scholarly journals Effects of Cognition on Quiz Performance, Behavior Change, and Vitality After Energy Conservation Course Among People With Multiple Sclerosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia Finlayson ◽  
Eynat Shevil ◽  
Ping Luo ◽  
Hua Yun Chen ◽  
Virgil Mathiowetz

This secondary analysis of randomized control trial data evaluated the influence of cognitive abilities on the outcomes of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who participated in a 6-week community-based energy conservation education program. Baseline measures of cognitive status included the four scales from the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for MS: Consistent Long-Term Retrieval Test (CLTR), Word List Generation Test (WLGT), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and Spatial Recall Test (SRT). Scores on knowledge quizzes, number of energy conservation strategies used postintervention, and change in SF-36 vitality subscale postintervention were analyzed via multiple regression and generalized estimating equation models. After adjusting for age, education, and sex, only SRT influenced scores on the knowledge quizzes and change in the level of vitality postintervention. CLTR, WLGT, and PASAT scores influenced the use of energy conservation strategies, after similar adjustment. In conclusion, cognitive abilities have a differential influence on outcomes in an energy conservation education program for people with MS. Actual behavior change postintervention was influenced the most by cognitive abilities.

2007 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia Finlayson ◽  
Christa Holberg

Background. Little is known about the strengths and limitations of teleconference delivery for energy conservation education for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated such a program to address this gap. Methods. Data were collected from 28 individuals with MS who participated in a teleconference-delivered energy conservation education program. Participants shared their perspectives on the course and its delivery format. Session notes from the three occupational therapists who delivered the program were also reviewed. Findings. Participants found the format to be convenient and relaxed, and the content to be relevant to their everyday lives. Technical issues, lack of time for sharing, and lack of time to practice strategies were limitations. Although the format challenged the occupational therapists' group leadership skills, they were surprised at the extent of group cohesion that developed using this format. Implications. Feedback from both people with MS and occupational therapists suggests that providing energy conservation education by teleconference is acceptable, practical, and worth pursuing in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Keller ◽  
A.J. Otjen ◽  
Mary McNally ◽  
Timothy J. Wilkinson ◽  
Brenda Dockery ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this research project was to improve public awareness to improve public awareness of the importance of energy conservation and to improve the use of simple conservation strategies. A thorough evaluation of the net gain from the numerous energy campaigns rolled out to the public every year is lacking. This study conducted pre- and post-campaign surveys and focus groups to evaluate one campaign’s impact on self-reported energy behaviors. Design/methodology/approach The campaign used television public service announcements and a website to improve awareness of the city’s efforts to conserve energy and to increase individual energy conservation practices. Focus groups (n = 40) were used to identify common barriers to conservation, and pre- and post-surveys (n = 533, 479) were conducted to evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness. Findings Results indicated that the campaign increased positive changes in changing light bulbs and confidence in taking action to turn down thermostats, unplug devices and turn off lights. While follow-up research is needed on the precise mechanism of the psychological process at work, the findings are consistent with the concepts of self and response efficacy as needed components of any behavior change. The authors advocate the adoption of research-informed message design to maximize communication campaign effects. Originality/value This paper demonstrates how the combination of three prominent persuasion theories can be used to develop behavior change campaigns. Also, it is one of the few studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the Energy Star campaign.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Hersche ◽  
Andrea Weise ◽  
Gisela Michel ◽  
Jürg Kesselring ◽  
Marco Barbero ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Energy conservation strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are valid parts of outpatient fatigue management education in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In many European countries, multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people with MS is chiefly delivered in specialized rehabilitation centers, where they benefit from short intensive inpatient rehabilitation annually. However, no evidence-based and standardized fatigue management education program compatible with the inpatient setting is available. Methods: Based on a literature search and the expertise of occupational therapists (OTs), a manualized group-based Inpatient Energy Management Education (IEME) program for use during 3-week inpatient rehabilitation that incorporates energy conservation and cognitive behavioral management approaches was developed. An IEME pilot program operated by trained OTs included 13 people with MS-related fatigue. The experiences of the IEME users and OTs were collected during focus groups to refine the program's materials and verify its feasibility in the inpatient setting. Results: The program was feasible in an inpatient setting and met the needs of the people with MS. Targeted behaviors were taught to all participants in a clinical context. In-charge OTs were able to effect behavioral change through IEME. Conclusions: Users evaluated the evidence-based IEME program positively. The topics, supporting materials, and self-training tasks are useful for the promotion and facilitation of behavioral change. The next step is a clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of IEME and to evaluate relevant changes in self-efficacy, fatigue impact, and quality of life after patients return home.


2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 475-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisa L Lamb ◽  
Marcia Finlayson ◽  
Virgil Mathiowetz ◽  
Hua Yun Chen

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