scholarly journals Recurrent atrial arrhythmia in a randomized controlled trial comparing contact force guided and contact force blinded ablation for typical atrial flutter

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikkel Giehm-Reese ◽  
Mads Kronborg ◽  
Peter Lukac ◽  
Steen Kristiansen ◽  
Henrik Kjærulf Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Flutter ◽  
Contact Force ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Conduction Block ◽  
Atrial Arrhythmia ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Holter Monitor ◽  
Typical Atrial Flutter

Background: Contact force (CF) guided catheter ablation (CA) is a novel technology developed to improve efficacy and reduce complications. In a randomised controlled trial (RCT), we previously documented that after three months, rate of persistent conduction block was similar with and without using CF while performing CA for typical atrial flutter (AFL). Clinical effect of CF on recurrent arrhythmia is unknown. Objective: To study recurrent atrial arrhythmia during 12-months follow-up in a RCT investigating whether CF-guided CA for typical AFL is superior to CF-blinded CA. Method: Patients were randomized 1:1 to CA guided by CF (intervention group) or blinded to CF (control group). After 12 months, patients attended clinical check-up preceded by a 5-day ambulatory Holter monitor recording. Primary outcome was any recurrent atrial arrhythmia ≥30 seconds within 12 months, symptomatic or asymptomatic and documented in 12-lead ECG or Holter monitor recording. We did intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Results: We included and randomized 156 patients, four patients withdrew consent and two died during follow-up. Thus, 150 patients were included in ITT-analysis, in which recurrent arrhythmia was detected in 47 (31%) patients, 25 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group (p = 0.25). Atrial fibrillation was detected in 38 patients (18 versus 20 patients), and AFL in the remaining 9 patients (7 versus 2 patients). Conclusion: Contact force guided ablation for typical atrial flutter does not reduce recurrent atrial arrhythmia after 12-months follow-up as compared with ablation blinded for contact force.

Increasing Life-Space Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Persons With Cognitive Impairment Following Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe Ullrich ◽  
Christian Werner ◽  
Martin Bongartz ◽  
Tobias Eckert ◽  
Bastian Abel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Life Space ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Independent Life

Abstract Background Community-dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) following discharge from geriatric rehabilitation are at high risk of losing life-space mobility (LSM). Interventions to improve their LSM are, however, still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CI-specific, home-based physical training and activity promotion program on LSM. Methods Older persons with mild-to-moderate CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 17–26 points) discharged home from rehabilitation were included in this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention period and 12-week follow-up period. The intervention group received a CI-specific, home-based strength, balance, and walking training supported by tailored motivational strategies. The control group received a placebo activity. LSM was evaluated by the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment, including a composite score for LSM and 3 subscores for maximal, equipment-assisted, and independent life space. Mixed-model repeated-measures analyses were used. Results One hundred eighteen participants (82.3 ± 6.0 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 23.3 ± 2.4) were randomized. After the intervention, the home-based training program resulted in a significant benefit in the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment composite scores (b = 8.15; 95% confidence interval: 2.89–13.41; p = .003) and independent life-space subscores (b = 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.78; p = .048) in the intervention group (n = 63) compared to control group (n = 55). Other subscores and follow-up results were not significantly different. Conclusions The home-based training program improved LSM and independent life space significantly in this vulnerable population. Effects were not sustained over the follow-up. The program may represent a model for improved transition from rehabilitation to the community to prevent high risk of LSM restriction.

