Efficacy of High-Power Laser in Alleviating Pain and Improving Function of Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: In this study, a single-blind and randomized controlled trial (RCT) for assessing the effectiveness of high-power (up to 12 W) laser therapy (HPLT) on patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) was carried out. Methods: Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups by generating random numbers with MATLAB 2014b software, where odd and even numbers were attributed to sham laser group (group A) and actual laser group (group B), respectively. Group B patients underwent HPLT with total dose of 300 J/session for 5 consecutive sessions separated by a 2-day interval. On the other hand, sham laser was applied to group A patients. Both groups had the same exercise therapy programs during the study period (3 months). The exercise therapy program included isometric knee exercise for 3 sets per day and 10 times in each set, with duration of 10 seconds per time and straight leg raise for 15 seconds 10 times a day. The group codes of patients were not revealed to subjects and data analyzer until completion of the study. Kujala, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires were chosen as outcome measures. These questionnaires were completed at three points during the study; at the beginning of the study to obtain the pre-therapy conditions and one month and three months after the start of the study to evaluate post-therapy conditions. Results: Two main analyses were conducted: within-group and between-group analyses. Withingroup analyses indicated significant improvements in respect to all measurements where pretherapy and post-therapy comparisons were conducted in both groups (P < 0.05). On the other hand, between-group comparisons did not reveal any statistically significant functional difference between group A and group B regarding the evaluative criteria (P > 0.05) except for pain VAS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that short-term HPLT accompanied by appropriate exercise regimen significantly decreased pain in patients with PFPS. But it was not recommended as an efficient modality in functional improvement. Also, it was observed that, in the short-term period of study, HPLT was a safe modality.

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IMPACT OF BRAIN TRAINING ACTIVITIES ON WORKING MEMORY AND AGE RELATED DIFFERENCES; A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation ◽

10.36283/pjr.zu.9.2/009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 42-47

Author(s):

Sarah Jehangir

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Brain Training ◽

Short Term ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Group A ◽

Training Activities ◽

Group B

BACKGROUND & AIMS Working Memory is a set of information on which an individual plan actions. It forms a productive basis for accomplishing complex activities that require reasoning, learning, understanding and is classified into three domains; attention, executive function and short-term memory. Since, memory declines with increasing age it is predictive that training interventions can improve working memory of adults. METHODOLOGY A Randomized controlled trial included undergraduate students between 18–24 years of age from different universities in Karachi. The participants were divided in two groups. Group-A performed basic manual brain training activities while group-B performed computer and mobile based training activities. Data was collected by using Working memory questionnaire (WMQ), reliability of scale has been assessed by Cronbach’s alpha on 30 items of scale and was 0.89. RESULTS A total of 300 participants were included in the study divided into Group-A (n=150) and Group-B (n=150) with 21.5±1.62 and 21.9±1.66 mean age respectively. The pre-intervention total working memory score of group-A is 65.6±5.72 of group-B is 64.9±6.13. Post-intervention total working memory score of group A is 66.9±6.11 and of group B is 66.92±6.99. CONCLUSION Working memory is malleable through advanced training in the post-intervention group and is strongly predictive of individual performance on different cognitive measures. Thus, training, strategy use and learning styles could be emphasized for a better adult generation KEY WORDS Working memory, Attention, Short term storage, Executive functions, Cognition.

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Different interventions for post-ischaemic stroke depression in different time periods: a single-blind randomized controlled trial with stratification by time after stroke

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215515626232 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 71-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Jie Gao ◽

Meiqing Lin ◽

Jiuhan Zhao ◽

Siwei Bi ◽

Ziyan Ni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Behavioural Therapy ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Cognitive Behavioural ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Single Blind

Objective: To determine the appropriate treatments for post-ischaemic stroke depression at different times after stroke. Design: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial that compared three intervention groups, with subgroups stratified by time after stroke. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Subjects: Eligible patients were recruited at discharge ( n = 73) and three ( n = 67), six ( n = 65), and nine months ( n = 69) after discharge, and patients completed mood questionnaires. Interventions: Patients were randomly distributed into three groups: Group A received placebos and participated in general discussions; Group B, received citalopram and participated in general discussions; and Group C, received placebos and underwent cognitive behavioural therapy. All three groups participated in rehabilitation during three months of follow-up. Main measures: Outcome was assessed three months after baseline using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD17) and the Bech–Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES). During treatment, the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser side-effect scale was also administered. Results: When stratification was not considered, the scores of Group B on the Melancholia Scale were lower than those of Group A ( P = 0.02); when the four time-based subgroups were analysed, significant differences were observed between Groups A and B (PMES = 0.02, PHAMD17 = 0.02) in the group recruited six months after discharge and between Groups A and C (PMES = 0.01) in the last time period nine months after discharge. Conclusions: The effects of citalopram or cognitive behavioural therapy is similar to the effect of rehabilitation alone for early-onset post-ischaemic depression; rehabilitation and citalopram for delayed-onset post-ischaemic depression; and rehabilitation and cognitive behavioural therapy for late-onset post-ischaemic depression are more effective than rehabilitation alone.

