scholarly journals Effects of Smartphone-based Interventions on Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zihao He ◽  
Hua Wu ◽  
Fengyu Yu ◽  
Jinmei Fu ◽  
Shunli Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Smartphone Intervention

BACKGROUND About 70% of children and adolescents worldwide do not meet the recommended level of physical activity (PA), which is closely associated with physical, psychological, and cognitive well-being. Nowadays, the use of technologies to change PA is of interest due to the need for novel, more effective intervention approaches. The previous meta-analyses have examined smartphone-based interventions and their impact on PA in adults, but evidence in children and adolescents still needs further research. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of smartphone-based interventions for improving PA in children and adolescents. METHODS Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, Scopus, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for a randomized controlled trial, smartphone-based intervention on PA levels of children and adolescents were obtained. Bias risks were assessed using the Cochrane collaboration tool. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the pooled effect on PA. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the potential modifying effects of different factors. RESULTS A total of 9 studies were included in this review, including 4 mobile application (APP) interventions, 3 short message service (SMS) text messaging interventions, and 2 APP+SMS interventions. Compared with the control group, the use of smartphone intervention significantly improved PA (SMD=0.44, 95%: 0.11-0.77), especially for total PA (TPA) and daily steps, but not for moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). The results of subgroup analyses indicated that APP, children, duration ≤8 weeks, objective measurement, and low risk of bias can significantly improve PA. CONCLUSIONS Smartphone-based intervention may be a promising strategy to increase TPA and steps in children and adolescents, but the effect of the intervention on MVPA remains to be studied. Currently, APP intervention may be a more effective strategy among smartphone intervention technologies.

scholarly journals Effects of Smartphone-Based Interventions on Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

10.2196/22601 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e22601
Author(s):  
Zihao He ◽  
Hua Wu ◽  
Fengyu Yu ◽  
Jinmei Fu ◽  
Shunli Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Smartphone Intervention

Background About 70% of children and adolescents worldwide do not meet the recommended level of physical activity (PA), which is closely associated with physical, psychological, and cognitive well-being. Nowadays, the use of technologies to change PA is of interest due to the need for novel, more effective intervention approaches. The previous meta-analyses have examined smartphone-based interventions and their impact on PA in adults, but evidence in children and adolescents still needs further research. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of smartphone-based interventions for improving PA in children and adolescents. Methods Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, Scopus, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched up to June 29, 2020. Randomized controlled trials with a control group that examine the effect of smartphone interventions on PA among children and adolescents were included. Bias risks were assessed using the Cochrane collaboration tool. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the pooled effect on PA using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the potential modifying effects of different factors (eg, types of intervention, intervention duration, age, measurement, study quality). Results A total of 9 studies were included in this review, including 4 mobile app interventions, 3 SMS text messaging interventions, and 2 app + SMS text messaging interventions. In general, the risk of bias of included studies was low. Compared with the control group, the use of smartphone intervention significantly improved PA (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.44, 95% CI 0.11-0.77, P=.009), especially for total PA (TPA; weighted mean difference [WMD] 32.35, 95% CI 10.36-54.33, P=.004) and daily steps (WMD 1185, 95% CI 303-2068, P=.008), but not for moderate-to-vigorous PA (WMD 3.91, 95% CI –1.99 to 9.81, P=.19). High statistical heterogeneity was detected (I2=73.9%, P<.001) for PA. Meta-regression showed that duration (β=–.08, 95% CI –0.15 to –0.01, n=16) was a potential factor for high heterogeneity. The results of subgroup analyses indicated that app intervention (SMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.23-1.30, P=.005), children (SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.10-1.18, P=.02), “≤8 weeks” (SMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.23-1.30, P=.005), objective measurement (SMD 0.50, 95% CI 0.09-0.91, P=.02), and low risk of bias (SMD 0.96, 95% CI 0.38-1.54, P=.001) can significantly improve PA. Conclusions The evidence of meta-analysis shows that smartphone-based intervention may be a promising strategy to increase TPA and steps in children and adolescents. Currently, app intervention may be a more effective strategy among smartphone intervention technologies. To extend the promise of smartphone intervention, the future needs to design comparative trials among different smartphone technologies. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019148261; https://tinyurl.com/y5modsrd

scholarly journals Meta-Analysis on Intervention Effects of Physical Activities on Children and Adolescents with Autism

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinfeng Huang ◽  
Chunjie Du ◽  
Jianjin Liu ◽  
Guangxin Tan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Adolescents With Autism

