scholarly journals Effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Interventions in Elderly’s Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6003
Author(s):  
Seonheui Lee ◽  
Soyoung Yu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Information And Communication

Sleep is a crucial factor for human health and is closely related to quality of life. Sleep disturbances constitute a health problem that should be solved, especially when it affects the elderly. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of information and communication technologies (ICT) interventions in managing sleep disturbances in the elderly. The study used a systematic review of three databases: Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, and the Cochrane library database for papers published till 15 April 2021. Two authors independently selected and screened relevant studies based on predefined inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out using Review Manager 5.4. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of 4297 studies considering both inclusion and exclusion criteria. The complete texts of 47 articles were then evaluated, 31 articles were excluded, and finally, 16 articles were selected. Our meta-analysis showed that the cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) group had a significantly reduced Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) compared to the control group (−4.81 [−5.56, −4.06], p < 0.00001, I2 = 83%) in RCTs, with a significant reduction in ISI (3.47 [1.58, 5.35], p = 0.0003) found in quasi-experimental studies. A significant improvement was found in total sleep time in the CBT-I group compared to the control group (29.24 [15.41, 43.07], p <0.0001) in RCTs, while the CBT-I group showed significantly reduced wake time after sleep onset compared to the control group (−20.50 [−26.60, −14.41], p < 0.00001). In addition, a significant reduction in depression was found in the CBT-I group compared to the control group (−2.11 [−2.85, −1.37], p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) in RCTs. The quality of life–mental component score (5.75 [1.64, 9.87], p = 0.006, I2 = 0%) and the quality of life–physical component score (5.19 [0.76, 9.62], p = 0.02, I2 = 0%) showed significant improvement in the CBT-I group compared to the control group. ICT interventions showed positive effects on sleep disturbances of the elderly, specifically confirming the positive effect on depression and quality of life as well as the indicators directly related to sleep such as ISI and quality of sleep. Thus, the application of ICT in the healthcare sector will be greater in the future, with changes in the nursing education and practice guidelines so that nurses can play a pivotal role in promoting health behaviors such as sleep-related quality of life and daily activities of the elderly.

scholarly journals Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e021070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seoyoun Kim ◽  
Sook-Hyun Lee ◽  
Me-Riong Kim ◽  
Eun-Jung Kim ◽  
Deok-Sang Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cupping Therapy ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group

ObjectivesNeck pain is a significant condition that is second only to depression as a cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Thus, identifying and understanding effective treatment modalities for neck pain is of heightened importance. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of cupping on neck pain from the current literature.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).SettingNine databases, including Chinese, Korean and Japanese databases, were searched for data up to January 2018 with no restrictions on publication language.ParticipantsPatients with neck pain.InterventionsCupping therapy as the sole or add-on intervention compared with no treatment or active controls.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPain severity, functional disability and quality of life.ResultsEighteen RCTs were selected. Compared with the no intervention group, the cupping group exhibited significant reduction in pain (mean difference (MD) −2.42(95% CI −3.98 to −0.86)) and improvement in function (MD −4.34(95% CI −6.77 to −1.19)). Compared with the active control, the cupping group reported significant reduction in pain (p=0.0009) and significantly improved quality of life (p=0.001). The group that received control treatment with cupping therapy (add-on group) displayed significant pain reduction compared with the active control group (p=0.001). Of the 18 studies, only 8 reported occurrence of adverse events, which were mostly mild and temporary.ConclusionsCupping was found to reduce neck pain in patients compared with no intervention or active control groups, or as an add-on treatment. Depending on the type of control group, cupping was also associated with significant improvement in terms of function and quality of life; however, due to the low quality of evidence of the included studies, definitive conclusions could not be drawn from this review. Future well-designed studies are needed to substantiate the effectiveness of cupping on neck pain.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016047218.

