scholarly journals Stress Tracker—Detecting Acute Stress From a Trackpad: Controlled Study

10.2196/22743 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. e22743
Author(s):  
Rahul Goel ◽  
Michael An ◽  
Hugo Alayrangues ◽  
Amirhossein Koneshloo ◽  
Emmanuel Thierry Lincoln ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Passive Movement ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Current Sensing ◽  
Biomechanical Models ◽  
Computer Input Devices ◽  
Stress Sensing ◽  
Drag And Drop

Background Stress is a risk factor associated with physiological and mental health problems. Unobtrusive, continuous stress sensing would enable precision health monitoring and proactive interventions, but current sensing methods are often inconvenient, expensive, or suffer from limited adherence. Prior work has shown the possibility to detect acute stress using biomechanical models derived from passive logging of computer input devices. Objective Our objective is to detect acute stress from passive movement measurements of everyday interactions on a laptop trackpad: (1) click, (2) steer, and (3) drag and drop. Methods We built upon previous work, detecting acute stress through the biomechanical analyses of canonical computer mouse interactions and extended it to study similar interactions with the trackpad. A total of 18 participants carried out 40 trials each of three different types of movement—(1) click, (2) steer, and (3) drag and drop—under both relaxed and stressed conditions. Results The mean and SD of the contact area under the finger were higher when clicking trials were performed under stressed versus relaxed conditions (mean area: P=.009, effect size=0.76; SD area: P=.01, effect size=0.69). Further, our results show that as little as 4 clicks on a trackpad can be used to detect binary levels of acute stress (ie, whether it is present or not). Conclusions We present evidence that scalable, inexpensive, and unobtrusive stress sensing can be done via repurposing passive monitoring of computer trackpad usage.

scholarly journals Stress Tracker—Detecting Acute Stress From a Trackpad: Controlled Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Goel ◽  
Michael An ◽  
Hugo Alayrangues ◽  
Amirhossein Koneshloo ◽  
Emmanuel Thierry Lincoln ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Passive Movement ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Current Sensing ◽  
Biomechanical Models ◽  
Computer Input Devices ◽  
Stress Sensing ◽  
Drag And Drop

BACKGROUND Stress is a risk factor associated with physiological and mental health problems. Unobtrusive, continuous stress sensing would enable precision health monitoring and proactive interventions, but current sensing methods are often inconvenient, expensive, or suffer from limited adherence. Prior work has shown the possibility to detect acute stress using biomechanical models derived from passive logging of computer input devices. OBJECTIVE Our objective is to detect acute stress from passive movement measurements of everyday interactions on a laptop trackpad: (1) <i>click</i>, (2) <i>steer</i>, and (3) <i>drag and drop</i>. METHODS We built upon previous work, detecting acute stress through the biomechanical analyses of canonical computer mouse interactions and extended it to study similar interactions with the trackpad. A total of 18 participants carried out 40 trials each of three different types of movement—(1) <i>click</i>, (2) <i>steer</i>, and (3) <i>drag and drop</i>—under both relaxed and stressed conditions. RESULTS The mean and SD of the contact area under the finger were higher when clicking trials were performed under stressed versus relaxed conditions (mean area: <i>P</i>=.009, effect size=0.76; SD area: <i>P</i>=.01, effect size=0.69). Further, our results show that as little as 4 clicks on a trackpad can be used to detect binary levels of acute stress (ie, whether it is present or not). CONCLUSIONS We present evidence that scalable, inexpensive, and unobtrusive stress sensing can be done via repurposing passive monitoring of computer trackpad usage.

scholarly journals Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 results in a greater proportion of healthy days and a lower percentage of academically stressed students reporting a day of cold/flu: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 426-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bobbi Langkamp-Henken ◽  
Cassie C. Rowe ◽  
Amanda L. Ford ◽  
Mary C. Christman ◽  
Carmelo Nieves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stress ◽  
Bifidobacterium Longum ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Bifidobacterium Bifidum ◽  
Lactobacillus Helveticus ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Symptom Intensity

