scholarly journals IMPACT OF BRAIN TRAINING ACTIVITIES ON WORKING MEMORY AND AGE RELATED DIFFERENCES; A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-47
Author(s):  
Sarah Jehangir
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group A ◽  
Training Activities ◽  
Group B

BACKGROUND & AIMS Working Memory is a set of information on which an individual plan actions. It forms a productive basis for accomplishing complex activities that require reasoning, learning, understanding and is classified into three domains; attention, executive function and short-term memory. Since, memory declines with increasing age it is predictive that training interventions can improve working memory of adults. METHODOLOGY A Randomized controlled trial included undergraduate students between 18–24 years of age from different universities in Karachi. The participants were divided in two groups. Group-A performed basic manual brain training activities while group-B performed computer and mobile based training activities. Data was collected by using Working memory questionnaire (WMQ), reliability of scale has been assessed by Cronbach’s alpha on 30 items of scale and was 0.89. RESULTS A total of 300 participants were included in the study divided into Group-A (n=150) and Group-B (n=150) with 21.5±1.62 and 21.9±1.66 mean age respectively. The pre-intervention total working memory score of group-A is 65.6±5.72 of group-B is 64.9±6.13. Post-intervention total working memory score of group A is 66.9±6.11 and of group B is 66.92±6.99. CONCLUSION Working memory is malleable through advanced training in the post-intervention group and is strongly predictive of individual performance on different cognitive measures. Thus, training, strategy use and learning styles could be emphasized for a better adult generation KEY WORDS Working memory, Attention, Short term storage, Executive functions, Cognition.

Radiofrequency ablation for markedly incompetent perforators versus compression therapy in the management of post-phelebtic venous ulcers: A randomized controlled trial

Vascular ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 170853812110100
Author(s):  
Mohamed Shukri Abdelgawad ◽  
Amr M El-Shafei ◽  
Hesham A Sharaf El-Din ◽  
Ehab M Saad ◽  
Tamer A Khafagy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Compression Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Venous Ulcers ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
To Receive

Background Venus ulcers developed mainly due to reflux of incompetent venous valves in perforating veins. Patients and methods In this randomized controlled trial, 119 patients recruited over two years, with post-phelebtic venous leg ulcers, were randomly assigned into one of two groups: either to receive radiofrequency ablation of markedly incompetent perforators (Group A, n = 62 patients) or to receive conventional compression therapy (Group B, n = 57 patients). Follow-up duration required for ulcer healing continued for 24 months post randomization. Results Statistically significant shorter time to healing (ulcer complete healing or satisfactory clinical improvement) between both groups (56 patients, 90.3% of cases in Group A versus 44 patients 77.2% of cases in Group B) over the follow-up period of 24 months was attained ( p  = 0.001). Also, significantly different ulcer recurrence was recorded between both groups, 8 patients (12.9%) in Group A versus 19 patients (33.3%) in Group B ( p = 0.004). Conclusion In absence of deep venous obstruction, the monopolar radiofrequency ablation for incompetent perforators is a feasible and effective method that surpasses the traditional compression protocol for incompetent perforator-induced venous ulcers in terms of time required for healing even in the presence of unresolved deep venous valvular reflux.

scholarly journals Efficacy of High-Power Laser in Alleviating Pain and Improving Function of Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
Farshad Nouri ◽  
Seyed Ahmad Raeissadat ◽  
Dariush Eliaspour ◽  
Seyed Mansoor Rayegani ◽  
Maryam Sadat Rahimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
The Other ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group A ◽  
Laser Group ◽  
Group B ◽  
Single Blind ◽  
Post Therapy