scholarly journals Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation Training in Patients with Heart Failure Based on Traditional Chinese Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Fang Yao ◽  
Yang Zhang ◽  
Xiaohong Kuang ◽  
Qi Zhou ◽  
Lihua Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rehabilitation Training ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
Experimental Group

Background and Objective. Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) includes a variety of training methods. At present, more researchers focus the TCE as an alternative therapy of exercise rehabilitation in patients with heart failure (HF). Although studies show that TCE is considered a new approach in cardiac rehabilitation, the method has not yet been included in the domestic and international guidelines for managing HF, suggesting that the efficacy of TCE needs to be further explored. Currently, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted to assess the effects of TCE-based cardiac rehabilitation training in patients with HF. In order to address this knowledge gap, this meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation training using the TCE on motor function, heart function, and quality of life in patients with HF. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and three Chinese databases, namely, China National Knowledge Network, Wanfang, and China Biomedical Network, were searched from the time of their inceptions through August, 2021. We retrieved the studies on the application of TCE-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients with HF. Based on the standard evaluation methods of Cochrane Reviewer’s Handbook 5.1.0, two authors independently assessed the risk of bias and evaluated the methodological quality of the studies included. The RevMan 5.3 software was used for further meta-analysis. Additionally, the GRADEpro GDT web version was used to assess the quality of the evidence in these studies. Results. Nine randomized controlled trials involving 721 patients were included in this analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the TCE (experimental group) effectively improved the patient’s motor function and endurance compared to walking or other activities (control group) (mean difference, MD = 68.23, 95% CI [54.55, 81.91]; P < 0.00001 ). From each subgroup analysis, the exercising ability of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The quality of life’s score in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (MD = −9.51, 95%CI [−17.84, −1.18]; P = 0.03 ). The plasma B-type natriuretic peptide content in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (MD = −59.77, 95%CI [−82.85, −36.7]; P < 0.00001 ). The number of hospitalizations (MD = −0.83, 95%CI [−0.98, −0.68]; P < 0.00001 ) and hospital costs in the experimental group (MD = −1.6, 95%CI [−1.89, −1.31]; P < 0.00001 ) were lower than those in the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in the left ventricular ejection fraction and maximal oxygen consumption between the two groups (MD = 1.38, 95%CI [−3.08, 5.84] and P = 0.54 ; MD = −0.04, 95%CI [−1.62, 1.54] and P = 0.96 , respectively). From the current analysis, TCE can be considered a relatively safe exercise method. According to the GRADE evaluation results on the evidence level, the studies included were of moderate quality, low quality, or very low quality. Conclusions. Our systematic review showed that TCE had potential benefits in improving patients’ cardiac function, motor function, and quality of life. Therefore, TCE might be an effective adjuvant therapy in patients with HF. However, given the inclusion of the low-quality elucidations, further rigorous studies are urgently needed to confirm these results.

scholarly journals Clinical Effects of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Chi-Chun Kuo ◽  
Chiao-Chen Wang ◽  
Wei-Lun Chang ◽  
Tzu-Ching Liao ◽  
Pei-En Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective. Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise for health improvement. However, a few studies were examining the association between Baduanjin Qigong exercise and cancer patients. This study is conducted to explore the clinical effects of the Baduanjin Qigong exercise among cancer patients. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of the Baduanjin Qigong exercise on cancer patients. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Airiti Library for all relevant studies from inception through December 31, 2020, without language limitations. Two authors independently screened selected studies, assessed the quality of included studies, and extracted information. Any disagreement was discussed with a third senior author. Summary estimates were obtained using meta-analysis with the random effects model. Results. Among the fourteen articles involved in the systematic review, ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Cancer patients with moderate-severe cancer-related fatigue were significantly less in the Baduanjin group compared with the control group (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.17, 0.42]). Three studies used the questionnaire of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) in the assessment of quality of life, and two used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). For FACT-B, the Baduanjin group scored significantly higher than the control group (mean difference = 11.04, 95% CI [9.56, 12.53]). For EORTC QLQ-C30, the Baduanjin group scored significantly higher than the control group (mean difference = 10.57, 95% CI [7.82, 13.32]). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score for sleep quality of the Baduanjin group is significantly lower than the control group (mean difference = −2.89, 95% CI [−3.48, −2.30]). Conclusion. In conclusion, we found the Baduanjin exercise had positive clinical effects on cancer patients. This meta-analysis not only supported that the Baduanjin exercise can alleviate the degree of cancer-related fatigue in patients but also improved their quality of life and sleep quality. Further long-term follow-up randomized controlled trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Effect of physical activity and exercise on endometriosis-associated symptoms: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Merete Kolberg Tennfjord ◽  
Rakel Gabrielsen ◽  
Tina Tellum
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cardiovascular Fitness ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Associated Symptoms

