An Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)-Based Conflict Prevention Program: A Pre-Pilot Study with Non-Clinical Couples

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) has demonstrated its efficacy treating severe couple conflict. Nevertheless, its capacity to prevent such conflicts before they appear has not been analyzed. The following empirical study examines the effectiveness of a conflict prevention program based on IBCT’s main therapeutic strategies (empathic joining, unified detachment). A sample of 12 individuals (six couples) from the Community of Madrid completed the DAS (Spanier, 1976; Martín-Lanas et al., 2017), IBCTQ (Barraca et al., 2017), and ASPA-A (Carrasco, 1996) pre-treatment, posttreatment, and at a three-year follow up. Three of these couples were randomly assigned to the experimental group, in which they received five, 120-minute sessions of an IBCT-based conflict prevention program. The three remaining couples were assigned to a control group and received no treatment. Results indicated that the experimental couples grew in their acceptance of differences and significantly improved their level of empathic joining and unified detachment; they also manifested greater satisfaction in their total DAS score. At the three-year follow up, neither group showed significant changes with regard to their posttreatment scores. Although the data are based on a small number of couples and should be replicated, the results suggest that a program based on IBCT strategies can help prevent couple conflict up to three years after its application.

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The Effectiveness of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) on Emotional Divorce of Couples: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of Iranian Medical Council ◽

10.18502/jimc.v4i2.6460 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Heidari ◽

Mohammad Ghamari ◽

Alireza Jafari ◽

Alireza Armani Kian

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Couple Therapy ◽

Control Group ◽

Statistical Population ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy ◽

Post Test ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Experimental Group

Background: Some scientists consider emotional divorce as the first step in the divorce process, which means that the marital relationship is declining. Research shows the harmful physical and psychological effects of emotional divorce on couples. The present research was carried out to show the effectiveness of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) on emotional divorce among couples. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental design study with a control group, including a pre-test, post-test and a 45-day follow up. The statistical population of this study was all couples referred to the family therapy clinic of Shahid Beheshti Psychiatric Hospital in Zanjan in 2020. Twenty couples were selected based on a score of eight or higher in a 24-item two-choice questionnaire on emotional divorce which was developed by Guttman in 1998. Next, participants were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control. The experimental group received 11 weekly sessions of IBCT and each intervention session lasted for 120 minutes and the control group did not receive any intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA was used and data were analyzed by SPSS software V18. Results: The results of ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference between the control and experimental groups in the pre-test, post-test and follow-up (p<0.001). Therefore, it can be concluded that IBCT has reduced the emotional divorce of couples in the experimental group. Conclusion: Results suggest that IBCT can be used as a treatment of choice for reduction of emotional divorce.

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Improved shoulder stability through plyometric, proprioceptive and strength exercises in rugby players. A randomized clinical trial

10.31083/jomh.2021.021 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Strength Exercises ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Rugby Players ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Shoulder Stability

Background: The shoulder is one of the most frequently injured joints in rugby. Improving muscle strength can increase glenohumeral joint stability, thus preventing injuries to this joint. Purpose: Evaluating the effectiveness of a plyometric, proprioceptive and strength exercise program in promoting shoulder stability in rugby players. Study design: Randomized single blind clinical trial, with follow up. Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Thirty federated rugby players were included in the study and randomized to the two study groups. The experimental group performed an exercise program including plyometric exercises using a ﬁtness ball, proprioceptive exercises with BodyBlade® and strength training with elastic bands. The intervention lasted four weeks, with two weekly sessions lasting 15 minutes each. The control group continued with their usual routine. The study variable was glenohumeral stability, measured with the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test and the Y-Balance test. Three evaluations (pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up) were carried out. Changes were calculated after each evaluation and repeated measures analysis was performed. Results: Stability improved after the intervention and when comparing pre-treatment and follow-up assessments (P < 0.05) in the experimental group. There were differences between the two groups (P < 0.05) and between the different study evaluations (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A protocol based on plyometric, proprioceptive and strength exercises improves glenohumeral stability. This improvement can be maintained for four weeks.

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The Effectiveness of Integraged Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness on Marital Conflict and Anxiety in Women with Pathological Spousal Jealousy

Journal of Counseling Research ◽

10.18502/qjcr.v20i79.7348 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Saeedeh Noorbakhsh Baghbaderani ◽

Zohreh Latifi

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽

Marital Conflict ◽

Couple Therapy ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Control Group ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