Introduction: In this study, a single-blind and randomized controlled trial (RCT) for assessing the effectiveness of high-power (up to 12 W) laser therapy (HPLT) on patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) was carried out. Methods: Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups by generating random numbers with MATLAB 2014b software, where odd and even numbers were attributed to sham laser group (group A) and actual laser group (group B), respectively. Group B patients underwent HPLT with total dose of 300 J/session for 5 consecutive sessions separated by a 2-day interval. On the other hand, sham laser was applied to group A patients. Both groups had the same exercise therapy programs during the study period (3 months). The exercise therapy program included isometric knee exercise for 3 sets per day and 10 times in each set, with duration of 10 seconds per time and straight leg raise for 15 seconds 10 times a day. The group codes of patients were not revealed to subjects and data analyzer until completion of the study. Kujala, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires were chosen as outcome measures. These questionnaires were completed at three points during the study; at the beginning of the study to obtain the pre-therapy conditions and one month and three months after the start of the study to evaluate post-therapy conditions. Results: Two main analyses were conducted: within-group and between-group analyses. Withingroup analyses indicated significant improvements in respect to all measurements where pretherapy and post-therapy comparisons were conducted in both groups (P < 0.05). On the other hand, between-group comparisons did not reveal any statistically significant functional difference between group A and group B regarding the evaluative criteria (P > 0.05) except for pain VAS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that short-term HPLT accompanied by appropriate exercise regimen significantly decreased pain in patients with PFPS. But it was not recommended as an efficient modality in functional improvement. Also, it was observed that, in the short-term period of study, HPLT was a safe modality.

scholarly journals Brain Training Game Boosts Executive Functions, Working Memory and Processing Speed in the Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e55518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Nouchi ◽  
Yasuyuki Taki ◽  
Hikaru Takeuchi ◽  
Hiroshi Hashizume ◽  
Takayuki Nozawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled

scholarly journals A Randomized Controlled Trial of Attentional Control Training for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelina Isabella Mellentin ◽  
W. Miles Cox ◽  
Javad S. Fadardi ◽  
Laila Martinussen ◽  
Nicolaj Mistarz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Attentional Control ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Alcohol Cues ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Background: There is consistent evidence that community and clinical samples of individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) have attentional biases toward alcohol cues. The alcohol attentional control training program (AACTP) has shown promise for retraining these biases and decreasing alcohol consumption in community samples of excessive drinkers. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of ACTP in clinical AUD samples. The main aim of the present study is to investigate whether primary pharmacological and psychological, evidence-based alcohol treatment can be enhanced by the addition of a gamified AACTP smartphone application for patients with an AUD.Design and Methods: The study will be implemented as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 317 consecutively enrolled patients with AUD will be recruited from alcohol outpatient clinics in Denmark. Patients will be randomized to one of three groups upon initiation of primary alcohol treatment: Group A: a gamified AACTP smartphone application + treatment as usual (TAU); Group B: a gamified AACTP sham-control application + TAU; or Group C: only TAU. Treatment outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Repeated measures MANOVA will be used to compare the trajectories of the groups over time on alcohol attentional bias, alcohol craving, and drinking reductions. It is hypothesized that Group A will achieve better treatment outcomes than either Group B or Group C.Perspectives: Because attentional bias for alcohol cues is proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed, and these biases are not addressed within current evidence-based treatment programs, this study is expected to provide new evidence regarding the effectiveness of the gamified AACTP in a clinical population. Furthermore, due to promising results found using AACTP in community samples of excessive drinkers, there is a high probability that the AACTP treatment in this study will also be effective, thereby allowing AACTP to be readily implemented in clinical settings. Finally, we expect that this study will increase the effectiveness of evidence-based AUD treatment and introduce a new, low-cost gamified treatment targeting patients with an AUD. Overall, this study is likely to have an impact at the scientific, clinical, and societal levels.Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05102942?term=NCT05102942&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1, identifier: NCT05102942.

scholarly journals Venous thromboembolism prevention protocol for adapting prophylaxis recommendations to the potential risk post total knee replacement: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 2025
Author(s):  
Mariam A. Alameri ◽  
Syed A. Syed Sulaiman ◽  
Abdullah M. Ashour ◽  
Ma’ad F. Al-Saati
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group A ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B

