scholarly journals Eye Movement Technique to Improve Executive Function in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen He ◽  
Yazheng Ji ◽  
Xiating Wei ◽  
Fan Wang ◽  
Feng Xu ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of eye movement technique for the treatment of executive dysfunction of patients with stroke.Methods: This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial conducted from June 2018 to December 2019 in patients with stroke. The patients were randomized 1:1 to the routine (conventional management) and eye-move group (routine management plus eye movement technique: 5-min goal management training, 5-min computer-aided working memory, and 10 min of inhibitory control training and set conversion training). The intervention lasted 6 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up. The primary endpoint was the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) score. The secondary endpoints mainly included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores.Results: Sixty-four patients were enrolled (32/group). After the 6-week intervention, the BADS and WCST scores of the eye-move group were significantly improved than those of the routine group (all P < 0.05), but the effects were attenuated in certain subscores after follow-up (all P > 0.05). The MoCA and MBI scores of the eye-move group were significantly higher, and the reaction time was significantly lower than those of the routine group at 4 weeks after the intervention (all P < 0.05). After follow-up, the MBI scores of the eye-move group were still higher than that of the routine group (P < 0.001), but there were no differences for MoCA scores and reaction time (both P > 0.05).Conclusion: The eye movement technique could improve the executive function of patients with stroke. These results have to be confirmed.This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial (ChiCTR2000036393).Clinical Trial Registration: [www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000036393].

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Brandt ◽  
Torun G. Finnanger ◽  
Ruth E. Hypher ◽  
Torstein B. Rø ◽  
Eva Skovlund ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Impaired executive functions (EFs, i.e., purposeful, goal-directed behaviour) cause significant disability after paediatric acquired brain injury (pABI) warranting efficient interventions. Goal Management Training (GMT) is a metacognitive protocol proven effective for executive dysfunction in adults. This pre-registered, blinded, parallel-randomized controlled trial evaluated efficacy of a paediatric adaptation (pGMT) compared to a psychoeducative control (paediatric Brain Health Workshop, pBHW) to improve EF. Methods Children aged 10 to 17 years with pABI (e.g., traumatic brain injury, brain tumour), ≥ 1 year post-onset or ended treatment, with parent-reported EF complaints were eligible. Participants were randomized (computer-algorithm) to either group-based pGMT (n = 38) or pBHW (n = 38). The active control was tailored to keep non-specific factors constant. Thus, both treatments comprised of 7 sessions at hospitals over 3 consecutive weeks, followed by 4 weeks of telephone counselling of participants, parents, and teachers. Parent-reported daily life EF, assessed by the questionnaire Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI) and Metacognition Index (MI)), were co-primary outcomes 6 months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included neuropsychological tests and a complex naturalistic task (Children’s Cooking Task). Results Seventy-three participants (96%) completed allocated interventions and 71 (93%) attended the 6-month follow-up. The results demonstrated no significant difference in effectiveness for the two interventions on parent-reported EF: For BRIEFBRI, mean (SD) raw score for pGMT was 42.7 (8.8) and 38.3 (9.3) for pBHW. Estimated difference was − 2.3 (95% CI − 5.1 to 0.6). For BRIEFMI, the corresponding results were 80.9 (20.4) for GMT and 75.5 (19.3) for pBHW. Estimated difference was − 1.4 (95% CI −8.5 to 5.8). In performance-based tests, pGMT was associated with improved inhibition and executive attention, while pBHW was associated with fewer errors in the naturalistic task. Conclusions In pABI, metacognitive training (pGMT) did not demonstrate additional effectiveness on parent-reported daily life EF at 6-month follow-up, when compared to a psychoeducative control. Both interventions were well-tolerated and demonstrated distinct improvements at different EF assessment levels. To conclude on pGMT efficacy, larger studies are needed, including further investigation of appropriate assessment levels and possible differences in effect related to treatment duration, developmental factors, and injury characteristics. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT0321534211, 11 July 2017


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Lagoutaris ◽  
Justin Sullivan ◽  
Michelle Hancock ◽  
Andrew M. Leaver

