Comparison of the Hypoalgesic Efficacy of Low-Frequency and Burst-Modulated Kilohertz Frequency Currents

Background and Purpose A within-subject randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare monophasic pulsed current (PC) with a frequency of 50 Hz and a phase duration of 500 microseconds with burst-modulated alternating current (BMAC) (1-kHz alternating current, burst modulated at a frequency of 50 Hz with a 20% duty cycle) to establish whether there were differences in hypoalgesic efficacy as assessed by cold pain threshold measurements. Subjects Twenty-two young adults who were healthy and drawn from a population of students of La Trobe University volunteered to participate in the study. Nineteen subjects (7 male, 12 female) met the inclusion criteria. Method Each participant experienced monophasic PC and BMAC. Time to cold pain threshold was measured before, during, and after the electrical stimulation intervention. Results Both PC and BMAC currents were effective at elevating the cold pain threshold, although there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 currents during stimulation. Discussion and Conclusion Pulsed current and BMAC appear to be equally effective at elevating the cold pain threshold. Analysis indicated that if any real difference exists, it would only be apparent with large (100) subject numbers. Any differences in hypoalgesic efficacy thus are not likely to be clinically important.

Download Full-text

The The Effectiveness of Early Mobilization Time on Balance and Functional Ability after Ischemic Stroke

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2019.269 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. 1088-1092

Author(s):

Umi Budi Rahayu ◽

Samekto Wibowo ◽

Ismail Setyopranoto

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Ability ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Early Mobilisation ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference

BACKGROUND: Early mobilisation (EM) after-ischemic stroke is a motor learning intervention aimed to restore nerve cells and to improve balance and functional ability. Unfortunately, the study of when this intervention began has not been widely studied. AIM: On this study was compared the effect of EM started at 24 hours and 48 hours after an ischemic stroke on balance and functional ability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trial involving 40 patients on 2 groups meeting predefined inclusion criteria. The levels of balance were measured using the Berg Balance Scale, and the functional ability was measured using the Barthel Index, at 5th and 7th day. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in both balance (p = 0.038) and functional ability (p = 0.021) obtained on the 7th day of assessment between both groups. A significant difference on the 5th day was observed only in the functional ability (p = 0.002) and not in the balance (p = 0.147), between the groups. CONCLUSION: EM started at 24 hours after the ischemic stroke has been found to have a better impact on balance and functional ability compared to that at 48 hours.

Download Full-text

Effect of virgin olive oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouth washon plaque and gingivitis: a randomized controlled trial

Journal of Research in Dentistry ◽

10.19177/jrd.v5e5201785-89 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 85

Author(s):

Nabeeh A AlQahtani ◽

Jimly James Kunjappu ◽

Kholood Badr Al Ghamdi ◽

Shreyas Tikare

Keyword(s):

Olive Oil ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Virgin Olive Oil ◽

Gingival Index ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Used Oil ◽

Home Based ◽

Group I ◽

Significant Difference

Aim: The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of oil pulling with virgin olive oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis.Material and Methods: A total of sixty subjects satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. The subjects were then randomly divided into two groups of thirty each. Group I used oil pulling with olive oil and Group II used 0.2% chlorhexidine as mouthwash. The plaque index and modified gingival index scores were measured at baseline, first week and second week.Results: The results showed that there was statistically significant reduction of mean plaque and gingivitis scores from baseline to first week and second week in both olive oil (p<0.05) and chlorhexidine group (p<0.05). There was significant difference in mean plaque scores between olive oil group and chlorhexidine group at second week (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in mean gingivitis scores between olive oil group and chlorhexidine group at second week (p<0.05).Conclusions: Oil pulling with virgin olive oil was found to be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Regular and proper oil pulling with virgin olive oil can therefore be recommended as a routine home-based practice in promoting oral health.

Download Full-text

Impact of Adjuvant Use of Midodrine to Intravenous Vasopressors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Critical Care Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2021/5588483 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Ahmad Al-Abdouh ◽

Sadam Haddadin ◽

Atul Matta ◽

Ahmad Jabri ◽

Mahmoud Barbarawi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Studies ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Icu Length Of Stay ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Risk Ratios

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of midodrine use in intensive care units (ICU) to facilitate weaning off intravenous vasopressors (IVV). Methods. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar (inception through October 18th, 2020) for studies evaluating adjuvant use of midodrine to IVV in the ICU. The outcomes of interest were ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, mortality, IVV reinstitution, ICU readmission, and bradycardia. Estimates were pooled using the random-effects model. We reported effect sizes as standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for other outcomes with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. A total of 6 studies were found that met inclusion criteria and had sufficient data for our quantitative analysis (1 randomized controlled trial and 5 retrospective studies). A total of 2,857 patients were included: 600 in the midodrine group and 2,257 patients in the control group. Midodrine use was not associated with a significant difference in ICU LOS (SMD 0.16 days; 95% CI −0.23 to 0.55), hospital LOS (SMD 0.03 days; 95% CI −0.33 to 0.0.39), mortality (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.46), IVV reinstitution (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.3), or ICU readmission (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.49) when compared to using only IVV. However, there were higher trends of bradycardia with midodrine use that did not reach significance (RR 7.64; 95% CI 0.23 to 256.42). Conclusion. This meta-analysis suggests that midodrine was not associated with a significant decrease in ICU LOS, hospital LOS, mortality, or ICU readmissions.