Aim: Pathological jealousy toward spouse is one of the most common complaints of couples referring for couple therapy. The research aimed to study the effectiveness of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulnes on decreasing of marital conflict and anxiety in women withpathological jealousy toward spouse. Methods: For this purpose, a quasi-experimental pretest, posttest and follow up design with control group was used. The study sample included 34 women with Pathological jealousy who were selected through purposive sampling among women referredto counseling centers in Isfahan. The intervention method included10integrated sessions of cognitive-behaviorla therapy and mindfulness that was implemented for experimental group. In order to assess variables Marital Conflict Questionnaire (Barati & Sanayi, 2000) and State Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, et al., 1983) were used. The data analysis conducted by multivariate analysis of variance with pretest and control. Findings: The findings showed a significant decline in the mean scores of experimental group, both in anxiety and in marital conflict, in pretest and follow-up stages, but no tangible changes were observed in the control group scores. (p<0.0005). Conclusion: Thus, integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness has been effective in reducing marital conflict and anxiety in women with pathological jealousy toward spouse, and could be used by couple therapists and other psychotherapists.

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Sacroplasty: A Ten-Year Analysis of Prospective Patients Treated with Percutaneous Sacroplasty: Literature Review and Technical Considerations

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj/2017.7.e1063 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (20;7) ◽

pp. E1063-E1072

Author(s):

Christopher Warner

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Procedure ◽

Vas Scores ◽

The Mean ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Analgesic Use

Background: The treatment of sacral fractures has evolved since its first description in 1982. Several techniques for sacral augmentation have been developed since 2001, and the rate of improvement is rapid with over 50% reduction in pain achieved prior to post-procedure discharge of the patient. Pain reduction occurs primarily within the first 3 months and is sustained at 12 months; however, the long-term outcomes have not previously been studied. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the long-term efficacy of sacroplasty versus non-surgical management (NSM) in treating sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs), including the effect on pain relief, opioid and other analgesic use, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. Additionally, we aim to review the most current sacroplasty literature. Study Design: A 10-year prospective, observational cohort study of patients with SIFs treated with sacral augmentation. Setting: A single-center interventional pain management private practice. Methods: Two-hundred and forty-four patients with SIFs were treated with sacroplasty (210 patients) or NSM (34 patients) beginning in January 2004 and then followed for 10 years. The patients’ gender, age, pre-procedure pain duration, analgesic use, pain level, and satisfaction were recorded at baseline and at post-procedure follow-up intervals of 2, 4, 12, 24, 52 weeks, and 2 years. The experimental group was then contacted at 10 years. Post-procedure complications before discharge and at each follow-up were also evaluated. Results: Both NSM and sacroplasty resulted in statistically significant drops in visual analog scale (VAS) scores from pre-treatment to 2-year follow-up (P < 0.001). When measured from followup to follow-up, the NSM group’s only significant decrease in the mean VAS score was between pre-treatment and 2 weeks (P = 0.002). The experimental group had significant decreases over the periods pre-op through post-op (P < 0.001), post-op through 2 weeks (P < 0.001), 12 weeks through 24 weeks (P = 0.014), and 24 weeks through one year (P = 0.002). The experimental cohort experienced statistically significant drops in the mean VAS scores between follow-ups for a longer period of time. Opioid and non-opioid analgesic use was markedly decreased preoperatively to postoperatively and was sustained at the 10-year follow-up. Limitations: Patients were placed into the control group, NSM, if they did not meet inclusion criteria for sacroplasty. However, the baseline characteristics of the sacroplasty versus NSM group were not statistically different. Additionally, the control group was only followed through 2 years and was not contacted at the 10-year follow-up. Conclusions: Our results and those reported in previous studies establish that sacroplasty allows for decreased use of medications and results in pain relief, greater patient mobility, and improved patient satisfaction. In addition to the published body of literature, our results show strong evidence in support of sacroplasty as a safe and efficacious treatment of SIFs. Key words: Sacroplasty, sacral fracture, fracture, osteoporosis, insufficiency, radiology

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The effectiveness of positive training on happiness, aggression and hope in adolescents with leukemia in Ahvaz

Indian Journal of Positive Psychology ◽

10.15614/ijpp.v9i01.11735 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Marzieh . Shamkhani ◽

Ali . Khalafi

Keyword(s):

Sampling Method ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Measurement Tools ◽

Post Test ◽

Aggression Questionnaire ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Period Measurement

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of positive learning on happiness, Aggression and hope for adolescents with leukemia in Ahvaz. The sample consisted of 30 people who were selected by available sampling method. 15 subjects in the experimental group and 15 in the control group were randomly assigned. The experimental design was a pre-test-post-test type with control group and follow-up period. Measurement tools included Oxford Happiness Inventory (Argyle, 1989); Ahwaz's Aggression Questionnaire (Zahedifar, Najarian, and Shokrkon, 2000); Hope Scale (Schneider, 1991). To run, at first, the pre-test was taken from both groups. Then, the experimental group was trained in 14 sessions of 90 minutes, and after each group, they were subjected to post-test. And one month later, the follow-up process was completed. Data analysis was performed using multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that positive attitudes toward happiness, aggressiveness and hopefulness of adolescents with leukemia in Ahvaz were effective.

