scholarly journals The Effect of Meditation on Concentration Level and Cognitive Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Runnan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Concentration Level ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Meditation Experience ◽  
Research Studies

Many research studies have found that long-duration meditation sessions – ones that last at least 40 minutes a day – can contribute to individuals’ concentration and cognitive performance. However, the effects of comparatively brief meditation sessions have not been widely studied. In this study, we tested whether a short meditation session affects cognitive performance and concentration when compared to a control group. Participants with no prior meditation experience underwent a short meditation session lasting 10 minutes, and then completed a section of either the reading or math portion of the SAT. We find no evidence that the short meditation session improves test performance, but subjective feedback from the participants suggests that meditation has a positive impact on their concentration level. The implications of this study and possibilities for future research on the topic will be discussed further.

scholarly journals Effect of exergaming on wellbeing of residents in a nursing home: a single blinded intervention study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlies Gunst ◽  
Isabelle De Meyere ◽  
Hannah Willems ◽  
Birgitte Schoenmakers
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Study ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Average Intensity

Abstract Introduction To improve the quality of life in nursing homes, meaningful activities and social contact are indispensable. Exergames can play a role addressing these needs. Methods In a randomized single blinded controlled intervention study, we investigated the effect of playing exergames on general wellbeing, fun and on social interaction. Results Thirty-five residents participated: 18 residents took part in the intervention group and 17 in the control group. The median mental wellbeing score of the intervention group increased from 42/50 to 45. The median sleep score of the intervention increased from 23/30 to 28. The median pain score of the intervention group improved from 18/20 to 20. The median score on subjective cognition increased from 24/30 to 26 while the mean scores on the objective assessment decreased from 1.8/2 to 1.7. Coaches gave an average fun score of 8.9/10 and an average intensity of exercise score of 11.6/20. Residents and coaches appreciated the social contact. Coaches reported a high feasibility (average of 4.1/5) but a low accessibility and a high intensity of supervision. Conclusions Exergaming is a feasible and pleasant complement to the usual activities with a positive impact on wellbeing, sleep, pain, and perceived cognition. Future research should focus on vulnerable groups and aim to develop a study in an implementation design.

Community Pharmacy–Based Pharmaceutical Care for Asthma Patients

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1817-1822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Mangiapane ◽  
Martin Schulz ◽  
Stephan Mühlig ◽  
Peter Ihle ◽  
Ingrid Schubert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pharmaceutical Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Claims Data ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Economic Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Inhalation Technique ◽  
Control Group

BACKGROUND Despite significant progress in asthma drug therapy in recent years, there has been no major change in asthma morbidity and mortality. It is still important to determine whether pharmaceutical care (PC) influences health outcomes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of PC with regard to clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes in adults with asthma. METHODS An intervention study was conducted over 12 months. At baseline, 39 community/retail pharmacies, 84 primary care physicians (general practitioners, internal specialists, chest physicians), and 183 patients (aged 18–65 y) diagnosed with asthma were included. To evaluate economic outcomes, 2 German statutory health insurance funds provided 2 years of claims data for their insured patients (n = 55). A 1:10 matching was carried out to compare the data of this intervention subgroup with those of a control group (n = 550). RESULTS Significant improvements were found for all humanistic outcomes (eg, asthma-specific quality of life, self-efficacy, knowledge, medication adherence). In addition, asthma severity, self-reported symptoms, peak expiratory flow, and patients’ inhalation technique improved. Increases in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and vital capacity were not significant over time. Evaluation of the insurance claims data revealed a shift toward better adherence to evidence-based therapy. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that PC for people with asthma has a positive impact on humanistic and, to some extent, on clinical outcomes. To determine potential economic benefits, future research should focus on patients with more severe asthma.

Effects of Performance Strategies on the Air Traffic Control Simulation Test

1996 ◽  
Vol 40 (21) ◽  
pp. 1092-1096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Seamster ◽  
Richard E. Redding ◽  
Dana L. Broach
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Air Traffic Control ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Simulation Test ◽  
Training Strategy ◽  
Key Aspects

A key component of the FAA's selection battery for air traffic controller trainees is the air traffic simulation test (ATST), developed as a job sample and simulation of air traffic control tasks. This study determined whether candidates taking the ATST could be taught strategies to help them achieve superior test performance. In this study, 51 participants completed a two day strategy training and testing session. The experimental group received explicit strategy training, and the control group received equivalent practice but with no strategy training. Strategy training improved key aspects of ATST performance. Training on simple strategies allowing automatic information processing was successful at improving some key aspects of ATST performance, while training on more complex strategies requiring controlled processing did not improve performance. Implications for future research and for short-term strategy training for technical tasks is discussed.

scholarly journals Neurocognitive functioning in bipolar depression: a component structure analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 961-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Gallagher ◽  
J. M. Gray ◽  
S. Watson ◽  
A. H. Young ◽  
I. N. Ferrier
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Bipolar Depression ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Component Structure

