Abstract P034: The Effectiveness of 12-week Tai Chi Training on the Migraine Attack Days, Body Composition, and Blood Pressure in Chinese Women With Episodic Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Jie Xie ◽  
Stanley Sai-chuen Hui ◽  
Suzanne C. Ho ◽  
Lorna Kwai Ping Suen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Migraine Attack ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Chinese Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Episodic Migraine ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Difference

Background: Tai Chi is a body-mind exercise. It’s prophylactic efficacy on migraine attack remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week Tai Chi training on the migraine attack days per month, body composition, and blood pressure (BP) in a sample of Chinese women with episodic migraine. Method: A two-arm randomized controlled trial was designed. Eighty-two local women aged 18 to 65 years and diagnosed with episodic migraine were randomized to the Tai Chi group or the waiting list control group. A modified 32-short form Yang-style Tai Chi training with 1 hour per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks was adopted as intervention. An additional 12 weeks follow was conducted. The control group received a “delayed” Tai Chi training at the end of the trial. The difference in migraine days between 1 month before baseline, 3rd month (12nd week) and 6th month (24th week) after the randomization were examined. The changes in weight, body fat, and BP before and after the intervention were also analyzed. Results: Of 189 women screened, 82 eligible women completed the baseline assessment. After randomization, 9 women withdrew immediately, finally 40 in Tai Chi group and 33 in control group were involved in the analysis. On average, women in Tai Chi group had 3.6 (95% CI: -4.7 to -2.5, P<0.01) days reduction of migraine attack. Compared with control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Tai Chi group also lost 0.6 kg of body weight and 0.6% of body fat at the 3rd month, and 10.8 mmHg systolic BP at the 6th month, respectively (all p<0.001). The between-group difference of systolic BP was -6.9 mmHg (95% CI: -11.6 mmHg to -2.1mmHg, p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed regarding weight and body fat at the 3rd month (all p>0.05). Among Tai Chi group, change in systolic BP was significantly correlated to the change in migraine days (P<0.05). Conclusion: The 12-week Tai Chi training significantly decreased the frequency of migraine attack and improved the systolic BP. The association between migraine attack reduction and BP improvement needs further investigations.

Citation Advantage of Promoted Articles in a Cross-Publisher Distribution Platform: 36-month Follow-up to a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Kudlow ◽  
Tashauna Brown
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Digital Tool ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Subject Areas ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Citation Advantage

BACKGROUND There are limited evidence-based strategies that have been shown to increase the rate at which peer-reviewed articles are cited. In a previously reported randomized controlled trial we demonstrated that promotion of article links in an online cross-publisher distribution platform (TrendMD) persistently augments citation rates after 12 months, leading to a statistically significant, 50% increase in citations relative to control. OBJECTIVE To investigate if the citation advantage of promoted articles upholds after 36-months. METHODS Three thousand two hundred articles published in 64 peer-reviewed journals across eight subject areas were block randomized at the subject level to either the TrendMD group (n=1600) or the control group (n=1600) of the study. Articles were promoted in the TrendMD Network for 6 months. We compared the citation rates in both groups after 36 months. RESULTS At 36 months, we found the citation advantage endured; articles randomized to TrendMD showed a 28% increase in mean citations relative to control. The difference in mean citations at 36 months for articles randomized to TrendMD versus control was 10.52, 95% CI [3.79, 17.25] and was statistically significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate how a post-publication article promotion intervention can be used to persistently augment citations of peer-reviewed articles. TrendMD is an efficient digital tool for knowledge translation and dissemination to targeted audiences to facilitate uptake of research.

scholarly journals Effect of Steamed Potato Bread Intake on Glucose, Lipids, and Urinary Na+ and K+: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 2096
Author(s):  
Haiquan Xu ◽  
Yanzhi Guo ◽  
Shijun Lu ◽  
Yunqian Ma ◽  
Xiuli Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
High Density Lipoproteins ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Potato Bread

