Effects of rehabilitation training on an elderly population with mild to moderate hearing loss: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

Background: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a form of hearing loss in over 60-years-olds and has a negative impact on quality of life. Presbycusis is multifactorial and is predominately characterised with a loss of speech perception in noise. In the cochlea, auditory filters decompose broadband sound into a series of narrowband output signals, which contains two kinds of temporal information: slow changes in overall amplitude envelope (ENV) and faster variations in temporal fine structure (TFS). TFS is important for recognition of target speech in noise. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of TFS rehabilitation training in participants over the age of 60 years with mild to moderate hearing loss. Methods: A randomised clinical trial conducted on 30 participants with mild (loss of 20-39dB HL) to moderate (40-69dB HL) hearing loss, aged between 60 and 75 years old. Participants with conductive hearing loss, abnormal middle ear pathology and central nervous system disease were excluded. Participants were selected randomly to an intervention and control group with a 1:1 ratio. Rehabilitation for the intervention Group are 30-minute sessions three times a week for a total five weeks of vowel consonant vowel words that are used to eliminate ENV and keep only TFS. Word in noise test, binaural TFS test, and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale scores are performed at the beginning and end of study to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation training. Conclusion: Life expectancy in the elderly has improved, leading to an increased prevalence of age-related diseases including presbycusis. A literature review highlighted that TFS damage is permanent; however, in this study we will attempt to prove that TFS training may lead to speech in noise perception improvement. Trial registration: Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2019625044006N1 (7th August 2019).

Download Full-text

Effect of rehabilitation training on an elderly population with mild to moderate hearing loss: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.23332.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 582

Author(s):

Parisa Rasouli Fard ◽

Farnoush Jarollahi ◽

Seyyed Jalal Sameni ◽

Mohammad Kamali

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Rehabilitation Training ◽

Speech In Noise ◽

Age Related ◽

Moderate Hearing Loss

Background: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a form of hearing loss in over 60-year-olds and has a negative impact on quality of life. The pathophysiology of presbycusis is multifactorial and is predominately characterised with a loss of speech perception in noise. In the cochlea, auditory filters decompose broadband sound into a series of narrowband output signals, which contains two kinds of temporal information: slow changes in overall amplitude envelope (ENV) and faster variations in temporal fine structure (TFS). TFS is important for recognition of target speech in noise. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of TFS rehabilitation training in participants over the age of 60 years with mild to moderate hearing loss. Methods: A randomised clinical trial conduct on 30 participants with mild (loss of 20-39dB) to moderate (40-69dB) hearing loss, aged between 60 and 75 years old. Participants with conductive hearing loss, abnormal middle ear pathology and central nerve system disease were excluded. Participants were randomly selected to an intervention and control group with a 1:1 ratio. Rehabilitation for the intervention Group are 30-minute sessions three times a week for a total five weeks of vowel consonant vowel words that are used to eliminate ENV and keep only TFS. Word in noise test, binaural TFS test, and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale scores are performed at the beginning and end of study to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation training. Conclusion: Life expectancy in the elderly has improved, leading to an increased prevalence of age-related diseases including presbycusis. A literature review highlighted that TFS damage is permanent; however, in this study we will attempt to prove that TFS training may lead to speech in noise perception restored. Trial registration: Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2019625044006N1 (7th August 2019).

Download Full-text

Effect of rehabilitation training on an elderly population with mild to moderate hearing loss: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.23332.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 582

Author(s):

