scholarly journals Auricular Acupressure Combined with Self-Help Intervention for Treating Chronic Tinnitus: A Longitudinal Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 4201
Author(s):  
Winfried Schlee ◽  
Jorge Simoes ◽  
Rüdiger Pryss
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sound Perception ◽  
Medical Disorders ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Longitudinal Observational Study ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Tinnitus Distress ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Tinnitus is a phantom sound perception in the ears or head and can arise from many different medical disorders. Currently, there is no standard treatment for tinnitus that reliably reduces tinnitus. Individual patients reported that acupressure at various points around the ear can help to reduce tinnitus, which was investigated here. With this longitudinal observational study, we report a systematic evaluation of auricular acupressure on 39 tinnitus sufferers, combined with a self-help smartphone app. The participants were asked to report on tinnitus, stress, mood, neck, and jaw muscle tensions twice a day using an ecological momentary assessment study design for six weeks. On average, 123.6 questionnaires per person were provided and used for statistical analysis. The treatment responses of the participants were heterogeneous. On average, we observed significant negative trends for tinnitus loudness (Cohen’s d effect size: −0.861), tinnitus distress (d = −0.478), stress (d = −0.675), and tensions in the neck muscles (d = −0.356). Comparison with a matched control group revealed significant improvements for tinnitus loudness (p = 0.027) and self-reported stress level (p = 0.003). The positive results of the observational study motivate further research including a randomized clinical trial and long-term assessment of the clinical improvement.

scholarly journals Auricular Acupressure Combined with Self-Help Intervention for Treating Chronic Tinnitus: A Longitudinal Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winfried Schlee ◽  
Jorge Simões ◽  
Rüdiger Pryss
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sound Perception ◽  
Medical Disorders ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Longitudinal Observational Study ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Tinnitus is a phantom sound perception in the ears or head and can arise from many different medical disorders. Currently, there is no standard treatment for tinnitus that reliably reduces tinnitus. Individual patients reported that acupressure at various points around the ear can help to reduce tinnitus, which was investigated here. With this longitudinal observational study, we report a systematic evaluation of auricular acupressure on 39 tinnitus sufferers, combined with a self-help smartphone app. The participants were asked to report about tinnitus, stress, mood, neck and jaw muscle tensions twice a day using an ecological momentary assessment study design for six weeks. On average, 123.6 questionnaires per person were provided and used for statistical analysis. The treatment responses of the participants were heterogeneous. On average, we ob-served significant negative trends for tinnitus loudness (Cohen’s d effect size: -.861), tinnitus dis-tress (d = -.478), stress (d = -.675), and tensions in the neck muscles (d = -.356). Comparison with a matched control group revealed significant improvements for tinnitus loudness (p = .027) and self-reported stress level (p = .003). The positive results of the observational study motivate fur-ther research including a randomized clinical trial and long-term assessment of the clinical im-provement.

scholarly journals Auricular Acupressure Combined with Self-Help Intervention for Treating Chronic Tinnitus: A Longitudinal Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winfried Schlee ◽  
Jorge Simões ◽  
Patrick Neff ◽  
Rüdiger Pryss
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Chronic Tinnitus ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Longitudinal Observational Study ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Treatment Mechanisms

More research, including a randomized controlled trial, is needed to further investigate the the combined treatment and gain better understanding of the treatment mechanisms.

scholarly journals Neurofeedback for tinnitus: Study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial assessing the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in alleviating both the sound perception and the psychological distress, in a cohort of chronic tinnitus sufferers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jensen ◽  
Eva Hüttenrauch ◽  
Jennifer Schmidt ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
Mira-Lynn Chavanon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Sound Perception ◽  
Active Comparator ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tinnitus Distress ◽  
Training Protocol

