Effects of a web-based rehabilitation aftercare on subjective health, work ability and motivation: a partially randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Rehabilitation is seen as crucial in dealing with the demographic change in many European countries. In Germany, for example, after having stayed in a rehabilitation center, patients have the possibility to participate in aftercare programs aimed at promoting long-term health behaviour. Despite the relevance of follow-up support for patients’ long-term health and work ability, participation rates in aftercare programs are quite low. Here, web-based aftercare programs can be a viable alternative to the traditional face-to-face programs due to their flexibility in time and location. This research project aims to use quantitative and qualitative methods to gain more insight into the potential of web-based aftercare programs. Methods The goal is to recruit up to 1150 patients at baseline in five rehabilitation centers across Germany. For ethical reasons, partially randomized experimental study design is used to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of web-based aftercare programs. All patients are offered the traditional face-to-face aftercare treatment (IRENA). When patients deny to participate in traditional face-to-face aftercare, they are randomly distributed into either web-based aftercare (digIRENA) or a control group. In all three groups, the SF-12, which measures subjective health, and the WAI, which measures working ability, will be used at baseline, 13 weeks, 26 weeks and 43 weeks after the patients have left the rehabilitation center. BREQ-2, which measures motivation, is used only in the traditional aftercare group and the web-based aftercare group. A multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measurement and latent growth curve models will be used to compare the development of the variables in the three groups. For the qualitative part of the study, interviews with patients and therapists will be conducted to shed light on the applicability, acceptance, and usability of web-based aftercare programs. Discussion This study may provide valuable insight into the potential of web-based rehabilitation aftercare programs as a way to supplement traditional face-to-face programs. This seems particularly promising if it can manage to reach those patients who do not currently participate in traditional face-to-face rehabilitation aftercare programs due to time and location constraints. Trial registration The trial has been registered at the German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS) with the registration number: DRKS00022467.

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The Effectiveness of Scaffolding in a Web-Based, Adaptive Learning System

Web Technologies ◽

10.4018/978-1-60566-982-3.ch022 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 379-393

Author(s):

Mei-Yu Chang ◽

Wernhuar Tarng ◽

Fu-Yu Shin

Keyword(s):

Adaptive Learning ◽

Learning System ◽

Control Group ◽

School Students ◽

Web Based ◽

Face To Face ◽

Adaptive Learning System ◽

Group B ◽

Experimental Group ◽

The Web

This study combined ideas from learning hierarchy and scaffolding theory to design a webbased, adaptive learning system to investigate the effectiveness of scaffolding for elementary school students having different levels of learning achievement. The topic chosen for learning was the Three States of Water. A quasi-experiment was conducted. In this experiment, students were divided into three groups: control group (without scaffolds), experimental group A (scaffolds providing by on-line conversation) and experimental group B (scaffolds providing by face-to-face conversation). The experimental results showed significant improvement for students after they had studied using the web-based, adaptive learning system. Specifically, scaffolds in the form of face-to-face conversations greatly enhanced the learning of high-achievement students. However, there were no significant differences between the low-achievement students with or without the provision of scaffolds. It was also discovered that the web-based, adaptive learning system could help students develop their learning responsibility.

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Teaching Statistics and Operations Research Online

Cases on Successful E-Learning Practices in the Developed and Developing World ◽

10.4018/978-1-60566-942-7.ch020 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 298-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

A. Juan ◽

J. Faulin ◽

P. Fonseca ◽

C. Steegmann ◽

L. Pla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Operations Research ◽

Online Teaching ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Online Courses ◽

Web Based ◽

Face To Face ◽

Face To Face Instruction ◽

Based Instruction

This chapter presents a case study of online teaching in Statistics and Operations Research (OR) at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC). UOC is a purely online university with headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, with students from many countries. As common to most math-related knowledge areas, teaching and learning Statistics and OR present difficult challenges in traditional higher education. These issues are exacerbated in online environments where face-to-face interactions between students and instructors as well as among students themselves are limited or non-existent. Despite these difficulties, as evidenced in the global growth of online course offerings, Web-based instruction offers comparative benefits to traditional face-to-face instruction. While there exists a plethora of literature covering experiences and best practices in traditional face-to-face instruction in mathematics, there is a lack of research describing long-term successful experiences in Statistics and OR online courses. Based on the authors’ experiences during the last decade, this chapter aims to share some insights on how to design and develop successful online courses in these knowledge areas.

