scholarly journals Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Asian Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kheng Ng ◽  
Angelia Sia ◽  
Maxel Ng ◽  
Crystal Tan ◽  
Hui Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Horticultural Therapy ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

The effect of horticultural therapy (HT) on immune and endocrine biomarkers remains largely unknown. We designed a waitlist-control randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of HT in improving mental well-being and modulating biomarker levels. A total of 59 older adults was recruited, with 29 randomly assigned to the HT intervention and 30 to the waitlist control group. The participants attended weekly intervention sessions for the first 3 months and monthly sessions for the subsequent 3 months. Biological and psychosocial data were collected. Biomarkers included IL-1β, IL-6, sgp-130, CXCL12/SDF-1α, CCL-5/RANTES, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), hs-CRP, cortisol and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Psychosocial measures examined cognitive functions, depression, anxiety, psychological well-being, social connectedness and satisfaction with life. A significant reduction in plasma IL-6 level (p = 0.02) was observed in the HT intervention group. For the waitlist control group, significant reductions in plasma CXCL12 (SDF-1α) (p = 0.003), CXCL5 (RANTES) (p = 0.05) and BDNF (p = 0.003) were observed. A significant improvement in social connectedness was also observed in the HT group (p = 0.01). Conclusion: HT, in reducing plasma IL-6, may prevent inflammatory disorders and through maintaining plasma CXCL12 (SDF-1α), may maintain hematopoietic support to the brain. HT may be applied in communal gardening to enhance the well-being of older adults.

scholarly journals Implementation and Effects of an Information Technology-Based Intervention to Support Speech and Language Therapy Among Stroke Patients with Aphasia: Protocol for a Virtual Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Kim ◽  
Laura Laird ◽  
Carlee Wilson ◽  
Till Bieg ◽  
Phillip Mildner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lexical Retrieval ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Treatment Assessment ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

BACKGROUND Mobile application-based therapies are increasingly being employed by speech-language pathologists in the rehabilitation of people with aphasia (PwA) as an adjunct or in lieu of traditional in-person therapy approaches. These apps can increase the intensity of treatment, and have been shown to result in meaningful outcomes across several domains OBJECTIVE VoiceAdapt is a mobile therapy app designed with user and stakeholder feedback within a user-centered design framework. VoiceAdapt uses two evidence-based lexical retrieval treatments to engage PwA to improve their naming abilities through interaction with the app. The purpose of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) proposed here is to examine the feasibility and clinical efficacy of training with VoiceAdapt on the language and communication outcomes of people with aphasia. METHODS A multicenter RCT is being conducted at two locations within Canada. A total of 80 people with aphasia will be recruited to participate in a two-arm, waitlist-controlled, crossover group RCT. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomized into an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Intervention group participants will engage in five weeks of training with the app, followed by post-treatment assessment and follow-up assessment after an additional five weeks. Those in the waitlist control group will have five weeks of no training, followed by a pre-treatment assessment, training for five weeks and post-treatment assessment. All aspects of the trial are being conducted remotely given the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Recruitment of participants started in September 2020 and the study is expected to be completed by March 2022. Publication of results is expected within six months of study completion. CONCLUSIONS Results of the RCT will provide data to inform evidence-based practice on the use of technology-based solutions to treat aphasia. If positive results are obtained from this RCT, the VoiceAdapt app can be recommended as an efficacious means of improving lexical retrieval and communicative functioning in PwA within an easily accessible, cost-effective manner. Moreover, the implementation of this RCT through remote assessment and delivery can inform the profession on telerehabilitation practices and monitoring app-based home therapy programs. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04108364; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04108364

scholarly journals Increasing Access to Task-Oriented Community-Based Exercise Programs Through Healthcare-Community Partnerships to Improve Function Post-Stroke: Feasibility of a 2-Group Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayatri Aravind ◽  
Kainat Bashir ◽  
Jill I. Cameron ◽  
Jo-Anne Howe ◽  
Susan B. Jaglal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Waitlist Control Group ◽  
Everyday Function

