scholarly journals An Affordable, User-friendly Telerehabilitation System Assembled Using Existing Technologies for Individuals Isolated With COVID-19: Development and Feasibility Study

10.2196/24960 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e24960
Author(s):  
Masahiko Mukaino ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tatemoto ◽  
Nobuhiro Kumazawa ◽  
Shigeo Tanabe ◽  
Masaki Katoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Control ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Pulse Oximeter ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Computer Applications ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
User Friendly

Background Isolation due to a COVID-19 infection can limit activities and cause physical and mental decline, especially in older adults and people with disabilities. However, due to limited contact, adequate rehabilitation is difficult to provide for quarantined patients. Telerehabilitation technology could be a solution; however, issues specific to COVID-19 should be taken into consideration, such as strict quarantine and respiratory symptoms, as well as accessibility to deal with rapid increases in need due to the pandemic. Objective This study aims to develop and to investigate the feasibility of a telerehabilitation system for patients who are quarantined due to COVID-19 by combining existing commercial devices and computer applications. Methods A multidisciplinary team has identified the requirements for a telerehabilitation system for COVID-19 and developed the system to satisfy those requirements. In the subsequent feasibility study, patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (N=10; mean age 60 years, SD 18 years) were included. A single session of telerehabilitation consisted of stretching exercises, a 15-minute exercise program, and a video exercise program conducted under real-time guidance by a physical therapist through a video call. The system included a tablet computer, a pulse oximeter, videoconferencing software, and remote control software. The feasibility of the system was evaluated using the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ; 14 items) and an additional questionnaire on the telerehabilitation system (5 items). Each item was rated from “1 = strongly disagree” to “5 = strongly agree.” Results The telerehabilitation system was developed by combining existing devices and applications, including a pulse oximeter and remote control mechanism, to achieve user-friendliness, affordability, and safety, which were determined as the system requirements. In the feasibility study, 9 out of 10 patients were able to use the telerehabilitation system without any on-site help. On the TSQ, the mean score for each item was 4.7 (SD 0.7), and in the additional items regarding telerehabilitation, the mean score for each item was 4.3 (SD 1.0). Conclusions These findings support the feasibility of this simple telerehabilitation system in quarantined patients with COVID-19, encouraging further investigation on the merit of the system’s use in clinical practice.

scholarly journals An Affordable, User-friendly Telerehabilitation System Assembled Using Existing Technologies for Individuals Isolated With COVID-19: Development and Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiko Mukaino ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tatemoto ◽  
Nobuhiro Kumazawa ◽  
Shigeo Tanabe ◽  
Masaki Katoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Control ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Pulse Oximeter ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Computer Applications ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
User Friendly

BACKGROUND Isolation due to a COVID-19 infection can limit activities and cause physical and mental decline, especially in older adults and people with disabilities. However, due to limited contact, adequate rehabilitation is difficult to provide for quarantined patients. Telerehabilitation technology could be a solution; however, issues specific to COVID-19 should be taken into consideration, such as strict quarantine and respiratory symptoms, as well as accessibility to deal with rapid increases in need due to the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop and to investigate the feasibility of a telerehabilitation system for patients who are quarantined due to COVID-19 by combining existing commercial devices and computer applications. METHODS A multidisciplinary team has identified the requirements for a telerehabilitation system for COVID-19 and developed the system to satisfy those requirements. In the subsequent feasibility study, patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (N=10; mean age 60 years, SD 18 years) were included. A single session of telerehabilitation consisted of stretching exercises, a 15-minute exercise program, and a video exercise program conducted under real-time guidance by a physical therapist through a video call. The system included a tablet computer, a pulse oximeter, videoconferencing software, and remote control software. The feasibility of the system was evaluated using the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ; 14 items) and an additional questionnaire on the telerehabilitation system (5 items). Each item was rated from “1 = strongly disagree” to “5 = strongly agree.” RESULTS The telerehabilitation system was developed by combining existing devices and applications, including a pulse oximeter and remote control mechanism, to achieve user-friendliness, affordability, and safety, which were determined as the system requirements. In the feasibility study, 9 out of 10 patients were able to use the telerehabilitation system without any on-site help. On the TSQ, the mean score for each item was 4.7 (SD 0.7), and in the additional items regarding telerehabilitation, the mean score for each item was 4.3 (SD 1.0). CONCLUSIONS These findings support the feasibility of this simple telerehabilitation system in quarantined patients with COVID-19, encouraging further investigation on the merit of the system’s use in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Determining the impact of postoperative complications in neurosurgery based on simulated longitudinal smartphone app-based assessment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lion D. Comfort ◽  
Marian C. Neidert ◽  
Oliver Bozinov ◽  
Luca Regli ◽  
Martin N. Stienen
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Complications after neurosurgical operations can have severe impact on patient well-being, which is poorly reflected by current grading systems. The objective of this work was to develop and conduct a feasibility study of a new smartphone application that allows for the longitudinal assessment of postoperative well-being and complications. Methods We developed a smartphone application “Post OP Tracker” according to requirements from clinical experience and tested it on simulated patients. Participants received regular notifications through the app, inquiring them about their well-being and complications that had to be answered according to their assigned scenarios. After a 12-week period, subjects answered a questionnaire about the app’s functionality, user-friendliness, and acceptability. Results A total of 13 participants (mean age 34.8, range 24–68 years, 4 (30.8%) female) volunteered in this feasibility study. Most of them had a professional background in either health care or software development. All participants downloaded, installed, and applied the app for an average of 12.9 weeks. On a scale of 1 (worst) to 4 (best), the app was rated on average 3.6 in overall satisfaction and 3.8 in acceptance. The design achieved a somewhat favorable score of 3.1. One participant (7.7%) reported major technical issues. The gathered patient data can be used to graphically display the simulated outcome and assess the impact of postoperative complications. Conclusions This study suggests the feasibility to longitudinally gather postoperative data on subjective well-being through a smartphone application. Among potential patients, our application indicated to be functional, user-friendly, and well accepted. Using this app-based approach, further studies will enable us to classify postoperative complications according to their impact on the patient’s well-being.

