scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between flow states and performance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Harris ◽  
Kate Allen ◽  
Samuel James Vine ◽  
Mark Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Exact Nature ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Flow Experiences ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Flow is a peak experiential state, during which athletes report focused concentration, effortless performance and enhanced enjoyment. Flow, or ‘the zone’, has received particular interest within sporting circles because flow experiences appear to be associated with peak athletic performances. Yet, the nature of the flow-performance relationship is not straightforward and is yet to be critically reviewed. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to examine the empirical evidence for a flow-performance relationship, examine potential mechanisms, and assess the quality of current evidence. Methods: A PRISMA guided systematic review was conducted in May 2020. Peer-reviewed articles, published in English language journals, which examined the relationship between flow and performance were searched for, using five online databases. The results of the studies were collated into a narrative synthesis as well as a meta-analysis. Results: Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria, featuring 22 studies that were appropriate for meta-analysis. The pooled effect size (r = 0.31, 95% CI [0.24; 0.38]) indicated that across a range of sporting and gaming tasks there was a consistent medium-sized relationship between flow experience and task performance. A number of mechanisms were proposed to explain this relationship, but none were supported by convincing empirical evidence. Conclusions: Performance enhancing effects appear highly likely given the functional mental state that arises during flow. Yet, current evidence is unable to determine the exact nature of the flow-performance relationship, or the mechanisms which mediate this effect. A number of conceptual and methodological challenges

scholarly journals Bottom-Up Interventions Effective in Promoting Work Engagement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janina M. Björk ◽  
Pernilla Bolander ◽  
Anna K. Forsman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Randomized Intervention ◽  
Engagement Interventions ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Promoting work engagement is of interest to organizations across sectors due to the associated positive outcomes. This interest warrants research on the evidence of work engagement interventions. Intervention research increasingly advocates a bottom-up approach, highlighting the role of employees themselves. These workplace interventions often encourage employees to identify, develop, and make use of workplace resources. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the effectiveness and potential underlying mechanisms of these bottom-up, resource-developing interventions.Method: Systematic searches were conducted in the online databases Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, Business Source Ultimate, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. Publication year range was 2000–2020. Eligibility criteria were defined using PICOS. To be eligible for the systematic review, the intervention study identified had to aim at promoting working individuals’ work engagement by developing workplace resources from bottom-up. Work engagement had to be measured using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The systematic review included one-, two-, or multiple-armed – randomized or non-randomized – intervention studies with various study designs. Further, a meta-analysis was conducted on a sub-set of the studies included in the systematic review. To be eligible for the meta-analysis, the studies had to be two- or multiple-armed and provide the information necessary to compute effect sizes.Results: Thirty-one studies were included in the systematic review. The majority reported that overall work engagement increased as an effect of the intervention. The evidence regarding the sub-components of work engagement was scattered. Potential underlying mechanisms explored were intervention foci, approach, and format. Dimensions of satisfaction and performance were identified as secondary outcomes. Participant experiences were generally described as positive in most of the studies applying mixed methods. The meta-analysis showed a small but promising intervention effect on work engagement (24 studies, SMD: −0.22, 95% CI: −0.34 to −0.11, with I2=53%, indicating moderate inconsistency in the evidence).Conclusion: The synthesized evidence suggests that bottom-up, resource-developing interventions are effective in the promotion of work engagement. The meta-analysis suggests that focusing on strengths use or mobilizing ego resources and adopting a universal approach increase intervention effectiveness.

scholarly journals Association of Plasma Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex and Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peipei Song ◽  
Jianqin Xie ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Xinying Zhang ◽  
Zhipeng Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cardioembolic Stroke ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background and objectiveThrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) is a prethrombotic marker, and its application in ischemic stroke is still uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the relationship between plasma TAT and ischemic stroke base on the current evidence.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted for searching the relative studies that investigated the association of TAT and ischemic stroke in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. Mean difference and 95% confidence interval as the effect sizes were synthesized by random effects model in Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4. Then, the heterogeneity was investigated using the Chi-square test and the possible sources of heterogeneity were explored by sensitivity analysis. The publication bias was estimated through Begg’s and Egger’s tests.ResultsA total of 12 eligible studies were included involving 1431 stroke cases and 532 healthy controls, of which six studies were eventually included in the meta-analysis. Plasma TAT in patients with ischemic stroke was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (MD 5.31, 95% CI =4.12-6.51, P<0.0001, I2=97.8 %). There is a difference of TAT level in the same period among cardioembolic, lacunar and atherothrombotic stroke (all P<0.0001), in which the cardioembolic stroke with the highest level. Meanwhile, it is significant of TAT levels among various phases of cardioembolic stroke and the acute phase are markedly elevated (MD 7.75, 95CI%, 6.07-9.43, P<0.001). However, no difference was found in the atherothrombotic (P=0.13) and lacunar stroke (P=0.34). Besides, the higher TAT level is closely related to the poor prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke, including higher recurrence, mortality, unfavorable recovery (modified Rankin scale >2), and poor revascularization.ConclusionsThis study suggested that plasma TAT levels are different in ischemic stroke subtypes, which are closely associated with the progression and might have an effect on the prognosis. PROSPERO CRD: 42021248787

scholarly journals Prevalence and correlates of loneliness in India: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Mahbub Hossain ◽  
Neetu Purohit ◽  
Nusrat Khan ◽  
E. Lisako J. McKyer ◽  
Ping Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Factors Associated