Abstract BackgroundObjectives were to describe the feasibility of a protocol for evaluating a community-based exercise program incorporating a healthcare-community partnership (CBEP-HCP) compared to a waitlist control group on improving everyday function among people post-stroke.MethodsA pilot 2-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in three cities in Ontario, Canada. Adults (≥ 18 years) living at home for ≥ 3 months post-stroke, and able to walk ≥ 10 metres without physical assistance were stratified by site and gait speed and randomly assigned to an exercise program or waitlist control group. Trained fitness instructors delivered a 1-hour, group exercise class, involving repetitive and progressive practice of balance/mobility tasks relevant to everyday function (e.g., sit-to-stand, walking, step-ups) twice a week for 12 weeks. The waitlist group was offered the exercise program at 10 months. Blinded assessors conducted evaluations at 3, 6 and 10 months post-baseline. Sensitivity to change of two measures of everyday function (Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO) and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL)) was compared. Qualitative interviews were conducted separately with 13 participants and 9 caregivers post-intervention. Quantitative and qualitative results were triangulated.ResultsThirty-three people with stroke were randomized to the intervention (n = 16) or waitlist group (n = 17); 68% of available caregivers agreed to participate. Recruitment rates were 2.4, 1.2, and 1.1 participants/month across sites and highest in the largest urban centre. Participants preferred a familiar healthcare professional to refer them to the study. Participants described a 10- or 12-month wait as too long and two people in the waitlist group withdrew for this reason. The exercise program was implemented per protocol across sites. Attendance was lowest (63% and 71% in the intervention and waitlist group, respectively) at 10-month evaluations. Participants described inclement weather, availability of transportation, and long commutes as barriers to attending evaluations and exercise classes. The SIPSO physical scale but not the NEADL detected change in the intervention group. Quantitative and qualitative results suggested an immediate effect of the intervention on balance, balance self-efficacy, everyday function (dressing, cooking), and overall health.ConclusionChallenges with recruitment, attendance, and retention will inform protocol revisions for a future trial.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03122626. Registered April 17, 2017 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03122626

scholarly journals BRAIN FITNESS INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE AND WORRIES ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S1-S1
Author(s):  
Kaipeng Wang ◽  
Fei Sun ◽  
Qiuling An ◽  
Yanfei Han ◽  
Yi Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Brain Fitness

Abstract As one of the world’s fastest aging countries, China’s growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) poses concerns among older adults. Lack of knowledge about ADRD and excessive worries about ADRD can cause cumulative stress and threaten physical and psychological well-being of older adults. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a Brain Fitness Intervention (BFI) on the knowledge and worries about Alzheimer’s at three senior residential care facilities in China. Ninety older adults aged 60 and above underwent randomization. Fifty participants in the intervention group received eight weekly BFI sessions, including Tai Chi exercise, experiential learning, and group discussions. The primary outcomes were the changes from baseline to Week 8 in the scores on the ADRD knowledge scale (ranging 5–50) and worry scale (ranging 5–45). Twenty-seven participants withdrew from the study. Intent-to-treat analysis showed that the estimated mean change in knowledge on ADRD was 4.26 in the treatment group and -1.52 in the control group (p < 0.001). The estimated mean change in worries about ADRD was -10.25 in the treatment group and -2.9 in the control group (p < 0.001). Results remained robust in sensitivity analysis adjusting for study sites and baseline characteristics. Heterogeneity analysis showed that the treatment effect became stronger with the increase of age. Findings support the effectiveness of BFI in increasing ADRD knowledge and reducing worries among Chinese older adults. Future trials with larger sample sizes will be needed for more conclusive results.