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Randomised controlled trial and economic analysis of an internet-based weight management programme: POWeR+ (Positive Online Weight Reduction)

Health Technology Assessment ◽

10.3310/hta21040 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 1-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Paul Little ◽

Beth Stuart ◽

FD Richard Hobbs ◽

Jo Kelly ◽

Emily R Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Weight Reduction ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Health Technology ◽

Control Group ◽

Random Numbers ◽

Web Based ◽

Face To Face

BackgroundBehavioural counselling with intensive follow-up for obesity is effective, but in resource-constrained primary care settings briefer approaches are needed.ObjectivesTo estimate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an internet-based behavioural intervention with regular face-to-face or remote support in primary care, compared with brief advice.DesignIndividually randomised three-arm parallel trial with health economic evaluation and nested qualitative interviews.SettingPrimary care general practices in the UK.ParticipantsPatients with a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m2(or ≥ 28 kg/m2with risk factors) identified from general practice records, recruited by postal invitation.InterventionsPositive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR+) is a 24-session, web-based weight management intervention completed over 6 months. Following online registration, the website randomly allocated participants using computer-generated random numbers to (1) the control intervention (n = 279), which had previously been demonstrated to be clinically effective (brief web-based information that minimised pressure to cut down foods, instead encouraging swaps to healthier choices and increasing fruit and vegetables, plus 6-monthly nurse weighing); (2) POWeR+F (n = 269), POWeR+ supplemented by face-to-face nurse support (up to seven contacts); or (3) POWeR+R (n = 270), POWeR+ supplemented by remote nurse support (up to five e-mails or brief telephone calls).Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was a modelled estimate of average weight reduction over 12 months, assessed blind to group where possible, using multiple imputation for missing data. The secondary outcome was the number of participants maintaining a 5% weight reduction at 12 months.ResultsA total of 818 eligible individuals were randomised using computer-generated random numbers. Weight change, averaged over 12 months, was documented in 666 out of 818 participants (81%; control,n = 227; POWeR+F,n = 221; POWeR+R,n = 218). The control group maintained nearly 3 kg of weight loss per person (mean weight per person: baseline, 104.4 kg; 6 months, 101.9 kg; 12 months, 101.7 kg). Compared with the control group, the estimated additional weight reduction with POWeR+F was 1.5 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6 to 2.4 kg;p = 0.001] and with POWeR+R was 1.3 kg (95% CI 0.34 to 2.2 kg;p = 0.007). By 12 months the mean weight loss was not statistically significantly different between groups, but 20.8% of control participants, 29.2% of POWeR+F participants (risk ratio 1.56, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.51;p = 0.070) and 32.4% of POWeR+R participants (risk ratio 1.82, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.74;p = 0.004) maintained a clinically significant 5% weight reduction. The POWeR+R group had fewer individuals who reported doing another activity to help lose weight [control, 47.1% (64/136); POWeR+F, 37.2% (51/137); POWeR+R, 26.7% (40/150)]. The incremental cost to the health service per kilogram weight lost, compared with the control group, was £18 (95% CI –£129 to £195) for POWeR+F and –£25 (95% CI –£268 to £157) for POWeR+R. The probability of being cost-effective at a threshold of £100 per kilogram was 88% and 98% for POWeR+F and POWeR+R, respectively. POWeR+R was dominant compared with the control group. No harms were reported and participants using POWeR+ felt more enabled in managing their weight. The qualitative studies documented that POWeR+ was viewed positively by patients and that health-care professionals generally enjoyed supporting patients using POWeR+.Study limitationsMaintenance of weight loss after 1 year is unknown.Future workIdentifying strategies for longer-term engagement, impact in community settings and increasing physical activity.ConclusionClinically valuable weight loss (> 5%) is maintained in 20% of individuals using novel written materials with brief follow-up. A web-based behavioural programme and brief support results in greater mean weight loss and 10% more participants maintain valuable weight loss; it achieves greater enablement and fewer participants undertaking other weight-loss activities; and it is likely to be cost-effective.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN21244703.FundingThis project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full inHealth Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 4. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