Although potatoes are highly nutritious, many epidemiological studies have connected their consumption with abnormal lipids, diabetes, and hypertension. Steamed potato bread has recently become one of China’s staple foods. A randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of steamed potato bread consumption on Chinese adolescents. Four classes from a high school were randomly selected and assigned to the intervention group (two classes) or control group (two classes). The steamed wheat bread (100% raw wheat flour) and potato bread (raw wheat flour to cooked potato flour ratio of 3:7) were provided to the control group and intervention group as staple food once a school day for 8 weeks, respectively. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significant net changes in systolic blood pressure (4.6 mmHg, p = 0.010), insulin (−4.35 mIU/L, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (−0.13 mmol/L, p = 0.032), and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (−0.07 mmol/L, p = 0.010). The urinary level of Na+/K+ did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, the intake of steamed potato bread for 8 weeks resulted in positive effects on the total cholesterol and insulin profiles but a negative effect on the systolic blood pressure and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol of adolescents.

scholarly journals Assessment of Cleaning Methods on Bacterial Burden of Hospital Privacy Curtains: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kianna Cadogan ◽  
Sabrin Bashar ◽  
Saul Magnusson ◽  
Rakesh Patidar ◽  
John Embil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bacterial Burden ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Cleaning Methods

Abstract Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important global issue, leading to poor patient outcomes. A potential route of transmission of HAIs is through contact with hospital privacy curtains. The aim of this study is to evaluate cleaning on reduction of curtain bacterial burden. In this pilot cluster randomized controlled trial we compared the bacterial burden between three groups of 24 curtains on a regional burn/plastic surgery ward. A control group was not cleaned. Two groups were cleaned at three to four day intervals with either disinfectant spray or wipe. The primary outcome was the difference in mean CFU/cm 2 between day 0 to day 21. The secondary outcome was the proportion of curtains contaminated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). By day 21, the control group was statistically higher (2.2 CFU/cm2) than spray (1.3 CFU/cm2) or wipe (1.5 CFU/cm2) (p < 0.05). After cleaning at three to four day intervals, the bacterial burden on the curtains reduced to near day 0 levels; however, this increased over the intervening three to four days. By day 21, 64% of control curtains were contaminated with MRSA compared to 10% (spray) and 5% (wipe) (p < 0.05). This study show that curtains start clean and progressively become contaminated with bacteria. Regularly cleaning curtains with disinfectant spray or wipes reduces bacterial burden and MRSA contamination.

scholarly journals Tai Chi as a Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Reducing Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xiandu Pan ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
Jiahao Sun ◽  
Xinye Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bodily Pain ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tai Chi Exercise

Objective. This study systematically evaluated the effects of Tai Chi exercise on blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with hypertension. A meta-analysis was performed to provide a reliable reference for clinical practice. Methods. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in five English databases and two Chinese databases, with the earliest data dated December 5, 2020. A quality assessment of the methods and a meta-analysis were also conducted. Results. The meta-analysis of 24 studies showed that the intervention group showed better outcomes in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD −1.05, 95% CI −1.44 to −0.67, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 93.7%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD −0.91, 95% CI −1.24 to −0.58, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 91.9%), and QOL (physical functioning (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.37, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 91.3%), role-physical (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.11, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 65%), general health (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.17, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 88.1%), bodily pain (SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.00, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 83.1%), vitality (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.07, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 84.3%), social functioning (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.19, P = 0.027 ; I2 = 93.1%), role-emotional (SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.06, P = 0.003 ; I2 = 88.1%), and mental health (SMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.16, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 88.2%)) compared to those of the control group. However, no significant improvements were seen in BMI of the intervention group (SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.19, P = 0.554 ; I2 = 69.4%) compared to that of the control group. Conclusion. Tai Chi is an effective intervention to improve SBP and DBP in patients with essential hypertension.

scholarly journals The Effects of Tai Chi on Grade 1 Hypertension: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Hyun Lee ◽  
Byung-Jun Kim ◽  
In-Hwa Park ◽  
Eui-Hyoung Hwang ◽  
Eun Ju Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Medication is generally recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. However, considering the difficulties and economic factors associated with long-term medication, interest in tai chi as an exercise treatment method has been recently increasing in Korean medical practice. Numerous studies have suggested that tai chi can be used to treat various diseases and affect psychosomatic factors such as anxiety. This study aims to evaluate the effect of tai chi in reducing blood pressure among grade 1 hypertensive patients.Methods In this randomized, active-controlled, assessor-blinded, two parallel-armed trial, 80 grade 1 hypertension patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the usual care group or to the tai chi group (n = 40 in each group). Subjects who voluntarily signed a study agreement will be educated to manage their own blood pressure by restricting salt intake, losing weight, moderating alcohol consumption, performing exercise, and regulating dietary intake at their first visit. In addition to self-management, the tai chi group will perform two 60-minute tai chi sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks. Blood pressure will be measured as the primary outcome. In addition, body composition, heart rate, and the perceived strength and difficulty of the exercise will be measured as secondary outcomes.Discussion This study intends to conduct a randomized controlled trial of tai chi, which is not widely practiced in Korea. This study will provide valuable data on the effects of tai chi on hypertension, to inform non-pharmaceutical treatment options for this disorder.