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Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-Pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Female Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041528 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1528

Author(s):

Héctor Guerrero-Tapia ◽

Rodrigo Martín-Baeza ◽

Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Gluteus Medius ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Extrinsic Factors ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Limb Injuries ◽

Experimental Group

Background. Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may be the origin of lower limb injuries, such as adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial over 8 weeks, 25 female footballers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and after a 4-week follow-up period. The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbar-pelvic stability and adductor strength. Results: After the intervention, there was an increase in lumbo-pelvic stability in both groups, being greater in the control group than in the experimental group (mean differences [MD]: 4.84 vs. MD: 9.58; p < 0.01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p < 0.001), but not in group interaction (p = 0.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: −2.48; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −1.48; p < 0.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: −1.68; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −2.05; p < 0.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p < 0.001) and right (p < 0.001) adductor strength. Conclusions: An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength, while improvements in both variables are maintained at four weeks follow-up.

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Effectiveness of a Mobile Device–Based Resilience Training Program in Reducing Depressive Symptoms and Enhancing Resilience and Quality of Life in Parents of Children With Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.27639 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yuanhui Luo ◽

Wei Xia ◽

Ankie Tan Cheung ◽

Laurie Long Kwan Ho ◽

Jingping Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Training Program ◽

Mobile Device ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Cancer ◽

Resilience Training ◽

Experimental Group

BACKGROUND Caring for children with cancer can be a stressful experience for parents and may have negative effects on their physical and psychological well-being. Although evidence has shown that resilience is associated with positive psychological well-being, few interventions have been specifically designed to enhance the resilience of parents of children with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a mobile device–based resilience training program in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing resilience and quality of life (QoL) in parents of children with cancer. METHODS Parents of children diagnosed with cancer were recruited from the pediatric oncology wards of 3 tertiary hospitals in China. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (52/103, 50.5%) to undergo an 8-week mobile device–based resilience training program or to the control group (51/103, 49.5%) to receive an 8-week program of placebo information. The study outcomes included resilience, depressive symptoms, and QoL, as measured by the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Short Form of the 6-Dimension Health Survey, respectively. All data were collected at baseline and at 2 and 6 months of follow-up. The data analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine the effects of the intervention. RESULTS The participants were mostly female (72/103, 69.9%), and their mean age was 33.6 (SD 5.2) years. The participants in the experimental group showed significantly higher levels of resilience (mean 67.96, SD 15.8 vs mean 58.27, SD 19.0; P<.001) and lower levels of depressive symptoms (mean 40.17, SD 9.9 vs mean 46.04, SD 10.9; P<.001) than those in the control group at 6 months of follow-up. The intervention showed statistically significant effects in improving resilience (β=6.082; P=.01) and decreasing depressive symptoms (β=−2.772; P=.04) relative to the control group. The QoL score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group at 6 months of follow-up (mean 0.79, SD 0.2 vs mean 0.76, SD 0.3; P=.07); however, no statistically significant intervention effect was detected (β=.020; P=.38). CONCLUSIONS The mobile device–based resilience training program effectively enhanced resilience and alleviated depressive symptoms in parents of children with cancer. It is highly recommended that health care professionals incorporate this resilience training program when providing psychological care to parents of children with cancer. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical.Trials.gov NCT04038242; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04038242

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Effectiveness of a Mobile Device–Based Resilience Training Program in Reducing Depressive Symptoms and Enhancing Resilience and Quality of Life in Parents of Children With Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/27639 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (11) ◽

pp. e27639

Author(s):