Download Full-text

Wrist Extensor Torque Production and Discomfort Associated With Low-Frequency and Burst-Modulated Kilohertz-Frequency Currents

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20050300 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 86 (10) ◽

pp. 1360-1367 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Alex R Ward ◽

Warwick G Oliver ◽

Danielle Buccella

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Stimulus Type ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Force Production ◽

Alternating Current ◽

Wrist Extensor ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Extensor Torque

Abstract Background and Purpose. A randomized controlled trial to compare 2 forms of monophasic pulsed currents with 2 forms of burst-modulated, kilohertz-frequency alternating current (“Russian current” and “Aussie current”) was conducted to establish whether different amounts of wrist extensor torque were produced and whether discomfort varied with stimulus type. Subjects. The 32 subjects were adults who were healthy and were drawn from a population of staff and students at La Trobe University. Methods. Each subject received all 4 currents. Maximal electrically induced torque (MEIT) of the wrist extensors was measured for each stimulus type. Relative discomfort of stimulation also was assessed. Results. Russian current elicited lower mean torque than those elicited by Aussie current and monophasic pulsed currents. The Russian and Aussie currents elicited significantly less discomfort than the 2 monophasic pulsed currents. Discussion and Conclusion. When force production and relative discomfort were jointly used as the criteria, Aussie current was found to be more effective than either of the monophasic pulsed currents or Russian current stimulation.

Download Full-text

The Effectiveness of Mometasone Spray and Triamcinolone Acetonide Gel in Preventing Sore Throat, Cough, and Hoarse after Intubation

Journal of Anesthesiology and Clinical Research ◽

10.37275/jacr.v2i1.144 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 135-147

Author(s):

Zentika. I. Fajri ◽

Fredi Heru Irwanto ◽

A Miarta ◽

Theodorus

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

General Anesthesia ◽

Sore Throat ◽

Triamcinolone Acetonide ◽

Endotracheal Intubation ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Open Label ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Endotracheal intubation is a procedure performed by inserting an endotracheal tube into the airway. With endotracheal intubation, there can be several complications ranging from mild to severe. Sore throat, coughing, and hoarseness were several endotracheal intbation complications. From several studies, it was found that the incidence of POST was 21-65%. This study aimed to determine the efficacy between 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide gel and 100 mcg mometasone spray in reducing sore throat, cough, and hoarseness due to endotracheal intubation. Method: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Open-Label was carried out on patients undergoing endotracheal intubation with general anesthesia in RSMH operating room from September 2020 - November 2020. Seventy-two study subjects met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups, namely the triamcinolone acetonide gel group, and the mometasone spray group. Analyzing data was SPSS version 23. Result: There were no difference between age, sex, ASA PS classification, and length of operation between the two groups (p> 0.05). Mometasone spray 100 mcg and triamcinolone acetonide gel 0.1% had the same effectiveness to reduce endotracheal intubation such as sore throat, cough, and hoarseness within 24 hours of endotracheal intubation (p> 0.05). There was a significant difference in the incidence of sore throat between two groups in the first hour (p = 0.039). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the efficiency of mometasone spray 100 mcg and triamcinolone acetonide gel 0.1% on a sore throat, cough, and hoarseness within 24 hours of endotracheal intubation (p > 0.05).

Download Full-text

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Twins Compared With Singleton Children: A Systematic Review

Twin Research and Human Genetics ◽

10.1017/thg.2018.3 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 136-145 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Oluwole A. Babatunde ◽

Sally N. Adebamowo ◽

IkeOluwa O. Ajayi ◽

Clement A. Adebamowo

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cross Sectional Studies ◽

Relevant Covariates

More than 200 million children aged <5 years fail to reach their full cognitive potential, and children born as twins are particularly at risk. In this article, we review studies that examined differences in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of twins compared to singletons. We searched the Medline database for articles on twins, singletons, neuro, and cognitive development. We also inspected bibliographies of relevant publications to identify related articles from 2011 to 2017. Our search criteria yielded 162 studies, 8 of which met the inclusion criteria. Of the eight studies examined, four were prospective follow-up studies, three were cross-sectional studies, and one was a randomized controlled trial. Five of these studies were carried out in developed countries, and they found no statistically significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes among twins and singletons. However, two of the three studies carried out in developing countries found a difference with singletons having significantly higher academic ratings than twins. Studies in which neurodevelopmental outcomes were measured early in life (1–5 years) showed no significant twin–singleton differences, while those in which it was measured later in life showed mixed twin–singleton differences. Overall, these studies may have been underpowered and may not have been optimally designed and implemented. There is need for studies with adequate sample sizes, good design, and optimal measurement of all relevant covariates in order to resolve the conflicting reports in the literature.

