scholarly journals Comparison of a metronome-guided prehospital medication infusion technique with standard calculation: a simulated randomized, controlled, cross-over study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel M. Galvagno ◽  
James Cloepin ◽  
Jeannie Hannas ◽  
Kurt S. Rubach ◽  
Andrew Naumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Standard Group ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Medication Dosage ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
Standard Calculation ◽  
Infusion Technique ◽  
Dosage Errors

Abstract Background Limited research regarding administration of timed medication infusions in the prehospital environment has identified wide variability with accuracy, timing, and overall feasibility. This study was a quality improvement project that utilized a randomized, controlled, crossover study design to compare two different educational techniques for medication infusion administration. We hypothesized that the use of a metronome-based technique would decrease medication dosage errors and reduce time to administration for intravenous medication infusions. Methods Forty-two nationally registered paramedics were randomized to either a metronome-based technique versus a standard stopwatch-based technique. Each subject served as a control. Subjects were asked to establish an infusion of amiodarone at a dose of 150 mg administered over 10 min, simulating treatment of a hemodynamically stable patient with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Descriptive statistics and a repeated measures mixed linear regression model were used for data analysis. Results When compared to a standard stopwatch-based technique, a metronome-based technique was associated with faster time to goal (median 34 s [IQR, 22–54] vs 50 s; [IQR 38–61 s], P = 0.006) and fewer mid-infusion adjustments. Ease of use was reported to be significantly higher for the metronome group (median ranking 5, IQR 4–5) compared to the standard group (median ranking 2, IQR 2–3; P < 0.001). Conclusions Knowledge regarding a metronome technique may help EMS clinicians provide safe and effective IV infusions. Such a technique may be beneficial for learners and educators alike.

scholarly journals Comparison of a Metronome-guided Prehospital Medication Infusion Technique with Manual Calculation: A Simulated Randomized, Controlled, Cross-over Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Galvagno ◽  
James Cloepin ◽  
Jeannie Hannas ◽  
Kurt Rubach ◽  
Andrew Naumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Stable Patient ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Medication Delivery ◽  
Medication Dosage ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
Infusion Technique ◽  
Manual Calculation ◽  
Dosage Errors ◽  
Intravenous Medication

Abstract BackgroundLimited research regarding administration of timed medication infusions in the prehospital environment has identified wide variability with accuracy, timing, and overall feasibility. This study was a pragmatic, randomized, controlled, crossover study comparing two different techniques for medication infusion administration. We hypothesized that the use of a metronome-based technique would decrease medication dosage errors and reduce time to administration for intravenous medication infusions. Methods Forty-two nationally registered paramedics were randomized to either a metronome-based technique versus a standard stopwatch-based technique. Each subject served as a control. Subjects were asked to establish an infusion of amiodarone at a dose of 150 mg administered over 10 minutes, simulating treatment of a hemodynamically stable patient with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results When compared to a standard stopwatch-based technique, a metronome-based technique was associated with faster time to goal, fewer mid-infusion adjustments, and greater ease of use. Conclusions Use of a metronome technique for establishing medication infusion rates may help prehospital clinicians provide safer and more precise medication delivery.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-Pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Female Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1528
Author(s):  
Héctor Guerrero-Tapia ◽  
Rodrigo Martín-Baeza ◽  
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
Experimental Group

Background. Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may be the origin of lower limb injuries, such as adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial over 8 weeks, 25 female footballers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and after a 4-week follow-up period. The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbar-pelvic stability and adductor strength. Results: After the intervention, there was an increase in lumbo-pelvic stability in both groups, being greater in the control group than in the experimental group (mean differences [MD]: 4.84 vs. MD: 9.58; p < 0.01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p < 0.001), but not in group interaction (p = 0.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: −2.48; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −1.48; p < 0.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: −1.68; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −2.05; p < 0.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p < 0.001) and right (p < 0.001) adductor strength. Conclusions: An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength, while improvements in both variables are maintained at four weeks follow-up.

scholarly journals Boxing vs Sensory Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 154596832110231
Author(s):  
Kishoree Sangarapillai ◽  
Benjamin M. Norman ◽  
Quincy J. Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Motor Symptoms ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Double Blinded

Background. Exercise is increasingly becoming recognized as an important adjunct to medications in the clinical management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Boxing and sensory exercise have shown immediate benefits, but whether they continue beyond program completion is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of boxing and sensory training on motor symptoms of PD, and whether these benefits remain upon completion of the intervention. Methods. In this 20-week double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 40 participants with idiopathic PD were randomized into 2 treatment groups, (n = 20) boxing or (n = 20) sensory exercise. Participants completed 10 weeks of intervention. Motor symptoms were assessed at (week 0, 10, and 20) using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted. Results. A significant interaction effect between groups and time were observed F(1, 39) = 4.566, P = .036, where the sensory group improved in comparison to the boxing group. Post hoc analysis revealed that in comparison to boxing, the effects of exercise did not wear off at washout (week 20) P < .006. Conclusion. Future rehabilitation research should incorporate similar measures to explore whether effects of exercise wear off post intervention.

