Computer-based Intervention Research Articles

Contributing factors to the improvement of conceptual understanding in a computer-based intervention in Newtonian dynamics

Students experience many difficulties learning the fundamental relationships in Newtonian mechanics, partly due to preexisting mental models that originate from their everyday lives. These preconceptions often persist even after instruction in mechanics and lead to a supposed incompatibility between physics lessons in school and personal experiences. This article presents research that focuses on students’ concept knowledge and conceptual understanding in the field of Newtonian dynamics. Interventions are presented that discuss authentic experiments with friction using different software as a tool. Overall, the interventions lead to an increase in conceptual understanding with a large effect size. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) is used to identify factors that lead to a larger or smaller increase in conceptual understanding of the topic. With the HLM, we infer that the pretest score, the students’ interest in how physical properties interrelate (interest in “theoretical physics”), prior physics performance (in kinematics in this case, measured in the physics grade), and the (intrinsic and extraneous) cognitive load influence the post-test score. We discuss possible explanations as to why these factors influence students’ conceptual change. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The Use of Telehealth for People With Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review and Narrative Synthesis.

To identify the use of telehealth for people with disabilities in community or primary care settings and to explore effective telehealth interventions for this group. Systematic literature review and narrative synthesis. The literature search was conducted in January 2024 using five electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane library and PsycINFO. The review followed the Tawfik's guideline and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines for reporting. Out of 7363 retrieved articles, 1871 duplicates were removed, 5389 were excluded after title and abstract review, and 4 were excluded due to unavailable full text. One additional article was obtained through citation and hand searching. Thirteen studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Quantitative data were narratively synthesised. Thirteen quantitative studies were selected including three quasi-experimental studies and ten randomised controlled trials. The types of telehealth included telemonitoring, computerised intervention, virtual reality, telephone care, mHealth tools, decision support tools, digital storytelling and technology-assisted language interventions. The most common type of disability was intellectual disability, and the most common telehealth provider was the digital device itself. Most studies used surveys as the data collection method and the interventions were mostly conducted individually. Computer-based telehealth interventions demonstrated significant improvement in attention, health knowledge and psychological well-being. Telephone, virtual reality and tablet interventions also had positive impacts on body weight, motor coordination and pragmatic language skills. Telemonitoring was also beneficial. This systematic review examined the current state and effectiveness of telehealth interventions for people with disabilities. However, few intervention studies were found, and some studies were of poor quality. Continued interest and efforts from the government and researchers are needed targeting people with disabilities. Results provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers and researchers. They raise awareness about the potential of telehealth to address healthcare disparities and improve access to care for people with disabilities. No patient or public contribution: Systematic review.

The Use of Digital Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Meta-Analysis.

This comprehensive meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital interventions in improving developmental skills for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted a systematic literature search based on three databases. A pre-test adjusted between-group standardized effect size was computed for effect size synthesis. We utilized a robust variance estimation model to analyze overall treatment effect. Moderator analyses and publication bias were also addressed. Twenty-eight studies (150 effect sizes) using randomized control trials (RCT; n = 22) or quasi-experimental designs (QED; n = 6) were included. Most studies (n = 22) included social-emotional skills as primary outcomes. The meta-analysis revealed a medium to large overall effect size, with Hedges' g = 0.62, 95% CI [0.36, 0.88], p < 0.001. We found that digital interventions have a statistically significantly large effect on enhancing social-emotional skills compared with language and communication skills, cognitive skills, daily living skills, and physical skills. The results of moderator analyses indicated that computer-based interventions have larger effect sizes in comparison to tablet/smartphone-based interventions. No statistically significant differences were observed between studies utilizing RCT and those using QED. We recommended the integration of digital interventions as supplemental resources in behavioral and educational interventions. Further research needs to focus on more females, young children, and adolescents with ASD in digital intervention research.

Effects of 4 weeks of play in standing and walking on gross motor ability and segmental trunk control in preterm infants using a playpen: A randomized control trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of computer-based early intervention with a playpen to enhance standing and walking, and to examine the relationship between changes in gross motor percentile and segmental trunk control in preterm infants nine months corrected age. MethodsForty infants born before 37 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) were administered before and after the intervention. The experimental group, consisting of twenty preterm infants, participated in a computer-based early intervention involving 45 min of play in standing and walking positions, five times a week for 4 weeks. ResultsThere were significant between-group differences in the gross motor percentiles of the AIMS (p-value <0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference in all conditions of the SATCo scores (p-value <0.05) compared with baseline score. The change in percentiles of gross motor development was significantly correlated (rs = 0.643; p-value <0.001) with reactive SATCo during walking in infants in the experimental group. ConclusionEarly intervention with a playpen in a standing and walking position can be applied to improve changes in gross motor percentiles and segmental trunk control in preterm infants.