1107Reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors in rural, medically under-served, socioeconomically distressed, high-risk individuals: a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Moser ◽  
M L Chung ◽  
F Feltner ◽  
T A Lennie ◽  
M J Biddle
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background People in rural, socioeconomically distressed areas of the world suffer from marked cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities. Despite the CVD disparities seen in rural, distressed areas, efforts directed toward CVD risk reduction and prevention are limited. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to determine the effect of an individualized, culturally appropriate, self-care CVD risk reduction intervention (HeartHealth) compared to referral of patients to a primary care provider for usual care on the following CVD risk factors: tobacco use, blood pressure, lipid profile, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and physical activity levels. Methods The study protocol and intervention were developed with a community advisory board of lay community members, business owners, local government officials, church leaders, and healthcare providers. We enrolled 355 individuals living in Appalachia with two or more CVD risk factors. The intervention was delivered in person to groups of 10 or fewer individuals over 12 weeks. In the first session, participants chose their CVD risk reduction goals. HeartHealth was designed to provide participants with self-care skills targeting CVD risk reduction while reducing barriers to risk reduction found in austere rural environments. The targeted CVD risk factors were measured at baseline and 4 and 12 months post-intervention. Repeated measures data were analyzed with mixed models. Results More individuals in the intervention group compared to the control group met their lifestyle change goal (50% vs 16%, p<0.001). The intervention produced a positive impact on systolic blood pressure (p=0.002, time X group effect), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001, time x group), total cholesterol (p=0.026, time x group), high density lipoprotein (p=0.002, time x group), body mass index (p=0.017, time x group), smoking status (p=0.01), depressive symptoms (p=0.01, time x group), and steps per day (p=0.001, time x group). Compared to the control group, improvement was seen at 4 months in these risk factors and the positive changes were maintained through 12 months. There were no differences seen across time by group in low density lipoprotein or triglyceride levels. Conclusion Interventions like HeartHealth that focus on self-care and that are derived in collaboration with the community of interest are effective in medically underserved, socioeconomically distressed rural areas. Acknowledgement/Funding Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Phone-based intervention for blood pressure control among Ghanaian stroke survivors: A pilot randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 630-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Stephen Sarfo ◽  
Frank Treiber ◽  
Mulugeta Gebregziabher ◽  
Sheila Adamu ◽  
Michelle Nichols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Possession Ratio ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Mhealth Technology

Background The potential of mobile-health (mHealth) technology for the management of hypertension among stroke survivors in Africa remains unexplored. We assessed whether an mHealth technology-enabled, nurse-guided intervention initiated among stroke patients within one month of symptom onset is effective in improving their blood pressure (BP) control. Methods A two-arm pilot cluster randomized controlled trial involving 60 stroke survivors, ≥18 years, with BP ≥140/90 mmHg at screening/enrollment visit at a medical center in Ghana. Participants in the intervention arm (n = 30) received a Blue-toothed BP device and smartphone with an App for monitoring BP measurements and medication intake under nurse guidance for three months after which intervention was withdrawn. Control arm (n = 30) received usual care. Primary outcome measure was proportion with clinic BP < 140/90 mmHg at month 9; secondary outcomes included medication adherence. Findings Mean ± SD age was 55 ± 13 years, 65% males. Two participants on intervention and three in control group were lost to follow-up. At month 9, proportion on the intervention versus controls with BP < 140/90 mmHg was 14/30 (46.7%) versus 12/30 (40.0%), p = 0.79 by intention-to-treat; systolic BP < 140 mmHg was 22/30 (73.3%) versus 13/30 (43.3%), p = 0.035. Mean ± SD medication possession ratio was 0.95 ± 0.16 on intervention versus 0.98 ± 0.24 in the control arm, p = 0.56. Interpretation We demonstrate feasibility and signal of improvement in BP control among stroke survivors in a resource-limited setting via an mHealth intervention. Larger scale studies are warranted. Trial registration NCT02568137. Registered on 13 July 2015 at ClinicalTrials.gov.

