MS JobSeek: A pilot randomized controlled trial of an online peer discussion forum for job-seekers with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: Peer-facilitated interventions have been successfully used in chronic disease management. Less is known about their application in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To pilot-test an online peer discussion forum to improve exploration of employment options in job-seekers with long-term multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Twenty-nine persons with relapsing/progressive MS (4–27 years since diagnosis) were recruited online and randomly assigned to an 8-week discussion forum led by peers and a moderator –MS JobSeek (n = 14), or an active control group (n = 15). Forum engagement and user satisfaction were examined, as were pre-post self-evaluations of job search behaviour, efficacy, and quality of life. RESULTS: A high (43%) attrition rate was noted, although intervention completers acknowledged and valued online mentors’ guidance and expertise. Group and time effects were not significant (p < 0.05), with both MS JobSeek and control participants reporting positive (e.g., increase in job search activities) and negative (e.g., lowered self-efficacy) change. CONCLUSIONS: The pilot findings suggest that online peer support is feasible, however more can be done to promote peer-to-peer communication. Recommendations for improving forum engagement and satisfaction in a future controlled trial, including strategies to better support mentees’ individualised needs, are offered.

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Probable antioxidant therapy of Saffron Crocin in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

Biomedicine ◽

10.51248/.v40i4.332 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 516-521

Author(s):

Sara Ami Ahmadi ◽

Azin Kazemi ◽

Mohammadmahdi Sabahi ◽

Shahab Razipour ◽

Arash Salehipour ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Control Group ◽

Oxidative Damages ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Daily Dose ◽

Total Antioxidant ◽

And Control

Introduction and Aim: Multiple Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition might emerge as a result ofcomplex combination of genetic risk factors with environmental triggers, including oxidative stress. in this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of oral Crocin on oxidative stress in patients with MS. Materials and Methods: Adjunct to standard treatment, the Crocin group (20 patients) received 30-mg/day (15 mg twice daily) dose of Crocin and placebo group (20 patients) received for 4 weeks. Saliva and urine samples were collected to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), total thiol groups (TTG), lipid peroxidation (LPO), were measured at baseline and the end of the study. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences of LPO, TAC, CAT, and TTG of urine between the control and case groups. However, a significant difference was found after 4 weeks of Crocin-therapy in TTG,TAC and LPO (p<0.05) except in CAT activity (P>0.05). We found no deffrence in urinary TTG level and CAT activity in control group at the end of intervention (P>0.05), while TAC and LPO level were significantly different at the end of the study as compared with the beginning (P<0.05). Althugh, we found no significant difference in saliva LPO, TTG and TAC levels and the activity of CAT in case and control groups at first (p>0.05), Crocin administration have resulted in a significant increase in saliva TTG and TAC levels as well as CAT activity and markedly decrease in LPO level (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Crocin can significantly reduce the several oxidative stress factors in MS patients and may contributes to attenuates the oxidative damages.

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The effect of practicing yoga during pregnancy on labor stages length, anxiety and pain: a randomized controlled trial

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1515/jcim-2019-0291 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Ellahe Mohyadin ◽