This paper aimed to discuss the intervention effects of physical activities on children and adolescents with autism with a meta-analysis so as to serve as a reference to further relevant research on the same topic. As for research methods, by searching in CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), WanFang data, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and other databases, this study collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the intervention of physical activities on children and adolescents with autism and used Review Manager 5.3 software to process and analyze the outcome indicators of the literature. As for the result, a total of 12 papers and 492 research targets were selected. The results of the meta-analysis show that physical activity had a significant positive impact on social interaction ability, communication ability, motor skills, and autism degree of autistic children as well as the social skills and communication skills of autistic adolescents. On the other hand, physical activity had no significant effect on the stereotyped behavior of autistic children and adolescents. In conclusion, physical activity intervention is beneficial to children and adolescents with autism, and continuous physical activity intervention can produce greater intervention effect.

scholarly journals Effects of Hatha Yoga on caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Lima Daleprane Bernardi ◽  
Maria Helena Costa Amorim ◽  
Luciane Bresciane Salaroli ◽  
Eliana Zandonade
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hatha Yoga ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Anxiety State ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective: To assess the effects of a Hatha Yoga intervention on anxiety, subjective well-being, and attention levels of caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer, admitted to a public hospital in the city of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed. Thirty-six volunteers were allocated to clinical (participated in 4 to 6 Hatha Yoga practices) or control groups and answered the questionnaires State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Subjective Well-Being Scale, and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale before and after the intervention period. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon nonparametric analyses were performed to compare the groups to each other and at different moments. Results: The individuals' moderate anxiety state decreased in the clinical (p = 0.001) and control (p = 0.014) groups so that while the control group continued to present moderate anxiety, the clinical group presented low anxiety after the intervention. Positive affects increased, and adverse effects decreased in the clinical group (p <0.05). There were no relevant changes in satisfaction with life and attention levels in the two groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion and implications for practice: Hatha Yoga is a useful tool for healthcare professionals and caregivers in short-term hospital care to reduce anxiety and improve subjective well-being.

scholarly journals Combination between Mifepristone and Methotrexate to Treat Ectopic Pregnancy: A Systematic Review Protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiling Su ◽  
Huiyan Feng ◽  
Tian Tian ◽  
Xiaoqian Liao ◽  
Yunhui Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Outcome Index

Background: In recent years, the morbidity of ectopic pregnancy and the proportion of young and childless patients have increased year by year, which makes it important to early diagnose EP, effectively save patients' lives and furthest preserve their fertility. Methotrexate and mifepristone are most widely used in conservative treatments, however, there is no accurate conclusion about which therapy is better. Therefore, the aims in this meta-analysis are, on the one hand, to systematically analyze the efficacy of mifepristone combined with methotrexate in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy through existing studies, and to draw scientific conclusions. On the other hand, to fill the gap of relevant analysis in China and abroad, to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of inclusion trials and propose improvement measures and scientific designing schemes. Methods: Six electronic databases will be searched, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database (WF). Literature from October 2015 to October 2020 on randomized controlled trials will be searched, without any language or publication restriction. Search terms include mifepristone, methotrexate, ectopic pregnancy, and random (free word/synonym expansion). Included in a randomized controlled trial, the treatment group was treated with mifepristone combined with methotrexate, and the control group was treated with mifepristone alone. Revman 5.4 (provided by Cochrane) will be used to evaluate the quality of the literature, and the corresponding effect model will be selected to analyze the results. The cure rate will be the main outcome index, and the remaining outcome measures after literature inclusion will be the secondary outcome indexes. Result: Only when we finish this meta-analysis can we get the result. Discussion: The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the efficacy of mifepristone combined with methotrexate therapy in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

The modern employee: exercise and the brain

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-65
Author(s):  
Pamela Guggina
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinically Depressed ◽  
The Brain

