scholarly journals Walnut Consumption for Two Years and Leukocyte Telomere Attrition in Mediterranean Elders: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania-Marisa Freitas-Simoes ◽  
Montserrat Cofán ◽  
Maria Blasco ◽  
Nora Soberón ◽  
Miguel Foronda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Telomere Attrition ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Loma Linda University ◽  
Aging Study

Randomized controlled trials on diet and shortening of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) mostly focus on marine-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Walnuts are a sustainable source of n-3 PUFA. We investigated whether inclusion of walnuts (15% of energy) in the diet for 2 years would maintain LTL in cognitively healthy elders (63–79 years old) compared to a control group (habitual diet, abstaining from walnuts). This opportunistic sub-study was conducted within the Walnuts and Healthy Aging study, a dual-centre (Barcelona, Spain and Loma Linda University, California) parallel trial. A sub-set of the Barcelona site participants were randomly assigned to the walnut (n = 80) or control group (n = 69). We assessed LTL at baseline and at 2 years and we conducted repeated-measures ANCOVA with 2 factors: time (baseline, 2 years) and group (control, walnut) and their interaction. Adjusted means (95% confidence interval) of LTL (in kb) in controls were 7.360 (7.084,7.636) at baseline and 7.061 (6.835,7.288) after 2 years; corresponding values in the walnut group were 7.064 (6.807,7.320) and 7.074 (6.864,7.284). The time × intervention interaction was nearly significant (p = 0.079), suggestive of a trend of walnut consumption in preserving LTL. This exploratory research finding should be confirmed in trials with adequate statistical power.

scholarly journals Effects of Long-Term Walnut Supplementation on Body Weight in Free-Living Elderly: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Bitok ◽  
Sujatha Rajaram ◽  
Karen Jaceldo-Siegl ◽  
Keiji Oda ◽  
Aleix Sala-Vila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Daily Diet ◽  
Loma Linda University ◽  
Aging Study

Objective: To assess the effects of chronic walnut consumption on body weight and adiposity in elderly individuals. Methods: The Walnuts and Healthy Aging study is a dual-center (Barcelona, Spain and Loma Linda University (LLU)), 2-year randomized parallel trial. This report concerns only the LLU cohort. Healthy elders (mean age 69 year, 67% women) were randomly assigned to walnut (n = 183) or control diets (n = 173). Subjects in the walnut group received packaged walnuts (28–56 g/day), equivalent to ≈15% of daily energy requirements, to incorporate into their habitual diet, while those in the control group abstained from walnuts. Adiposity was measured periodically, and data were adjusted for in-trial changes in self-reported physical activity. Results: After 2 years, body weight significantly decreased (p = 0.031), while body fat significantly increased (p = 0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed between the control and walnut groups regarding body weight (−0.6 kg and −0.4 kg, respectively, p = 0.67) or body fat (+0.9% and +1.3%, respectively, p = 0.53). Lean body mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio remained essentially unchanged. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with the findings of primary analysis. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that walnuts can be incorporated into the daily diet of healthy elders without concern for adverse effects on body weight or body composition.

scholarly journals Effects of Long-Term Walnut Supplementation on Body Weight in Free-living Elderly: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Bitok ◽  
Sujatha Rajaram ◽  
Karen Jaceldo-Siegl ◽  
Keiji Oda ◽  
Aleix Sala-Vila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Daily Diet ◽  
Loma Linda University ◽  
Aging Study

Objective: To assess the effects of chronic walnut consumption on body weight and adiposity in elderly individuals. Methods: The Walnuts And Healthy Aging study is a dual-center (Barcelona, Spain and Loma Linda University [LLU]), 2-year randomized parallel trial. This report concerns only the LLU cohort. Healthy elders (mean age 69 y, 67% women) were randomly assigned to walnut (n = 183) or control diets (n = 173). Subjects in the walnut group received packaged walnuts (28–56 g/d), equivalent to ≈15% of daily energy requirements, to incorporate into their habitual diet, while those in the control group abstained from walnuts. Adiposity was measured periodically, and data were adjusted for in-trial changes in self-reported physical activity. Results: After 2 years, body weight significantly decreased (P = 0.031), while body fat significantly increased (P = 0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed between the control and walnut groups regarding body weight (−0.6 kg and −0.4 kg, respectively, P = 0.67) or body fat (+0.9% and +1.3%, respectively, P = 0.53). Lean body mass, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio remained essentially unchanged. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with the findings of primary analysis. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that walnuts can be incorporated into the daily diet of healthy elders without concern for adverse effects on body weight or body composition.

