scholarly journals Home-based Reach-to-Grasp training for people after stroke is feasible: a pilot randomised controlled trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 891-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Turton ◽  
P Cunningham ◽  
F van Wijck ◽  
HJM Smartt ◽  
CA Rogers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Usual Care Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Reach To Grasp ◽  
Arm Pain ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Wolf Motor Function Test ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Objective: To determine feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of home-based Reach-to-Grasp training after stroke. Design: single-blind parallel group RCT. Participants: Residual arm deficit less than 12 months post-stroke. Interventions: Reach-to-Grasp training in 14 one-hour therapist’s visits over 6 weeks, plus one hour self-practice per day (total 56 hours). Control: Usual care. Main Measures: Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), pre-randomisation, 7, 12, 24 weeks post-randomisation. Results: Forty-seven participants (Reach-to-Grasp=24, usual care=23) were randomised over 17 months. Reach-to-Grasp participants received a median (IQR) 14 (13,14) visits, and performed 157 (96,211) repetitions per visit; plus 30 minutes (22,45) self-practice per day. Usual care participants received 10.5 (5,14) therapist visits, comprising 38.6 (30,45) minutes of arm therapy with 16 (6,24) repetitions of functional tasks per visit. Median ARAT scores in the reach-to-grasp group were 8.5 (3.0,24.0) at baseline and 14.5 (3.5,26.0) at 24 weeks compared to median of 4 at both time points (IQR: baseline (3.0,14.0), 24 weeks (3.0,30.0)) in the usual-care group. Median WMFT tasks completed at baseline and 24 weeks were 6 (3.0,11.5) and 8.5 (4.5,13.5) respectively in the reach-to-grasp group and 4 (3.0,10.0), 6 (3.0,14.0) in the usual care group. Incidence of arm pain was similar between groups. The study was stopped before 11 patients reached the 24 weeks assessment. Conclusions: An RCT of home-based Reach-to-Grasp training after stroke is feasible and safe. With ARAT being our preferred measure it is estimated that 240 participants will be needed for a future two armed trial.

scholarly journals MEDication reminder APPs to improve medication adherence in Coronary Heart Disease (MedApp-CHD) Study: a randomised controlled trial protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e017540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla Santo ◽  
Clara K Chow ◽  
Aravinda Thiagalingam ◽  
Kris Rogers ◽  
John Chalmers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Usual Care Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Medication Reminder

IntroductionThe growing number of smartphone health applications available in the app stores makes these apps a promising tool to help reduce the global problem of non-adherence to long-term medications. However, to date, there is limited evidence that available medication reminder apps are effective. This study aims to determine the impact of medication reminder apps on adherence to cardiovascular medication when compared with usual care for people with coronary heart disease (CHD) and to determine whether an advanced app compared with a basic app is associated with higher adherence.Methods and analysisRandomised controlled trial with follow-up at 3 months to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of medication reminder apps on medication adherence compared with usual care. An estimated sample size of 156 patients with CHD will be randomised to one of three groups (usual care group, basic medication reminder app group and advanced medication reminder app group). The usual care group will receive standard care for CHD with no access to a medication reminder app. The basic medication reminder app group will have access to a medication reminder app with a basic feature of providing simple daily reminders with no interactivity. The advanced medication reminder app group will have access to a medication reminder app with additional interactive and customisable features. The primary outcome is medication adherence measured by the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include clinical measurements of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and medication knowledge. A process evaluation will also be performed to assess the feasibility of the intervention by evaluating the acceptability, utility and engagement with the apps.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Western Sydney Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee (AU/RED/HREC/1/WMEAD/3). Study findings will be disseminated via usual scientific forums.Trial registration numberACTRN12616000661471; Pre-results

The Natural History of Back Pain after a Randomised Controlled Trial of Acupuncture Vs Usual Care – Long Term Outcomes

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie L Prady ◽  
Kate Thomas ◽  
Lisa Esmonde ◽  
Simon Crouch ◽  
Hugh MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Bodily Pain ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Introduction There is growing evidence about the effectiveness of acupuncture in the short term treatment of chronic low back pain but little is known about long term outcomes. To address this question we followed up participants of a past randomised controlled trial of acupuncture to assess outcomes after 5.5 to 7 years. Methods A postal questionnaire assessing pain, quality of life, disability, experience with back pain and healthcare resource use was sent to all 239 participants of the York Acupuncture for Back Pain trial. Results Response to the survey was low at 43.9%. Pain measured by the SF-36 Bodily Pain dimension was maintained in the acupuncture group since the last follow up 3.5 to 5 years previously. The usual care group had improved over the intervening years and there was now no evidence of a difference between the groups (difference −0.4 points, 95% confidence interval −10.1 to 9.7). The results were unchanged on sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation. In both groups back pain had not completely resolved and worry about back health was moderate. Physiotherapy and acupuncture were used at similar rates for continuing treatment. Discussion We theorise that exposure to a short course of acupuncture speeds natural recovery from a back pain episode, but improvements plateau after two years. Acupuncture is often accessed privately for long term management of back pain but is rarely available within the health service. While our study methods were robust, the low response rate means that our findings should be interpreted with caution.