Purpose An area of workplace well-being, and thus performance, which is now being recognized more widely is the mental health of employees. Research today demonstrates that exercise is good for the body and dramatically affects the brain. While it is widely accepted that regular exercise can promote weight loss, lower blood pressure and decrease the risks of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, it is also becoming clear that exercise can improve mood, coping skills and even treat clinical depression and anxiety. These findings further support the upward trend of companies offering a wider range of health benefits to their employees. Design/methodology/approach One example of the combined research, Rethorst et al., published a large meta-analysis exploring the interaction between physical activity and depression. They examined 58 randomized trails and found that participants in the studies who had been randomized to use exercise as a treatment for depression had significantly lower depression scores than participants who had been randomized to the non-exercise or “control” group. Both clinically depressed and non-clinically depressed individuals reported lower depression scores if they participated in the exercise group. Findings Exercise can be as effective as medication in treating depression. Regular exercise can decrease the symptoms of clinical anxiety. Employers who incentivize physical activity can dramatically lower healthcare costs. Benefits packages which promote physical activity can increase productivity and decrease absenteeism. Originality/value There will always be people with an illness which requires medication, but there appears to be a group that will benefit greatly from getting out and moving with regular exercise. The hope is that physicians with patients who have symptoms of depression and anxiety will encourage their patients to get some exercise to see if it helps. This can be something that is done alone or as an adjunct to talk therapy and/or pharmacologic treatment. Exercise is not likely to change the circumstances that make life challenging, but it can help all humans cope better with these challenges.

scholarly journals Effect of text messaging on depression in patients with coronary heart disease: a substudy analysis from the TEXT ME randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e022637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽  
Clara K Chow ◽  
Julie Redfern ◽  
Cindy Kok ◽  
Karin Rådholm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Support Programme ◽  
History Of ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
History Of Depression

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the effects on depression scores of a lifestyle-focused cardiac support programme delivered via mobile phone text messaging among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).DesignSubstudy and secondary analysis of a parallel-group, single-blind randomised controlled trial of patients with CHD.SettingA tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia.InterventionThe Tobacco, Exercise and dieT MEssages programme comprised four text messages per week for 6 months that provided education, motivation and support on diet, physical activity, general cardiac education and smoking, if relevant. The programme did not have any specific mental health component.OutcomesDepression scores at 6 months measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Treatment effect across subgroups was measured using log-binomial regression model for the binary outcome (depressed/not depressed, where depressed is any score of PHQ-9 ≥5) with treatment, subgroup and treatment by subgroup interaction as fixed effects.ResultsDepression scores at 6 months were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group, mean difference 1.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.4, p<0.0001). The frequency of mild or greater depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores≥5) at 6 months was 21/333 (6.3%) in the intervention group and 86/350 (24.6%) in the control group (relative risk (RR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.40, p<0.001). This proportional reduction in depressive symptoms was similar across groups defined by age, sex, education, body mass index, physical activity, current smoking, current drinking and history of depression, diabetes and hypertension. In particular, the rates of PHQ-9 ≥5 among people with a history of depression were 4/44 (9.1%) vs 29/62 (46.8%) in intervention vs control (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.51, p<0.001), and were 17/289 (5.9%) vs 57/288 (19.8%) among others (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.50, p<0.001).ConclusionsAmong people with CHD, a cardiac support programme delivered via mobile phone text messaging was associated with fewer symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression at 6 months in the treatment group compared with controls.Trial registration numberACTRN12611000161921.

scholarly journals Psychological and psychosocial interventions offered to forensic mental health inpatients: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e024351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas MacInnes ◽  
Serena Masino
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Violence Risk ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Eligibility Criteria

ObjectiveTo examine the evidence for the use of psychological and psychosocial interventions offered to forensic mental health inpatients.DesignCINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases were searched for research published in English between 1 January 1990 and 31 May 2018.Outcome measuresDisturbance, mental well-being, quality of life, recovery, violence/risk, satisfaction, seclusion, symptoms, therapeutic relationship and ward environment. There were no limits on the length of follow-up.Eligibility criteriaWe included randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies of any psychological or psychosocial intervention in an inpatient forensic setting. Pilot or feasibility studies were included if an RCT design was used.We restricted our search criteria to inpatients in low, medium and high secure units aged over 18. We focused on interventions considered applicable to most patients residing in forensic mental health settings.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias.Results17 232 citations were identified with 195 full manuscripts examined in detail. Nine papers were included in the review. The heterogeneity of the identified studies meant that meta-analysis was inappropriate. The results were presented in table form together with a narrative synthesis. Only 7 out of 91 comparisons revealed statistically significant results with no consistent significant findings. The most frequently reported outcomes were violence/risk and symptoms. 61% of the violence/risk comparisons and 79% of the symptom comparisons reported improvements in the intervention groups compared with the control groups.ConclusionsCurrent practice is based on limited evidence with no consistent significant findings. This review suggests psychoeducational and psychosocial interventions did not reduce violence/risk, but there is tentative support they may improve symptoms. More RCTs are required with: larger sample sizes, representative populations, standardised outcomes and control group interventions similar in treatment intensity to the intervention.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017067099.