scholarly journals USE OF GOOGLE MEET IN TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS IN DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POLITEKNIK SULTAN MIZAN ZAINAL ABIDIN

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 104-113
Author(s):  
Mazidah Musa ◽  
Nor Aidawati Abdillah
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
User Interface Design ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Average Value ◽  
The Mean ◽  
User Friendly

The spread of the Covid19 pandemic in Malaysia has a profound impact on all sectors, including the education sector. Following the government's move to announce PKP throughout Malaysia, it has forced the PdP process to be implemented online either in schools or IPTs. In relation to that, most of the PdP process at JTMK, PSMZA is also conducted online. Various platforms are used and one of them is Google Meet. This study was conducted to identify three aspects, namely in terms of accessibility, user interface design, and Google Meet user-friendly level from the perspective of students. This study was conducted by distributing 1 set of questionnaires to respondents. The respondents of this study consisted of 80 students in semesters 3 and 4 taught by the researcher. The results showed that the respondents agreed that Google Meet is easy to achieve where the average value of the mean score is 3.94 in addition to having a simple and attractive user interface design with an average value of a mean score of 3.90. Respondents also agreed that Google Meet has a good and pleasant level of user-friendliness with an average mean score of 3.92. So, Google Meet is a great PdP process platform to use.

scholarly journals OP0159 EFFICACY OF COMPREHENSIVE TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED HOME-BASED EXERCISE IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED TRIAL

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 100.3-100
Author(s):  
Y. Wang ◽  
X. Liu ◽  
Y. Shi ◽  
X. Ji ◽  
W. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Mean

Background:Clinical practice guidelines recommend that exercise is an essential component in the self-management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Attending supervised interventions requiring periodic medical center visits can be burdensome and patients may decline participation, whereas, effective home-based exercise interventions that do not need regular medical center visits are likely to be more accessible and acceptable for patients with AS. Recently, increasing evidences have been accumulated that the wearable devices could facilitate patients with inflammatory arthritis by giving exercise instructions and improving self-efficacy. Therefore, patients with AS may benefit from an effective technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention.Objectives:To investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention on disease activity in patients with AS.Methods:This study was a 16-week assessor-blinded, randomized, waiting-list controlled trial (ChiCTR1900024244). Patients with AS were randomly allocated to the home-based exercise intervention group and the waiting-list control group. A 16-week comprehensive exercise program consisting of a moderate intensity (64%-76% HRmax) aerobic training for 30min on 5 days/week and a functional training for 60min on 3 days/week was given to patients in the intervention group immediately after randomization, with 1.5h training sessions for two consecutive days by a study physical therapist at baseline and Week 8. The aerobic exercise intensity was controlled by a Mio FUSE Wristband with a smartphone application. The functional training consisted of the posture training, range of motion exercises, strength training, stability training and stretching exercises. Patients in control group received standard care during the 16-week follow-up and started to receive the exercise program at Week 16. The primary outcome was ASDAS at Week 16. The secondary outcomes were BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ASAS HI, peak oxygen uptake, body composition and muscle endurance tests. The mean difference between groups in change from baseline was analyzed with the analysis of covariance.Results:A total of 54 patients with AS were enrolled (26 in intervention group and 28 in control group) and 46 (85.2%) patients completed the 16-week follow-up. The mean difference of ASDAS between groups in change from baseline to 16-week follow-up was −0.2 (95% CI, −0.4 to 0.003, P = 0.032), and the mean change from baseline was -0.4 (95% CI, -0.5 to -0.2) in the intervention group vs -0.1 (95% CI, -0.3 to 0.01) in the control group, respectively. Significant between-group differences were found between groups for BASDAI (−0.5 [95% CI, −0.9 to −0.2], P = 0.004), BASMI (−0.7 [95% CI, −1.1 to −0.4], P <0.001), BASFI (−0.3 [95% CI, −0.6 to 0.01], P=0.035), peak oxygen uptake (2.7 [95% CI, 0.02 to 5.3] ml/kg/min, P=0.048) and extensor endurance test (17.8 [95% CI, 0.5 to 35.2]s, P=0.044) at Week 16. Between-group differences were detected in ASAS HI (−0.9 [95% CI, −1.7 to −0.1], P=0.030), body fat percentage (−1.0 [95% CI, −2.0 to −0.01] %, P=0.048) and visceral adipose tissue (−4.9 [95% CI, −8.5 to −1.4] cm2, P=0.008) at Week 8, but not at Week 16. No significant between-group differences were detected in the total lean mass, time up and go test and the flexor endurance test during the follow-up.Conclusion:Comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on disease activity, physical function, spinal mobility, aerobic capacity, and body composition as well as in improving fatigue and morning stiffness of patients with AS.References:[1]van der Heijde D, Ramiro S, Landewé R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:978–991.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing at old age home