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

scholarly journals Effect of physician prescribed information on hospital readmission and death after discharge among patients with health failure: A randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 146045822199640
Author(s):  
Faranak Kazemi Majd ◽  
Vahideh Zarea Gavgani ◽  
Ali Golmohammadi ◽  
Ali Jafari-Khounigh
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Oral Information

In order to understand if a physician prescribed medical information changes, the number of hospital readmission, and death among the heart failure patients. A 12-month randomized controlled trial was conducted (December 2013–2014). Totally, 120 patients were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention ( n = 60) and control ( n = 60). Accordingly, the control group was given the routine oral information by the nurse or physician, and the intervention group received the Information Prescription (IP) prescribed by the physician as well as the routine oral information. The data was collected via telephone interviews with the follow-up intervals of 6 and 12 months, and also for 1 year after the discharge. The patients with the median age of (IQR) 69.5 years old (19.8) death upon adjusting a Cox survival model, [RR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.46–0.97]. Few patients died during 1 year in the intervention group compared to the controls (7 vs 15) [RR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.20–1.06]. During a period of 6-month follow-up there was not statistically significant on death and readmission between two groups. Physician prescribed information was clinically and statistically effective on the reduction of death and hospital readmission rates among the HF patients in long term follow-up.

Effect of Communication Skills Training Program for Oncologists Based on Patient Preferences for Communication When Receiving Bad News: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (20) ◽  
pp. 2166-2172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maiko Fujimori ◽  
Yuki Shirai ◽  
Mariko Asai ◽  
Kaoru Kubota ◽  
Noriyuki Katsumata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Patient Preferences ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Communication Skills Training ◽  
Communication Performance

Purpose The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a communication skills training (CST) program for oncologists, developed based on patient preferences regarding oncologists' communication. Participants and Methods Thirty oncologists were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG; 2-day CST workshop) or control group (CG). Participants were assessed on their communication performance during simulated consultation and their confidence in communicating with patients at baseline and follow-up. A total of 1,192 patients (response rate, 84.6%) who had consultations with the participating oncologists at baseline and/or follow-up were assessed regarding their distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, satisfaction with the consultation, and trust in their oncologist after the consultation. Results At the follow-up survey, the performance scores of the IG had improved significantly, in terms of their emotional support (P = .011), setting up a supportive environment (P = .002), and ability to deliver information (P = .001), compared with those of the CG. Oncologists in the IG were rated higher at follow-up than those in the CG in terms of their confidence in themselves (P = .001). Patients who met with oncologists after they had undergone the CST were significantly less depressed than those who met with oncologists in the CG (P = .027). However, the CST program did not affect patient satisfaction with oncologists' style of communication. Conclusion A CST program based on patient preferences is effective for both oncologists and patients with cancer. Oncologists should consider CST as an approach to enhancing their communication skills.

Abstract P186: A Randomized Preschool Trial To Promote Cardiovascular Health In Colombia: 18 Month Follow Up.

Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Céspedes ◽  
German Briceño ◽  
Michael Farkouh ◽  
Rajesh Vedanthan ◽  
Martha Leal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Educational programs for children can increase uptake of healthy lifestyle behaviors. However, the impact of educational programs in preschool-aged children in low- and middle-income countries is not known. We conducted a five month educational intervention in preschool facilities (PF) in Bogota, Colombia, to assess changes in preschooler’s knowledge, attitudes and habits (KAH) towards healthy eating and living an active lifestyle. Methods: We conducted a cluster, randomized, controlled trial, and randomly assigned 14 PF in Bogota to a five-month educational intervention (7 PF) or to usual curriculum (7 PF). The intervention included classroom activities and use of printed material and videos. A total of 1216 pre-school children, 928 parents, and 120 teachers participated. A structured survey was used to evaluate changes in KAH with a weighted total score (WTS). The primary outcome was change in children's WTS, and the secondary outcomes were change in parents’ and teachers' WTS. The control PF were provided the intervention after the initial evaluation. To assess sustainability, we evaluated both intervention and control groups at 18 months. Results: At 6 months, children in the intervention group showed 10.9% increase in WTS vs. 5.3% in controls, p<0.001, after adjustment for cluster, sex, age and teachers' educational level. Among parents, the equivalent results were 8.9% and 3.1%, respectively, p< 0.001, and among teachers 9.4% and 2.5%, p=0.06. At the 18-month extended follow-up, both the intervention and control children showed a significant further increase in WTS, p<0.001 (Figure 1). In parents and teachers in the intervened group, there was no significant increase in WTS, p=0.7417, and p=0.1197. In the control group, there was an increase in WTS in teachers but not in parents, p=0.001, and p=0.4239. Conclusion: A preschool based intervention, aimed at changing KAH related to healthy diet and active lifestyle, is feasible, efficacious and sustainable up to 18 months in very young children in Colombia.