Acute psychological stress is positively associated with a cold/flu. The present randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of three potentially probiotic bacteria on the proportion of healthy days over a 6-week period in academically stressed undergraduate students (n 581) who received Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 or placebo. On each day, participants recorded the intensity (scale: 0 = not experiencing to 3 = very intense) for nine cold/flu symptoms, and a sum of symptom intensity >6 was designated as a day of cold/flu. B. bifidum resulted in a greater proportion of healthy days than placebo (P≤ 0·05). The percentage of participants reporting ≥ 1 d of cold/flu during the 6-week intervention period was significantly lower with B. bifidum than with placebo (P< 0·05). There were no effects of B. infantis or L. helveticus compared with placebo on either outcome. A predictive model accounted for influential characteristics and their interactions on daily reporting of cold/flu episodes. The proportion of participants reporting a cold on any given day was lower at weeks 2 and 3 with B. bifidum and B. infantis than with placebo for the average level of stress and the most commonly reported number of hours of sleep. Daily intake of bifidobacteria provides benefit related to cold/flu outcomes during acute stress.

scholarly journals An Online Mindful Parenting Training for Mothers Raising Toddlers: Assessment of Acceptability, Effectiveness, and Personal Goals

Mindfulness ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myrthe G. B. M. Boekhorst ◽  
Lianne P. Hulsbosch ◽  
Ivan Nyklíček ◽  
Viola Spek ◽  
Anna Kastelein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Mindful Parenting ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Personal Goals

Abstract Objectives Mindful parenting (MP) interventions show promising results, but they mostly target parents (of children) with mental health problems. This study examined an online MP intervention for mothers with toddlers in a population-based sample. Aims were to assess acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention for mothers with and without parental stress, and examine their predetermined personal goals. Methods The study included 157 mothers with toddlers from the general population of whom 73 reported parental stress. The mothers participated in an 8-week online MP training. Questionnaires were completed at waitlist, pretest, posttest, and follow-up. Results Mothers rated the training positively, although only 23.1% completed the training. Personal goals were analyzed qualitatively, establishing four different themes: attention, well-being, patience, and balance. Significant improvements in personal goals posttest and follow-up were found (large and very large effect size, respectively). We found no significant improvements from waitlist to pretest for all outcome variables, except personal goals (medium effect size). Mixed-linear model analyses showed significant improvements posttest and follow-up as compared to pretest regarding Self-compassion, Parental over-reactivity and Symptoms of anxiety and depression (small to medium effect sizes). There was an effect at posttest for Parenting problems, and for Parental role restriction at follow-up (small effect sizes). Levels of parental stress and theme of personal goal did not influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Conclusions The current study provides initial evidence that an online MP training could be an easily accessible, inexpensive, and valuable intervention for parents without an indication for a therapist-assisted intervention. Trial Registration Dutch Trial Register (NTR7401)

scholarly journals 138 Efficacy and Safety of SEP-363856, a Novel Psychotropic Agent with a Non-D2 Mechanism of Action, in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-288
Author(s):  
Kenneth S. Koblan ◽  
Seth Hopkins ◽  
Justine Kent ◽  
Hailong Cheng ◽  
Robert Goldman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Subscale Score ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Meaningful Improvement ◽  
Psychotropic Agent ◽  
Severity Scores