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Raj ◽  
Subramaniam Santhi ◽  
G. J. Sara Sapharina
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Interventional Group ◽  
Old Age Homes

AbstractObjectivesThis study finds out the effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing in old age homes.MethodsThe non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Wechsler's memory scale (WMS-IV) and Geriatric depression scale (GDS) were the instruments used to assess the memory and depression among elderly during the pretest and posttest, respectively and the researcher had developed data sheet to collect information about the background variables using interview technique.ResultsThe neurobic exercise program was found to be effective in reducing depression among elderly residing in old age homes. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the level of depression had been found during the pretest and posttest in the interventional group. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) found between the study group and in the control group. There was significant correlation (r=0.417, p<0.05) found between the memory and depression during the pretest in the study group among the elderly. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) found in the mean scores of depression and marital status of the elderly during the pretest in the study group and there was a significant association (p<0.01) found in the mean scores of depression and the gender of the elderly during the pretest and posttest in the non interventional group were found.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that neurobic exercise program is an effective intervention in improving memory and reducing depression.

The Merging of Computers and Business Communication

1987 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan C. Roderick ◽  
Karen A. Forcht
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Organizational Communication ◽  
Teaching Strategies ◽  
Educational Experience ◽  
Business Communication ◽  
Computer Applications ◽  
Hard Copy ◽  
Hands On ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
The Way

Because of the availability of user-friendly software and the affordability of hardware, computers have become a common means of organizational communication. Users have had to change the way they process thoughts and ideas and to transfer them into hard-copy documentation. The integration of the computer into the business communication curriculum allows the instructor to provide a relevant and practical educational experience for college students. This article examines the importance of incorporating hands-on usage of a microcomputer in the business communication class and discusses computer applications and teaching strategies for text editing, punctuation review, and grammar assistance.

Analysis of the Real Area of Contact Between a Polymeric Magnetic Medium and a Rigid Surface

1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharat Bhushan
Keyword(s):  
Complex Modulus ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Computer Applications ◽  
Hard Material ◽  
Rigid Surface ◽  
Magnetic Medium ◽  
The Real ◽  
Real Area Of Contact ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Real Area

The statistical analysis of the real area of contact proposed by Greenwood and Williamson is revisited. General and simplified equations for the mean asperity real area of contact, number of contacts, total real area of contact, and mean real pressure as a function of apparent pressure for the case of elastic junctions are presented. The critical value of the mean asperity pressure at which plastic flow starts when a polymer contacts a hard material is derived. Based on this, conditions of elastic and plastic junctions for polymers are defined by a “polymer” plasticity index, Ψp which depends on the complex modulus, Poisson’s ratio, yield strength, and surface topography. Calculations show that most dynamic contacts that occur in a computer-magnetic tape are elastic, and the predictions are supported by experimental evidence. Tape wear in computer applications is small and decreases Ψp by less than 10 percent. The theory presented here can also be applied to rigid and floppy disks.

scholarly journals High-Throughput Analysis of Selected Urinary Hydroxy Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by an Innovative Automated Solid-Phase Microextraction