Effects of Calisthenics and Pilates Exercises on Coordination and Proprioception in Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derya Ozer Kaya ◽  
Irem Duzgun ◽  
Gul Baltaci ◽  
Selma Karacan ◽  
Filiz Colakoglu
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Closed Kinetic Chain

Objective:To assess and compare the effects of 6 mo of Pilates and calisthenics on multijoint coordination and proprioception of the lower limbs at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Design:Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, repeated-measures.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants and Intervention:Healthy, sedentary, female participants age 25–50 y were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: a calisthenic exercise group (n = 34, mean age ± SD 40 ± 8 y, body-mass index [BMI] 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), a Pilates exercise group (n = 32, mean age ± SD 37 ± 8 y, BMI 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), and a control group (n = 41, mean age ± SD 41 ± 7 y, BMI 27.09 ± 4.77 kg/m2). The calisthenics and Pilates groups underwent related training programs for 6 mo, while the controls had no specific training.Main Outcome Measures:Coordination and proprioception of the lower extremities with concentric and eccentric performances in the closed kinetic chain assessed with the monitored rehab functional squat system at baseline and at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Results:For the within-group comparison, coordinative concentric and eccentric deviation values were significantly decreased for both dominant and nondominant lower limbs at pretraining and at the 3rd and 6th mo posttraining in the calisthenics group (P < .05). In contrast, there was no improvement in the Pilates group throughout the training. However, for comparisons between groups, the baseline values of coordinative concentric and eccentric deviations were different in the calisthenics group than in Pilates and the controls (P < .05). There were no differences in the proprioception values of either visible or nonvisible movement in any group throughout the training (P > .05).Conclusions:It seems that calisthenic exercises are more likely to improve coordination of the lower extremity after 3 and 6 mo of training than Pilates exercises. Calisthenic exercises may be useful for individuals who require improved coordination.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Women Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor Guerrero-Tapia ◽  
Rodrigo Martín-Baeza ◽  
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background: Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may origin lower limb injuries, such as for example adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: This randomized controlled trial conducted over an 8-week period included 25 female footballers randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). 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 lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength.Results. Lumbo-pelvic stability after surgery was higher in the control group (MD: 4.84 vs MD: 9.58; p < .01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p<.001), but not in group interaction (p =.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: -2.48; p<.001 in the left adductor; MD: -1.48; p<.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: -1.68; p<.001 in the left adductor; MD: -2.05; p<.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p<.001) and right (p<.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 and flexibility, while improvements are maintained at four weeks follow-up. Trial Registration Number: NCT03617887.

scholarly journals The Omega-3 Index and Long-term Walnut Consumption in Elderly Participants of the WAHA Study (P08-107-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Jehi ◽  
Sujatha Rajaram ◽  
Joan Sabate ◽  
Edward Bitok ◽  
Keiji Oda
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Generalized Least Squares ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Habitual Diet ◽  
Loma Linda University

Abstract Objectives To determine if consuming walnuts daily for 2 years would improve the omega-3 index in healthy elderly compared to habitual diet without walnuts. Methods Design: Secondary analysis of the Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) study, a 2-year, randomized controlled clinical trial, conducted in Loma Linda University, CA, USA and Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a walnut or a control group. Study Population Included 193 WAHA study subjects from the Loma Linda center only, whose blood samples were collected and analyzed for RBC fatty acids. Statistical analysis To assess whether the changes of the Omega-3 index from baseline to year 1 and baseline to year 2 are significantly different between the walnut and control groups. Unstructured covariance model best fitted the data and was utilized. Then, repeated measures analyses were conducted to assess the delta change differences based on generalized least squares model. Results Omega-3 index did not significantly change between baseline and year 1 in either group. The index significantly increased by 1.5% (P < 0.001) in walnut group and by 1.8% (P < 0.001) in control group between baseline and year 2. This between-group difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest that consuming walnuts, a rich source of ALA, may not be adequate to improve the omega-3 index compared to a walnut free habitual diet. Background intake of EPA and DHA may have a more pronounced influence on the index and needs to be further explored. Funding Sources California Walnut Commission, Folsom, CA.

scholarly journals Effects of the Preschool-Based Family-Involving DAGIS Intervention Program on Children’s Energy Balance-Related Behaviors and Self-Regulation Skills: A Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carola Ray ◽  
Rejane Figuereido ◽  
Henna Vepsäläinen ◽  
Reetta Lehto ◽  
Riikka Pajulahti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Multicomponent Intervention

The study examines the effects of a preschool-based family-involving multicomponent intervention on children’s energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) such as food consumption, screen time and physical activity (PA), and self-regulation (SR) skills, and whether the intervention effects differed among children with low or high parental educational level (PEL) backgrounds. The Increased Health and Wellbeing in Preschools (DAGIS) intervention was conducted as a clustered randomized controlled trial, clustered at preschool level, over five months in 2017–2018. Altogether, 802 children aged 3–6 years in age participated. Parents reported children’s consumption of sugary everyday foods and beverages, sugary treats, fruits, and vegetables by a food frequency questionnaire, and screen time by a 7-day diary. Physical activity was assessed by a hip-worn accelerometer. Cognitive and emotional SR was reported in a questionnaire by parents. General linear mixed models with and without repeated measures were used as statistical methods. At follow-up, no differences were detected in EBRBs or SR skills between the intervention and control group, nor did differences emerge in children’s EBRBs between the intervention and the control groups when stratified by PEL. The improvement in cognitive SR skills among low PEL intervention children differed from low PEL control children, the significance being borderline. The DAGIS multicomponent intervention did not significantly affect children’s EBRBs or SR. Further sub-analyses and a comprehensive process evaluation may shed light on the non-significant findings.

