scholarly journals Meta-Analytic Findings in the Self-Controlled Motor Learning Literature: Underpowered, Biased, and Lacking Evidential Value

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad McKay ◽  
Zachary Yantha ◽  
Julia Hussien ◽  
Michael J Carter ◽  
Diane M. Ste-Marie

The self-controlled motor learning literature consists of experiments that compare a group of learners who are provided with a choice over an aspect of their practice environment to a group who are yoked to those choices. A qualitative review of the literature suggests an unambiguous benefit from self-controlled practice. A meta-analysis was conducted on the effects of self-controlled practice on retention test performance measures with a focus on assessing and potentially correcting for selection bias in the literature, such as publication bias and p-hacking. First, a naïve random effects model was fit to the data and a moderate benefit of self-controlled practice, g=.44 (k= 52,N= 3134,95%CI[.31, .56]), was found. Second, publication status was added to the model as a potential moderator, revealing a significant difference between published and unpublished findings, with only the former reporting a benefit of self-controlled practice. Third, to investigate and adjust for the impact of selectively reporting statistically significant results, a weight-function model was fit to the data with a one-tailed p-value cutpoint of .025. The weight-function model revealed substantial selection bias and estimated the true average effect of self-controlled practice as g=.107 (95%CI[.047, .18]). P-curve analyses were conducted on the statistically significant results published in the literature and the outcome suggested a lack of evidential value. Fourth, a suite of sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of these results, all of which converged on trivially small effect estimates. Overall, our results suggest the benefit of self-controlled practice on motor learning is small and not currently distinguishable from zero.

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Pierre Koskas ◽  
Mouna Romdhani ◽  
Olivier Drunat

As commonly happens in epidemiological research, none of the reported studies were totally free of methodological problems. Studies have considered the influence of social relationships on dementia, but the mechanisms underlying these associations are not perfectly understood. We look at the possible impact of selection bias. For their first memory consultation, patients may come alone or accompanied by a relative. Our objective is to better understand the impact of this factor by retrospective follow-up of geriatric memory outpatients over several years. All patients over 70 who were referred to Bretonneau Memory Clinic for the first time, between January 2006 and 2018, were included in the study. The patients who came alone formed group 1, the others, whatever type of relative accompanied them, formed group 2. We compared the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of patients; and for all patients who came twice for consultation with at least a 60-day interval, we compared their first MMSE with the MMSE performed at the second consultation. In total, 2,935 patients were included, aged 79.7 ± 8.4 years. Six hundred and twenty-five formed group 1 and 2,310 group 2. We found a significant difference in MMSE scores between the 2 groups of patients; and upon second consultation in group 2, but that difference was minor in group 1. Our finding of a possible confounding factor underlines the complexity of choosing comparison groups in order to minimize selection bias while maintaining clinical relevance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110164
Author(s):  
Abbie West ◽  
Cara Cawley ◽  
Elizabeth Crow ◽  
Alexis M. Stoner ◽  
Natalie M. Fadel ◽  
...  

Objective: Approximately 1 in 6 adults 60 and older have experienced a form of abuse in the past year. Many cases remain under-reported due to lack of knowledge and awareness. This study created an educational program on elder abuse for medical students to determine if participation would increase knowledge and awareness of elder abuse. Methods: This study used a pre and post survey methodology to evaluate students’ knowledge and awareness of elder abuse before and after participating in this educational program. Sixty first and second year osteopathic medical students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus participated in this study. Students were emailed a pre-survey to evaluate their pre-existing knowledge and awareness. The survey was, previously created by the Student Training on Preventing Domestic Violence (STOP-DV) team using validated measures. Participants then attended educational events about various forms of elder abuse and recognizing its associated signs, and afterward completed the post-survey. The results were compared using t-tests to determine if there was a significant difference. Results: First and second year students differed significantly in pre-survey results of knowledge but not post-survey results. The results showed a significant difference in overall mean knowledge ( P-value < .001) and awareness scores ( P-value < .001) in all students. Conclusion: These results suggest education on elder abuse can enable future physicians to better recognize, understand, and support older adults regarding elder maltreatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S162-S163
Author(s):  
Jennifer B Radics-Johnson ◽  
Daniel W Chacon ◽  
Li Zhang