Yuanhui Luo ◽

Wei Xia ◽

Ankie Tan Cheung ◽

Laurie Long Kwan Ho ◽

Jingping Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Training Program ◽

Mobile Device ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Cancer ◽

Resilience Training ◽

Experimental Group

Background Caring for children with cancer can be a stressful experience for parents and may have negative effects on their physical and psychological well-being. Although evidence has shown that resilience is associated with positive psychological well-being, few interventions have been specifically designed to enhance the resilience of parents of children with cancer. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a mobile device–based resilience training program in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing resilience and quality of life (QoL) in parents of children with cancer. Methods Parents of children diagnosed with cancer were recruited from the pediatric oncology wards of 3 tertiary hospitals in China. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (52/103, 50.5%) to undergo an 8-week mobile device–based resilience training program or to the control group (51/103, 49.5%) to receive an 8-week program of placebo information. The study outcomes included resilience, depressive symptoms, and QoL, as measured by the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Short Form of the 6-Dimension Health Survey, respectively. All data were collected at baseline and at 2 and 6 months of follow-up. The data analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine the effects of the intervention. Results The participants were mostly female (72/103, 69.9%), and their mean age was 33.6 (SD 5.2) years. The participants in the experimental group showed significantly higher levels of resilience (mean 67.96, SD 15.8 vs mean 58.27, SD 19.0; P<.001) and lower levels of depressive symptoms (mean 40.17, SD 9.9 vs mean 46.04, SD 10.9; P<.001) than those in the control group at 6 months of follow-up. The intervention showed statistically significant effects in improving resilience (β=6.082; P=.01) and decreasing depressive symptoms (β=−2.772; P=.04) relative to the control group. The QoL score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group at 6 months of follow-up (mean 0.79, SD 0.2 vs mean 0.76, SD 0.3; P=.07); however, no statistically significant intervention effect was detected (β=.020; P=.38). Conclusions The mobile device–based resilience training program effectively enhanced resilience and alleviated depressive symptoms in parents of children with cancer. It is highly recommended that health care professionals incorporate this resilience training program when providing psychological care to parents of children with cancer. Trial Registration Clinical.Trials.gov NCT04038242; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04038242

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Resultats A Court Terme De La Trabeculoplastie Selective Au Laser Chez Les Patients Togolais

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2017.v13n30p271 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (30) ◽

pp. 271

Author(s):

Dzidzinyo Kossi ◽

Djagnikpo Akouete ◽

Ayena Koffi Didier ◽

Vonor Kokou ◽

Maneh, Nidain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty ◽

Treatment Results ◽

Short Term ◽

Laser Trabeculoplasty ◽

The Mean ◽

Laser Control ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Primary Glaucoma ◽

Reduction Percentage

Aim: To check the short-term tonometric results of SLT in the treatment of primary glaucoma at the open angle and in charge of ocular hypertonias in Togolese people. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in an ophthalmology center. The first 130 eyes of 72 patients benefited from the SLT laser procedure. The tonometric controls work object focus on follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months post laser treatment. Results: 130 eyes of 72 patients were collected. The average age of the patients was 49.74 years (± 17.45) and the ages vary between 10 and 85 years. The average IOP of the laser before the laser (J0) was (24.99 ± 8.41) mm Hg. The mean IOP at the post-laser control at 1 month was (18.79 ± 3.73) mm Hg. The average IOP for the post-laser control at 3 months was (18.44 ± 3.81) mm Hg. The mean IOP at the post-laser control at 6 months was (18.13 ± 3.63) mm Hg. The percentage reduction in intraocular pressure compared to IOP was pretreated from 20.2% to 1 month; 22.1% at 3 months; and 23.3% at 6 months. In 1 month, 49.2% of the eyes we treated showed a reduction in IOP of less than 20% compared to IOP pretreatment. After 3 months and 6 months, it was 55.4% higher. Also, 52.3% have a PIO reduction percentage which is greater than or equal to 20% compared to pre-treatment IOP. Discussion: Selective laser trabeculoplasty, most especially, is interesting in ocular hypertonies. Treatment of over 180 ° allows one patient out of two to have a pressure reduction that is greater than or equal to 20%. Conclusion: The SLT presents a significant advantage for our glaucomatous patients.

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One-Year Follow-Up of Healthy Older Adults with Electroencephalographic Risk for Neurocognitive Disorder After Neurofeedback Training

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-215538 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Graciela C. Alatorre-Cruz ◽

Thalía Fernández ◽

Susana A. Castro-Chavira ◽

Mauricio González-López ◽

Sergio M. Sánchez-Moguel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Theta Activity ◽

Control Group ◽

Global Changes ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Improvement ◽

One Year ◽

Experimental Group

Background: In healthy older adults, excess theta activity is an electroencephalographic (EEG) predictor of cognitive impairment. In a previous study, neurofeedback (NFB) treatment reinforcing reductions theta activity resulted in EEG reorganization and cognitive improvement. Objective: To explore the clinical applicability of this NFB treatment, the present study performed a 1-year follow-up to determine its lasting effects. Methods: Twenty seniors with excessive theta activity in their EEG were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group received an auditory reward when the theta absolute power (AP) was reduced. The control group received the reward randomly. Results: Both groups showed a significant decrease in theta activity at the training electrode. However, the EEG results showed that only the experimental group underwent global changes after treatment. These changes consisted of delta and theta decreases and beta increases. Although no changes were found in any group during the period between the posttreatment evaluation and follow-up, more pronounced theta decreases and beta increases were observed in the experimental group when the follow-up and pretreatment measures were compared. Executive functions showed a tendency to improve two months after treatment which became significant one year later. Conclusion: These results suggest that the EEG and behavioral benefits of this NFB treatment persist for at least one year, which adds up to the available evidence contributing to identifying factors that increase its efficacy level. The relevance of this study lies in its prophylactic features of addressing a clinically healthy population with EEG risk of cognitive decline.

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