scholarly journals Team approach to polypharmacy evaluation and reduction: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dee Mangin ◽  
Larkin Lamarche ◽  
Gina Agarwal ◽  
Hoan Linh Banh ◽  
Naomi Dore Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Clinical Pathway ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Potentially Inappropriate Medications ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Polypharmacy in older adults can be associated with negative outcomes including falls, impaired cognition, reduced quality of life, and general and functional decline. It is not clear to what extent these are reversible if the number of medications is reduced. Primary care does not have a systematic approach for reducing inappropriate polypharmacy, and there are few, if any, approaches that account for the patient’s priorities and preferences. The primary objective of this study is to test the effect of TAPER (Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction), a structured operationalized clinical pathway focused on reducing inappropriate polypharmacy. TAPER integrates evidence tools for identifying potentially inappropriate medications, tapering, and monitoring guidance and explicit elicitation of patient priorities and preferences. We aim to determine the effect of TAPER on the number of medications (primary outcome) and health-related outcomes associated with polypharmacy in older adults. Methods We designed a multi-center randomized controlled trial, with the lead implementation site in Hamilton, Ontario. Older adults aged 70 years or older who are on five or more medications will be eligible to participate. A total of 360 participants will be recruited. Participants will be assigned to either the control or intervention arm. The intervention involves a comprehensive multidisciplinary medication review by pharmacists and physicians in partnership with patients. This review will be focused on reducing medication burden, with the assumption that this will reduce the risks and harms of polypharmacy. The control group is a wait list, and control patients will be given appointments for the TAPER intervention at a date after the final outcome assessment. All patients will be followed up and outcomes measured in both groups at baseline and 6 months. Discussion Our trial is unique in its design in that it aims to introduce an operationalized structured clinical pathway aimed to reduce polypharmacy in a primary care setting while at the same time recording patient’s goals and priorities for treatment. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT02942927. First registered on October 24, 2016.

Harnessing Telehealth to Mitigate the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sleep and Well-being: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen P. O'Hora ◽  
Raquel A. Osorno ◽  
Dena Sadeghi-Bahmani ◽  
Mateo Lopez ◽  
Allison Morehouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Early Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 Pandemic led to drastic increases in the prevalence and severity of insomnia symptoms. These increases in insomnia complaints have been paralleled by significant decreases in well-being, including increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and decreased quality of life. However, the efficacy and impact of early treatment of insomnia symptoms on future sleep and well-being remains unknown. OBJECTIVE Here, we present the framework and protocol for a novel study that aims to investigate whether a brief telehealth insomnia intervention targeting new insomnia that developed during the pandemic prevents deterioration of well-being, including symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and quality of life. METHODS The protocol details a two-arm randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of a brief, telehealth-delivered, early treatment of insomnia and evaluate its potential to prevent a deterioration of well-being. Participants with clinically significant insomnia symptoms that began during the pandemic are randomized to either a treatment group or a 28-week waitlist control group. Treatment consists of 4 telehealth sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) delivered over 5 weeks. All participants will complete assessments of insomnia symptom severity, well-being, and daily habits checklist at baseline (week 0), and at weeks 1-6, 12, 28, and 56. RESULTS The trial began enrollment June 3, 2020 and closed enrollment June 17, 2021. As of October 2021, 49 participants have been randomized to either immediate treatment or a 28-week waitlist. 23 participants are still active in the protocol. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this protocol would be represent the first study to test an early sleep intervention for improving insomnia that emerged during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The findings of this study could provide information about the utility of CBT-I for symptoms that emerge in the context of other stressors before they develop a chronic course and deepen understanding of the relationship between sleep and well-being. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04409743

Promoting Information Communication Technology Adoption and Acceptance for Aging-in-Place: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
pp. 073346481989104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajay Arthanat
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Information Communication Technology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Ict Training

The prevailing digital divide along with barriers to information communication technology (ICT) adoption among older adults is well elucidated. To contribute evidence on ICT education, a 2-year randomized controlled trial verified the long-term effect of a novel individualized ICT training program for older adults in demographic cohorts who are known to underutilize ICT ( n = 42 in the training and n = 43 in a control group). Mixed-model repeated measures analysis of data was conducted from baseline and 6-month intervals ( df = 4, 1) post training. Older adults in the training group engaged in a wide range of leisure ( p = .03), health management ( p = .006), and instrumental activities of daily living ( p = .02) significantly more than those in the control group. They also reported significantly enhanced technology acceptance and sustained sense of independence in key ICT-based activities. The study supports the implementation of one-on-one ICT training programs to promote access and utilization of digital resources for aging-in-place.