Download Full-text

High voltage pulsed current in pressure ulcer healing: results of a randomized, controlled trial – preliminary study

Leczenie Ran ◽

10.15374/lr2013005 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 13-22 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anna Polak ◽

Anna Walczak ◽

Jakub Taradaj ◽

Marzena Dzikiewicz ◽

Aldona Augustak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Pressure Ulcer ◽

High Voltage ◽

Ulcer Healing ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Pulsed Current ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Preliminary Study

Download Full-text

Effect of leg wrapping technique on prevention of spinal induced hypotension and fetal acidosis during cesarean section: Randomized controlled trial

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice ◽

10.5430/jnep.v10n2p70 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 70

Author(s):

Samah Nasser Abd El-Aziz El-Shora ◽

Amina Mohamed Rashad El-Nemer

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Cesarean Section ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Control Group ◽

Induced Hypotension ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Wrapping Technique

Background and aim: Hypotension during cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia has been a subject of scientific study for more than 50 years and the search for the most effective strategy to achieve hemodynamic stability remains challenging. Aim: The study was carried out to apply leg wrapping technique for the prevention of spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) during CS.Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial design was utilized at cesarean delivery operating room Mansoura General Hospital in El-Mansoura City during the period from May 2018 to November 2018. A purposive sample of 88 pregnant women, assigned randomly to an intervention group (n = 44) in which their legs wrapped with elastic crepe bandage and control group (n = 44) in which no wrapping was done. Data collected for maternal, neonatal hemodynamic and signs of hypotension, the feasibility of application and cost analysis.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of SIH and Ephedrine use among both groups (18.20% in leg wrapping group whereas 75% in control group). In addition, neonatal acidosis and NICU admission were less among leg wrapping group (11.40%, 9.10% respectively). Economically, leg wrapping technique was cost effective compared to the cost of the hospital regimen for treating SIH and admission to (NICU).Conclusion and recommendations: Leg wrapping technique was cost effective and an efficient method for decreasing SIH, neonatal acidosis and Ephedrine administration. It is recommended to apply leg wrapping technique in maternal hospitals' protocol of care for decreasing SIH during CS.

Download Full-text

Manual Therapy in Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116176 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6176

Author(s):

Tomasz Kuligowski ◽

Anna Skrzek ◽

Błażej Cieślik

Keyword(s):

Manual Therapy ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Future Research ◽

Lumbar Radiculopathy ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Mean

The aim of this study was to describe and update current knowledge of manual therapy accuracy in treating cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, to identify the limitations in current studies, and to suggest areas for future research. The study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases up to April 2020. The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) presence of radiculopathy; (2) treatment defined as manual therapy (i.e., traction, manipulation, mobilization); and (3) publication defined as a Randomized Controlled Trial. The electronic literature search resulted in 473 potentially relevant articles. Finally, 27 articles were accepted: 21 on cervical (CR) and 6 in lumbar radiculopathy (LR). The mean PEDro score for CR was 6.6 (SD 1.3), and for LR 6.7 (SD 1.6). Traction-oriented techniques are the most frequently chosen treatment form for CR and are efficient in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes. In LR, each of the included publications used a different form of manual therapy, which makes it challenging to summarize knowledge in this group. Of included publications, 93% were either of moderate or low quality, which indicates that quality improvement is necessary for this type of research.

Download Full-text

Interest of a standardized hypnotic message for the reduction of pain and anxiety in cancer patients treated by capsaicin patch for neuropathic pain: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies ◽

10.1186/s12906-021-03329-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rémi Etienne ◽

Myriam Laurent ◽

Aline Henry ◽

Antoine Bioy ◽

Julia Salleron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Neuropathic Pain ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Standard Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Numerical Rating ◽

Reduction Of Pain ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous painful symptoms. Medical therapies include the use of a capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza®, Grünenthal Gmbh, Germany), and patients may experience a sharp burning sensation at application and removal of the patch. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of playing a standardized hypnosis recording during application, on the pain and anxiety induced by capsaicin treatment. Methods In a randomized, controlled trial, we assessed the benefits of the intervention firstly on pain and secondly on anxiety, as measured using numerical rating scales. All patients had application of the capsaicin patch, including the possibility for the patient to apply a cold patch. Participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, namely the “Standard group” (no intervention), “Hypnosis group”, in which a standardized hypnotic message was played during application, or the “Music group” in which relaxing music was played during application of the patch. Results Sixty-nine patients were included. Overall, there was no significant difference in pain scores between groups (p = 0.355). Compared to standard application, anxiety was significantly lower in the hypnosis group after application (p = 0.007), with no significant difference between the standard and music arms (p = 0.271), or between the hypnosis and music arms (p = 0.423). Conclusions Listening to a standardized hypnotic message during application of a capsaicin patch was found to significantly lower anxiety. These findings indicate that the use of a hypnotic message can reduce discomfort and warrant its evaluation in other indications of pain or anxiety during treatment procedures. Trial registration NCT02822625.

Download Full-text