Background: Total knee replacement (TKR) is a major orthopedic surgery that is considered high risk for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes that resulted from the use of a new proposed VTE risk stratification protocol for selecting a suitable extended VTE prophylaxis for post TKR surgery patients administered in conjunction with patient education programs. Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in two medical centers in Saudi Arabia. A total of 242 patients were enrolled in the study, 121 patients in each group. The experimental group (A) was assessed by using the proposed VTE risk stratification protocol and also took part in patient education programs about TKR and its complications. The control group (B) was assessed by using the 2005 Caprini risk assessment tool and no education programs were given to this group. Both groups were followed for 35 days post operation. Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.86 (SD 8.67) and the majority of them were female 137 (56.6%). The mean body mass index of the study sample was 32.46 (SD 5.51). There were no significant differences between the two groups except for surgery type; the proportion of bilateral TKR in group A was higher than in group B (69/121 (28.5%) vs. 40/121(16.5%), p˂0.05). There were no confirmed pulmonary embolism cases in the study sample and diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis was confirmed in 12/242 (5.0%) of patients: 1/121 (0.8%) in group A and 11/121 (9.1%) in group B (p˂0.05). The readmission rate for all patients was 2.5% (6/242), all of whom were in group B (p˂0.05). Conclusion: The proposed VTE risk stratification protocol that was applied in conjunction with patient education programs reduced VTE complications and readmission events, post TKR surgery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04031859.

scholarly journals Saccharomyces boulardii Combined With Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication Decreased the Duration and Severity of Diarrhea: A Multi-Center Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuchong Zhao ◽  
Yilei Yang ◽  
Aruna ◽  
Jun Xiao ◽  
Jun Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Saccharomyces Boulardii ◽  
Quadruple Therapy ◽  
Severe Diarrhea ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group A ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Group B

Background: Whether probiotics helped the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication was still highly controversial. The non-bacterial Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) has demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea. We aimed to evaluate the effects of S. boulardii combined with quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication and associated side effects.Methods: Three hundred and sixty H. pylori-infected patients were recruited in this multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The patients who underwent H. pylori eradication treatment were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 into two separate groups that received standard quadruple therapy (Group A) and quadruple therapy plus S. boulardii sachets (Group B) for 14 days. The everyday medication and side-effect records were collected for compliance and adverse effect analysis. All patients accepted 13C/14C-urea breath tests 4 weeks after the therapy completion.Results:Saccharomyces boulardii and quadruple therapy-combined intervention significantly reduced the incidences of overall side effects (27.8 vs. 38.5%, p = 0.034) and diarrhea (11.2 vs. 21.2%, p = 0.012) in Group B compared with quadruple therapy alone in Group A, especially reduced the diarrhea duration (5.0 days vs. 7.7 days, p = 0.032) and incidence of severe diarrhea (4.7 vs. 10.1%, p = 0.040). Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and per-protocol (PP) analysis both indicated no statistical differences of eradication rate between Groups A and B (ITT: 82.7 vs. 85.8%, p = 0.426; PP: 89.7 vs. 94.2%, p = 0.146). The joint use of S. boulardii and quadruple therapy markedly improved the overall pre-eradication alimentary symptoms (hazard ratio (HR): 2.507, 95% CI: 1.449–4.338) recovery.Conclusion:Saccharomyces boulardii ameliorated H. pylori eradication-induced antibiotic-associated side effects especially reduced the incidence of severe diarrhea and the duration of diarrhea. However, there was no significant effect of S. boulardii on the rate of H. pylori eradication.Trial Registration: The protocol had retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrails.gov, Unique identifier: NCT03688828, date of registration: September 27, 2018; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03688828

scholarly journals Home-based physical activity in breast cancer patients and cardiorespiratory fitness: during and/or after chemotherapy? A three-arm randomized controlled trial (APAC)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Vincent ◽  
Elise Deluche ◽  
Joelle Bonis ◽  
Sophie Leobon ◽  
Marie-Thérèse Antonini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Abstract ObjectivesAdapted physical activity (APA) program is recommended for breast cancer care. However, their modalities have not been defined. The aim of this study was to determine the best time to begin APA. This randomized controlled trial evaluated at 12 months the effect of home-based APA performed during and/or after treatment on cardiorespiratory fitness. The primary endpoint was peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) compared at 12 months (group A vs C and B vs C). Secondary endpoints included the 6-min walking test (6MWT), assessment of muscular strength, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, and depression, and a questionnaire of PA levels. All tests were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.MethodA total of 94 patients with breast cancer were randomized to three different groups: group A, performing 6 months of APA during adjuvant care; group B, 6 months of APA after adjuvant care; and group C, 12 months of APA during and after specific care. The program combined one resistance session and two aerobic sessions per week. Analysis of variance was used for repeated measures, Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous variables, and χ2 test for binary or categorical variables.Results A total of 81 participants were assessed at 6 months and 73 participants at 12 months. The majority of patients completed more than 85% of the exercise sessions. The baseline for VO2peak and secondary outcomes did not differ among the groups. VO2peak increased during the exercise period and decreased during the chemotherapy period without APA, but at 12 months no significant difference was observed. The same variations were observed in the 6MWT, with a significance at 6 months between A+C vs. B (p=0.04), but no difference among the groups at 12 months. In the three groups, no decrease in other studied parameters were noted, except at 6 months in group B without APA. ConclusionsHome-based APA in breast cancer survivors can decrease some of the negative side effects of cancer treatment and has a positive effect on physical function with no differences based on the timing of this program.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gouv.fr (NCT01795612). Registered 20 February 2013,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01795612?term=APAC&draw=2&rank=3