scholarly journals Interest of a standardized hypnotic message for the reduction of pain and anxiety in cancer patients treated by capsaicin patch for neuropathic pain: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rémi Etienne ◽  
Myriam Laurent ◽  
Aline Henry ◽  
Antoine Bioy ◽  
Julia Salleron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Standard Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Numerical Rating ◽  
Reduction Of Pain ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous painful symptoms. Medical therapies include the use of a capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza®, Grünenthal Gmbh, Germany), and patients may experience a sharp burning sensation at application and removal of the patch. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of playing a standardized hypnosis recording during application, on the pain and anxiety induced by capsaicin treatment. Methods In a randomized, controlled trial, we assessed the benefits of the intervention firstly on pain and secondly on anxiety, as measured using numerical rating scales. All patients had application of the capsaicin patch, including the possibility for the patient to apply a cold patch. Participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, namely the “Standard group” (no intervention), “Hypnosis group”, in which a standardized hypnotic message was played during application, or the “Music group” in which relaxing music was played during application of the patch. Results Sixty-nine patients were included. Overall, there was no significant difference in pain scores between groups (p = 0.355). Compared to standard application, anxiety was significantly lower in the hypnosis group after application (p = 0.007), with no significant difference between the standard and music arms (p = 0.271), or between the hypnosis and music arms (p = 0.423). Conclusions Listening to a standardized hypnotic message during application of a capsaicin patch was found to significantly lower anxiety. These findings indicate that the use of a hypnotic message can reduce discomfort and warrant its evaluation in other indications of pain or anxiety during treatment procedures. Trial registration NCT02822625.

The Effects of Receiver Placement on Probe Microphone, Performance, and Subjective Measures with Open Canal Hearing Instruments

2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (04) ◽  
pp. 249-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynzee N. Alworth ◽  
Patrick N. Plyler ◽  
Monika Bertges Reber ◽  
Patti M. Johnstone
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Subjective Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Hearing Instruments ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Occlusion Effect

Background: Open canal hearing instruments differ in method of sound delivery to the ear canal, distance between the microphone and the receiver, and physical size of the devices. Moreover, RITA (receiver in the aid) and RITE (receiver in the ear) hearing instruments may also differ in terms of retention and comfort as well as ease of use and care for certain individuals. What remains unclear, however, is if any or all of the abovementioned factors contribute to hearing aid outcome. Purpose: To determine the effect of receiver location on performance and/or preference of listeners using open canal hearing instruments. Research Design: An experimental study in which subjects were exposed to a repeated measures design. Study Sample: Twenty-five adult listeners with mild sloping to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss (mean age 67 yr). Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed two six-week trial periods for each device type. Probe microphone, objective, and subjective measures (quiet, noise) were conducted unaided and aided at the end of each trial period. Results: Occlusion effect results were not significantly different between the RITA and RITE instruments; however, frequency range was extended in the RITE instruments, resulting in significantly greater maximum gain for the RITE instruments than the RITA instruments at 4000 and 6000 Hz. Objective performance in quiet or in noise was unaffected by receiver location. Subjective measures revealed significantly greater satisfaction ratings for the RITE than for the RITA instruments. Similarly, preference in quiet and overall preference were significantly greater for the RITE than for the RITA instruments. Conclusions: Although no occlusion differences were noted between instruments, the RITE did demonstrate a significant difference in reserve gain before feedback at 4000 and 6000 Hz. Objectively; no positive benefit was noted between unaided and aided conditions on speech recognition tests. These results suggest that such testing may not be sensitive enough to determine aided benefit with open canal instruments. However, the subjective measures (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit [APHAB] and subjective ratings) did indicate aided benefit for both instruments when compared to unaided. This further suggests the clinical importance of subjective measures as a way to measure aided benefit of open-fit devices.

Effects of Calisthenics and Pilates Exercises on Coordination and Proprioception in Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derya Ozer Kaya ◽  
Irem Duzgun ◽  
Gul Baltaci ◽  
Selma Karacan ◽  
Filiz Colakoglu
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Closed Kinetic Chain

Objective:To assess and compare the effects of 6 mo of Pilates and calisthenics on multijoint coordination and proprioception of the lower limbs at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Design:Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, repeated-measures.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants and Intervention:Healthy, sedentary, female participants age 25–50 y were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: a calisthenic exercise group (n = 34, mean age ± SD 40 ± 8 y, body-mass index [BMI] 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), a Pilates exercise group (n = 32, mean age ± SD 37 ± 8 y, BMI 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), and a control group (n = 41, mean age ± SD 41 ± 7 y, BMI 27.09 ± 4.77 kg/m2). The calisthenics and Pilates groups underwent related training programs for 6 mo, while the controls had no specific training.Main Outcome Measures:Coordination and proprioception of the lower extremities with concentric and eccentric performances in the closed kinetic chain assessed with the monitored rehab functional squat system at baseline and at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Results:For the within-group comparison, coordinative concentric and eccentric deviation values were significantly decreased for both dominant and nondominant lower limbs at pretraining and at the 3rd and 6th mo posttraining in the calisthenics group (P < .05). In contrast, there was no improvement in the Pilates group throughout the training. However, for comparisons between groups, the baseline values of coordinative concentric and eccentric deviations were different in the calisthenics group than in Pilates and the controls (P < .05). There were no differences in the proprioception values of either visible or nonvisible movement in any group throughout the training (P > .05).Conclusions:It seems that calisthenic exercises are more likely to improve coordination of the lower extremity after 3 and 6 mo of training than Pilates exercises. Calisthenic exercises may be useful for individuals who require improved coordination.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Patient Acceptance and Safety of a Prefilled Insulin Injection Device