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Hydrotherapy for Varicose Veins: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Phlebology The Journal of Venous Disease ◽

10.1177/026835559200700407 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 154-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

E. Ernst ◽

T. Saradeth ◽

K. L. Resch

Keyword(s):

Varicose Veins ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Compression Therapy ◽

Rehabilitation Center ◽

External Application ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Group A ◽

Primary Varicose Veins ◽

Group B ◽

Single Blind

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of regular hydrotherapy in primary varicose veins. Design: Randomized, single blind, prospective, controlled trial. Setting: Social security system related rehabilitation center for employees (nationwide assignment of inpatients). Patients: 122 patients with primary varicose veins. Interventions: Group A (n=60) received daily treatments during 24 days that consisted of external application of alternating cold and warm water to both lower extremities. Group B (n=62) served as controls and was not treated with hydrotherapy. Both groups were comparable in terms of concomitant diseases and treatments. Main outcome measures: Foot volume, ankle circumference and venous re-fill time, using light reflex rheo-graphy, served as objective variables, while a number of typical symptoms were recorded as subjective parameters. Results: A more pronounced improvement in all objective signs in group A compared to B was observed. Four out of seven subjective symptoms improved more frequently in group A than in B. Conclusions: Hydrotherapy is effective in treating primary varicose veins. It can be considered as an adjunct measure to compression therapy and other conservative treatments.

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Radiofrequency ablation for markedly incompetent perforators versus compression therapy in the management of post-phelebtic venous ulcers: A randomized controlled trial

Vascular ◽

10.1177/17085381211010022 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 170853812110100

Author(s):

Mohamed Shukri Abdelgawad ◽

Amr M El-Shafei ◽

Hesham A Sharaf El-Din ◽

Ehab M Saad ◽

Tamer A Khafagy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Radiofrequency Ablation ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Compression Therapy ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Venous Ulcers ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

To Receive

Background Venus ulcers developed mainly due to reflux of incompetent venous valves in perforating veins. Patients and methods In this randomized controlled trial, 119 patients recruited over two years, with post-phelebtic venous leg ulcers, were randomly assigned into one of two groups: either to receive radiofrequency ablation of markedly incompetent perforators (Group A, n = 62 patients) or to receive conventional compression therapy (Group B, n = 57 patients). Follow-up duration required for ulcer healing continued for 24 months post randomization. Results Statistically significant shorter time to healing (ulcer complete healing or satisfactory clinical improvement) between both groups (56 patients, 90.3% of cases in Group A versus 44 patients 77.2% of cases in Group B) over the follow-up period of 24 months was attained ( p = 0.001). Also, significantly different ulcer recurrence was recorded between both groups, 8 patients (12.9%) in Group A versus 19 patients (33.3%) in Group B ( p = 0.004). Conclusion In absence of deep venous obstruction, the monopolar radiofrequency ablation for incompetent perforators is a feasible and effective method that surpasses the traditional compression protocol for incompetent perforator-induced venous ulcers in terms of time required for healing even in the presence of unresolved deep venous valvular reflux.

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Evaluation of the short-term efficacy of local analgesic (lidocaine) and opioid analgesic (sufentanil) on patients with centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology ◽

10.1177/17562848211021783 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

pp. 175628482110217

Author(s):

Hang Yang ◽

Honglin Chen ◽

Bing Hu

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Abdominal Pain ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Opioid Analgesic ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Short Term ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Term Efficacy

Background: Centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS) is characterized by continuous or frequently recurring abdominal pain and can result in functional loss across several life domains. The efficacy of the present management methods has not been established yet. We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial to explore the short-term efficacy of local analgesic (lidocaine) and opioid analgesic (sufentanil) in patients with CAPS. Methods: We consecutively enrolled 130 patients who met the Rome IV CAPS criteria and divided them into the sufentanil + lidocaine (S + L) group and sufentanil (S) group. Patients completed the pain rating scales, including the numeric rating scale (NRS) and verbal rating scale (VRS), 60 min before colonoscopy. All the patients were initially administered sufentanil. In the S + L group, we sprayed a 5 ml solution of lidocaine on the surface of ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon during colonoscope withdrawal, while 5 ml saline was sprayed in the S group. Follow up was performed 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after colonoscopy, to complete the pain scaling. Results: A comparison of the NRS and VRS showed that there were no significant differences between the S + L and S groups and within each group ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Local analgesic lidocaine and opioid analgesic sufentanil showed negative efficacy during short-term observation. The opioid receptor blocker sufentanil did not worsen symptoms in patients with CAPS after colonoscopy under general anesthesia in the short term. [chictr.org.cn, Chinese Clinical Trial Identifier, ChiCTR-IOR-16008187]