Abstract Study design Pilot randomized controlled trial. Background Better understanding of the relative effectiveness of different approaches to cervical spine mobilization has been identified as a research priority in manual therapy practice. Two distinct approaches to the practice of mobilization have emerged in recent years, based on different reasoning models for selection of mobilization techniques. The objective of this pilot study was to assess feasibility aspects for a future randomized clinical trial by exploring short-term pain and disability outcomes after a single treatment with pragmatic versus prescriptive approaches to cervical mobilization for people with recent-onset neck pain at 48-h follow-up after randomization. Methods Twenty adults with a new episode of mechanical neck pain were randomly allocated to either pragmatic or prescriptive mobilization intervention groups. The pragmatic group received a single treatment of cervical mobilization with the technique, target segment, and grade selected by their treating therapist. The prescriptive group received a single treatment of standardized mobilization with techniques similar to a previous mobilization clinical trial. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment rates, randomization audit and completion of treatment and follow-up per protocol. The primary clinical outcome of interest was disability level measured at 48-h follow-up after randomization. Results Recruitment rates were approximately 2.5 participants per week and 100% of eligible participants were deemed suitable for treatment with cervical mobilization. There was sufficient variety in the range of pragmatic treatments selected and the data collection process imposed minimal burden on participants. Conclusions Our results provide supporting evidence for the feasibility of a future larger scale randomized clinical trial. Trial registration Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000446460). Registered 6th April 2016. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370448&isReview=true


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
María García-Galant ◽  
montse blasco ◽  
Lee Reid ◽  
kerstin Pannek ◽  
David Leiva ◽  
...  

IntroductionCerebral palsy (CP) is frequently associated with specific cognitive impairments, such as executive dysfunction which are related to participation and quality of life (QOL). The proposed study will examine whether a computerized executive function (EF) training programme could provide superior benefits for executive functioning, participation, QOL and brain plasticity, as compared to usual care.Methods and analysisA single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) design will be performed. Thirty children with CP aged 8 to 12 years will participate in a home-based computerized multi-modal executive training programme (12 weeks, 5 days a week, 30 min a day training, total dose= 30h). Thirty children with CP matched by age, sex, motor and intelligence quotient (IQ) will compose the waitlist group. Cognitive, behavioural, emotional, participation and QOL measures will be obtained at three time points: before, immediately after and 9 months after completing the training. Additionally, structural and functional (resting state) magnetic resonance images (MRI) will be obtained in a subsample of 15 children from each group. Outcomes between groups will be compared following standard principles for RCTs.The study will test whether the cognitive training programme exerts a positive effect not only on neuropsychological and daily functioning of children with CP but also on other measures such as participation and QOL. We will also use brain MRI to test brain functional and structural changes after the intervention.If this on-line and home-based training programme proves effective, it could be a cost-effective intervention with short- and long-term effects on EF, participation or QOL in CP.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2996
Author(s):  
Jacqueline F. Gould ◽  
Peter J. Anderson ◽  
Lisa N. Yelland ◽  
Robert A. Gibson ◽  
Maria Makrides

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accumulates in the fetal brain during pregnancy and is thought to have a role in supporting neurodevelopment. We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in women with a singleton pregnancy who were <21 weeks’ gestation at trial entry. Women were provided with 800 mg DHA/day or a placebo supplement from trial entry until birth. When children reached seven years of age, we invited parents to complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and the Conners 3rd Edition Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Index to assess child behavior and behavioral manifestations of executive dysfunction. There were 543 parent–child pairs (85% of those eligible) that participated in the follow-up. Scores were worse in the DHA group than the placebo group for the BRIEF Global Executive, Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition Indexes, and the Shift, Inhibit, Monitor, Working Memory, and Organization of Materials scales, as well as for the Conners 3 ADHD index, and the SDQ Total Difficulties score, Hyperactivity/Inattention score, and Peer Relationship Problems score. In this healthy, largely term-born sample of children, prenatal DHA supplementation conferred no advantage to childhood behavior, and instead appeared to have an adverse effect on behavioral functioning, as assessed by standardized parental report scales.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
YANG BAI ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
Qianqian Lei ◽  
Hailong Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There are evidences for the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for chronic shoulder pain, however it remains unclear the best acupuncture modes for effective treatment. We compared the effect of myofascial trigger point (MTrp) Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture with that of common acupuncture treatments. Further, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of stuck-moving needle acupuncture for the MTrp in improving pain and range of motions in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder. The ultimate aim of the study is to select an effective therapy for patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder. Methods Randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the 3 clinical centers of Qingyang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Qingyang Xifeng district People's Hospital and Qingyang Second People's Hospital in China from February 2020 to January 2021. One-hundred and eight frozen shoulder patient will be recruited and randomized into one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio of the Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture group, Common acupuncture control group and physical exercise control group. This trial will include a 1-week baseline period, a 3-weeks of treatment period, and a 12-weeks of follow-up period. During the 3-weeks of treatment period, patients will receive 9 sessions of acupuncture. The primary outcome will be related to change in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Measurement of range of joint motion (ROM) from baseline period to the 12-week follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures will include, measurement of Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Pressure Pain Tolerance (PTT) Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), 36-item Short Form survey and Patient satisfaction evaluation. Adverse events also will be recorded for safety assessment. Discussion The results of this trial will allow us to compare the difference in efficacy between Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture MTrP with that of common acupuncture treatments. The findings from this trial will be published in the peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration: Acupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry (ChiMCTR1900002862) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900028452). registered on 22, Dec. 2019