Introduction: Loneliness is a critical psychosocial problem that affects mental health and wellbeing of the individuals and communities. This systematic review synthesized the current evidence on the prevalence and correlates of loneliness from empirical studies conducted in India.Methods: Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, eight major databases and additional sources were searched. Studies were evaluated using following criteria: peer-reviewed journal articles, published in English language, presenting any quantitative form of evidence on loneliness, and studies conducted in India among the Indian population. A meta-analysis of the prevalence studies and narrative synthesis of the overall status and factors associated with loneliness were conducted.Results: Among 1290 studies, only 13 met our criteria. All the studies reported a high burden of loneliness among the participants. The pooled prevalence among 3169 participants was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18% - 63%). The burden of loneliness was higher among the elderly participants (44%, 95% CI 5% - 83%) compared to younger participants (24%, 95% CI 22% - 27%). Factors associated with loneliness included aging, family structure, marital status, religious practices, group membership, educational attainment, source and level of income, psychological attributes, and comorbid physical and mental health conditions among the affected individuals. Conclusion: This review identified and evaluated the status and severity of loneliness and its correlates, which may inform future studies examining complex psychopathological and social dynamics associated with loneliness. Lastly, the current evidence necessitates the development of multipronged interventions to address the risk factors and alleviate the burden of loneliness in India.

scholarly journals Prevalence and correlates of loneliness in India: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Mahbub Hossain ◽  
Neetu Purohit ◽  
Nusrat Khan ◽  
E. Lisako J. McKyer ◽  
Ping Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Factors Associated

<p></p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Loneliness is a critical psychosocial problem that affects mental health and wellbeing of the individuals and communities. This systematic review synthesized the current evidence on the prevalence and correlates of loneliness from empirical studies conducted in India. </p><p><br></p><p><b>Methods:</b> Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, eight major databases and additional sources were searched. Studies were evaluated using following criteria: peer-reviewed journal articles, published in English language, presenting any quantitative form of evidence on loneliness, and studies conducted in India among the Indian population. A meta-analysis of the prevalence studies and narrative synthesis of the overall status and factors associated with loneliness were conducted.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Results:</b> Among 1290 studies, only 13 met our criteria. All the studies reported a high burden of loneliness among the participants. The pooled prevalence among 3169 participants was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18% - 63%). The burden of loneliness was higher among the elderly participants (44%, 95% CI 5% - 83%) compared to younger participants (24%, 95% CI 22% - 27%). Factors associated with loneliness included aging, family structure, marital status, religious practices, group membership, educational attainment, source and level of income, psychological attributes, and comorbid physical and mental health conditions among the affected individuals. </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><b>Conclusion:</b> This review identified and evaluated the status and severity of loneliness and its correlates, which may inform future studies examining complex psychopathological and social dynamics associated with loneliness. Lastly, the current evidence necessitates the development of multipronged interventions to address the risk factors and alleviate the burden of loneliness in India. </p><p></p>

International Entrepreneurship: A Meta–Analysis on the Internationalization and Performance Relationship

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 734-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Schwens ◽  
Florian B. Zapkau ◽  
Michael Bierwerth ◽  
Rodrigo Isidor ◽  
Gary Knight ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
International Entrepreneurship ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Firms ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

The article conducts a meta–analysis on the relationship between internationalization and firm performance in international entrepreneurship. Empirical evidence from 15,648 internationalizing entrepreneurial firms nested in 43 independent samples reveals a positive relationship between degree and scope of internationalization and performance. Knowledge intensity positively moderates the relationship between speed of internationalization and performance and negatively moderates the scope of internationalization and performance association. In contrast, we neither find a relationship between speed of internationalization and performance nor for knowledge intensity's moderation on the degree of internationalization–performance association. Based on the findings, the article systematically points at future research opportunities.

scholarly journals Behavioural and Autonomic Regulation of Response to Sensory Stimuli among Children: A Systematic Review of Relationship and Methodology

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Neil Gomez ◽  
Cynthia Y. Y. Lai ◽  
Paulin Grace Morato-Espino ◽  
Chetwyn C. H. Chan ◽  
Hector W. H. Tsang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Autonomic Regulation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Physiological Regulation ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Independent Review ◽  
The Relationship