Abstract Background Tinnitus is a very common condition, which for some can have debilitating psychological consequences. Although some interventions are helpful in learning how to cope better with the tinnitus, at present there is no cure. Neurofeedback is an emerging treatment modality in tinnitus. Previous studies, utilizing an alpha/delta training protocol have shown promise. However, they were characterized by small sample sizes and lack of neurofeedback control conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate, if an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol, compared to beta/theta neurofeedback or a diary control group, is effective in reducing, not only the tinnitus sound perception, but also the psychological symptoms associated with the condition. Methods The study is designed as a three-armed, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly assigned to either an established neurofeedback protocol for tinnitus (alpha/delta training), another neurofeedback protocol as active comparator (beta/theta training) or diary control group. In the four-week intervention period, participants in both neurofeedback groups undergo ten sessions, whereas participants in the diary control group complete a diary bi-weekly. The primary outcomes are between group differences in tinnitus sound percept change, as measured with the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI) and changes in tinnitus distress, measured with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), four weeks post baseline. Secondary outcome measures include changes in tinnitus distress, sleep quality, depressive symptoms and whether neurofeedback leads to specific power changes in the trained frequency bands. Discussion This is the first double-blind, randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in reducing the tinnitus sound percept and the distress associated with the condition. Compared to former studies, the present study is designed to assess both the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol by including an active comparator, beta/theta neurofeedback training, and in addition to control for placebo effects by inclusion of a diary control group. We hope this study contributes not only to our understanding of the neurological underpinnings of tinnitus, but also to the potentiality of neurofeedback as a therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals Neurofeedback for tinnitus: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial assessing the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in alleviating both the sound perception and the psychological distress, in a cohort of chronic tinnitus sufferers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jensen ◽  
Eva Hüttenrauch ◽  
Jennifer Schmidt ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
Mira-Lynn Chavanon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Sound Perception ◽  
Active Comparator ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tinnitus Distress ◽  
Training Protocol

Abstract Background Tinnitus is a very common condition, which for some can have debilitating psychological consequences. Although some interventions are helpful in learning how to cope better with the tinnitus, at present there is no cure. Neurofeedback is an emerging treatment modality in tinnitus. Previous studies, utilizing an alpha/delta training protocol have shown promise. However, they were characterized by small sample sizes and lack of neurofeedback control conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate, if an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol, compared to beta/theta neurofeedback or a diary control group, is effective in reducing, not only the tinnitus sound perception, but also the psychological symptoms associated with the condition. Methods The study is designed as a three-armed, randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly assigned to either an established neurofeedback protocol for tinnitus (alpha/delta training), another neurofeedback protocol as active comparator (beta/theta training) or diary control group. In the four-week intervention period, participants in both neurofeedback groups undergo ten sessions, whereas participants in the diary control group complete a diary bi-weekly. The primary outcomes are between group differences in tinnitus sound percept change, as measured with the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI) and changes in tinnitus distress, measured with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), four weeks after the start of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures include changes in tinnitus distress, sleep quality, depressive symptoms and whether neurofeedback leads to specific power changes in the trained frequency bands. Discussion This is the first randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in reducing the tinnitus sound percept and the distress associated with the condition. Compared to former studies, the present study is designed to assess both the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol by including an active comparator, beta/theta neurofeedback training, and in addition to control for placebo effects by inclusion of a diary control group. We hope this study contributes to our understanding of the potentiality of neurofeedback as a treatment for tinnitus.

scholarly journals Neurofeedback for tinnitus: Study protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled trial assessing the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in alleviating both the sound perception and the psychological distress, in a cohort of chronic tinnitus sufferers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jensen ◽  
Eva Hüttenrauch ◽  
Jennifer Schmidt ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
Mira-Lynn Chavanon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Sound Perception ◽  
Active Comparator ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tinnitus Distress ◽  
Training Protocol