Zohreh Ghorashi ◽

Zahra Molamomanaei

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Total Duration ◽

Measurement Data ◽

Labor Pain ◽

Control Group ◽

Chi Square ◽

Nulliparous Women ◽

Two Stages ◽

And Control

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety and fear of labor pain has led to elevated cesarean section rate in some countries. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of yoga in pregnancy on anxiety, labor pain and length of labor stages.MethodsThis clinical trial study was performed on 84 nulliparous women who were at least 18 years old and were randomly divided into two groups of yoga and control groups. Pregnancy Yoga Program consisting of 6 60-min training sessions was started every 2 weeks from week 26 of pregnancy and continued until 37 weeks of gestation. Anxiety severity at maternal admission to labor was measured by the Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and labor pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at dilatation (4–5 cm) and 2 h after the first measurement. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square and t-test.ResultsIntervention group reported less pain at dilatation (4–5 cm) (p=0.001) and 2 h after the first measurement (p=0.001) than the control group. Stat anxiety was also lower in intervention group than the control group (p=0.003) at the entrance to labor room. Subjects in the control group required more induction compared to intervention group (p=0.003). Women in intervention group experienced shorter duration of the first phase of the labor than the control group (p=0.002). Also, the total duration of two stages of labor was shorter in intervention group than the control group (p=0.003).ConclusionsPracticing yoga during pregnancy may reduce women’s anxiety during labor; shorten labor stages, and lower labor pain.

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Toe Clearance Rehabilitative Slippers for Older Adults With Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/21514593211029102 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215145932110291

Author(s):

Atsuko Satoh ◽

Yukoh Kudoh ◽

Sangun Lee ◽

Masumi Saitoh ◽

Miwa Miura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Mobility Assessment ◽

Before And After ◽

Day Services ◽

And Control

Introduction: To evaluate fall-prevention rehabilitative slippers for use by self-caring, independent older adults. Materials and Methods: This assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled 1-year study included 59 self-caring, independent participants (49 women) who attended day services. The mean age of participants was 84.0 ± 5.3 years. Participants were randomly selected from 8 nursing homes. We tested slippers top-weighted with a lead bead (200, 300, or 400 g). Intervention group participants walked while wearing the slippers for 10-20 min, 1-3 days/week at the day service center. Fall risk was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) before and at 3-month intervals after the intervention/control phase. Results: After 12 months, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement. Berg Balance and POMA compared to the control group ( p < .05 p < .01, respectively). Mobility scores improved significantly for both measurements in the intervention group before and after ( p < .01), but the control group had significantly lower scores. Discussion: Overall, falls decreased in the intervention group from 10 to 7, and control group falls increased from 9 to 16 ( p = .02). No adverse events related to the intervention were reported. Conclusions: Rehabilitation training slippers may reduce falls in older adults.

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Study protocol: randomised controlled trial evaluating exercise therapy as a supplemental treatment strategy in early multiple sclerosis: the Early Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Study (EMSES)

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043699 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e043699

Author(s):

Morten Riemenschneider ◽

Lars G Hvid ◽

Steffen Ringgaard ◽

Mikkel K E Nygaard ◽

Simon F Eskildsen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Usual Care ◽

Treatment Strategy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Control Group ◽

Disease Course ◽

Disability Progression ◽

Randomised Controlled

IntroductionIn the relapsing remitting type of multiple sclerosis (MS) reducing relapses and neurodegeneration is crucial in halting the long-term impact of the disease. Medical disease-modifying treatments have proven effective, especially when introduced early in the disease course. However, patients still experience disease activity and disability progression, and therefore, supplemental early treatment strategies are warranted. Exercise appear to be one of the most promising supplemental treatment strategies, but a somewhat overlooked ‘window of opportunity’ exist early in the disease course. The objective of this study is to investigate exercise as a supplementary treatment strategy early in the disease course of MS.Methods and analysisThe presented Early Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Study is a 48-week (plus 1-year follow-up) national multicentre single-blinded parallel group randomised controlled trial comparing two groups receiving usual care plus supervised high-intense exercise or plus health education (active control). Additionally, data will be compared with a population-based control group receiving usual care only obtained from the Danish MS Registry. The primary outcomes are annual relapse rate and MRI derived global brain atrophy. The secondary outcomes are disability progression, physical and cognitive function, MS-related symptoms, and exploratory MRI outcomes. All analyses will be performed as intention to treat.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by The Central Denmark Region Committees on Health Research Ethics (1-10-72-388-17) and registered at the Danish Data Protection Agency (2016-051-000001 (706)). All study findings will be published in scientific peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant scientific conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03322761.