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 1439-1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kroon
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Injection ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Patient Acceptance ◽  
Delivery Device ◽  
Injection Device ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Clinical Advantage ◽  
Injection Force

This article summarizes and interprets the findings of Carter and colleagues in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, a study of the real world use of a prefilled insulin pen device. In this observational study, people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes rated their experience with the SoloSTAR pen device after 6–10 weeks of use. Data on patient satisfaction, product technical complaints, and adverse effects were reported. Randomized, controlled trials are needed that compare the various pen devices and the vial/syringe in terms of accuracy of dosing, adherence to therapy, and ease of use (including patient perception of injection force required) to assess whether a particular method of insulin delivery or pen delivery device provides a clinical advantage over another.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of a Smartphone Application on Modifying the Intakes of Macro and Micronutrients in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The EVIDENT II Study

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Recio-Rodriguez ◽  
Cristina Agudo Conde ◽  
Maria Calvo-Aponte ◽  
Natividad Gonzalez-Viejo ◽  
Carmen Fernandez-Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Saturated Fats ◽  
Counseling Group

Background: This study evaluates the effectiveness of adding a diet smartphone application to standard counseling to modify dietary composition over the long term (12 months). Methods: A randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial was conducted involving the participation of 833 subjects from primary care clinics (415 to the intervention (counseling + application) group (IG) and 418 to the control (counseling) group (CG)). Both groups were counseled about a healthy diet and physical activity. For the 3-month intervention period, the IG was also trained to use a diet smartphone application that involved dietary self-monitoring and tailored feedback. Nutritional composition was estimated using a self-reported food frequency questionnaire. Results: An analysis of repeated measures revealed an interaction between the group and the percentages of carbohydrates (p = 0.031), fats (p = 0.015) and saturated fats (p = 0.035) consumed. Both groups decreased their energy intake (Kcal) at 12 months (IG: −114 (95% CI: −191 to −36); CG: −108 (95% CI: −184 to −31)). The IG reported a higher percentage intake of carbohydrates (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.1 to 2.0), and lower percentage intakes of fats (−1.0%; 95% CI: −1.9 to −0.1) and saturated fats (−0.4%; 95%CI: −0.8 to −0.1) when compared to the CG. Conclusions: Better results were achieved in terms of modifying usual diet composition from counseling and the diet smartphone application compared to counseling alone. This was evaluated by a self-reported questionnaire, which indicated an increased percentage intake of carbohydrates, and decreased percentage intakes of fats and saturated fats.

scholarly journals Pharmacological Management of Chronic Neuropathic Pain – Consensus Statement and Guidelines from the Canadian Pain Society

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
DE Moulin ◽  
AJ Clark ◽  
I Gilron ◽  
MA Ware ◽  
CPN Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Analgesic Efficacy ◽  
Opioid Analgesics ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Analgesic Agents ◽  
Third Line

Neuropathic pain (NeP), generated by disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system, can be particularly severe and disabling. Prevalence estimates indicate that 2% to 3% of the population in the developed world suffer from NeP, which suggests that up to one million Canadians have this disabling condition. Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of NeP are therefore urgently needed. Randomized, controlled trials, systematic reviews and existing guidelines focusing on the pharmacological management of NeP were evaluated at a consensus meeting. Medications are recommended in the guidelines if their analgesic efficacy was supported by at least one methodologically sound, randomized, controlled trial showing significant benefit relative to placebo or another relevant control group. Recommendations for treatment are based on degree of evidence of analgesic efficacy, safety, ease of use and cost-effectiveness. Analgesic agents recommended for first-line treatments are certain antidepressants (tricyclics) and anticonvulsants (gabapentin and pregabalin). Second-line treatments recommended are serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and topical lidocaine. Tramadol and controlled-release opioid analgesics are recommended as third-line treatments for moderate to severe pain. Recommended fourth-line treatments include cannabinoids, methadone and anticonvulsants with lesser evidence of efficacy, such as lamotrigine, topiramate and valproic acid. Treatment must be individualized for each patient based on efficacy, side-effect profile and drug accessibility, including cost. Further studies are required to examine head-to-head comparisons among analgesics, combinations of analgesics, long-term outcomes, and treatment of pediatric and central NeP.

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