Parisa Rasouli Fard ◽

Farnoush Jarollahi ◽

Seyyed Jalal Sameni ◽

Mohammad Kamali

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Rehabilitation Training ◽

Speech In Noise ◽

Age Related ◽

Moderate Hearing Loss

Background: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a form of hearing loss in over 60-year-olds and has a negative impact on quality of life. The pathophysiology of presbycusis is multifactorial and is predominately characterised with a loss of speech perception in noise. In the cochlea, auditory filters decompose broadband sound into a series of narrowband output signals, which contains two kinds of temporal information: slow changes in overall amplitude envelope (ENV) and faster variations in temporal fine structure (TFS). TFS is important for recognition of target speech in noise. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of TFS rehabilitation training in participants over the age of 60 years with mild to moderate hearing loss. Methods: A randomised clinical trial will be conducted on 30 participants with mild (loss of 20-39dB) to moderate (40-69dB) hearing loss, aged between 60 and 75 years old. Participants with conductive hearing loss, abnormal middle ear pathology and central nerve system disease will be excluded. Participants will be randomly selected to an intervention and control group with a 1:1 ratio. Rehabilitation for the intervention group will be 30-minute sessions three times a week for a total five weeks of vowel consonant vowel words that are used to eliminate ENV and keep only TFS. Word in noise test, binaural TFS test, and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale scores will be performed at the beginning and end of study to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation training. Conclusion: Life expectancy in the elderly has improved, leading to an increased prevalence of age-related diseases including presbycusis. A literature review highlighted that TFS damage is permanent; however, in this study we will attempt to prove that TFS training may lead to speech in noise perception restored. Trial registration: Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2019625044006N1 (7th August 2019).

Download Full-text

Beneficial effects of pelvic floor muscle exercises on sexual function among postmenopausal women: a randomised clinical trial

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh17203 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 396 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Soheila Nazarpour ◽

Masoumeh Simbar ◽

Hamid Alavi Majd ◽

Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Sexual Function ◽

Pelvic Floor ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

General Information ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference

Background The adverse effects of menopause on sexual function could be mitigated by pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PFM exercises on sexual function in postmenopausal women. Methods: A randomised clinical trial was conducted among 97 Iranian postmenopausal women, aged 40 to 60 years. The participants’ baseline sexual functions were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. They were then randomly designated to two groups: (1) the intervention group, which received specific instructions on PFM exercises and was followed up on a weekly basis; and (2) the control group, which received general information on menopause. After 12 weeks, the sexual functions of the participants were reassessed. Results: No significant difference was initially observed between the two groups in terms of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and total scores of FSFI. After the intervention, however, the scores of arousal, orgasm and satisfaction were significantly higher in the intervention group (3.10, 4.36, and 4.84 vs 2.75, 3.89, and 4.36 respectively; P < 0.05). Conclusion: PFM exercises have the potential to improve the sexual function of postmenopausal women and are thus suggested to be included in healthcare packages designed for postmenopausal women.

Download Full-text

Effects of nutrition education on cardio-metabolic outcomes: A randomised clinical trial

Health Education Journal ◽

10.1177/0017896919887221 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 79 (4) ◽

pp. 458-470

Author(s):

Hildemar Dos Santos ◽

W Lawrence Beeson ◽

Gina Segovia-Siapco ◽

Brenda Koranda ◽

Tony Jehi

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Health Education ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

Metabolic Risk Factors ◽

Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Control Group ◽

Metabolic Risk

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Full Plate Diet (FPD) on the primary prevention of cardio-metabolic risk factors. Design: Randomised clinical trial. Setting: Drayson Center, Loma Linda University, CA, USA. Methods: Forty individuals were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the FPD health education for 10 weeks or to a control group not receiving this intervention. Comprehensive evaluations of clinical and anthropometric outcomes were conducted at baseline and at the end of intervention. To assess within-group changes and between-group differences, a general linear model was used. Results: Significant reductions in weight (−1.54 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.5, −.54) and total cholesterol (TC) (−11.7 mg/dL; 95% CI −21.4, −2) and non-significant reductions in means for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (−7.3 mg/dL, 95% CI −16, 1.5) and triglycerides (−18.7 mg/dL, 95% CI −46, 8.5) were observed in the intervention group after 10 weeks compared with baseline. These reductions were non-significantly higher in the intervention compared with the control group. There were no significant mean changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and haemoglobin A1c (A1c) in the intervention group after 10 weeks. Conclusion: A multi-component programme comprising 10 weeks of health education that emphasised the high intake of fibre failed to significantly reduce cardio-metabolic risk factors. It did show a downward trend in triglycerides, TC and body weight that may be of clinical importance suggesting that a future investigation with a longer intervention duration is needed.