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A Collaborative Deprescribing Intervention in a Subacute Medical Outpatient Clinic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Metabolites ◽

10.3390/metabo11040204 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 204

Author(s):

Anissa Aharaz ◽

Jens Henning Rasmussen ◽

Helle Bach Ølgaard McNulty ◽

Arne Cyron ◽

Pia Keinicke Fabricius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Inappropriate Medication ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Patient Interviews ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Multimorbid Patients ◽

And Control

Medication deprescribing is essential to prevent inappropriate medication use in multimorbid patients. However, experience of deprescribing in Danish Subacute Medical Outpatient Clinics (SMOCs) is limited. The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of a collaborative deprescribing intervention by a pharmacist and a physician to multimorbid patients in a SMOC. A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted, with phone follow-up at 30 and 365+ days. A senior pharmacist performed a systematic deprescribing intervention using the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria, the Danish deprescribing list, and patient interviews. A senior physician received the proposed recommendations and decided which should be implemented. The main outcome was the number of patients having ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion. Out of 76 eligible patients, 72 (95%) were included and 67 (93%) completed the study (57% male; mean age 73 years; mean number of 10 prescribed medications). Nineteen patients (56%) in the intervention group and four (12%) in the control group had ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion (p = 0.015). In total, 37 medications were deprescribed in the intervention group and five in the control group. At 365+ days after inclusion, 97% and 100% of the deprescribed medications were sustained in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The three most frequently deprescribed medication groups were analgesics, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal medications. In conclusion, a collaborative deprescribing intervention for multimorbid patients was feasible and resulted in sustainable deprescribing of medication in a SMOC.

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The Repercussion of Ai Chi on Aged People’s Balance

European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ◽

10.3390/ejihpe4030023 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 247-256

Author(s):

Pablo Javier Olabe Sánchez ◽

Andrés Martínez-Almagro Andreo

Keyword(s):

Fall Prevention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

The Other ◽

Control Group ◽

Aged People ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Risk Of Fall ◽

And Control ◽

Positive Effect

To practice strength and balance activities are shown as useful tools to fall prevention by diverse metanalysis. On the other side, aquatic environment offers interesting properties for a therapeutic reeducation, being the Ai Chi one of its applications. Aim: To evaluate the repercussion of an Ai Chi programme on aged people’s balance. Method: A randomized controlled trial was developed comparing two groups formed by aged people with risk of fall according to the Timed Up & Go test. Intervention Group (IG) followed twelve Ai Chi sessions combined with their thermal programme; and Control Group (CG) just followed the thermal programme. Both groups spent two weeks in the Balneario of Archena (Murcia, Spain). Results: Both groups improve their balance; however, only the IG reached the non-risk of fall from the Timed Up & Go test. Conclusions: The combination of Ai Chi sessions and a thermal programme had a positive effect on aged people’s balance, showing a therapeutic and clinical relevance.

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The effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on depression of postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1515/jcim-2020-0245 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Asieh Mehdipour ◽

Parvin Abedi ◽

Somayeh Ansari ◽

Maryam Dastoorpoor

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Moderate Depression ◽

Before And After ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Objectives Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of depression. Depression may negatively affect the quality of life of women. An emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an evidence-based therapy combining cognitive and exposure components with acupressure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EFT on depression in postmenopausal women. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial in which 88 women with mild to moderate depression recruited from a menopausal clinic in Ahvaz, Iran, and randomly assigned into two groups of EFT (n=44) and control for sham therapy (n=44). Women in the EFT group received two sessions of training and asked to continue EFT for 8 weeks, one time per day. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI2) completed by women before and after the intervention. The control group received training on sham acupressure points similar to the intervention group. Data collected using a demographic and BDI2. Women requested to complete the BDI2 before and after the intervention. The independent t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA were used to analyze data. Results The mean depression score in the intervention group reduced from 20.93 ± 4.6 to 10.96 ± 4.38 in comparison to the control group that reduced from 19.18 ± 2.79 to 17.01 ± 6.05 after intervention (p=0.001). After the 8 week intervention, the frequency of moderate depression decreased from 56.8 to 9.35% in the intervention and from 50 to 29.5% in the control group. In total, 63.4 and 34.15% in the intervention and control groups were free of depression respectively after the intervention (p<0.001). Conclusions The results of this study showed that using EFT for 8 weeks could significantly reduce the mean score of depression in postmenopausal women. Using this method in public health centers for postmenopausal women is recommended.