Abstract Introduction Burn camps provide a unique environment and activities for children that have experienced a burn-injury. Positive outcomes from attending burn camp include increased self-esteem, decreased feelings of isolation and a greater sense of self-confidence. In a 3-year retrospective review of camper evaluations from one of the largest and longest running week-long burn camps in the nation for ages 5–17, we aimed to assess if a child’s gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity affected the impact that burn camp had on a child. Methods A 3-year retrospective review of a Burn Camp’s camper evaluation forms was conducted for campers that attended burn camp between 2017–2019. Camp rosters were reviewed to determine the camper gender, age, TBSA and ethnicity. Camper self-evaluation forms completed at the end of each camp session were reviewed to record camper responses to questions regarding their opinions on the impact camp had on them as well as how camp will impact their lives once they return home. Categorical variables were summarized as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables were described as median and range. To check the relationship between two categorical variables, Chi-square test was used. To compare the continuous variable among groups, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used. Statistical significance was declared based on a p value&lt; 0.5. Results Within 2017–2019, there were 413 camper records. Participants’ demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. There were 208 males (50.3%) and 205 females (49.6%). The median age of campers were 11.86, 12.44 and 12.45 for 2017–2019, with the range from 5.16 years to 17.96 years. The median TBSA were 20, 20 and 18 for 2017–2019, with the range from 0.08 to 90. Collectively there were 47.7% Hispanic (n= 197); 24.2% Whites (n=100); 13.1% Black (n= 54); 4.6% Asian (n=19) and 7.7% Other (n=32). There were 395 camper self-evaluation forms submitted. Results of three questions there we were interested in are summarized collectively in Table 2. 57% of campers responded, “Yes, Definitely” to the question “After going to this event, will you feel more comfortable being around your classmates or friends?” 54% responded, “ Yes, Definitely” to the question “Do you feel more confidents in sharing your burn story with others when returning home?” and 51% responded “Yes, Definitely” to “Did you learn anything that will help you when you return home?” Conclusions In analyzing the camper responses, there was no statistically significant difference in responses comparing gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. S64-S69

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. Lifestyle modification including an intake of healthy food as well as medication have approved effect in lowering serum cholesterol. Objective: The primary objective of the present study was to determine the impact of a gamma-oryzanol-enriched rice bran oil, a product of Thailand, on serum cholesterol level. Materials and Methods: A total of in 54 hypercholesterolemic patients were divided into two groups; RBOh (20,000 ppm of gammaoryzanol, n = 27), and RBOn (5,000 ppm gamma-oryzanol, n = 27). The assigned RBO (15 ml) was intake each day for 8 weeks. Fasting serum lipids were measured at baseline and at the 4th and 8th weeks of the intervention. All patients were advised about lifestyle modifications. Results: When compared to the baseline, subjects received RBOh showed a significant difference in 2 parameters including a reduction of cholesterol level at 8th weeks (p-value = 0.0101), and decrease in LDL-C level at the end of 8th weeks (p-value = 0.0013). In the group treated with RBOn, a significant increase in HDL-C level at the end of 8th weeks (p-value = 0.0303) without any effect on total cholesterol or LDL was observed. No sign of toxic effect on liver or renal functions was seen in both treatment groups. Conclusion: RBO with gamma-oryzanol-enriched could decrease cholesterol and LDL-C level in hypercholesterolemic patients. Therefore, gamma-oryzanol-enriched RBO is a functional food that may reduce cardiovascular disease risk factor. Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Rice bran oil, Gamma-oryzanol, Oryza sativa


2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irena Canjuga ◽  
Danica Železnik ◽  
Marijana Neuberg ◽  
Marija Božicevic ◽  
Tina Cikac

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of self-care on the prevalence of loneliness among elderly people living in retirement homes and older people living in their homes/communities. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted through standardized SELSA-L assessment loneliness questionnaires and the Self Care Assessment Worksheet for self-care assessment. The results were processed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Findings The obtained results have shown that impaired self-care ability affects the prevalence of loneliness among the elderly almost the same in both groups of participants. However, regarding the relationship between the state of health and self-care, only a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of loneliness is found in the case of the participants living in their homes, with the worst health condition affecting the poorer psychological care. Research limitations/implications It is necessary to point out the limitations of the research, primarily sample limitations and the selected design of the study. The sample consisted of two different and relatively small groups of participants which could adversely affect the representativeness of the sample and reduce the possibility of generalising the results. The next limiting factor is the age distribution the authors used in the research, where the age of the participants as a very important variable was collected by age range and not precisely which consequently resulted in inequality in subgroup sizes. Thus, the middle age (75–85) covers up to ten years, which is a huge range at an older age and can mean major differences in functional ability, and can impact the self-care assessment. Practical implications Nurses are indispensable in care for the elderly and they need to promote and encourage self-care of the elderly through health care. Elderly people living in retirement homes should be allowed to participate equally in health care in order to preserve their own autonomy and dignity. However, to benefit those who live in their homes, nurses should be connected to the local community and thus stimulate various forms of preventative (testing blood sugar levels, blood pressure and educating on the importance of preventive examinations) or recreational activities in the environment of elderly people with the goal of preserving their functional abilities. Originality/value The impact of self-care on loneliness was not sufficiently researched, and this paper contributed to understanding the complexity of loneliness phenomena among the elderly with the aim of developing a model of prevention.