scholarly journals The Effect of a Multicomponent Dual-Task Exercise on Cortical Thickness in Older Adults with Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1312
Author(s):  
Seongryu Bae ◽  
Kenji Harada ◽  
Sangyoon Lee ◽  
Kazuhiro Harada ◽  
Keitaro Makino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

The aim of this study was to examine cortical thickness changes associated with a multicomponent exercise intervention combining physical exercise and cognitive training in older adults with cognitive decline. This study involved a secondary analysis of neuroimaging data from a randomized controlled trial with 280 older adults having cognitive decline who were randomly assigned to either a multicomponent exercise group (n = 140) that attended weekly 90-minute exercise and cognitive training sessions or a health education control group (n = 140). The cortical thickness and cognitive performance were assessed at the baseline and at trial completion (10 months). The cortical thickness in the frontal and temporal regions was determined using FreeSurfer software. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT). The cortical thickness significantly increased in the middle temporal (p < 0.001) and temporal pole (p < 0.001) in the multicomponent exercise group compared with the control group. Cortical thickness changes were significantly associated with change in trail making test (TMT)-A, TMT-B, and story memory after a 10-month multicomponent exercise intervention. This study suggests that multicomponent exercise programs combining physical exercise and cognitive training have important implications for brain health, especially in providing protection from age-related cortical thinning.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Improves Verbal and Spatial Memory in Older Adults with Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay S. Nagamatsu ◽  
Alison Chan ◽  
Jennifer C. Davis ◽  
B. Lynn Beattie ◽  
Peter Graf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

We report secondary findings from a randomized controlled trial on the effects of exercise on memory in older adults with probable MCI. We randomized 86 women aged 70–80 years with subjective memory complaints into one of three groups: resistance training, aerobic training, or balance and tone (control). All participants exercised twice per week for six months. We measured verbal memory and learning using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and spatial memory using a computerized test, before and after trial completion. We found that the aerobic training group remembered significantly more items in the loss after interference condition of the RAVLT compared with the control group after six months of training. In addition, both experimental groups showed improved spatial memory performance in the most difficult condition where they were required to memorize the spatial location of three items, compared with the control group. Lastly, we found a significant correlation between spatial memory performance and overall physical capacity after intervention in the aerobic training group. Taken together, our results provide support for the prevailing notion that exercise can positively impact cognitive functioning and may represent an effective strategy to improve memory in those who have begun to experience cognitive decline.

scholarly journals A randomized controlled trial of a specific reminiscence approach to promote the well-being of nursing home residents with dementia

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia K. Y. Lai ◽  
Iris Chi ◽  
Jeanie Kayser-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: To date, no firm conclusions can be reached regarding the effectiveness of reminiscence for dementia. Researchers have emphasized that there is an urgent need for more systematic research in the area.Objective and Method: A single-blinded, parallel-groups (one intervention, one comparison, and one no-intervention group) randomized controlled trial (RCT) was adopted to investigate whether a specific reminiscence program leads to higher levels of psychosocial well-being in nursing home residents with dementia. The intervention adopted a life-story approach, while the comparison group provided friendly discussions to control for any changes in outcome as a result of social contacts and attention. The Social Engagement Scale (SES) and Well-being/Ill-being Scale (WIB) were the outcome measures used. The outcomes of the groups were examined with reference to the baseline (T0), immediately (T1), and six weeks (T2) after intervention. The final sample had 101 subjects (control group: n=30; comparison group: n=35; intervention group: n=36). Using multivariate analysis with repeated measures, no significant differences in outcome were found between groups at either T1 or T2. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were performed for each group comparing outcomes between T1 and T0, T2 and T1, and T2 and T0. Significant differences were observed in the intervention group when comparing T1 and T0 WIB (p=.014), but not for the other groups.Conclusion: Although the intervention did not lead to significant differences between the three groups over time, there was a significant improvement in psychosocial well-being for the intervention group.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document