Abstract Background Tinnitus is a very common condition, which for some can have debilitating psychological consequences. Although some interventions are helpful in learning how to cope better with the tinnitus, at present there is no cure. Neurofeedback is an emerging treatment modality in tinnitus. Previous studies, utilizing an alpha/delta training protocol have shown promise. However, they were characterized by small sample sizes and lack of neurofeedback control conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate, if an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol, compared to beta/theta neurofeedback or a diary control group, is effective in reducing, not only the tinnitus sound perception, but also the psychological symptoms associated with the condition. Methods The study is designed as a three-armed, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly assigned to either an established neurofeedback protocol for tinnitus (alpha/delta training), another neurofeedback protocol as active comparator (beta/theta training) or diary control group. In the four-week intervention period, participants in both neurofeedback groups undergo ten sessions, whereas participants in the diary control group complete a diary bi-weekly. The primary outcomes are between group differences in tinnitus sound percept change, as measured with the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI) and changes in tinnitus distress, measured with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), four weeks post baseline. Secondary outcome measures include changes in tinnitus distress, sleep quality, depressive symptoms and whether neurofeedback leads to specific power changes in the trained frequency bands. Discussion This is the first double-blind, randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in reducing the tinnitus sound percept and the distress associated with the condition. Compared to former studies, the present study is designed to assess both the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol by including an active comparator, beta/theta neurofeedback training, and in addition to control for placebo effects by inclusion of a diary control group. We hope this study contributes not only to our understanding of the neurological underpinnings of tinnitus, but also to the potentiality of neurofeedback as a therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals The effect of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on consultation numbers, consultation reasons and performed services in primary care: results of a longitudinal observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingmar Schäfer ◽  
Heike Hansen ◽  
Agata Menzel ◽  
Marion Eisele ◽  
Daniel Tajdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Longitudinal Observational Study ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Gastrointestinal Complaints ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Quota Sampling ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Abstract Objectives The aims of our study were to describe the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on primary care in Germany regarding the number of consultations, the prevalence of specific reasons for consultation presented by the patients, and the frequency of specific services performed by the GP. Methods We conducted a longitudinal observational study based on standardised GP interviews in a quota sampling design comparing the time before the COVID-19 pandemic (12 June 2015 to 27 April 2017) with the time during lockdown (21 April to 14 July 2020). The sample included GPs in urban and rural areas 120 km around Hamburg, Germany, and was stratified by region type and administrative districts. Differences in the consultation numbers were analysed by multivariate linear regressions in mixed models adjusted for random effects on the levels of the administrative districts and GP practices. Results One hundred ten GPs participated in the follow-up, corresponding to 52.1% of the baseline. Primary care practices in 32 of the 37 selected administrative districts (86.5%) could be represented in both assessments. At baseline, GPs reported 199.6 ± 96.9 consultations per week, which was significantly reduced during COVID-19 lockdown by 49.0% to 101.8 ± 67.6 consultations per week (p < 0.001). During lockdown, the frequency of five reasons for consultation (-43.0% to -31.5%) and eleven services (-56.6% to -33.5%) had significantly decreased. The multilevel, multivariable analyses showed an average reduction of 94.6 consultations per week (p < 0.001). Conclusions We observed a dramatic reduction of the number of consultations in primary care. This effect was independent of age, sex and specialty of the GP and independent of the practice location in urban or rural areas. Consultations for complaints like low back pain, gastrointestinal complaints, vertigo or fatigue and services like house calls/calls at nursing homes, wound treatments, pain therapy or screening examinations for the early detection of chronic diseases were particularly affected.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the online-based self-help programme “Selfapy” in patients with unipolar depression: study protocol for a randomized, blinded parallel group dismantling study

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rico Krämer ◽  
Stephan Köhler
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
Online Interventions ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms can have limited access to regular treatment; to ensure appropriate care, low-threshold treatment is needed. Effective online interventions could increase the supply of low-threshold treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of online interventions. This study aims to evaluate the online-based self-help programme “Selfapy” on a sample of depressive subjects and compares the impact of the programme’s unaccompanied version with its therapeutic accompanied version. Methods A sample of 400 subjects that have a mild to severe depressive episode (Becks Depression Inventory - II and Hamilton Depression Scale) will be used. Subjects are randomly assigned to immediate access to an unaccompanied course (no support from psychologist via weekly phone calls), immediate access to an accompanied course (support from a psychologist via weekly phone calls) or a waiting list control group (access to the intervention after 24 weeks). The intervention will last for a period of 12 weeks. Depressive symptoms as a primary parameter, as well as various secondary parameters, such as life satisfaction, therapeutic relationships, social activation, self-esteem, attitudes towards Internet interventions and drop-out rates, are recorded at four different points in time: at baseline (T1), 6 weeks after the start of the intervention (T2), 12 weeks after the start of the intervention (T3) and 3 months after completion of the treatment follow-up (T4). Conclusion This randomized and controlled, blinded study will make use of a “dismantled” approach to adequately compare the accompanied and unaccompanied versions of the intervention. Positive and meaningful results are expected that could influence the acceptance and implementation of online interventions. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017191. Registered on 14 June 2019

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