scholarly journals POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN CHILDREN

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (07) ◽  
pp. 1069-1072
Author(s):  
Mohsin Riaz Askri ◽  
Shumyala Maqbool ◽  
Muhammad Afzal Mirza ◽  
Muhammad Rauf
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Postoperative Analgesia ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Caudal Analgesia ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B ◽  
Independent University

Objectives: To compare the mean duration of pain relief using caudal bupivacainewith and without neostigmine for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing infra-umbilicalsurgery. Study design: Randomized Controlled trial. Settings: Department of AnaesthsiaChildren Hospital/Institute of child health Faisalabad& Independent university hospitalFaisalabad. Duration of Study: Six months from July 2017 to December 2017. Methods: 60patients (30 in each group) were included in this study. Group-A given 1ml/kg of 0.25% caudalbupivacaine and Group-B given 1ml/kg of 0.25% caudal bupivacaine and 2μg/kg neostigmine.Results: Mean age was 4.20±1.09 and 4.13±1.07 years in group-A and B, respectively. Sexdistribution shows, 22 patients (73.3%) in group-A and 9 (30.0%) in group-B were male while 8patients (26.7%) of group-A and 11 patients (36.7%) of group-B were female. Mean duration ofrelief of pain (hours) in group-A was 6.70±2.12 hours and in group-B was 11.97±3.80 hours.Difference between group-A and group-B was considered statistically significant (P<0.001).Conclusion: Neostigmine with bupivacaine caudally in paediatric patients increases theduration of analgesia. However, neostigmine may be used for prolongation of caudal analgesia.

scholarly journals Improved Analgesic Effect of Paravertebral Blocks before and after Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihua Chu ◽  
Xiaolin Zhang ◽  
Yaping Lu ◽  
Guohao Xie ◽  
Shengwen Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Thoracic Surgery ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Analgesic Efficacy ◽  
Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Video Assisted ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Double Blinded

Despite being less invasive, patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) suffered considerable postoperative pain. Paravertebral block (PVB) was proven to provide effective analgesia in patients with VATS; however, there is no difference in pain relief between preoperative PVB and postoperative PVB. This study was aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of combination of preoperative and postoperative PVB on the same patient undergoing VATS. In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 44 patients undergoing VATS were enrolled, and they received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with sufentanil plus preoperative PVB (Group A, n = 15) or postoperative PVB (Group B, n = 15), or combination of preoperative and postoperative PVB (Group C, n = 14). The primary outcome was sufentanil consumption and PCIA press times in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Also, data of postoperative use of PCIA and visual analogue scale (VAS) were collected. In the first 24 hours postoperatively, median sufentanil consumption in Group C was 0 (0–34.75) μg, which was much less than that in Group A (45.00 (33.00–47.00) μg, p=0.005) and Group B (36 (20.00–50.00) μg, p=0.023). Patients in Group C pressed less times of PCIA (0 (0–0) times) than patients in Group A (2 (1–6) times, p<0.001) and Group B (2 (1–3) times, p=0.009). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed patients with combination of preoperative and postoperative PVB had a higher PCIA-free rate than patients with either technique alone (p=0.003). The VAS among the three groups was comparable postoperatively. The combination of both preoperative and postoperative PVB provides better analgesic efficacy during the early postoperative period and may be an alternative option for pain control after VATS. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800017102.

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