Background. Previous studies have explored the correlates of behavioural and autonomic regulation of response to sensory stimuli in children; however, a comprehensive review of such relationship is lacking. This systematic review was performed to critically appraise the current evidence on such relationship and describe the methods used in these studies. Methods. Online databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed, full-text articles in the English language between 1999 and 2016, initially screened by title and abstract, and appraised and synthesized by two independent review authors. Results. Fourteen Level III-3 cross-sectional studies were included for systematic review, among which six studies explored the relationship between behaviour and physiological regulation of responses to sensory stimuli. Three studies reported significant positive weak correlations among ASD children; however, no correlations were found in typically developing children. Methodological differences related to individual differences among participants, measures used, and varied laboratory experimental setting were noted. Conclusion. This review suggests inconclusive evidence supporting the relationship between behavioural and physiological regulation of responses to sensory stimuli among children. Methodological differences may likely have confounded the results of the current evidence. We present methodological recommendations to address this matter for future researches. This trial is registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42016043887.

scholarly journals Does the UKCAT predict performance in medical and dental school? A systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040128
Author(s):  
Rachel Greatrix ◽  
Sandra Nicholson ◽  
Susan Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Verbal Reasoning ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Selection Processes ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship

ObjectivesFor the first time, this systematic review provides a summary of the literature exploring the relationship between performance in the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and assessments in undergraduate medical and dental training.DesignIn accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, relevant studies were identified through systematic literature searches. Electronic searches were carried out on EBSCO, EMBASE, Educational Resources Information Centre, SCOPUS, Web of Knowledge. Studies which included the predictive validity of selection criteria including some element of the UKCAT were considered.Results22 papers were identified for inclusion in the study. Four studies describe outcomes from dental programmes with limited results reported. 18 studies reported on relationships between the UKCAT and performance in undergraduate medical training. Of these, 15 studies reported relationships between the UKCAT cognitive tests and undergraduate medical assessments. Weak relationships (r=0.00–0.29) were observed in 14 of these studies; four studies reported some moderate relationships (r=0.30–0.49). The strongest relationships with performance in medical school were observed for the UKCAT total score and the verbal reasoning subtest. Relationships with knowledge-based assessments scores were higher than those for assessments of skills as the outcome. Relationships observed in small (single and double centre studies) were larger than those observed in multicentre studies.ConclusionThe results indicate that UKCAT scores predict performance in medical school assessments. The relationship is generally weak, although noticeably stronger for both the UKCAT total score and the verbal reasoning subtest. There is some evidence that UKCAT continues to predict performance throughout medical school. We recommend more optimal approaches to future studies. This assessment of existing evidence should assist medical/dental schools in their evaluation of selection processes.

scholarly journals Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels During Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Yanping Hou ◽  
Dexia Meng ◽  
Li Yang ◽  
Xiang Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The role of vitamin B12 and folate levels with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unclear. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing the relationship between vitamin B12 and folate concentrations during pregnancy and the risk of GDM.Methods: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Ovid databases were searched up to 10th December, 2020 for all types of studies assessing the relationship. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of data was carried out.Results: Twelve studies were included. Pooled serum vitamin B12 concentrations were found to be significantly lower in the GDM group as compared to the non-GDM group. No such difference was noted in serum folate levels. On pooled analysis of adjusted odds ratio's for risk of GDM with red blood cell (RBC) folate, serum folate, and vitamin B12 as continuous variables, no significant relationship was seen. On qualitative analysis, studies reported higher RBC folate levels with a significantly increased risk of GDM. Majority studies reported no relationship between serum folate and risk of GDM. Four of six studies reported a lowered risk of GDM with higher or normal vitamin B12 levels.Conclusion: The association between vitamin B12 and folate levels during pregnancy and the risk of GDM is unclear. Limited number of studies indicate increased risk of GDM with higher RBC folate levels, but majority studies found no association between serum folate and risk of GDM. Based on available studies, the association between the risk of GDM with vitamin B12 deficiency is conflicting. There is a need for further large-scale studies from different regions worldwide to strengthen current evidence.

scholarly journals Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between the heartbeat-evoked potential and interoception.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel-Pierre Coll ◽  
Hannah Hobson ◽  
Jennifer Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Evoked Potential ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
The Body ◽  
Indirect Measures ◽  
Heartbeat Evoked Potential ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

The Heartbeat Evoked Potential (HEP) has been proposed as a neurophysiological marker of interoceptive processing. Despite its use to validate interoceptive measures and to assess interoceptive functioning in clinical groups, the empirical evidence for a relationship between HEP amplitude and interoceptive processing, including measures of such processing, is scattered across several studies with varied designs. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the body of HEP-interoception research, and consider the associations the HEP shows with various direct and indirect measures of interoception, and how it is affected by manipulations of interoceptive processing. Specifically, we assessed the effect on HEP amplitude of manipulating attention to the heartbeat; manipulating participants’ arousal; the association between the HEP and behavioural measures of cardiac interoception; and comparisons between healthy and clinical groups. Following database searches and screening, 45 studies were included in the systematic review and 42 in the meta-analyses. We noted variations in the ways individual studies have attempted to address key confounds, particularly the cardiac field artefact. Meta-analytic summaries indicated there were moderate to large effects of attention, arousal, and clinical status on the HEP, and a moderate association between HEP amplitude and behavioural measures of interoception. Problematically, the reliability of the meta-analytic effects documented here remain unknown, given the lack of standardised protocols for measuring the HEP. Thus, it is possible effects are driven by confounds such as cardiac factors or somatosensory effects.

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