scholarly journals Feasibility and efficacy using the KODEX-EPD imaging system in right atrial flutter ablation: a single center experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Schillaci ◽  
G Stabile ◽  
G Shopova ◽  
A Arestia ◽  
A Agresta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Flutter ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Conduction Block ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Atrial Pacing ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Typical Atrial Flutter ◽  
Procedural Time

Abstract Background Isthmus-dependent right atrial flutter is the most frequently encountered atrial flutter in clinical practice (80–90% of atrial flutters). Purpose The aim of our study was to assess as first experience the feasibility and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) guided by KODEX-EPD imaging system in patients presenting with typical atrial flutter (AFL). Methods 16 consecutive patients (mean age 68,46±7,8 years, 80% males) with diagnosis of AFL underwent RFCA guided by KODEX-EPD imaging system. In 15 patients the analysis performed during tachycardia showed a counter-clockwise activation. In 1 patient no tachycardia could be induced and the ablation was performed in sinus rhythm with fixed pacing from the coronary sinus. The KODEX-EPD imaging system was also used to guide ablation and to confirm persistent bidirectional block after ablation. Results Mean procedural time was 37,6±8,2 min, mean radiofrequency ablation time was 7,8±3,4 min, and mean fluoroscopy time was 2,1±1,2 min. All procedures were acutely successful with interruption of AFL during RFCA along the inferior CTI in 15 patients and achievement of the bidirectional conduction block in 16 patients proven by atrial pacing medial and lateral to the ablation line. There were no major procedural and 30-day complications. Over a mean follow-up of 18 months, we observed no recurrence of arrhythmia and no complications. Conclusions Our study shows that RFCA for AFL using the KODEX-EPD imaging system is feasible, safe, and effective. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of ICT-Based Self-Management System DialBeticsLite on Treating Abdominal Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Kondo ◽  
Teru Okitsu ◽  
Kayo Waki ◽  
Toshimasa Yamauchi ◽  
Masaomi Nangaku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Metabolic Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Lifestyle Behavior ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Mobile health interventions, a more cost-effective approach compared to traditional methods of delivering lifestyle coaching in person, have been shown to improve physical parameters and lifestyle behavior among overweight populations. It is useful to know the efficacy of mobile apps in treating abdominal obesity, as it is a known risk factor for metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether a mobile self-management app (DialBeticsLite) could be used by patients with abdominal obesity to achieve a reduction in visceral fat area (VFA) and other physical parameters. METHODS This study was an open-label, 2-arm parallel-design randomized controlled trial. We recruited 122 people in September 2017, and randomly assigned them into either the intervention group or the control group. All participants attended an educational group session, which delivered information regarding diet and exercise. Additionally, participants in the intervention group were asked to use DialBeticsLite for 3 months. DialBeticsLite facilitated the daily recording of several physical parameters and lifestyle behavior, and provided feedback to encourage an improvement in behavior. The primary outcome was the change in VFA from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included changes in both physical and metabolic parameters, from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. Welch t test was conducted to analyze the effects of DialBeticsLite on both the primary outcome and the secondary outcomes. RESULTS Out of the 122 participants recruited, 75 participants were analyzed due to 47 participants being excluded: 37 due to ineligibility and 10 due to withdrawal of consent. The mean age was 49.3 (standard deviation: SD 6.1) in the intervention group (n=41) and 48.5 (SD 5.3) in the control group (n=34), and all participants were male, though unintentionally. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the intervention and control group, except for VFA. The averaged change of VFA was -23.5cm2 (SD 20.6) in the intervention group and +1.9cm2 (SD 16.2) in the control group (P<.001). Statistically significant differences were also found for the change of body weight, BMI and waist circumference. These findings did not change after adjusting for VFA at baseline. The intervention had no significant effect on any of the metabolic parameters. An exploratory analysis showed significant associations between the change in VFA and steps per day, and between the change in VFA and calorie intake per day within the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that although unsuccessful in improving metabolic parameters, a mobile health intervention facilitating the daily monitoring of several physical parameters and lifestyle behavior, can be highly effective in inducing visceral fat loss and weight loss among adults with abdominal obesity. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000042045 Retrospectively Registered; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000046495&type=summary&llanguag=J