Abstract Background Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disease that has the potential to debilitate due to pain and reduced quality of life. Treatment modalities such as hormones and surgery have limitations and do not treat all dimensions of the problems caused by endometriosis, and physical activity (PA) and exercise have been suggested as alternative treatments. Aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of PA and exercise on endometriosis-associated symptoms. Methods Eleven databases were searched systematically. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were carried out by two independent researchers in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were women with diagnosed endometriosis receiving an intervention (PA and/or exercise). The primary outcome was pain intensity, but all outcomes were accepted. Results This study screened 1045 citations for eligibility. Four interventional studies were identified, of which one showed fatal design flaws and so was excluded. Three studies, two randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one pre-post study with no control group, involving 109 patients were included in a descriptive synthesis. The interventions included flexibility and strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and yoga, and were performed from one to four times per week for a total duration of 8–24 weeks, with or without supervision. Only one study found improvements in pain intensity. One study showed decreases in stress levels. Due to the heterogeneity of the study outcomes and measures, as well as confounding factors, a quantitative meta-analysis could not be performed. Conclusion The effect of PA and exercise as treatments for endometrioses-associated symptoms could not be determined due to significant limitations of the included studies. Future research should be based on RCTs of high methodological quality, measuring and reporting relevant core outcomes such as pain, improvements in symptoms and quality of life, and acceptability and satisfaction from the perspectives of patients. Furthermore, these outcomes need to be measured using reliable and validated tools. Trial registration number CRD42021233138.

scholarly journals Effects of Electroacupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Woo Shim ◽  
Jae-Young Jung ◽  
Sung-Soo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Electroacupuncture Treatment

Purpose.This study aims to verify the effects of electroacupuncture treatment on osteoarthritis of the knee.Methods.MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, AMED, CNKI, and five Korean databases were searched by predefined search strategies to screen eligible randomized controlled studies meeting established criteria. Any risk of bias in the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan version 5.3 software.Results.Thirty-one randomized controlled studies of 3,187 participants were included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis was conducted with eight studies including a total of 1,220 participants. The electroacupuncture treatment group showed more significant improvement in pain due to knee osteoarthritis than the control group (SMD −1.86, 95% CI −2.33 to −1.39,I275%) and in total WOMAC score than the control group (SMD −1.34, CI 95% −1.85 to −0.83,I273%). Compared to the control group, the electroacupuncture treatment group showed more significant improvement on the quality of life scale.Conclusion.Electroacupuncture treatment can relieve the pain of osteoarthritis of the knees and improve comprehensive aspects of knee osteoarthritis and the quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

scholarly journals The Effects of Martial Arts on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6116
Author(s):  
Daniel Sur ◽  
Shanthi Sabarimurugan ◽  
Shailesh Advani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue