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Health literacy promotion among young adults: a web-based intervention in German vocational schools

Health Education Research ◽

10.1093/her/cyaa001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 87-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gerrit Stassen ◽

Christopher Grieben ◽

Odile Sauzet ◽

Ingo Frob�se ◽

Andrea Schaller

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Vocational Schools ◽

Control Group ◽

Ageing Population ◽

Educational Settings ◽

Web Based ◽

Face To Face ◽

Societal Relevance

Abstract Against the background of an ageing population, the target group of young adults holds strong societal relevance as the future workforce. At the same time, young adults find themselves in a critical phase of life regarding the manifestation of a healthy lifestyle. In this context, young adults’ health literacy gains importance. Web-based interventions implemented in educational settings offer the potential for promoting health literacy, although longitudinal studies remain scarce. Within a pre–post cluster randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up, this study investigated whether an 8-week web-based intervention in vocational schools (with or without an additional initial face-to-face measure) improves individual competencies within a structural model of health literacy (‘self-perception’, ‘proactive approach to health’, ‘dealing with health information’, ‘self-control’, ‘self-regulation’ and ‘communication and cooperation’). The control condition was regular school lessons following the curriculum only. A multi-level regression analysis was performed using the control group as reference. None of the interventions showed a significant improvement in any of the dimensions. Significant differences between the intervention and control were obtained for some dimensions, albeit showing reductions. Future research must examine how to build impactful health literacy promotion in educational settings. Investigations into linking digital and face-to-face measures should continue.

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The Effectiveness of Scaffolding in a Web-Based, Adaptive Learning System

Dynamic Advancements in Teaching and Learning Based Technologies ◽

10.4018/978-1-60960-153-9.ch001 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Mei-Yu Chang ◽

Wernhuar Tarng ◽

Fu-Yu Shin

Keyword(s):

Adaptive Learning ◽

Learning System ◽

Control Group ◽

School Students ◽

Web Based ◽

Face To Face ◽

Adaptive Learning System ◽

Group B ◽

Experimental Group ◽

The Web

This study combined ideas from learning hierarchy and scaffolding theory to design a web-based, adaptive learning system to investigate the effectiveness of scaffolding for elementary school students having different levels of learning achievement. The topic chosen for learning was the Three States of Water. A quasi-experiment was conducted. In this experiment, students were divided into three groups: control group (without scaffolds), experimental group A (scaffolds providing by on-line conversation) and experimental group B (scaffolds providing by face-to-face conversation). The experimental results showed significant improvement for students after they had studied using the web-based, adaptive learning system. Specifically, scaffolds in the form of face-to-face conversations greatly enhanced the learning of high-achievement students. However, there were no significant differences between the low-achievement students with or without the provision of scaffolds. It was also discovered that the web-based, adaptive learning system could help students develop their learning responsibility.