Abstract:Background:SEP-363856 is a novel psychotropic agent that has shown broad efficacy in animal models of schizophrenia and depression. Its antipsychotic effects appear to be mediated by agonist activity at both trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and 5-HT1A receptors. Notably, SEP-363856 does not bind to any dopaminergic, serotonergic (except 5-HT1A), glutamatergic, or other neuroreceptors thought to mediate the effects of currently available antipsychotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SEP-363856 in acutely symptomatic patients with schizophrenia.Method:Patients aged 18-40 years meeting DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia (PANSS total score ≥80) were randomized, double-blind, to 4-weeks of flexible-dose SEP-363856 (50 or 75 mg/d) or placebo. Efficacy measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score (primary), PANSS subscale scores, and the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) score. Change from baseline in primary and secondary measures were analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) analysis.Results:Study treatment groups were similar at baseline: SEP-363856 (N=120; male, 64.2%; mean age, 30.0 years; PANSS total score, 101.4) and placebo (N=125; male, 63.2%; mean age, 30.6 years; PANSS total score, 99.7). Least-squares (LS) mean reduction from baseline to week 4 was significantly greater for SEP-363856 vs. placebo on the PANSS total score (-17.2 vs. -9.7; P=0.001; effect size, 0.45), PANSS positive subscale score (-5.5 vs. -3.9; P=0.019; effect size, 0.32), PANSS negative subscale score (-3.1 vs. -1.6; P=0.008; effect size, 0.37), PANSS general psychopathology subscale score (-9.0 vs. -4.7; P<0.001; effect size, 0.51), and the CGI-Severity score (-1.0 vs. -0.5; P<0.001; effect size, 0.52). Discontinuation rates for SEP-363856 vs. placebo were similar overall (21.7% vs. 20.8%) and due to an adverse event (8.3% vs. 6.4%). Change in weight, lipids, glucose and prolactin was similar in SEP-363856 and placebo groups. Adverse events occurring with an incidence ≥2% on SEP-363856 or placebo (with SEP-363856 incidence higher than placebo) were: somnolence (6.7% vs. 4.8%), agitation (5.0% vs. 4.8%), nausea (5.0% vs. 3.2%), diarrhea (2.5% vs. 0.8%), and dyspepsia (2.5% vs. 0%). The proportion of patients who reported any extrapyramidal symptom was 3.3% on SEP-363856 and 3.2% on placebo.Conclusion:In this placebo-controlled study, treatment with SEP-363856, a novel psychotropic agent, was associated with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in schizophrenia symptoms as demonstrated by endpoint change in PANSS total and subscale scores, and CGI-Severity scores. Safety and tolerability findings for SEP-363856 were in general similar to placebo. In particular, SEP-363856 was not associated with extrapyramidal symptoms, akathisia, or hyperprolactinemia, consistent with its non-D2 mechanism of action.ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02969382Funding Acknowledgements:Supported by funding from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Aspirin, but not propranolol, attenuates the acute stress-induced increase in circulating levels of interleukin-6: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland von Känel ◽  
Brigitte M. Kudielka ◽  
Petra Metzenthin ◽  
Susanne Helfricht ◽  
Daniel Preckel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Circulating Levels

scholarly journals Long-term Exercise After Pulmonary Rehabilitation (LEAP): a pilot randomised controlled trial of Tai Chi in COPD

2021 ◽  
pp. 00025-2021
Author(s):  
Marilyn L. Moy ◽  
Peter M. Wayne ◽  
Daniel Litrownik ◽  
Douglas Beach ◽  
Elizabeth S. Klings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Feasible Option ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Mind-body modalities are promising strategies to maintain the benefits gained after completion of conventional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in persons with COPD.In this pilot randomised controlled study, we examined Tai Chi in persons with COPD after completing PR. Participants were randomised 2:2:1 to Tai Chi (TC), usual care (UC), or group walking (GW) for 24 weeks. We assessed feasibility; primary outcome was exercise capacity measured by 6-min walk test (6 MWT) distance at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life measured by Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), dyspnea, mood, stress, social support, self-efficacy, physical activity, and exercise engagement. Effect size estimates and estimates from generalised estimating equations were calculated.Ninety-one persons (36 TC, 37 UC, 18 GW) were enrolled, with age 69±6 years, 59% male, and FEV1% predicted 48±19. There was no difference in adherence and adverse events between groups. There was a small between-group effect size (ES=0.25) in change in 6 MWT distance favoring TC compared to UC; 24-week comparison was nonsignificant (p=0.10). There were no differences in secondary outcomes. In exploratory analyses, there was a greater percentage of participants in TC who improved 6 MWT distance at 24 weeks, compared to UC, 64% versus 39%, p=0.05. There were higher percentages of participants in TC who improved CRQ Fatigue (59% versus 31%, p=0.02) and CRQ Mastery (47% versus 20%, p=0.01) domain scores, compared to UC. For GW, there were no differences compared with TC.Tai Chi may be a feasible option to maintain the benefits gained after completing conventional PR.

scholarly journals Safety and effectiveness of ulotaront (SEP-363856) in schizophrenia: results of a 6-month, open-label extension study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph U. Correll ◽  
Kenneth S. Koblan ◽  
Seth C. Hopkins ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Heather Dworak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Extension Phase ◽  
Extension Study ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Open Label Extension