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Alleviating psychological distress associated with a positive cervical cancer screening result: a randomized control trial

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-021-01207-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yukari Isaka ◽

Ai Hori ◽

Rie Tanaka ◽

Masao Ichikawa

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

And Control ◽

Screening Result

Abstract Background The method of communicating a positive cancer screening result should seek to alleviate psychological distress associated with a positive result. We evaluated whether the provision of information through a leaflet would help reduce psychological distress in a randomized controlled trial. Methods The participants were women aged 20–69 years who were about to undergo cervical cancer screening at health centers. Before the screening, they received hypothetical screening results, with a leaflet (intervention group, n = 493) or without it (control group, n = 479), randomly. Their psychological distress and intention to undergo further examination were then compared between the intervention and control groups. Results After the intervention (providing a leaflet with hypothetical screening results), psychological distress appeared to be higher in the control group than in the intervention group among those who received a hypothetical positive screening result (odds ratio: 2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.87–3.54), while 95% and 97% of those in the intervention and control groups, respectively, reported that they would undergo further examination. Conclusions Information provision might help reduce psychological distress but not hinder further examination among women who screen positive for cervical cancer. Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000029894. Date of Registration: November 2017.

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Effect of Hope-oriented group counseling on mental health of infertile women with failed IVF cycles: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03280-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Roya Rahimi ◽

Shirin Hasanpour ◽

Mojgan. Mirghafourvand ◽

Khalil Esmaeilpour

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Group Counseling ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women’s mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles. Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45–60 min sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale were filled out by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention. After intervention 26 participants in each group were included in the analysis. Results There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (adjusted mean difference = − 1.7, 95% confidence interval: − 3.2 to − 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (adjusted mean difference = − 1.3, 95% confidence interval: − 4.7 to − 1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = − 1.1, 95% confidence interval: − 2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference = 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles. Trial registration TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003, registered on October 17, 2019.

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Aim: To determine the efficacy of health beliefs model –based intervention in changing the belief related to substance use among university student in Mosul city-Iraq.

10.20944/preprints202104.0547.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Arkan Bahlol Naji ◽

Nasir Muwfaq Younis

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Health Beliefs ◽

Undergraduate Student ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

University Student ◽

Simple Random Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Model Based ◽

Engineering Sciences ◽

And Control

Abstract Aim: To determine the efficacy of health beliefs model –based intervention in changing the belief related to substance use among university student in Mosul city-Iraq. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A probability (simple random sample) of (N=80) undergraduate student in different specialties would be selected. The study sample will be recruited from (4) colleges in the University of Mosul's Engineering, Sciences, Medicine and Education Colleges. The sample will be randomly assigned into experimental and control groups of (40) undergraduate student for each group. Such chosen is employed of pool of topics that have the criteria contain students who have using on (Smoking, Hookah, Drug abuse and Alcohol).For during from 25of October / 2019 till 1 of February/2021. Data is analyzed using the "Statistical Package for Social Science" (SPSS) software for Windows (V:26). Results: This finding indicated that before the intervention, mean scores for all concepts of HBM, add to Motivation, Control, and behaviors intensions of students they were almost equal. However, after the intervention were significantly different in the study group, while it was not significant in the control group. Conclusion:This study concluded that designing an HBM-based study could affect students' understanding and their behaviors in the field of substance abuse. Considering the positive correlation between construct of HBM, particularly in "perceived benefits and perceived severity" related to students’ beliefs. These beliefs implied a significant correlation with each other and with the attention to the prevention of addiction.

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