Effect of Insoles with a Toe-Grip Bar on Toe Function and Standing Balance in Healthy Young Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of insoles with a toe-grip bar on toe function and standing balance in healthy young women. Methods. Thirty female subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group wore shoes with insoles with a toe-grip bar. The control group wore shoes with general insoles. Both groups wore the shoes for 4 weeks, 5 times per week, 9 hours per day. Toe-grip strength, toe flexibility, static balance (total trajectory length and envelope area of the center of pressure), and dynamic balance (functional reach test) were measured before and after the intervention. Results. Significant interactions were observed for toe-grip strength and toe flexibility (F=12.53, p<0.01; F=5.84, p<0.05, resp.), with significant improvement in the intervention group compared with that in the control group. Post hoc comparisons revealed that both groups showed significant improvement in toe-grip strength (p<0.01 and p<0.05, resp.), with higher benefits observed for the intervention group (p<0.01). Conversely, no significant interaction was observed in the total trajectory length, envelope area, and functional reach test. Conclusions. This study suggests that insoles with a toe-grip bar contribute to improvements in toe-grip strength and toe flexibility in healthy young women.

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Kinesio taping techniques for ankle stabilisation in patients with stroke: a single-blinded randomised controlled study

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation ◽

10.12968/ijtr.2019.0082 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Ramazan Kurul ◽

Tamer Cankaya ◽

Necmiye Un Yildirim

Keyword(s):

Barthel Index ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Peroneus Longus ◽

Kinesio Taping ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Peroneus Brevis

Background/AimsAnkle proprioception and neuromuscular feedback from this region provides the sensory input needed for balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repeated correction taping applied on the ankle and peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles on balance and gait in patients with stroke.MethodsA total of 61 patients with stroke with a mean age of 62.25 ± 7.04 years were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=30) received 1 hour of rehabilitation, which took place during weekdays over the course of 2 weeks. The intervention group (n=31) received 1 hour of daily rehabilitation as well as having kinesio tape applied to their ankle. Both groups were assessed with the Balance Evaluating Systems Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Tetrax Balance System and Barthel Index. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the first application, 1 week and 2 weeks later, following the first taping.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the Balance Evaluating Systems and Functional Reach Tests scores between the first and last measurements in favour of the intervention group (P<0.05). There were no significant changes between baseline and immediately after assessment for all measurements (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Tetrax scores, Timed Up and Go Test and Barthel Index scores (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, it was found that dynamic balance was improved by taping the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles, but the static balance did not change. One week of kinesio taping would be beneficial; however, prolonged use would not provide further improvement.

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EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF AROGYA KASHAYAM-20 IN COVID-19 CASES - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

10.31219/osf.io/au3ct ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Umesh Shukla ◽

Nitin Ujjaliya

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Care Center ◽

Large Population ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Group A ◽

Negative Conversion

Introduction: The characteristic clinical features of Covid-19 disease range between asymptomatic to mild-moderate symptoms. Studies suggest that a large population (80%) presents its asymptomatic or milder form. Remaining 20 percent, owing to severity of the diseases, need hospital-based care. Many treatment protocols and strategies have been promoted and recommended by authorities including WHO, but nothing has actually been finalized till date. The present study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of an Ayurvedic formulation viz. Arogya Kashayam-20 in the hospitalized cases of Covid-19.Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Arogya Kashayam-20 in the cases of COVID-19 particularly the negative conversion of RTPCR in 10 days duration.Material and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at COVID-19 Care Center, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College & Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh with a sample size of 112 participants, aged between 16 to 60 years of either sex. Participants were divided in two groups viz. group A and B. Both the groups received Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), vitamin C and Zinc as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines and group 'A' received additionally Arogya Kashayam-20 for 10 days. Outcome measure of the study was to see the negative conversion RT-PCR test after intervention period of 10 days. CTRI Registration: CTRI/2020/06/026221. Results: Among the 60 cases registered in study group (group A), 51 cases (85.00%) were reported with negative RTPCR on 10th day. Out of 52 cases registered in control group (group B); 39 cases (75.00%) were tested negative RTPCR on 10th day. In both the groups all the cases were discharged asymptomatically on 10th day as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines. No ADR/AE observed during the intervention period.Conclusion: The study observes that the add on intervention group has a better outcome in terms of RT-PCR negative reports after 10 days comparing to the control group.