BackgroundPrevious studies of neurocognitive performance in bipolar disorder (BD) have focused predominantly on euthymia. In this study we aimed to compare the neurocognitive profile of BD patients when depressed with healthy controls and explore the component structure of neurocognitive processes in these populations.MethodCognitive tests of attention and executive function, immediate memory, verbal and visuospatial learning and memory and psychomotor speed were administered to 53 patients with a SCID-verified diagnosis of BD depression and 47 healthy controls. Test performance was assessed in terms of statistical significance, effect size and percentile standing. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore underlying cognitive factor structure.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed an overall group effect, depressed BD patients performing significantly worse than controls. Patients performed significantly worse on 18/26 measures examined, with large effect sizes (d > 0.8) on tests of speed of processing, verbal learning and specific executive/working memory processes. Almost all tests produced at least one outcome measure on which ∼25–50% of the BD sample performed at more than 1 standard deviation (s.d.) below the control mean. Between 20% and 34% of patients performed at or below the fifth percentile of the control group in working memory, verbal learning and memory, and psychomotor/processing speed. PCA highlighted overall differences between groups, with fewer extracted components and less specificity in patients.ConclusionsOverall, neurocognitive test performance is significantly reduced in BD patients when depressed. The use of different methods of analysing cognitive performance is highlighted, along with the relationship between processes, indicating important directions for future research.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE ENHANCEMENT OF MATHEMATICAL CONNECTION ABILITY USING ETHNOMATHEMATICS AND THE MOZART EFFECT

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Dianne Amor Kusuma ◽  
Estiyan Dwipriyoko
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mozart Effect ◽  
Musical Intelligence ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Mathematical Connection

The background of this study is mathematics learning outcomes of junior high school students in agricultural areas are still low because they are less motivated to learn mathematics, so that is has an impact on their low learning outcomes. This study aims to find the relationship between musical intelligence and the enhancement of mathematical connection ability by applying Ethnomathematics and the Mozart Effect for increasing students’ motivation to learn mathematics. This study used a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design in grade 7 students at SMPN Bojongsoang 1, Kabupaten Bandung. The instruments used were the test of mathematical connection ability, musical intelligence questionnaire, and observation sheets. The results showed that: (1) there were differences in mathematical connection ability of students who received Ethnomathematics and the Mozart Effect learning with students who received direct learning; (2) musical intelligence has a positive impact on the enhancement of students' mathematical connection ability; and (3) students have a positive attitude towards learning with application of Ethnomathematics and the Mozart Effect, and more motivated to learn mathematics. The conclusion of this study is that there is a relationship between musical intelligence and the enhancement of mathematical connection ability, and students are more motivated to learn mathematics. Implication of this research for future research and learning practice is that students' mathematical connection ability can be explored and improved in various ways, one of which is by applying Ethnomathematics and the Mozart Effect in mathematics learning, and can be influenced by many things, one of them is musical intelligence. Therefore, in future research, it would be recommended to study the relationship between musical intelligence and the enhancement of other mathematical abilities using Ethnomathematics and the Mozart Effect.

scholarly journals Unintended Positive Consequences of Development Centres in University Graduates

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa White ◽  
Jürgen Becker ◽  
Marieta du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Development Centre

This study investigated development centres as a method to improve the generalised self-efficacy of university graduates. This research was motivated by the various challenges, graduates face in order to successfully transition into the world of work. Although there is a general scarcity of skills in many emerging economies like South Africa, graduate unemployment rates remain high. Additionally, graduates are not making the immediate impact that employers would expect due to a lack of technical and “soft skills.” General self-efficacy is an important attribute for job applicants because it provides them with the confidence to solve problems efficiently. The primary research objective was to identify whether the generalised self-efficacy of graduates can be positively affected by a development centre approach in the short-term and long-term. The sample population for this research included Industrial Psychology graduates at a select university in the Western Cape, South Africa (n=17). A quasi-experimental methodology was implemented where an intervention group (n=7) and a control group (n=10) were taken through a development centre approach. The results of the intervention indicated that a development centre approach has a positive impact on self-efficacy levels over the short and medium term. Results from the study emphasise the importance of self-efficacy in graduate employability and indicate how development centres can be used to improve self-efficacy levels. The findings of this study provide a basis for future research into the further development of graduate self-efficacy and the potential benefits for first time job seekers.

scholarly journals Testing audiovisual comprehension tasks with questions embedded in videos as subtitles: a pilot multimethod study

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Casañ Núñez
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Probabilistic Sampling ◽  
Embedded Questions ◽  
Comprehension Test