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205435812095139
Author(s):  
Bhanu Prasad ◽  
Maryam Jafari ◽  
Kaval Kour ◽  
Kunal Goyal ◽  
Francisco Garcia

Background: Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS) is a poorly understood clinical condition characterized by severe pain localized to the kidney but in the absence of identifiable urinary tract disease. There is no consensus on optimal treatment strategies for LPHS. Case reports and series have shown renal denervation via catheter-based radiofrequency ablation to be an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of LPHS. To determine whether catheter-based renal denervation is a meaningful addition to the treatment options in these often-difficult-to-treat LPHS patients, a randomized clinical trial is needed. Prior to conducting a definitive trial that focuses on patient outcomes, ensuring the feasibility of undertaking such a trial is required. As such, we will conduct a single-center randomized control feasibility trial designed to determine viability and provide framework and direction for a larger trial. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine whether conducting a randomized trial of renal denervation versus sham procedure is feasible in terms of recruitment and eligibility, and adequacy of follow-up in LPHS patients. Design: Single-center double-blinded, parallel-group, partial crossover, sham-controlled, randomized feasibility trial of 10 LPHS patients. Setting: Regina General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Patients: Ten LPHS patients who require opioid therapy. Measurements: The main feasibility outcome measures include proportion of target patients who undergo the procedure (treatment or sham) within 6 months; proportion of randomized participants (treatment or control) who entirely complete the follow-up measures at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months; proportion of the participants who were randomized to control group, cross over after 6 months and opt-in renal denervation treatment; proportion of the crossover participants who complete the follow-up measures at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months. Pain will be assessed using Brief Pain Inventory Score, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and a pain diary. Mood, disability, and quality of life will be measured by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol-5D, and Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire, respectively. Methods: Eligible participants will be randomized into either renal denervation (treatment group) or a sham treatment (control group). Data (pain, quality of life, mood, disability) will be collected from both groups at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. After the initial 6-month follow-up is over, the participants who received the sham procedure will cross over into the treatment group and will be followed for an additional 6 months in the same manner as the treatment group. Descriptive statistics will be used to report outcomes for all patients. Limitations: Single-center study, small sample size. Conclusions: The lessons learnt from this trial will lay the framework and direction for conducting a multisite randomized controlled trial involving a larger cohort of patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04332731).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
YANG BAI ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
Yinan QIN ◽  
Qianqian Lei ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: There are evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for chronic shoulder pain, however, it remains unclear the best acupuncture modes for effective treatment. We compared the effect of the myofascial trigger point (MTrp) Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture with that of common acupuncture treatments. Further, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of stuck-moving needle acupuncture for the MTrp in improving pain and range of motions in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder. The aim of present study is to select an effective therapy for patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder.Methods: Randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the three clinical centers of Qingyang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Qingyang Xifeng district People's Hospital and Qingyang Second People's Hospital in China from February 2020 to January 2021. One-hundred and eight frozen shoulder patients will be recruited and randomized into one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio of the Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture group, Common acupuncture control group and physical exercise control group. This trial will include a 1-week baseline period, a 3-weeks of the treatment period, and a 12-weeks of the follow-up period. During the 3-weeks of the treatment period, patients will receive nine sessions of acupuncture. The primary outcome will be related to change in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and measurement of range of joint motion (ROM) from the baseline period to the 12-week follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures will include, measurement of Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Pressure Pain Tolerance (PTT) Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), 36-item Short Form survey and Patient satisfaction evaluation. Adverse events also will be recorded for safety assessment.Discussion: The results of this trial will allow us to compare the difference in efficacy between Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture MTrP with that of common acupuncture treatments. The findings from this trial will be published in the peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration: Acupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry (ChiMCTR1900002862) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900028452). registered on 22, Dec. 2019


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