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Greater Attendance at a Community Weight Loss Programme over the First 12 Weeks Predicts Weight Loss at 2 Years

Obesity Facts ◽

10.1159/000509131 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 349-360

Author(s):

Carmen Piernas ◽

Fiona MacLean ◽

Paul Aveyard ◽

Amy L. Ahern ◽

Jenny Woolston ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Linear Model ◽

Control Group ◽

Average Weight ◽

Face To Face ◽

Session Attendance ◽

Weight Loss Programme ◽

The Cost ◽

To Receive

Background: There is considerable heterogeneity in long-term weight loss among people referred to obesity treatment programmes. It is unclear whether attendance at face-to-face sessions in the early weeks of the programme is an independent predictor of long-term success. Objective: To investigate whether frequency of attendance at a community weight loss programme over the first 12 weeks is associated with long-term weight change. Methods: Participants were randomised to receive brief support only (control, n = 211), or a weight loss programme for 12 weeks (n = 530) or 52 weeks (n = 528). This study included participants with data on session attendance over the first 12 weeks (n = 889) compared to the control group. The association between attendance (continuously) and weight loss was explored using a linear model. A multi-level mixed-effects linear model was used to investigate whether attendance (categorised as 0, 1, 2–5, 6—9, and 10–12 sessions) was associated with weight loss at 3, 12, and 24 months compared to the control. Results: For every session attended in the first 12 weeks, the average weight loss was –0.259 kg/session at 24 months (p = 0.005). Analysis by attendance group found only those attending 10–12 sessions had significantly greater weight loss (–7.5 kg [95% CI –8.1 to –6.9] at 12 months; –4.7 kg [95% CI –5.3 to –4.1] at 24 months) compared to the control group (–3.4 [95% CI –4.5 to –2.4] at 12 months, –2.5 [95% CI –3.5 to –1.5] at 24 months). Early attendance was higher for people ≥70 years, but there was no evidence of a difference by gender, ethnicity, education, or income. Conclusions: Greater attendance at a community weight loss programme in the first 12 weeks is associated with enhanced weight loss up to 24 months. Regular attendance at a programme could be used as a criterion for continued provision of weight loss services to maximise the cost-effectiveness of interventions.

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Personalised nutrition advice delivered online or face-to-face is more effective at motivating healthier dietary choices than generalised advice in Kuwait

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665120000385 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

Balqees Alawadhi ◽

Rosalind Fallaize ◽

Rodrigo Zenun ◽

Faustina Hwang ◽

Julie Lovegrove

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Population Based ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Web Based ◽

Personalised Nutrition ◽

Face To Face ◽

The Impact

AbstractIntroductionThe adoption of poor dietary and lifestyle habits have been associated with the development of non-communicable disease. The majority of strategies implemented to enhance dietary quality of individuals follow a “one size fits all” standardised approach. Results of recent trials have suggested that Personalised Nutrition (PN), tailored to individual requirements, is able to improve dietary intakes, yet limited focus has been given to the effectiveness of face-to-face compared with online methods. The aim of the EatWellQ8 randomised control trial (RCT) was to assess the impact of web-based PN advice, face-to-face PN advice and standardised advice, on adherence to healthy eating in Kuwait.Materials and MethodsFree living adults aged 21–65 years, were recruited for the 12-week study and randomised to; face-to-face PN, web-based PN or generalised (control) advise groups. Dietary intake and self-reported anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) modified from the EPIC FFQ was used to assess food and nutrient intake. Diet quality was assessed by a 10-component modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (m-AHEI) which was used to generate the PN advice. At 0 and 12-weeks post FFQ completion, participants randomised to the PN intervention groups were presented with 3 tailored dietary messages based on the m-AHEI components that received the lowest scores.Results320 participants completed the trial. Due to over/underreporting, 100 were included in the analysis (71% female, 29% male) with a mean age of 38.6 years (SD 14.3), and body mass index (BMI) of 25.1 kg/m2 (SD 4.2). After 12-weeks intervention, m-AHEI scores increased significantly in both PN intervention groups (face-to-face PN 19%, web-based 12%) compared to controls (4%) (P < 0.01) and significantly higher intakes of vegetables and fruits, and lower intakes of sugars compared with controls (P < 0.05). The PN intervention groups also significantly increased their intakes of omega 3 fatty acids and total folate compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The Face-to-face PN group significantly reduced weight (-1.9 kg) and BMI (-0.5 kg/m2) compared to web-based PN and control groups(P < 0.01).DiscussionIn adults living in Kuwait, PN advice, delivered face-to-face or online, was more effective at improving dietary quality than population-based advice. Face-to-face PN was found to be more effective at inducing weight-loss in adults compared to web-based PN and population-based advice.

