual care. The primary outcome was the change in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the Self-Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) questionnaire and recurrent HF admissions. RESULTS Eighty-three patients were enrolled and completed all baseline assessments. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups with the exception of HF etiology. The App group had a reduced MLHFQ at 6 weeks (37.5 ± 3.5 vs. 48.2 ± 3.7, P=0.039) but not at 12 weeks (44.2 ± 4 vs. 45.9 ± 4, P=0.778) compared to No App. There was no effect of the App on the SCHFI at 6 or 12 weeks. The time to first HF admission was not statistically different between the App versus No App groups (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39-2.02, P=0.781) over 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The mobile application intervention improved MLHFQ at 6 weeks, but did not sustain its effects at 12 weeks. No effect was seen on HF self-care. Further research is needed to enhance engagement in the application for a longer period of time and to determine if the application can reduce HF admissions in a larger study. CLINICALTRIAL NCT03149510

Increasing Life-Space Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Persons With Cognitive Impairment Following Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe Ullrich ◽  
Christian Werner ◽  
Martin Bongartz ◽  
Tobias Eckert ◽  
Bastian Abel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Life Space ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Independent Life

Abstract Background Community-dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) following discharge from geriatric rehabilitation are at high risk of losing life-space mobility (LSM). Interventions to improve their LSM are, however, still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CI-specific, home-based physical training and activity promotion program on LSM. Methods Older persons with mild-to-moderate CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 17–26 points) discharged home from rehabilitation were included in this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention period and 12-week follow-up period. The intervention group received a CI-specific, home-based strength, balance, and walking training supported by tailored motivational strategies. The control group received a placebo activity. LSM was evaluated by the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment, including a composite score for LSM and 3 subscores for maximal, equipment-assisted, and independent life space. Mixed-model repeated-measures analyses were used. Results One hundred eighteen participants (82.3 ± 6.0 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 23.3 ± 2.4) were randomized. After the intervention, the home-based training program resulted in a significant benefit in the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment composite scores (b = 8.15; 95% confidence interval: 2.89–13.41; p = .003) and independent life-space subscores (b = 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.78; p = .048) in the intervention group (n = 63) compared to control group (n = 55). Other subscores and follow-up results were not significantly different. Conclusions The home-based training program improved LSM and independent life space significantly in this vulnerable population. Effects were not sustained over the follow-up. The program may represent a model for improved transition from rehabilitation to the community to prevent high risk of LSM restriction.

Randomized Trial for Weight Loss Using a Digital Therapeutic Application

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682110008
Author(s):  
Tryggvi Thorgeirsson ◽  
Johanna E. Torfadottir ◽  
Erlendur Egilsson ◽  
Saemundur Oddsson ◽  
Thrudur Gunnarsdottir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Protocol Group ◽  
Lifestyle Program ◽  
Program Intervention

Background: Smartphones present a near-ubiquitous channel through which structured lifestyle change can reduce risk or progression of the most common noncommunicable diseases. We explored whether a digital structured lifestyle program enhances weight loss. Methods: We randomized overweight and obese participants attending a four-month lifestyle change program to either standard weekly coaching sessions (controls), or standard treatment supplemented with a digital therapeutic mobile application (intervention). Changes in body mass index after four months were the main outcome measure. Odds ratios of achieving 5% weight loss were estimated with unconditional logistic regression. Results: Of 234 eligible persons, 146 (62%) agreed to participate, were block-randomized, showed up for the baseline measures, and constituted the intention-to-treat (ITT) sample ( n = 95 intervention group, n = 51 control group). In the intervention group, 70 (74%) downloaded the mobile application and completed the program (intervention per-protocol). Significant weight loss and BMI reduction were observed for both the intention-to-treat intervention group ( P < 0.05, P = 0.01) and the per-protocol intervention group ( P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). For the intervention per-protocol group, the odds ratio of achieving 5% weight loss, compared to not treated per-protocol, was 3.3 (95% CI 1.3-8.2), adjusting for age and weight at baseline.Attendance to weekly coaching sessions decreased by 18% during the program in the control group while it increased by 3% amongst the per-protocol group ( P = 0.004). Conclusions: These preliminary findings support the benefit of a digital therapeutic to enhance weight reduction and attendance in a structured lifestyle change program. Larger trials of longer duration are needed to confirm these findings.

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