<p>Listening, watching, reading and writing simultaneously in a foreign language is very complex. This paper is part of wider research which explores the use of audiovisual comprehension questions imprinted in the video image in the form of subtitles and synchronized with the relevant fragments for the purpose of language learning and testing. Compared to viewings where the comprehension activity is available only on paper, this innovative methodology may provide some benefits. Among them, it could reduce the conflict in visual attention between watching the video and completing the task, by spatially and temporally approximating the questions and the relevant fragments. The technique is seen as especially beneficial for students with a low proficiency language level.</p><p>The main objectives of this study were to investigate if embedded questions had an impact on SFL students’ audiovisual comprehension test performance and to find out what examinees thought about them. A multimethod design (Morse, 2003) involving the sequential collection of three quantitative datasets was employed. A total of 41 learners of Spanish as a foreign language (SFL) participated in the study (22 in the control group and 19 in the experimental one). Informants were selected by non-probabilistic sampling. The results showed that imprinted questions did not have any effect on test performance. Test-takers’ attitudes towards this methodology were positive. Globally, students in the experimental group agreed that the embedded questions helped them to complete the tasks. Furthermore, most of them were in favour of having the questions imprinted in the video in the audiovisual comprehension test of the final exam. These opinions are in line with those obtained in previous studies that looked into experts’, SFL students’ and SFL teachers’ views about this methodology (Casañ Núñez, 2015a, 2016a, in press-b). On the whole, these studies suggest that this technique has potential benefits for FL learning and testing. Finally, the limitations of the study are discussed and some directions for future research are proposed.</p>

scholarly journals Effects of open-label placebos on test performance and psychological well-being in healthy medical students: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Kleine-Borgmann ◽  
Katharina Schmidt ◽  
Marieke Billinger ◽  
Katarina Forkmann ◽  
Katja Wiech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Randomized Controlled

AbstractPsychological distress is prevalent in students and can predispose to psychiatric disorders. Recent findings indicate that distress might be linked to impaired cognitive performance in students. Experimental findings in healthy participants suggest that placebo interventions can improve cognition. However, whether non-deceptive (i.e., open-label, OLP) placebos can enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being is unclear. Using a randomized-controlled design we demonstrate a positive impact of OLP on subjective well-being (i.e., stress, fatigue, and confusion) after a 21-day OLP application in healthy students during midterm exams. OLP did not improve test performance, but, within the OLP group, test performance was positively correlated with measures of general belief in the benefit of medication. These results show that OLP can counteract negative effects of acute stress on psychological well-being and might improve cognitive performance if supported by positive treatment expectations. Additionally, our findings in healthy volunteers warrant further investigation in exploring the potential of OLP in reducing stress-related psychological effects in patients. The trial was preregistered at the German Clinical Trials Register on December 20, 2017 (DRKS00013557).

scholarly journals Effects of Moderate Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Abilities and Redox State Biomarkers in Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad H. Alghadir ◽  
Sami A. Gabr ◽  
Einas S. Al-Eisa
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Hs Crp

We used a moderate aerobic exercise program for 24 weeks to measure the positive impact of physical activity on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and its association with cognitive performance in healthy older adults. A total of 100 healthy subjects (65–95 Yrs) were randomly classified into two groups: control group (n=50) and exercise group (n=50). Cognitive functioning, physical activity score, MDA, 8-OHdG, TAC, and hs-CRP were assessed using LOTCA battery, prevalidated PA questionnaire, and immunoassay techniques. LOTCA 7-set scores of cognitive performance showed a significant correlation with physical activity status and the regulation of both oxidative stress free radicals and inflammatory markers in all older subjects following 24 weeks of moderate exercise. Physically active persons showed a higher cognitive performance along with reduction in the levels of MDA, 8-OHdG, and hs-CRP and increase in TAC activity compared with sedentary participants. Cognitive performance correlated positively with the increase in TAC activity and physical fitness scores and negatively with MDA, 8-OHdG, and hs-CRP, respectively. There was a significant improvement in motor praxis, vasomotor organization, thinking operations, and attention and concentration among older adults. In conclusion, moderate aerobic training for 24 weeks has a positive significant effect in improving cognitive functions via modulating redox and inflammatory status of older adults.

scholarly journals The Effect of Calendarized Drug Package on Patients Compliance with Antibiotics

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 769-772
Author(s):  
Ilil Maidatuz Zulfa ◽  
Widya Handayani
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antibiotics Resistance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Compliance Measurement ◽  
Short Course ◽  
Demographical Data ◽  
Medication Reminder

BACKGROUND: Patients’ compliance with antibiotics has been one of the global challenges in combating antibiotics resistance. Patients will tend to forget their antibiotics, especially when they feel better. Related to this phenomenon, the development of medication reminder media is essential. AIM: This experimental study was aimed to develop and apply calendarized package as a medication reminder media in patients with short-course antibiotics to improve their compliance. METHODS: Calendarized package was prepared from the labeling of the original package of antibiotics with stickers. Patients above 18 years old who were prescribed short-course oral antibiotics (not more than 7 days) during the study period were asked to participate in this study. Patients were grouped into two groups (control and intervention group). Patients’ demographical data, medications prescribed, and the last antibiotics course day was recorded. Patients were then contacted for compliance evaluation on the latest antibiotics course day. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Seventy-six patients were grouped into the intervention group, while the remaining 74 patients were the control group. The results showed that the number of compliant patients in the intervention group was higher (72.37%) than those in the control group (45.95%), respectively (p < 0.000). CONCLUSION: The application of the calendar on the package indicates the positive impact on the patients’ compliance with antibiotics. However, in this study, the compliance measurement was conducted indirectly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. However, several limitations should be considered. Future research using a bigger sample size and stricter compliance measurement method is needed to confirm this finding.

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