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The Effect of Lullaby Intervention on Anxiety and Prenatal Attachment in Women with High-Risk Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Complementary Medicine Research ◽

10.1159/000520139 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Nazlı Baltacı ◽

Mürüvvet Başer

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Group Versus ◽

Mean Difference ◽

High Risk Pregnancy ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Prenatal Attachment ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Risk Pregnancy

Background: Women with high-risk pregnancy experience anxiety and low mother-fetal attachment when faced with signs of danger and health problems. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lullaby intervention on anxiety and prenatal attachment in women with high-risk pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the perinatology clinic of a state maternity hospital in Turkey. Seventy-six women with high-risk pregnancy were included. The intervention group listened to lullabies for 20 min once a day, and accompanied by lullabies touched their abdomen and thought about their babies, but the control group did not. Data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Results: Baseline anxiety did not differ in the intervention versus control group (47.83 ± 10.74 vs. 44.10 ± 8.08, mean difference 3.73 [95% Cl –1.18 to 8.64], p = 0.13), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention anxiety was lower in the intervention group versus control group (33.66 ± 9.32 vs. 43.06 ± 8.10, mean difference –9.40 [95% Cl –13.91 to –4.88], p < 0.01). Baseline prenatal attachment did not differ in the intervention versus control group (56.03 ± 10.71 vs. 53.86 ± 9.98, mean difference 2.16 [95% Cl –3.18 to 7.51], p = 0.42), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention prenatal attachment was higher in the intervention group versus control group (66.70 ± 7.60 vs. 54.36 ± 9.52, mean difference 12.33 [95% Cl 7.87 to 16.78], p < 0.01). In the within-group analysis the intervention group had lower anxiety and better prenatal attachment (p < 0.01), but not in the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Lullaby intervention can play an effective role in reducing anxiety and improving prenatal attachment. The use of this integrative, noninvasive, non-pharmacologic, time-efficient, and natural intervention is suggested in the care of pregnant women.

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Efficacy of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination Training Approach for Training Pharmacy Students in Diabetes Mellitus Counseling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy8040229 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 229

Author(s):

Imaneh Farahani ◽

Samieh Farahani ◽

Maira A. Deters ◽

Holger Schwender ◽

Stephanie Laeer

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Objective Assessment ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Training Approach

Pharmacists’ tasks are multifaceted and include, for example, vital counseling and communication skills. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) could be used to train pharmacy students in these skills. Our study sought to determine the efficacy of our OSCE training approach for training pharmacy students’ counseling and communication skills on diabetes mellitus compared to a control group. This randomized controlled study was conducted with pharmacy students using a pre-post-design. The intervention group completed diabetes OSCE training, while the control group solved diabetes patient cases using subjective, objective, assessment, and plan notes. Before and after the respective training, both groups completed OSCEs evaluating counseling and communication skills. Before each OSCE encounter, the participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire and, upon completion of the seminar, filled out a satisfaction survey. The OSCE-trained group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in counseling and communication skills and self-confidence than the control group. Both groups were generally satisfied with the seminar. These results demonstrate that our OSCE training approach allows for the effective training of pharmacy students’ diabetes counseling and communication skills and suggests the inclusion of such a skill-based approach more widely in pharmacy students’ education.

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Self-perceived postural balance correlates with postural balance and anxiety during the first year after stroke: a part of the randomized controlled GOTVED study

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-020-01982-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lena Rafsten ◽

Anna Danielsson ◽

Katharina S. Sunnerhagen

Keyword(s):

Postural Balance ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

First Year ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Self Confidence ◽