Effects of a home-based physical training and activity promotion program in community-dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment after discharge from rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe Ullrich ◽  
Christian Werner ◽  
Anton Schönstein ◽  
Martin Bongartz ◽  
Tobias Eckert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Physical Capacity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Promotion Program ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background Older people with cognitive impairment (CI) are at high risk for mobility limitations and adverse outcomes after discharge from geriatric rehabilitation settings. Study aim was to estimate the effects of a specifically designed home-based physical training and activity promotion program on physical capacity, different aspects of physical activity (PA), and psychosocial status. Methods Patients with mild-to-moderate CI (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]: 17-26 points) discharged home after rehabilitation were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention and 12-week follow-up period. The intervention group performed a CI-specific, autonomous, home-based strength, balance and walking training supported by tailored motivational strategies to foster training adherence and promote PA. The control group participated in an unspecific motor placebo activity. Primary outcomes were physical capacity (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]) and PA (sensor-based activity time). Results Among 118 randomized participants (82.3±6.0 years) with CI (MMSE: 23.3±2.4) and high levels of multi-morbidity, those participants undergoing home-based training demonstrated superior outcomes to the control group in SPPB (mean difference between groups 1.9 points; 95%-CI: 1.0-2.8; p&lt;.001), with persistent benefits over the follow-up (1.3 points; 95%-CI: 0.4-2.2; p&lt;.001). There were no differences in PA across any time points. Among secondary outcomes, fear of falling and activity avoidance behavior were reduced in the intervention group at all time points, life-space mobility improved short-term. Conclusions Study results demonstrate clinically important benefits of an individually tailored autonomous physical training and activity promotion program on physical capacity and secondary outcomes in different domains in a vulnerable, multi-morbid population.

Evaluating the effects of a mindfulness mobile application on student pharmacists’ stress, burnout, and mindfulness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Chu ◽  
Tyler M Rose ◽  
Danielle A Gundrum ◽  
Tressa E McMorris ◽  
Eytan A Klausner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose Pharmacists report high levels of burnout. Mindfulness approaches have been demonstrated to have positive results in the general population and in other healthcare professions. However, limited studies have been performed evaluating mindfulness approaches in student pharmacists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of daily use of a mindfulness mobile application in improving student pharmacists’ perceived stress, burnout, and mindfulness. Methods This study was a randomized, longitudinal, waitlist-controlled trial. The intervention group was asked to meditate using the mindfulness application Headspace daily for at least 6 weeks. The waitlist control group was asked to abstain from using the application for the entire study. Stress, burnout, and mindfulness were assessed using validated survey instruments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks. A secondary outcome was to assess the persistence of application use after the intervention period. Results Fifty-six participants completed the study. The intervention group reported significantly lower scores on stress and burnout at 6 weeks compared to the control group. The intervention group also reported significantly higher scores on mindfulness. The differences in stress, burnout, and mindfulness persisted at follow-up. The mean percentage of students in the intervention group who used the application each day was 90% over the intervention period and 62% over the follow-up period. Conclusion A mindfulness mobile application significantly improved student pharmacists’ stress, burnout, and mindfulness with daily use. Most participants continued to use the application for 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. Positive effects on stress and mindfulness persisted even with decreased use.

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