2015 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 238
Author(s):  
Hassan El-Tatawy ◽  
Tarek Gameel ◽  
Mohammed Abo El-enen ◽  
Ayman Hagras ◽  
Ayman Mousa ◽  
...  

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the prostatic-urethral angulation (PUA) on the treatment efficacy of selective alpha-1A receptor blocker in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). Materials and methods: A total of 80 patients with LUTS/BPH and with mean age 53.3 ± 6.3 (range 47-70) were included in our prospective comparative study. The patients were classified into 2 groups as a consecutive cases 40 in each one depending on the PUA either ≤ 35° (group A) or &gt; 35° (group B). PUA and different prostatic parameters were measured using transrectal ultrasound. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life score (IPSS/QoL score), maximum flow rate (Q<sub>max</sub>), and postvoid residual (PVR) volume were compared between the groups. The clinical significance of PUA was evaluated after 8 weeks of medical treatment with tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 mg daily. Results: Baseline evaluation (pre-treatment) for both groups were comparable to each other with no clinically significant difference regarding age, PSA, IPSS/QoL score, Qmax and PVR volume (P-value &gt; 0.05). Comparison of parameters after 8 weeks showed that tamsulosin hydrochloride improved the total IPSS and all subscores (P &lt; 0.001), QoL (P = 0.001), Q<sub>max</sub> (P = 0.002), and PVR (P = 0.04) in group A (Table 1). Conclusion: Tamsulosin hydrochloride appears to be less effective in improving IPSS/Qol score, Qmax and PVR in patients with lager PUA. The PUA might be a predictor for the treatment efficacy of α-blockers and more studies are warranted in the future before the final conclusion.


2015 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. e1.10-e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Samardžić ◽  
A. Smits ◽  
V. Cossey ◽  
I. Soldatović ◽  
M. Bajčetić ◽  
...  

*presenting author, supported by ERAWEB II scholarship for postdoctoral program at the KU Leuven, Belgium (2014–2015)IntroductionVancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is frequently used for late onset sepsis (LOS) and catheter-related infection. Larger inter- and intra-patient variability, combined with a narrow therapeutic index, warrants therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, large inter-individual variability in PK parameters in neonates is documented, only partly explained by covariates such as weight, age or serum creatinine (1,2). In the current study, we focus on the potential impact of between assay differences for vancomycin (3) on the variability in its concentration in a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodsVancomycin TDM observations of neonates and young infants treated with intravenous vancomycin, mainly for (suspected) LOS (ie, >72 hours after birth), in the Leuven NICU, Belgium, between June 2011 and December 2014. Our patient population, consists of (pre)term neonates, inborn or transferred, in need of specialized care related to prematurity, infections, perinatal asphyxia, congenital diseases (eg, surgery for cardiopathy, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or esophageal atresia), or other diseases. Clinical characteristics at birth, as well as characteristics at the moment of TDM were extracted from the patient files. We aimed to document early vancomycin exposure, therefore only first trough levels were included. Serum vancomycin assay was performed either with a particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibitionimmunoassay method (Siemens Dimension; Dade Behring, Deerfield, Illinois–PETINIA) or with an enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (Cobas c702; Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Germany–COBAS). The data were analyzed by Chi-square test, t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Linear Mix Model was used to assess significant differences between groups, when adjusting for confounding factors. Data were analyzed in SPSS 20.0 (IBM corp.), p-value <0.05 was significant.ResultsIn total, 564 vancomycin TDM observations, 311 assayed with PETINIA and 253 with COBAS, were included. Both cohorts had comparable clinical characteristics (median [min-max] current weight 2150 [420–5000] grams for PETINIA vs. 2120 [500–5840] grams for COBAS, and median postmenstrual age 35 [25–58] weeks for PETINIA vs. 35 [25–51] weeks for COBAS). We determined the significant difference between the vancomycin concentrations using two different immunoassays: PETINIA vs. COBAS (F=17.971; p<0.001). When adjusting for current body weight and postmenstrual age, the major covariates associated with vancomycin serum trough levels in neonates, the difference in vancomycin concentration between cohorts was statistically significant (F=17.076, p<0.001, F=18.951, p<0.001, respectively). Overall, immunoassays PETINIA and COBAS significantly differed by vancomycin concentrations when adjusting for covariates, and the mean difference for vancomycin concentration was 2.167 mg/l.ConclusionThe present study confirms the impact of assays on the variability in vancomycin concentration in neonates in a single NICU. Comparison between these two immunoassays showed a mean proportional differences >20%. Therefore, it is important to know how the vancomycin is measured when interpreting results, and particularly the transferability of vancomycin results between the laboratories has to be interpreted with caution.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahshid Bokaie ◽  
Samaneh Hatefi ◽  
Shahnaz Mojahed ◽  
Nasibeh Roozbeh