scholarly journals The Use of Text Messaging to Promote Physical Activity in Working Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 756-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy M. Gell ◽  
Danielle D. Wadsworth
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Working Women ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Change In Mean

Background:The study evaluated the effects of a text message intervention on physical activity in adult working women.Methods:Eightyseven participants were randomized to an intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 46). Pedometer step counts and measures of self-efficacy were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Intervention participants received approximately 3 text messages per week that were motivational, informational, and specific to performing physical activity.Results:ANCOVA results showed a significant difference between groups for mean steps per day at 12 weeks (6540.0 vs. 5685.0, P = .01) and no significant difference at 24 weeks (6867.7 vs. 6189.0, P = .06). There was no change in mean step counts during or after the intervention compared with baseline. There was a significant difference between groups for mean self-efficacy scores at 12 weeks (68.5 vs. 60.3, P = .02) and at 24 weeks (67.3 vs. 59.0, P = .03).Conclusion:Intervention participants had higher step counts after 12 and 24 weeks compared with a control group; however, the difference was significant only at the midpoint of the intervention and was attributable to a decrease in steps for the control group. Text messaging did not increase step counts but may be a cost-effective tool for maintenance of physical activity behavior.

scholarly journals The Effect of Intensity, Frequency, Duration and Volume of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents on Skeletal Muscle Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9640
Author(s):  
Chunchun Wu ◽  
Yongjin Xu ◽  
Zhaojing Chen ◽  
Yinhang Cao ◽  
Kehong Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Muscle Fitness

Physical activity could improve the muscle fitness of youth, but the systematic analysis of physical activity elements and muscle fitness was limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the influence of physical activity elements on muscle fitness in children and adolescents. We analyzed literature in Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, and PubMed databases from January 2000 to September 2020. Only randomized controlled studies with an active control group, which examined at least 1 muscle fitness evaluation index in individuals aged 5–18 years were included. Articles were evaluated using the Jaded scale. Weighted-mean standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects models. Twenty-one studies and 2267 subjects were included. Physical activity had moderate effects on improving muscle fitness (SMD: 0.58–0.96, p < 0.05). Physical activity element subgroup analysis showed that high-intensity (SMD 0.68–0.99, p < 0.05) physical activity < 3 times/week (SMD 0.68–0.99, p < 0.05), and < 60 min/session (SMD 0.66–0.76, p < 0.01) effectively improved muscle fitness. Resistance training of ≥ 3 sets/session (SMD 0.93–2.90, p < 0.01) and < 10 repetitions/set (SMD 0.93–1.29, p < 0.05) significantly improved muscle fitness. Low-frequency, high-intensity, and short-duration physical activity more effectively improves muscle fitness in children and adolescents. The major limitation of this meta-analysis was the low quality of included studies. The study was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42020206963 and was funded mainly by the Ministry of Education of Humanities and Social Science project, China.

scholarly journals Recruitment and Retention of Parents of Adolescents in a Text Messaging Trial (MyTeen): Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/17723 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e17723
Author(s):  
Joanna Ting Wai Chu ◽  
Angela Wadham ◽  
Yannan Jiang ◽  
Karolina Stasiak ◽  
Matthew Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

Background Parenting programs are well established as an effective strategy for enhancing both parenting skills and the well-being of the child. However, recruitment for family programs in clinical and nonclinical settings remains low. Objective This study aims to describe the recruitment and retention methods used in a text messaging program (MyTeen) trial for parents of adolescents (10-15 years) and identify key lessons learned. We aim to provide insights and direction for researchers who seek to recruit parents and build on the limited literature on recruitment and retention strategies for parenting program trials. Methods A recruitment plan was developed, monitored, and modified as needed throughout the course of the project. Strategies to facilitate recruitment were identified (eg, program content and recruitment material, staff characteristics, and study procedures). Traditional and web-based recruitment strategies were used. Results Over a 5-month period, 319 parents or caregivers expressed interest in our study, of which 221 agreed to participate in the study, exceeding our recruitment target of 214 participants. Attrition was low at the 1-month (4.5% overall; intervention group: n=5, 4.6%; control group: n=5, 4.5%) and 3-month follow-ups (9% overall; intervention group: n=10, 9.2%; control group: n=10, 8.9%). Conclusions The use of web-based recruitment strategies appeared to be most effective for recruiting and retaining parents in a text-messaging program trial. However, we encountered recruitment challenges (ie, underrepresentation of ethnic minority groups and fathers) similar to those reported in the literature. Therefore, efforts to engage ethnic minorities and fathers are needed. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000117213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374307

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