Using Moxibustion in Primary Healthcare to Correct Non-Vertex Presentation: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Vas ◽  
José Manuel Aranda-Regules ◽  
Manuela Modesto ◽  
María Ramos-Monserrat ◽  
Mercedes Barón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Moxibustion Group ◽  
Vertex Presentation ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Objective To compare the effectiveness of additional moxibustion at point BL67 with moxibustion at a non-specific acupuncture point and with usual care alone to correct non-vertex presentation. Methods This was a multicentre randomised controlled trial in which 406 low-risk pregnant women with a fetus in ultrasound breech presentation, with a gestational age of 33–35 weeks, were assigned to (1) true moxibustion at point BL67 plus usual care; (2) moxibustion at SP1, a non-specific acupuncture point (sham moxibustion) plus usual care; or (3) usual care alone. The primary outcome was cephalic presentation at birth. Women were recruited at health centres in primary healthcare. Results In the true moxibustion group, 58.1% of the full-term presentations were cephalic compared with 43.4% in the sham moxibustion group (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.70) and 44.8% of those in the usual care group (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.64). The reduction in RR of the primary outcome in women allocated to the true moxibustion group compared with the usual care group was 29.7% (95% CI 3.1% to 55.2%) and the number needed to treat was 8 (95% CI 4 to 72). There were no severe adverse effects during the treatment. Conclusions Moxibustion at acupuncture point BL67 is effective and safe to correct non-vertex presentation when used between 33 and 35 weeks of gestation. We believe that moxibustion represents a treatment option that should be considered to achieve version of the non-vertex fetus. Trial Registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10634508.

Multidisciplinary home-based rehabilitation in inoperable lung cancer: a randomised controlled trial

Thorax ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 787-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Edbrooke ◽  
Sanchia Aranda ◽  
Catherine L Granger ◽  
Christine F McDonald ◽  
Mei Krishnasamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundLung cancer is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and high symptom burden. This trial aimed to assess the efficacy of home-based rehabilitation versus usual care in inoperable lung cancer.MethodsA parallel-group, assessor-blinded, allocation-concealed, randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were allocated (1:1) to usual care (UC) plus 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance exercise with behaviour change strategies and symptom support (intervention group (IG)) or UC alone. Assessments occurred at baseline, 9 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome, change in between-group 6 min walk distance (6MWD), was analysed using intention-to-treat (ITT). Subsequent analyses involved modified ITT (mITT) and included participants with at least one follow-up outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included HRQoL and symptoms.ResultsNinety-two participants were recruited. Characteristics of participants (UC=47, IG=45): mean (SD) age 64 (12) years; men 55%; disease stage n (%) III=35 (38) and IV=48 (52); radical treatment 46%. There were no significant between-group differences for the 6MWD (n=92) at 9 weeks (p=0.308) or 6 months (p=0.979). The mITT analyses of 6MWD between-group differences were again non-significant (mean difference (95% CI): 9 weeks: −25.4 m (−64.0 to 13.3), p=0.198 and 6 months: 41.3 m (−26.7 to 109.4), p=0.232). Significant 6-month differences, favouring the IG, were found for HRQoL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung: 13.0 (3.9 to 22.1), p=0.005) and symptom severity (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–Lung Cancer: −2.2 (−3.6 to –0.9), p=0.001).ConclusionsHome-based rehabilitation did not improve functional exercise capacity but there were improvements in patient-reported exploratory secondary outcomes measures observed at 6 months.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614001268639).

scholarly journals Doctor Referral of Overweight People to Low Energy total diet replacement Treatment (DROPLET): pragmatic randomised controlled trial

BMJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. k3760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerys M Astbury ◽  
Paul Aveyard ◽  
Alecia Nickless ◽  
Kathryn Hood ◽  
Kate Corfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Usual Care Group ◽  
Practice Nurse ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Metabolic Risk ◽  
Behavioural Support ◽  
Total Diet ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Objective To test the effectiveness and safety of a total diet replacement (TDR) programme for routine treatment of obesity in a primary care setting. Design Pragmatic, two arm, parallel group, open label, individually randomised controlled trial. Setting 10 primary care practices in Oxfordshire, UK. Participants 278 adults who were obese and seeking support to lose weight: 138 were assigned to the TDR programme and 140 to usual care. 73% of participants were re-measured at 12 months. Interventions The TDR programme comprised weekly behavioural support for 12 weeks and monthly support for three months, with formula food products providing 810 kcal/day (3389 kJ/day) as the sole food during the first eight weeks followed by reintroduction of food. Usual care comprised behavioural support for weight loss from a practice nurse and a diet programme with modest energy restriction. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was weight change at 12 months analysed as intention to treat with mixed effects models. Secondary outcomes included biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Adverse events were recorded. Results Participants in the TDR group lost more weight (−10.7 kg) than those in the usual care group (−3.1 kg): adjusted mean difference −7.2 kg (95% confidence interval −9.4 to −4.9 kg). 45% of participants in the TDR group and 15% in the usual care group experienced weight losses of 10% or more. The TDR group showed greater improvements in biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than the usual care group. 11% of participants in the TDR group and 12% in the usual care group experienced adverse events of moderate or greater severity. Conclusions Compared with regular weight loss support from a practice nurse, a programme of weekly behavioural support and total diet replacement providing 810 kcal/day seems to be tolerable, and leads to substantially greater weight loss and greater improvements in the risk of cardiometabolic disease. Trial registration International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials No ISRCTN75092026 .

scholarly journals Home-based exercise for people living with frailty and chronic kidney disease: A mixed-methods pilot randomised controlled trial

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0251652
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Nixon ◽  
Theodoros M. Bampouras ◽  
Helen J. Gooch ◽  
Hannah M. L. Young ◽  
Kenneth W. Finlayson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Pilot Rct ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background Frailty is associated with adverse health outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Evidence supporting targeted interventions is needed. This pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to inform the design of a definitive RCT evaluating the effectiveness of a home-based exercise intervention for pre-frail and frail older adults with CKD. Methods Participants were recruited from nephrology outpatient clinics to this two-arm parallel group mixed-methods pilot RCT. Inclusion criteria were: ≥65 years old; CKD G3b-5; and Clinical Frailty Scale score ≥4. Participants categorised as pre-frail or frail using the Frailty Phenotype were randomised to a 12-week progressive multi-component home-based exercise programme or usual care. Primary outcome measures included eligibility, recruitment, adherence, outcome measure completion and participant attrition rate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to explore trial and intervention acceptability. Results Six hundred and sixty-five patients had an eligibility assessment with 217 (33%; 95% CI 29, 36) eligible. Thirty-five (16%; 95% CI 12, 22) participants were recruited. Six were categorised as robust and withdrawn prior to randomisation. Fifteen participants were randomised to exercise and 14 to usual care. Eleven (73%; 95% CI 45, 91) participants completed ≥2 exercise sessions/week. Retained participants completed all outcome measures (n = 21; 100%; 95% CI 81, 100). Eight (28%; 95% CI 13, 47) participants were withdrawn. Fifteen participated in interviews. Decision to participate/withdraw was influenced by perceived risk of exercise worsening symptoms. Participant perceived benefits included improved fitness, balance, strength, well-being, energy levels and confidence. Conclusions This pilot RCT demonstrates that progression to definitive RCT is possible provided recruitment and retention challenges are addressed. It has also provided preliminary evidence that home-based exercise may be beneficial for people living with frailty and CKD. Trial registration ISRCTN87708989; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

scholarly journals Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation early after hospitalisation in COPD (early HomeBase): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001107
Author(s):  
Narelle S Cox ◽  
Aroub Lahham ◽  
Christine F McDonald ◽  
Ajay Mahal ◽  
Paul O'Halloran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by exacerbations of respiratory disease, frequently requiring hospital admission. Pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce the likelihood of future hospitalisation, but programme uptake is poor. This study aims to compare hospital readmission rates, clinical outcomes and costs between people with COPD who undertake a home-based programme of pulmonary rehabilitation commenced early (within 2 weeks) of hospital discharge with usual care.MethodsA multisite randomised controlled trial, powered for superiority, will be conducted in Australia. Eligible patients admitted to one of the participating sites for an exacerbation of COPD will be invited to participate. Participants will be randomised 1:1. Intervention group participants will undertake an 8-week programme of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation commencing within 2 weeks of hospital discharge. Control group participants will receive usual care and a weekly phone call for attention control. Outcomes will be measured by a blinded assessor at baseline, after the intervention (week 9–10 posthospital discharge), and at 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is hospital readmission at 12 months follow-up.Ethics and disseminationHuman Research Ethics approval for all sites provided by Alfred Health (Project 51216). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and lay publications.Trial registration numberACTRN12619001122145.