Abstract Objectives: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an important public health issue, especially in developing countries and it is still done in some parts of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FGM on the sexual function of women of reproductive age in Hormozgan province/IRAN.Study design: This study is a descriptive-analytical case-control study that was conducted in 2020 on 209 married women of reproductive age (15-49) in rural areas of Minab and Sirik counties in Hormozgan province/IRAN. Main outcome measures: The reliable and valid questionnaire FSFI for assessing female sexual function in the two groups was used after to obtain informed and voluntary consent from all participants and data with SPSS v: 16 software and with using descriptive/ Analytical statistics tests with a significant level of 0.05 were examined. Results: There is a significant difference between mutilated and non-mutilated women in the total score of sexual function(22.18±3.23 versus 23.41±2.52 respectively, p=0.023) and the domains of lubrication(3.04±0.62 versus 3.3±0.53 respectively, P=0.000), orgasm(3.81±0.63 versus 4.08±0.47 respectively, P=0.003), and sexual satisfaction(5.09±0.1 versus 5.37±0.87 respectively, P=0.017) But in the domains of desire, arousal, and pain in the two groups was no significant difference(P-value>0.05). Conclusion: FGM maybe leads to sexual dysfunction. Although most women were reluctant to perform mutilation on their daughters, more educational Actions are suggested to educate women about the impact of female mutilation on their sexual function. Counseling programs are also recommended to improve the sexual function of mutilated women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A414-A414
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Naoum ◽  
Abedalghani Abedalhalim ◽  
Amir Aker ◽  
Luai Khalaili ◽  
Sameer Kassem

Abstract Background: Diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are widely prevalent and comorbidity with these diseases is quite common. However, there is limited data on the interrelation between glycemic control and COPD exacerbations in diabetic patients. Objective: To study the association between pre-admission glycemic control and COPD clinical outcomes including mortality, risk of hospital readmission and the need for mechanical ventilation. Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort study. We screened for patients with both diabetes and COPD exacerbation aged 35 years and above. Pre-admission glycemic control was defined by the last HBA1C level prior to hospitalization. Patients with HBA1C&gt;8% were defined as uncontrolled. We evaluated the difference between controlled and uncontrolled groups in the rates of mortality, readmission and the need for mechanical ventilation. We examined demographic and clinical parameters that might reflect COPD severity including: COPD medication use, blood hemoglobin, platelets, LDH and CRP levels. Results: 513 hospitalizations with diabetes and COPD were screened. 222 hospitalization were excluded either due to unestablished diagnosis of COPD or due to lack of HBA1C test in the preceding year. Of the remaining 291, 208 admissions were with controlled diabetes whereas 83 were uncontrolled. Although not statistically significant, the rate of re-hospitalization was higher in the uncontrolled group (OR 1.99, CI 0.99–4.0, p-value 0.051). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality (OR 1.6, CI 0.73–3.5, p-value 0.243). The use of oxygen and the need for noninvasive mechanical ventilation were significantly higher in the uncontrolled group (67.5% vs. 52.4%, p-value 0.019, 33.7% versus 18.8%, p-value 0.006, respectively). There was no significant difference in possible confounders tested between the groups. Conclusion: Uncontrolled diabetes may adversely affect patients with COPD exacerbation. Larger studies are needed to conclusively determine the impact of glycemic control on COPD morbidity and mortality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1477-1483
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sohail Arshad ◽  
Waqas Imran Khan ◽  
Arif Zulqarnain ◽  
Hafiz Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq ◽  
Mudasser Adnan

Objective: To find out the impact of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) on growth and endocrine functions at a tertiary care child healthcare facility of South Punjab. Study Design: Case Control study. Setting: Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Institute of Child’s Health (ICH), Multan, Pakistan. Period: December 2018 to March 2020. Material & Methods: During the study period, a total of 53 cases of Echocardiography confirmed CCHD were registered. Along with 53 cases, 50 controls during the study period were also enrolled. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI) along with hormonal and biochemical laboratory investigations were done. Results: There was no significant difference between gender and age among cases and controls (p value>0.05). Most common diagnosis of CCHD among cases, 24 (45.3%) were Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) followed by 9 (17.0%) transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) with Pulmonary Stenosis (PS). Mean weight of CCHD cases was significantly lower in comparison to controls (21.19+6.24 kg vs. 26.48+8.1 kg, p value=0.0003). Blood glucose was significantly lower among cases in comparison to controls (77.58+14.58 mg/dl vs. 87.25+11.82 mg/dl, p value=0.0004). No significant difference was found in between cases and controls in terms of various hormone levels studied (p value>0.05) except Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels (p value<0.0001). Conclusion: Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease seem to have negative effects on nutrition and growth. Change in pituitary-adrenal axis is suspected while pituitary-thyroid axis seemed to be working fine among CCHD cases. Serum glucose and IGF-1 levels were significantly decreased among CCHD cases.


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