Download Full-text

The Effect of Cyberspace-based Education on the Well-Being of Caregivers of Elderly People with Dementia

Current Aging Science ◽

10.2174/1874609814666210208180051 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

Author(s):

Yadollah Abolfathi Momtaz ◽

Parisa Mollaei ◽

Parisa Taheri-Tanjani

Keyword(s):

Elderly People ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Control Group ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Introduction: One of the consequences of aging is the prevalence of chronic and age-related diseases, such as dementia. Caring for patients with dementia has a negative impact on the caregiver's well-being. This study aimed to examine the impact of cyberspace-based education on the well-being of caregivers of demented elderly people. Methods: This experimental study was done on a sample of 86 caregivers of elderly with dementia in 2018. The study sample was selected from memory clinic of Taleghani Hospital and randomly assigned into groups (intervention n = 43, control n = 43 groups). The well-being was measured using the World Health Organization - Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), before and two months after the intervention. Cyberspace-based educational intervention was conducted for one month. The SPSS software version 23 was employed in data analysis. Results: The mean age of the caregivers in the intervention and control groups were (M = 51.95, SD = 10.90) and (M = 51.36, SD = 15.12) respectively. No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of age, gender and level of education. The results of analysis showed that while the well-being of the intervention group was significantly increased (t (38) = -11.38, P<0.001) the well-being in the control group was significantly reduced ( t(36) =4.71 , P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings showed that cyberspace-based education can improve the well-being of caregivers of the elderly with dementia.

Download Full-text

Effects of relaxation on depression levels in women with high-risk pregnancies: a randomised clinical trial

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/1518-8345.1249.2806 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Wanda Scherrer de Araújo ◽

Walckiria Garcia Romero ◽

Eliana Zandonade ◽

Maria Helena Costa Amorim

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

High Risk ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

Nursing Intervention ◽

Relaxation Technique ◽

Control Group ◽

Significance Level ◽

Symptoms Of Depression

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyse the effects of relaxation as a nursing intervention on the depression levels of hospitalised women with high-risk pregnancies. Methods: a randomised clinical trial realised in a reference centre for high-risk pregnancies. The sample consisted of 50 women with high-risk pregnancies (25 in the control group and 25 in the intervention group). The Benson relaxation technique was applied to the intervention group for five days. Control variables were collected using a predesigned form, and the signs and symptoms of depression were evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0, was used with a significance level of 5%. The Wilcoxon and paired t-tests were used to evaluate depression levels between two timepoints. Using categorical data, the McNemar test was used to analyse differences in depression severity before and after the intervention. Results: depression levels decreased in the intervention group five days after the relaxation technique was applied (4.5 ± 3, p<0.05) compared with the levels at the first timepoint (10.3±5.9). Conclusion: as a nursing intervention, relaxation was effective in decreasing the symptoms of depression in hospitalised women with high-risk pregnancies.

Download Full-text

Efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago Major Gel in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Current Drug Discovery Technologies ◽

10.2174/1570163815666180115093007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 223-231 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Younes Najafian ◽

Zahra M. Khorasani ◽

Mona N. Najafi ◽

Shokouh S. Hamedi ◽

Marjan Mahjour ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Diabetic Foot ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Aloe Vera ◽

Foot Ulcer ◽

Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽

Control Group ◽

Plantago Major ◽

Double Blind ◽

Significant Difference

Background:Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most common complications of diabetic patients. Mostly, non-healing DFU leads to infection, gangrene, amputation and even death. High costs and poor healing of the wounds need a new treatment such as alternative medicine. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago major gel (Plantavera gel) in healing of DFUMethods:Forty patients with DFU enrolled in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The patients who were randomly assigned into the intervention group (n = 20), received topical Plantavera gel in addition to the routine cares, whereas the patients in the control group (n = 20), received topical Placebo gel in addition to the routine cares. Intervention was done twice a day for 4 weeks in the both groups. Photography and an evaluation of DFU healing were conducted by a checklist and then were scored at baseline and at the end of each week. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS software.Results:At the end of the study, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of total ulcer score (P<0.001) and Plantavera gel significantly reduced the ulcer surface comparing with the control group (P=0.039). However, there was not a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.263) in terms of the ulcer depth. During this study, no side effect was observed for Plantavera gel in the intervention group.Conclusion:Topical Plantavera gel seems to be an effective, cheap and safe treatment. Of course, further studies are required to confirm the properties of the wound healing of this gel.