scholarly journals Effect of PEP flute self-care versus usual care in early covid-19: non-drug, open label, randomised controlled trial in a Danish community setting

BMJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. e066952
Author(s):  
Annette Mollerup ◽  
Marius Henriksen ◽  
Sofus Christian Larsen ◽  
Anita Selmer Bennetzen ◽  
Mette Kildevæld Simonsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Objective To determine whether positive expiratory pressure (PEP) by PEP flute self-care is effective in reducing respiratory symptoms among community dwelling adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection and early stage covid-19. Design Non-drug, open label, randomised controlled trial. Setting Capital Region and Region Zealand in Denmark from 6 October 2020 to 26 February 2021. Participants Community dwelling adults, able to perform self-care, with a new SARS-CoV-2 infection (verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests) and symptoms of covid-19. Intervention Participants were randomised to use PEP flute self-care in addition to usual care or have usual care only. Randomisation was based on permuted random blocks in a 1:1 ratio, stratified for sex and age (<60 or ≥60 years). The PEP self-care group was instructed to use a PEP flute three times per day during the 30 day intervention. Main outcome measures Primary outcome was a change in symptom severity from baseline to day 30, as assessed by the self-reported COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) assessment test (CAT), which was adjusted for baseline values and stratification factors. Participants completed the CAT test questionnaire every day online. Secondary outcomes were self-reported urgent care visits due to covid-19, number of covid-19 related symptoms, and change in self-rated health, all within 30-days’ follow-up. Results 378 participants were assigned to the PEP flute self-care intervention (n=190) or usual care only (n=188). In the PEP self-care group, the median number of days with PEP flute use was 21 days (interquartile range 13-25). For the intention-to-treat population, a group difference was observed in changes from baseline in CAT scores of −1.2 points (95% confidence interval −2.1 to −0.2; P=0.017) in favour of the PEP flute self-care group. At day 30, the PEP flute self-care group also reported less chest tightness, less dyspnoea, more vigour, and higher level of daily activities, but these differences were small, and no consistent effects were seen on the secondary outcomes. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions In community dwelling adults with early covid-19, PEP flute self-care had a significant, yet marginal and uncertain clinical effect on respiratory symptom severity, as measured by CAT scores. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04530435 .

Can exercise influence survival following breast cancer: Results from a randomised, controlled trial.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10067-10067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Christine Hayes ◽  
Megan Steele ◽  
Rosa Spence ◽  
Christopher Pyke ◽  
Christobel Saunders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Usual Care Group ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Disease Free

10067 Background: Exercise for Health was a randomised, controlled trial designed to evaluate an 8-month translational exercise intervention, commencing 6-weeks post-surgery for newly diagnosed breast cancer. Outcomes for this follow-up exploratory analysis were overall- and disease-free survival. Methods: Consenting urban-based women (n = 194) were randomized to one of two exercise groups (intervention delivered either face-to-face or over the telephone) or a usual care group, while consenting rural/regional women (n = 143) were randomised to either the telephone-delivered exercise group or usual care group. For the purposes of these analyses, exercise groups and usual care groups were combined (exercise group, n = 207; usual care group, n = 130). Analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis and trials were registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12606000233527; 12609000809235). Results: Participant disease and treatment characteristics were similar to the wider breast cancer population in Queensland, Australia, and 42% of the sample resided in rural or regional areas. After a median follow-up of 101 months, there were 15/130 (11.5%) survival events in the usual care group, compared with 11/207 (5.3%) events in the exercise group. Disease-free events for the usual care versus exercise group were 23/130 (17.7%) and 25/207 (12.1%), respectively. The corresponding unadjusted hazard ratio for the exercise group for overall survival was 0.45 (95% CI = 0.21-0.97; p = 0.037), and for disease-free survival was 0.66 (95% CI = 0.38-1.17; p = 0.155). Conclusions: Epidemiological evidence consistently shows a positive relationship between physical activity and survival post-breast cancer, but is unable to establish causality. These exploratory findings suggest that an exercise intervention delivered during and beyond conventional treatment for breast cancer and that was designed to cater for all women, irrespective of place of residence and access to medical services, has clear potential to influence survival. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12606000233527; 12609000809235.

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