Early Supported Discharge ◽

Time Point

Abstract Background Postural balance is an important rehabilitation outcome, and screening stroke patients for confidence in postural balance during rehabilitation and before hospital discharge is recommended. Early supported discharge could improve postural balance self-confidence. This study aimed to investigate associations between patient self-confidence in postural balance and observer-assessed postural balance and anxiety during the first year after stroke. Whether very early supported discharge (VESD) affects self-confidence in postural balance compared with standard discharge was also evaluated. Methods A longitudinal trial for with data extracted from a randomized controlled study of 140 adults with confirmed stroke was conducted. The experimental group received VESD. The control group was discharged according to the standard routine. Postural balance was assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Falls Efficacy Scale. Anxiety was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to test associations between independent variables. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine differences over time. A single test, according to Eid, Gollwitzer, and Schmidt, was used to test temporal differences in correlation. Results The correlation between self-confidence in postural balance and observer-assessed postural balance was 0.62–0.78 in the first year after stroke. The correlation between self-confidence and anxiety was 0.22–0.41 in the first year after stroke. Correlations did not differ by group affiliation at any time point when the postural balance was assessed with BBS. The intervention group had a significantly higher correlation (r = − 0.709) than the control group (r = − 0.416) when postural balance was assessed with the TUG test 1 month after discharge. There were no significant differences in correlations between confidence in postural balance and anxiety between the two groups at any time point. Conclusions Patients with mild stroke can accurately assess their confidence in performing daily activities without falling. VESD does not substantially affect the correlation between self-confidence in postural balance and observer assessed postural balance and is safe to use as an alternative to standard discharge. Assessment of self-confidence can provide important information for rehabilitation planning and supporting the physical activity of patients after discharge. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov: NCT01622205. Registered 19 June 2012 (retrospectively registered).

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Primary Care and Physical Literacy: A Non-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Combat the High Prevalence of Physically Inactive Adults in Austria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8593

Author(s):

Peter Holler ◽

Johannes Jaunig ◽

Othmar Moser ◽

Silvia Tuttner ◽

Helmut Simi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Physical Literacy ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Activity Behavior

The multidimensional concept of physical literacy is fundamental for lifelong physical activity engagement. However, physical literacy-based interventions are in their infancy, especially among adults. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the association of a physical literacy-based intervention with changes in self-reported physical literacy among inactive adults. A non-randomized controlled study (2 × 2 design) was conducted, comparing pre- vs. postintervention. Twenty-eight inactive healthy participants in the intervention group (89% female, 53 ± 10 years) entered a physical literacy-based intervention once weekly for 14 weeks. The non-treated control group consisted of 22 inactive adults (96% female, 50 ± 11 years). Physical literacy was evaluated with a questionnaire encompassing five domains: physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, motivation, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence. ANOVA models were applied to evaluate changes by time and condition. Following the intervention, significant improvements were seen for overall physical literacy and in four out of five physical literacy domains, including physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence (all p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.38–0.83). No changes by time x condition were found for motivation. The physical literacy-based intervention applied in this study may be a promising approach to help inactive adults to adopt an active lifestyle.

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The Effect of Doll Therapy on Agitation and Cognitive State in Institutionalized Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology ◽

10.1177/0891988720933353 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 089198872093335

Author(s):

Cemile Kütmeç Yilmaz ◽

Güler Duru Aşiret

Keyword(s):

Intervention Group ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Cognitive State ◽

Severe Dementia ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Significant Change ◽

Institutionalized Patients

This study is aimed at identifying the effect of doll therapy on agitation and cognitive state in institutionalized patients with moderate-to-severe dementia. This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted from April 8, 2019, to October 30, 2019, in a nursing home in Aksaray, Turkey. In total, 29 people with dementia participated in this study, 15 of whom comprised the intervention group. The control group, in which no intervention was made, was composed of the remaining 14 individuals. Data were collected using the introductory information form and the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) to evaluate cognitive status, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) to evaluate behavioral disturbances. Patients with dementia in the intervention group received doll therapy for 8 weeks. We found that there was no statistically significant change between fourth- and eighth-week SMMSE scores for either the intervention or control groups ( P > .05), while there was a significant change in the CMAI and NPI scores of the intervention group ( P < .05). This study found that doll therapy was effective in decreasing agitation and behavioral problems in people diagnosed with moderate-to-severe dementia. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , ID: NCT04120103 Retrospectively registered on 8 April 2019.