AbstractUlotaront, a trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors agonist, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of patients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia in a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The aim of this 26-week open-label extension study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ulotaront (25/50/75 mg/d) in patients who completed the initial 4-week study. Of the 193 4-week completers, 157 patients (81.3%) continued into the open-label extension study; 66.9% were completers. Among all extension phase patients, treatment with ulotaront was associated with minimal changes in body weight (mean [SD] change from double-blind baseline: −0.3 [3.7] kg), cholesterol (median change, −2.0 mg/dL), triglycerides (median, −5.0 mg/dL), and prolactin (female, median, −3.4 ng/mL; male, median, −2.7 ng/mL). Movement disorder scales showed no extrapyramidal effects. Twenty-six weeks of extension phase treatment was associated with a mean (95% CI) observed change from open-label baseline in the PANSS total score of −22.6 (−25.6, −19.6; effect size, 1.46), and a mean (95% CI) change in the CGI-Severity score of −1.0 (−1.2, −0.8; effect size, 1.07). Long-term treatment with the TAAR1 agonist ulotaront, in the daily dose range of 25–75 mg, was characterized by a relatively high completion rate, an adverse event profile notable for the absence of extrapyramidal-related adverse effects, a low liability for adverse weight and metabolic effects, and no effect on prolactin levels. Additional studies are needed to further confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of ulotaront.

scholarly journals No Time-Dependent Effects of Psychosocial Stress on Fear Contextualization and Generalization: A Randomized-Controlled Study With Healthy Participants

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 247054701989654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milou S. C. Sep ◽  
Rosalie Gorter ◽  
Vanessa A. van Ast ◽  
Marian Joëls ◽  
Elbert Geuze
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Stress ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Context Dependency ◽  
Acquisition Phase ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Randomized Controlled Study ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Conditioned Stimuli ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Fear Potentiated Startle

The formation of context-dependent fear memories (fear contextualization) can aid the recognition of danger in new, similar, situations. Overgeneralization of fear is often seen as hallmark of anxiety and trauma-related disorders. In this randomized-controlled study, we investigated whether exposure to a psychosocial stressor influences retention of fear contextualization and generalization in a time-dependent manner. The Trier Social Stress Test was used to induce psychosocial stress. Healthy male participants (n = 117) were randomly divided into three experimental groups that were subjected to the acquisition phase of the Fear Generalization Task: (1) without stress, (2) immediately after acute stress, or (3) 2 h after acute stress. In this task, a male with neutral facial expression (conditioned stimuli) was depicted in two different contexts that modulated the conditioned stimuli–unconditioned stimuli (=shock) association (threat, safe). Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol levels were measured throughout the experiment. After a 24-h delay, context-dependency of fear memory was investigated with an unannounced memory test consisting of the threat and safe contexts alternated with a novel context (the generalization context). Multilevel analyses revealed that participants showed increased fear-potentiated startle responses to the conditioned stimuli in the threat compared to the safe context, at the end of the acquisition phase, indicating adequate fear contextualization. Directly after acquisition, there were no time-dependent effects of psychosocial stress on fear contextualization. Context-dependency of fear memories was retained 24 h later, as fear-potentiated startle responding was modulated by context (threat > safe or novel). At that time, the context-dependency of fear memories was also not influenced by the early or late effects of the endogenous stress response during acquisition. These results with experimental stress deviate in some aspects from those earlier obtained with exogenous hydrocortisone administration, suggesting a distinct role for stress mediators other than cortisol.

scholarly journals Changes in alcohol consumption after treatment for depression: a secondary analysis of the Swedish randomised controlled study REGASSA

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e028236
Author(s):  
Catharina Strid ◽  
Mats Hallgren ◽  
Yvonne Forsell ◽  
Martin Kraepelien ◽  
Agneta Öjehagen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Hazardous Drinking ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Entire Group ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesMental health problems and hazardous alcohol consumption often co-exist. Hazardous drinking could have a negative impact on different aspects of health and also negatively influence the effect of mental health treatment. The aims of this study were to examine if alcohol consumption patterns changed after treatment for depression and if the changes differed by treatment arm and patient sex.MethodsThis study of 540 participants was conducted in a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aimed to compare the effect of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, physical exercise and treatment as usual on 945 participants with mild-to-moderate depression. Treatment lasted for 12 weeks; alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)) and depression (Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)) were assessed at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Changes in alcohol consumption were examined in relation to depression severity, treatment arm and patient sex.ResultsThe AUDIT distribution for the entire group remained unchanged after treatment for depression. Hazardous drinkers exhibit decreases in AUDIT scores, although they remained hazardous drinkers according to the cut-off scores. Hazardous drinkers experienced similar improvements in symptoms of depression compared with non-hazardous drinkers, and there was no significant relation between changes in AUDIT score and changes in depression. No differences between treatment arm and patient sex were found.ConclusionThe alcohol consumption did not change, despite treatment effects on depression. Patients with depression should be screened for hazardous drinking habits and offered evidence-based treatment for hazardous alcohol use where this is indicated.Trial registration numberDRKS00008745.

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