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The Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture on Patients with Chronic Neck Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine ◽

10.1142/s0192415x10008299 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 38 (05) ◽

pp. 849-859 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Mei-Yuan Sun ◽

Ching-Liang Hsieh ◽

Yung-Yen Cheng ◽

Hung-Chang Hung ◽

Tsai-Chung Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Short Form ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Myofascial Pain Syndrome ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Single Blind

Chronic neck myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common disorder seen in clinics. There is no gold standard method to treat myofascial pain. We investigated the effects of acupuncture on patients with chronic neck MPS by a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 35 patients were randomly allocated to an acupuncture group (AG) or a sham acupuncture group (SG). Each subject received acupuncture treatment twice per week for three consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was quality of life as assessed with Short Form-36, and secondary outcome measures were neck range of motion (ROM), motion-related pain, and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), as determined by a blinded investigator. The clinical assessments were made before treatment (BT) and after six acupuncture treatments (AT), as well as four weeks (F1) and 12 weeks (F2) after the end of the treatment. A total of 34 patients completed the trial. The results indicated that there is no significant difference in the ROM, motion-related pain, and SF-MPQ scores between AG and SG at AT, F1 and F2 (all p > 0.05). However, AG has greater improvement in physical functioning and role emotional of Short Form-36 quality of life at F2. The results indicate that acupuncture may be used to improve the quality of life in patients with chronic neck MPS.

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Comparison of Post-Operative Quality of Life between Vaginal Hysterectomy and Abdominal Hysterectomy

10.53350/pjmhs211571801 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. 1801-1803

Author(s):

Nazia Sajjad ◽

Sara Qadir ◽

Rukhsana Kasi ◽

Tayyaba Rasheed ◽

Fozia Unar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Vaginal Hysterectomy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Abdominal Hysterectomy ◽

Study Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Satisfactory Quality

Objectives: To compare the frequency of satisfactory quality of life between vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niazi Medical & Dental College, Sargodha from 1st April 2020 to 31st December 2020. Methodology: Ninety patients were comprised and they were divided in two groups; group A (vaginal hysterectomy) and Group B (abdominal hysterectomy) were performed. Hysterectomies (vaginal or abdominal) were performed by consultant gynecologist having experience at having least 5 years). Results: Mean age of the patients was 49.82±3.207 years, mean age of the patients of group A was 49.82±3.193 years and mean age of the patients of group B was 49.82±3.256 years. Satisfactory quality of life was noted in 38 (84.44%) patients of study group A and 29 (64.44%) patients of study group B. Statistically significant (P = 0.051) difference between the frequency of satisfactory quality of life between the both groups was noted. Conclusion: Results of this study reveals that post hysterectomy quality of life found more satisfactory in vaginal hysterectomy group as compared to abdominal hysterectomy group. Insignificant association of post hysterectomy quality of life with age group, marital status, parity and socio-economical status was found. Findings of this study also revealed that post hysterectomy satisfactory quality of life is not associated with education of the patients. Key words: Hysterectomy, Quality of life, abdomen, vagina, WHO, Uterus

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Short-term evaluation of an intra-articular technique for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs using nylon or polyester

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2018v39n2p593 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 593

Author(s):

Tiago Carmagnani Prada ◽

Anderson Coutinho da Silva ◽

Bruno Watanabe Minto

Keyword(s):