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 1869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Dugheri ◽  
Alessandro Bonari ◽  
Matteo Gentili ◽  
Giovanni Cappelli ◽  
Ilenia Pompilio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Solid Phase Microextraction ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
High Throughput Analysis ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
User Friendly

High-throughput screening of samples is the strategy of choice to detect occupational exposure biomarkers, yet it requires a user-friendly apparatus that gives relatively prompt results while ensuring high degrees of selectivity, precision, accuracy and automation, particularly in the preparation process. Miniaturization has attracted much attention in analytical chemistry and has driven solvent and sample savings as easier automation, the latter thanks to the introduction on the market of the three axis autosampler. In light of the above, this contribution describes a novel user-friendly solid-phase microextraction (SPME) off- and on-line platform coupled with gas chromatography and triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry to determine urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 1- and 2-hydroxy-naphthalene, 9-hydroxy-phenanthrene, 1-hydroxy-pyrene, 3- and 9-hydroxy-benzoantracene, and 3-hydroxy-benzo[a]pyrene. In this new procedure, chromatography’s sensitivity is combined with the user-friendliness of N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide on-fiber SPME derivatization using direct immersion sampling; moreover, specific isotope-labelled internal standards provide quantitative accuracy. The detection limits for the seven OH-PAHs ranged from 0.25 to 4.52 ng/L. Intra-(from 2.5 to 3.0%) and inter-session (from 2.4 to 3.9%) repeatability was also evaluated. This method serves to identify suitable risk-control strategies for occupational hygiene conservation programs.

scholarly journals Analyzing the Effect of the Senior Management’s Support on the Relationship between Factors Affecting and Employees’ Performance in the Al-Zawiya University of Libya

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Nasreddin Ramadhan Dukhan ◽  
Norhisham Mohamad ◽  
Asbi B Ali
Keyword(s):  
Likert Scale ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Multiple Groups ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Variable Performance

This study aims to test the influence of the senior management’s support as a moderating variable on the relationship between the independent factors (Training, Empowerment, Motivation and Communication) and the dependent variable (Performance of Employees). (SEM-AMOS) is used to test the impact of the moderating variable. Where it is depended on the method of sampling or analysis of what is known as multiple-groups analysis. The paragraphs of the senior management’s support variable are collected and divided into two groups according to the mean of the total paragraphs. In addition, according to the relative weights given to the paragraphs of the questionnaire, using a five- point’s Likert scale: 1= strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree. The first group consisted of the grades less than the mean and it is considered as the group which is non-supporters of the existence of support. While the second group consisted of the grades higher than the mean and considered as the group which is a supporter of the existence of support. The study found that the model of study in the presence of the support of the senior management’s is appropriate for the second group and inappropriate in light of the lack of support by the senior management’s support for the first group.

scholarly journals Effects of Non-Pharmacological Treatment on Pain, Flexibility, Balance and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomised Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 3826
Author(s):  
Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla ◽  
Abel Mejías-Gil ◽  
Elisa María Garrido-Ardila ◽  
María Jiménez-Palomares ◽  
Jesús Montanero-Fernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
The Mean

Background: The functional deficits in people with fibromyalgia can be related to the level of physical activity performed. This study investigated the effectiveness of an active exercise programme versus exercise for well-being improving pain, flexibility, static balance, perceived exertion and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia; Methods: A randomised, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted. A total of 141 of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were enrolled and randomised to an active exercise program group (n = 47), where they performed physical active exercises, an exercise for well-being group (n = 47), which performed the Qi Gong exercises named ‘the twenty Wang Ziping figures for health and longevity’, and a control group (n = 47), which did not receive any intervention, for a period of 4 weeks. Measures were taken at baseline and after the treatment. The primary outcome measures were static balance and centre of gravity (Wii-Fit Nintendo ©), flexibility (test de Wells and Dillon), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and quality of life (Spanish-Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). The secondary outcome measure was the perceived exertion during activity (BORG Scale). Results: In total, 93 participants completed the study. The mean value of the age was 52.24 ± 6.19. The post intervention results showed statistically significant improvements in the exercise for well-being and the active exercise programme groups vs. the control group in relation to pain (p = 0.006 active exercise programme group, p = 0.001 exercise for well-being group), static balance (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group) and quality of life (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group, p = 0.002 exercise for well-being group). In addition, the mean scores related to perceived fatigue during the sessions were 6.30 ± 1.88 for the active exercise programme group and 5.52 ± 1.55 for the exercise for well-being group. These differences were not significant. Conclusions: The active exercise program and exercise for well-being improved flexibility, static balance, pain and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia. The participants of the active exercise programme achieved better results that those of the exercise for well-being.

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