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Training cosmetology students in Arkansas to help dermatologists find skin cancers earlier: results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/pubmed/fdaa109 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lori Fischbach ◽

Mohammed F Faramawi ◽

Deborah Girard ◽

Susan Thapa ◽

Robin Travers

Keyword(s):

Skin Cancer ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Educational Video ◽

Sun Safety ◽

Safety Practices ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Skin Cancers ◽

Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background We tested an educational video in cosmetology schools to increase students’ knowledge about skin cancer, sun-safety practices, identifying suspicious lesions and recommending clients consult a dermatologist when a suspicious lesion is observed. Methods We used a cluster-randomized controlled study design to randomize 22 cosmetology schools to receive our educational video or a publicly accessible healthy lifestyle video (control). Results Students who received the intervention were more likely than controls to increase their knowledge of skin cancer, risk factors and how to identify potential skin cancers (risk ratio [RR] and 95% confidence interval = 2.86 [1.58–5.20]). At follow-up, students in the intervention group were more likely than those in the control group to look for suspicious moles on their clients’ faces, scalps and necks (RRs = 1.75, 2.16 and 2.90, respectively). Additionally, students in the intervention group were more likely to communicate with clients about sun-safety practices (RR = 1.74 [1.11–2.73]) and consulting a dermatologist about suspicious moles (RR = 1.57 [1.03–2.41]). Conclusions Our educational video helped cosmetology students recognize potential skin cancers and talk with clients about sun safety and consulting a dermatologist about suspicious moles. Such videos may play a role in the public health surveillance of skin cancers in communities.

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Evaluation of the Efficacy of Psychological Interventions in Promoting Preparedness to Armed Conflicts – A Randomized Controlled Study

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2018.119 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 713-723

Author(s):

Moran Bodas ◽

Maya Siman-Tov ◽

Shulamith Kreitler ◽

Kobi Peleg

Keyword(s):

Psychological Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Civil Defense ◽

Armed Conflicts ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Psychological Interventions ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

External Reward

ABSTRACTObjectiveDespite efforts by civil defense authorities, levels of households’ preparedness to emergencies remain insufficient in many countries. Engaging the public in preparedness behavior is a challenge worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of psychological intervention in promoting preparedness behavior to armed conflicts in Israel.MethodsA randomized controlled trial (N = 381) with two control groups and three intervention groups was used. The psychological interventions studied were elevated threat perception, external reward, and manipulation of a cognitive cluster related to preparedness.ResultsThe results of the analysis suggest a significant effect of intervention on the increase of reported preparedness (F4,375 = 4.511, P = 0.001). The effect is attributed to the intervention group in which external reward was offered. Participants in this group were about two times more likely to report greater levels of preparedness compared to the control group (RR = 1.855; 95% CI: 1.065, 3.233).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that preparedness behavior can be promoted through external incentives. These are presumably effective motivators because they encourage preparedness while allowing subjects to retain their denial as an adaptive coping mechanism. Innovative thinking is required to overcome the psychological barriers associated with public reluctance to engage in preparedness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;13:713–723)

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The Use of a Game-Based Decision Aid to Educate Pregnant Women about Prenatal Screening: A Randomized Controlled Study

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1667371 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (03) ◽

pp. 322-328 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Erin Johnson ◽

Bob Wong ◽

Nancy Rose ◽

Gwen Latendresse ◽

Roger Altizer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Decision Aid ◽

Prenatal Screening ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomized Controlled Study ◽

Constructive Method ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled

Purpose This project developed and evaluated the efficacy of a game decision aid among pregnant women about prenatal screening in a randomized controlled study. Study Design Participants were recruited from an obstetric clinic of an academic urban medical center and randomized (n = 73) to one of two study groups: the control group (n = 39) that used a brochure or the intervention group (n = 34) that also used a game decision aid. Result Participants who played the game had higher knowledge scores (m = 21.41, standard deviation [SD] = 1.74) than participants in the control group (m = 19.59; SD = 3.31), p = 0.004. The median time of game playing was 6:43 minutes (range: 2:17–16:44). The groups were similar in frequency of completing screening after the study, control = 6 (15%) versus intervention = 11 (32%), p = 0.087. However, the more interaction with the game resulted in more positive attitudes toward screening. Conclusion The addition of a game decision aid was effective in educating pregnant women about prenatal screening. As other genetic testing decisions continue to increase within clinical care, game-based decision tools may be a constructive method of informed decision-making.

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