Cruciate Ligament ◽

The Other ◽

Polyester Yarn ◽

Short Term ◽

Limb Function ◽

Cranial Cruciate Ligament ◽

Ligament Rupture ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCrLR) is a common condition found in the small animal routine, being correlated to traumas, obesity, genetic factors, and primary osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. Affected animals show articular instability that, if not corrected surgically, may cause secondary OA and loss of limb function. The aim of this study was to compare short-term results of the intra-articular technique for knee stabilization after CCrLR using a surgical button associated with polyester yarn (Group A), the surgical button associated with nylon yarn (Group B), and surgical toggle associated with polyester yarn (Group C). Eighteen dogs presenting CCrLR, weight varying from 5 to 35 kg, and different sex and breed were divided into three groups of six individuals. OA radiographic grade, pre- and post-operative lameness, surgical time, and the macroscopic aspect of cartilage were assessed. The intra-articular technique was performed by passing a suture through two tunnels, drilled in the femoral condyle and tibial crest to stabilize the knee joint. Twelve animals presented a decreased lameness and normal limb function after 15 days. On the other hand, four dogs from Group B presented complications: two dogs had suture rupture after 30 days and other two showed muscular contracture with decreased range of motion, followed by loss of limb function. In Group A, one dog showed suture rupture after 15 days and other had suture infection after 30 days. In Group C, dogs recovered normal limb function without complications. Therefore, surgical toggle associated with polyester yarn was better than the other studied materials.

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Clinical Efficacy Of Ceftriaxone Versus Ciprofloxacin In Paediatric Enteric Fever

Journal of Bahria University Medical and Dental College ◽

10.51985/jbumdc2018031 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 08 (02) ◽

pp. 67-71

Author(s):

Anila Farhat ◽

Asma Shaukat ◽

Tariq Mahmood Khan

Keyword(s):

Enteric Fever ◽

Research Study ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Clinical Effectiveness ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B ◽

Objective Determination

Objective: Determination of the clinical effectiveness of ciprofloxacin versus ceftriaxone in children with enteric fever on the basis of defervescence within 72 hours of commencement of treatment. Duration and Place of Study: This randomized controlled trial was carried out from 15th May to 15th November 2017 in pediatrics units of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Teaching Hospital Abbottabad and Jinnah International Hospital Abbottabad. Methodology: 90 children with uncomplicated enteric fever were admitted and divided randomly into two groups, Group A was administered I/V Ceftriaxone 75mg/kg OD and Group B was given I/V Ciprofloxacin 10mg/kg BD for seven days. Response to drug was taken as defervescence within 72 hours while continued fever after 72 hours was taken as no response. The data was analyzed by using SPSS Version 21.00. Results: In our research study 53(58.9%) children were male and 37(41.1%) patients were female. The mean age was 8.43±3.17 years encompassing 4 to 14 years, mean weight of the patients in kg was 29.54±10.8 kg. Efficacy of ceftriaxone group was 93.3% while in ciprofloxacin group 62.2% patients became afebrile in 72 hours. The proportion of achieving defervescence within 72 hours was higher with ceftriaxone than with ciprofloxacin Conclusion: Ceftriaxone is more efficacious in terms of achieving defervescence than ciprofloxacin in children having enteric fever.

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A Randomized Controlled Trial of Attentional Control Training for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.748848 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Angelina Isabella Mellentin ◽

W. Miles Cox ◽

Javad S. Fadardi ◽

Laila Martinussen ◽

Nicolaj Mistarz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Attentional Control ◽

Alcohol Use Disorder ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Alcohol Cues ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Background: There is consistent evidence that community and clinical samples of individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) have attentional biases toward alcohol cues. The alcohol attentional control training program (AACTP) has shown promise for retraining these biases and decreasing alcohol consumption in community samples of excessive drinkers. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of ACTP in clinical AUD samples. The main aim of the present study is to investigate whether primary pharmacological and psychological, evidence-based alcohol treatment can be enhanced by the addition of a gamified AACTP smartphone application for patients with an AUD.Design and Methods: The study will be implemented as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 317 consecutively enrolled patients with AUD will be recruited from alcohol outpatient clinics in Denmark. Patients will be randomized to one of three groups upon initiation of primary alcohol treatment: Group A: a gamified AACTP smartphone application + treatment as usual (TAU); Group B: a gamified AACTP sham-control application + TAU; or Group C: only TAU. Treatment outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Repeated measures MANOVA will be used to compare the trajectories of the groups over time on alcohol attentional bias, alcohol craving, and drinking reductions. It is hypothesized that Group A will achieve better treatment outcomes than either Group B or Group C.Perspectives: Because attentional bias for alcohol cues is proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed, and these biases are not addressed within current evidence-based treatment programs, this study is expected to provide new evidence regarding the effectiveness of the gamified AACTP in a clinical population. Furthermore, due to promising results found using AACTP in community samples of excessive drinkers, there is a high probability that the AACTP treatment in this study will also be effective, thereby allowing AACTP to be readily implemented in clinical settings. Finally, we expect that this study will increase the effectiveness of evidence-based AUD treatment and introduce a new, low-cost gamified treatment targeting patients with an AUD. Overall, this study is likely to have an impact at the scientific, clinical, and societal levels.Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05102942?term=NCT05102942&draw=2&rank=1, identifier: NCT05102942.

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