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Frequently Occurring Melodic Patterns are Easier to Recall

10.31219/osf.io/3rjzu ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

David John Baker

Keyword(s):

Long Term Memory ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Theoretical Frameworks ◽

Information Dynamics ◽

Memory Experiment ◽

Music Model ◽

Within Subjects ◽

Musical Patterns ◽

Insight Into

Melodic memory continues to present a paradox. Listeners excel at recognizing melodies once encoded in long term memory, but often struggle during encoding. In order to investigate this paradox, we employ a recall design to investigate melodic encoding. Here we report results from a forward, serial recall within-subjects melodic memory experiment (n = 39) using an expert population of musicians trained in moveable-do solfege in order to model melodic memory using music theoretic response categories. Compatible with theoretical frameworks predicting a processing facilitation advantage, more frequently occurring musical patterns are remembered more quickly and more accurately than less frequently occurring patterns. The evidence presented here is consistent with evidence suggesting that latent understanding of musical schemas can be modeled with musical corpora. Further, computationally derived measures related to information processing from both the Information Dynamics of Music model and FANTASTIC toolbox outperform models of melodic memory that only account for the length of the melody measured in number of notes. Results from this experiment demonstrate how expert populations can provide valuable insight into melodic memory and tonal cognition. The framework provided here also provides an empirical basis linking literature investigating melodic anticipation with melodic memory.

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Scientific Auditing Firms

10.31219/osf.io/qnd3p ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Gopal P. Sarma

Keyword(s):

Data Analytics ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Critical Role ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Time Period ◽

Mock Trial ◽

Heated Debate ◽

Short Time ◽

Insight Into

The “crisis of reproducibility” has been a significant source of controversy, heated debate, and calls for reform to institutional science in recent years. As a long-term solution to address both the present crisis and future obstacles, I propose the creation of a new form of research organization whose purpose would be to conduct random audits of the scientific literature. I suggest that data analytics of a digitized scientific corpus may play a critical role in allowing broadly educated scientists to identify linchpin results to investigate in further detail across all disciplines. I argue that a simple “mock” trial run of a simplified auditing firm consisting of several researchers over a short time period would provide valuable insight into the feasibility of this proposal.

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Long-term scopolamine treatment altered locomotor, exploratory and anxiety-like behaviours of albino rats

Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences ◽

10.1186/s43088-021-00187-8 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Asmaa K. Abdelghany ◽

Akram M. El-Kashlan ◽

Hosny H. Emeash ◽

Fatma Khalil

Keyword(s):

Treated Group ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Control Group ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Serotonin Level ◽

Behavioural Patterns ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Underlying Processes ◽

Insight Into

Abstract Background Animal models are used to provide an adequate investigation of brain-behaviour, physiological and path physiological relationships to give insight into human behaviour and the underlying processes of drugs affecting the nervous system. Scopolamine; SCO (alkaloid l-(2)-scopolamine [l-(2)-hyoscine]) has a competitive inhibitory effect on muscarinic receptors for acetylcholine. Thus, this study was designated to investigate the effect of long-term SCO treatment on locomotor, exploratory and anxiety-like behaviours of rats using open field test. Results The long-term SCO treatment induced a prominent increase in locomotion (hyperactivity) and exploratory behaviour of rats. In addition, anxiety-like behavioural patterns showed a non-significant difference in SCO treated compared to control. Serotonin level was significantly decreased in the scopolamine treated group in comparison with the control group. Conclusions Data suggested that long-term SCO treatment resulted in marked neurobehavioural alterations in a rat as an animal model.

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