Background: To evaluate and synthesize the existing evidence of the effects of practicing martial arts by cancer patients and cancer survivors in relation to overall quality of life (QoL) and cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1 January 2000 to 5 November 2020 investigating the impact of martial arts were compared with any control intervention for overall QoL and CRF among cancer patients and survivors. Publication quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews. Results: According to the electronic search, 17 RCTs were retrieved including 1103 cancer patients. Martial arts significantly improved social function, compared to that in the control group (SMD = −0.88, 95% CI: −1.36, −0.39; p = 0.0004). Moreover, martial arts significantly improved functioning, compared to the control group (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.39–0.96; p < 0.00001). Martial arts significantly reduced CRF, compared to that in the control group (SMD = −0.51, 95% CI: −0.80, −0.22; p = 0.0005, I2 > 95%). Conclusions: The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis reveal that the effects of practicing martial arts on CRF and QoL in cancer patients and survivors are inconclusive. Some potential effects were seen for social function and CRF, although the results were inconsistent across different measurement methods. There is a need for larger and more homogeneous clinical trials encompassing different cancer types and specific martial arts disciplines to make more extensive and definitive cancer- and symptom-specific recommendations.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of low and very low carbohydrate diets for type 2 diabetes remission: systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished randomized trial data

BMJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. m4743
Author(s):  
Joshua Z Goldenberg ◽  
Andrew Day ◽  
Grant D Brinkworth ◽  
Junko Sato ◽  
Satoru Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Low Carbohydrate ◽  
Remission Of Diabetes

Abstract Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and very low carbohydrate diets (VLCDs) for people with type 2 diabetes. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Searches of CENTRAL, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CAB, and grey literature sources from inception to 25 August 2020. Study selection Randomized clinical trials evaluating LCDs (<130 g/day or <26% of a 2000 kcal/day diet) and VLCDs (<10% calories from carbohydrates) for at least 12 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes were eligible. Data extraction Primary outcomes were remission of diabetes (HbA 1c <6.5% or fasting glucose <7.0 mmol/L, with or without the use of diabetes medication), weight loss, HbA 1c , fasting glucose, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included health related quality of life and biochemical laboratory data. All articles and outcomes were independently screened, extracted, and assessed for risk of bias and GRADE certainty of evidence at six and 12 month follow-up. Risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random effects meta-analysis. Outcomes were assessed according to a priori determined minimal important differences to determine clinical importance, and heterogeneity was investigated on the basis of risk of bias and seven a priori subgroups. Any subgroup effects with a statistically significant test of interaction were subjected to a five point credibility checklist. Results Searches identified 14 759 citations yielding 23 trials (1357 participants), and 40.6% of outcomes were judged to be at low risk of bias. At six months, compared with control diets, LCDs achieved higher rates of diabetes remission (defined as HbA 1c <6.5%) (76/133 (57%) v 41/131 (31%); risk difference 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.47; 8 studies, n=264, I 2 =58%). Conversely, smaller, non-significant effect sizes occurred when a remission definition of HbA 1c <6.5% without medication was used. Subgroup assessments determined as meeting credibility criteria indicated that remission with LCDs markedly decreased in studies that included patients using insulin. At 12 months, data on remission were sparse, ranging from a small effect to a trivial increased risk of diabetes. Large clinically important improvements were seen in weight loss, triglycerides, and insulin sensitivity at six months, which diminished at 12 months. On the basis of subgroup assessments deemed credible, VLCDs were less effective than less restrictive LCDs for weight loss at six months. However, this effect was explained by diet adherence. That is, among highly adherent patients on VLCDs, a clinically important reduction in weight was seen compared with studies with less adherent patients on VLCDs. Participants experienced no significant difference in quality of life at six months but did experience clinically important, but not statistically significant, worsening of quality of life and low density lipoprotein cholesterol at 12 months. Otherwise, no significant or clinically important between group differences were found in terms of adverse events or blood lipids at six and 12 months. Conclusions On the basis of moderate to low certainty evidence, patients adhering to an LCD for six months may experience remission of diabetes without adverse consequences. Limitations include continued debate around what constitutes remission of diabetes, as well as the efficacy, safety, and dietary satisfaction of longer term LCDs. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020161795.

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