scholarly journals Effectivity of near-peer teaching in training of basic surgical skills – a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsolt Pintér ◽  
Dániel Kardos ◽  
Péter Varga ◽  
Eszter Kopjár ◽  
Anna Kovács ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Peer Teaching ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Abstract Background Near-peer teaching (NPT) is a special way of teaching where the tutor is one or more academic years ahead of the person being tutored. The literature agrees on the benefits of the method, but there are only a few publications examining its effectiveness using objective methods. The aim of our study was to examine the effectiveness of NPT in the training of basic surgical skills. Methods We included 60 volunteer students who participated in a 20 × 45 min long surgical skills course. Based on the results of a pre-course test, we randomly divided the students into six equal groups. All groups completed the same curriculum, with three groups being assisted by a NPT tutor. After the course, they completed the same test as at the beginning. The exams were recorded on anonymized videos and were blindly evaluated. The students’ satisfaction was monitored using a self-administered online anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Results Overall, student performance improved with completion of the course (from 119.86 to 153.55 points, p <  0.01). In groups where a NPT tutor assisted, students achieved a significantly better score (37.20 vs. 30.18 points improvement, p = 0.036). The difference was prominent in surgical knotting tasks (14.73 vs. 9.30 points improvement, p <  0.01). In cases of suturing (15.90 vs. 15.46 points) and laparoscopy (7.00 vs. 4.98 points), the presence of the NPT tutor did not significantly affect development. Based on student feedback, although students positively assessed the presence of NPT, it did not significantly improve students’ overall satisfaction since it was already 4,82 on a scale of 5 in the control group. Conclusions Overall, involving a NPT tutor had a positive impact on student development. An outstanding difference was observed in connection with knotting techniques.

scholarly journals Improving surgical patient’s knowledge about safe use of opioids: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen R Doherty ◽  
Enoch Lam ◽  
Maria Garstka ◽  
Junior Chuang ◽  
David Tai Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Currently, it is not routine practice to provide standardized patient education for safe postoperative opioid use. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of an educational pamphlet for surgical patients on knowledge about safe use, proper storage, and disposal of opioids.Methods This multi-center randomized controlled study recruited 100 patients in the pre-operative clinic. Inclusion criteria were English-speaking, ≥ 18 years, able to give informed consent, and not on opioids for chronic pain or within the past 30 days. All patients completed a baseline knowledge questionnaire (maximum score 38) on opioid safety. Patients were randomized to intervention: educational pamphlet, or control: standard care (no pamphlet) group. Questionnaires were repeated immediately post-education in the intervention group, and at 15, and 30 days after surgery in both groups. The primary outcome was change in knowledge score post-education in the intervention compared to control group. Secondary outcomes were immediate post-education, 15, and 30-day score, and answering safe storage, and disposal questions correctly.Results Between groups, the post-education score immediately after the intervention was higher in the intervention vs. control group baseline 34.2 [95% CI 33.1–35.3] vs 28.3 [95% CI 26.6–29.9]; P < 0.0001). In the intervention vs control group, mean scores were higher 31.6 (95% CI 30.5–32.7) vs 29.1 (95% CI 27.9–30.2; P = .002) at 15 days, and 32.4 (95%CI 31.4–33.5) vs 30.5 (95% CI 29.2–31.7; P = .017) at 30 days. Within the intervention group, the mean score immediately post-education (34.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 33.1–35.3]) was higher than baseline (27.8 [95% CI 26.3–29.3]); P < 0.0001. Within the intervention group, the difference in mean score versus baseline was 3.8 (95% CI 2.1–5.5) at 15 days, and 4.6 (95% CI 2.9–6.3) at 30 days, (P < 0.05 for all timepoints). For safe disposal, a correct answer was given (intervention vs control group) by 100% vs 89.7% at 30 days (P = 0.04).Conclusions Within the intervention group, there was a significant improvement in knowledge on safe opioid use immediately post-education, and retention of knowledge at 15 and 30 days postoperatively. The intervention group had better knowledge scores compared to the baseline control group, and 15 and 30 days after surgery.Trial Registration: This study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03959787 on May 22, 2019.

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