Download Full-text

Effect of “Spatially Separated Speech in Noise Training” on speech perception in noise in children with bimodal fitting

The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology ◽

10.1186/s43163-021-00130-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Younes Lotfi ◽

Mahdieh Hasanalifard ◽

Abdollah Moossavi ◽

Enayatollah Bakhshi ◽

Mohammad Ajalloueyan

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Auditory Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Interventional Study ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Speech Perception In Noise ◽

Speech In Noise ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Recognition Ability

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training on the ability of speech perception in noise among bimodal fitting users. The assumption was that the rehabilitation can enhance spatial hearing and hence speech in noise perception. This study was an interventional study, with a pre/post-design. Speech recognition ability was assessed with the specific tests. After performing the rehabilitation stages in the intervention group, the speech tests were again implemented, and by comparing the pre- and post-intervention data, the effect of auditory training on the speech abilities was assessed. Twenty-four children of 8–12 years who had undergone cochlear implantation and continuously used bimodal fitting were investigated in two groups of control and intervention. Results The results showed a significant difference between the groups in different speech tests after the intervention, which indicated that the intervention group have improved more than the control group. Conclusion It can be concluded that “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training can improve the speech perception in noise in bimodal fitting users. In general, this rehabilitation method is useful for enhancing the speech in noise perception ability.

Download Full-text

The effect of oat bran consumption on gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BMC Endocrine Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12902-021-00731-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Barati ◽

Mina Iravani ◽

Majid Karandish ◽

Mohammad Hosein Haghighizadeh ◽

Sara Masihi

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Standard Diet ◽

Oat Bran ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes is the most common medical complication in pregnancy, and it has many side effects for the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oat bran consumption on gestational diabetes. Methods This study is a randomized clinical trial that was performed on 112 women with gestational diabetes treated with diet. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 56. Participants in both groups were given a diet for gestational diabetes. In addition to the diet, the intervention group received 30 g of oat bran daily for 4 weeks at lunch and dinner. Tests of fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose were taken from both groups: before the intervention, and 2 and 4 weeks after the start of the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 22) using independent t-test, as well as Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean blood glucose before the intervention, while 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention, mean fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, the addition of oat bran to the standard diet for pregnant women with gestational diabetes reduced fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose. More detailed studies with higher sample sizes are recommended to prove the effectiveness of this valuable dietary supplement. Trial registration IRCT registration number:IRCT20191220045828N1. Registration date: 2020-04-18. Registered while recruiting.

Download Full-text

The effects of whole grain intake on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese children: a crossover randomised clinical trial

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s000711452100026x ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Parisa Hajihashemi ◽

Leila Azadbakht ◽

Mahin Hashemipour ◽

Roya Kelishadi ◽

Parvane Saneei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

Slight Reduction ◽

Whole Grain ◽

Obese Children ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Before And After ◽

Grain Foods

Abstract Whole-grain foods have been reported to affect body weight and satiety. However, we are aware of no study in this regard among children. The present study aimed to determine the effects of whole grain consumption on anthropometric measures in overweight or obese children. In this randomised crossover clinical trial, forty-four overweight or obese girls participated. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to either intervention (n 44) or non-intervention (n 44) groups. Subjects in the intervention group were given a list of whole-grain foods and were asked to obtain half of their grain servings from these foods each day for 6 weeks. Individuals in the non-intervention group were asked not to consume any of these foods. A 4-week washout period was applied. Then, participants were crossed over to the alternate arm. The measurements were done before and after each phase. Mean age, weight and BMI of participants were 11·2 (sd 1·49) years, 51·2 (sd 10·2) kg and 23·5 (sd 2·5) kg/m2, respectively. Despite the slight reduction in weight and BMI, there were no significant differences in changes in these anthropometric measures. We found a significant effect of whole grain intake on waist circumference (−2·7 v. 0·3 cm, P = 0·04). No significant changes in hip circumference were observed. Changes in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity were not significantly different. This study indicated a beneficial effect of whole-grain foods on waist circumference in overweight children; however, these foods did not influence weight and BMI.

Download Full-text