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.

scholarly journals A Brief Body-Mind-Spirit Group Therapy for Chinese Medicine Stagnation Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siu-man Ng ◽  
Lingli Leng ◽  
Rainbow T. H. Ho ◽  
Zhangjin Zhang ◽  
Qi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Group Therapy ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eta Squared ◽  
Physical Distress

Background. Stagnation syndrome, a diagnostic entity in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is characterized by mind-body obstruction-like symptoms. Although TCM has long-established symptom-relief treatments, a comprehensive mind-body intervention was called for. Purpose. The study evaluated the efficacy of a six-session body-mind-spirit (BMS) group therapy for persons with stagnation syndrome. Method. A 2-arm randomized controlled trial design was adopted. The control group received a parallel general TCM instruction course. Both groups completed a pretest (T0), posttest (T1), and 2-month follow-up assessment (T2). The measures included self-report scales on stagnation, depression, anxiety, physical distress, daily functioning, and positive and negative affect; the other measure was of salivary cortisol, a biological marker of stress. Results. Data on 111 adults with stagnation syndrome were included in the analysis. Completion rates were high (over 87%) for both the intervention and control groups. Repeated-measures multivariate MANOVA revealed a significant combined effect with large effect size (eta-squared = 0.42). Repeated-measures ANOVA further revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements in stagnation, the primary outcome, with medium effect size (eta-squared = 0.11). The intervention group also showed significant improvements in depression, physical distress, everyday functioning, and negative affect (eta-squared = 0.06 to 0.13). Post hoc analysis revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements over the control group in cortisol level at 2-month follow-up assessment (T0 versus T2) with small effect size (eta-squared = 0.05), but not at posttest (T0 versus T1). Conclusions. Overall, the findings indicate that our brief BMS group therapy intervention for stagnation syndrome is efficacious. Moreover, the intervention resulted in a number of substantial improvements in the physical and mental health domains.

Evaluating Seeking Safety for Women in Prison: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Tripodi ◽  
Annelise M. Mennicke ◽  
Susan A. McCarter ◽  
Katie Ropes
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Seeking Safety ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of Seeking Safety on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with incarcerated women. Method: A randomized controlled trial ( N = 40) was used to analyze Seeking Safety’s effectiveness compared to a treatment-as-usual control group. Analyses of covariance were used to assess differences at posttest ( n = 33) and 4-month follow-up ( n = 29) while repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the influence of the intervention on changes over time ( n = 29). The researchers also analyzed individual participants’ scores from pretest to 4-month follow-up ( n = 29). Results: Both groups decreased their scores on the Center for Epidemiology Studies–Depression Scale and the PTSD Checklist, although improvement was greater for treatment group participants except for depression at 4-month follow-up. Conclusion: Results support the continued use of Seeking Safety as a helpful corrections-based intervention for women, but more research with larger sample sizes is needed to consider it an effective intervention.

scholarly journals A Virtual Reality based intervention for surgical patients: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raluca Georgescu ◽  
Anca Dobrean ◽  
Cristina Alina Silaghi ◽  
Horațiu Silaghi
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pain Outcomes ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Background: Pain after surgery is normal, and treatments, including both pharmacological and psychological components, are fundamental for proper postoperative care. While several trials have investigated the analgesic effect of traditional non-pharmacological treatments, such as Cognitive Behaviors Therapies, the newer ways of delivering psychological interventions for pain after surgery are scarcely investigated. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine if delivering the psychological content through Virtual Reality (VR) along with the standard pharmacological treatment return better pain relief outcomes than standard care in adult patients following surgery. Methods: This is a protocol of a parallel RCT conducted in one community hospital. In order to test the efficacy of VR environments for reducing pain intensity, in the following day after surgery, adults (18 to 65 years) will be randomly assigned to either (1) standard treatment after surgery (control group) or (2) VR based intervention along with standard treatment. It is intended that a minimum of 30 patients be recruited in each group. For estimating the intensity of pain, both self-report and physiological measures will be used. Repeated measures of pain outcomes will be taken before and after the intervention. Moreover, for allowing an in-depth investigation of the effect of VR environments, the primary outcome will be complemented with measures of the adverse effects, level of immersion, and level of presence in the VR environment.

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