An intervention study on college students’ employment anxiety based on interpretation bias modification: A randomized controlled experiment

External environmental factors and internal cognitive bias affect college students' anxiety while job hunting. The current study is an intervention study on alleviating employment anxiety among college students through an Interpretation Bias Modification (IBM) computer-based intervention. A total of 79 valid participants were recruited. The Interpretation Bias Modification (IBM) group participants were required to complete employment-related IBM Internet training twice a week for three weeks. The placebo control group participants were required to complete neutral Internet training at the same frequency. The waiting list control group did not undergo any training. The groups were tested at three time points: prior to the intervention (pre-test), immediately after (post-test), and one month after the intervention (one-month follow-up). The IBM intervention group [F(2, 72) = 31.68, p < 0.001] showed greater significance in reducing employment anxiety than participants in the placebo control group [F(2, 72) = 9.83, p < 0.001] from the pre-test to one-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in employment anxiety among the waiting-list control group over time. The IBM intervention for college students can effectively decrease employment anxiety and reduce interpretation bias, which can be maintained at the one-month follow-up.

Computer-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Disorders: A Systematic Review

Computer-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Disorders: A Systematic Review

Enhancing word signing in hearing students with reading disorders using computer-based learning trials.

Multiple-baseline-across-word-sets designs were used to determine whether a computer-based intervention would enhance accurate word signing with four participants. Each participant was a hearing college student with reading disorders. Learning trials included 3 s to observe printed words on the screen and a video model performing the sign twice (i.e., simultaneous prompting), 3 s to make the sign, 3 s to observe the same clip, and 3 s to make the sign again. For each participant and word set, no words were accurately signed during baseline. After the intervention, all four participants increased their accurate word signing across all three word sets, providing 12 demonstrations of experimental control. For each participant, accurate word signing was maintained. Application of efficient, technology-based, simultaneous prompting interventions for enhancing American Sign Language learning and future research designed to investigate causal mechanisms and optimize intervention effects are discussed.

The efficacy of online physical activity interventions with added mobile elements within adults aged 50 years and over: Randomized controlled trial.

Electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) could stimulate physical activity (PA) in a time-efficient and cost-effective way. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate effects on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) of different combined computer- and mobile-based PA interventions targeted at adults aged 50 years and over. Participants (N = 954) were randomly allocated to a basic existing computer-based intervention (Active Plus [AP] or I Move [IM]) supplemented with one of three mobile elements being (1) activity tracker (AT), (2) ecological momentary intervention (EMI), or (3) chatbot (CB) or a control group (CG). MVPA was assessed via the SQUASH at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) and via accelerometers at T0 and T2. No intervention effects were found on objective (p = .502) and subjective (p = .368) MVPA for main research groups (AP/IM + AT, AP/IM + EMI, AP/IM + CB). Preliminary MVPA findings for subgroups (AP + AT, AP + EMI, AP + CB, IM + AT, IM + EMI, IM + CB) combined with drop-out data showed potential for the computer-based intervention AP with an integrated AT. Based on these preliminary findings, eHealth developers can be recommended to integrate ATs with existing computer-based PA interventions. However, further research is recommended to confirm the findings as a result of the exploratory nature of the subgroup analyses.

Affect labeling: a promising new neuroscience-based approach to treating combat-related PTSD in veterans.

A significant portion of individuals exposed to combat-related trauma will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe, debilitating disorder with adverse impacts on both mental and physical functioning. Current treatments are effective for many individuals, however, there is a need for new treatment approaches to improve outcomes in PTSD and address the many existing barriers to seeking or completing treatment. In this open trial pilot study, we tested a novel, brief, computer-based intervention for PTSD utilizing "affect labeling" that was inspired by recent advances in neuroscience with U.S. veterans. As expected, pre-intervention clinical and fMRI neuroimaging data indicated that U.S. veterans with combat-related PTSD (N = 20) had significantly higher PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and amygdala reactivity to trauma cues than trauma-exposed healthy control veterans (N = 20). Veterans with PTSD who completed the affect labeling intervention (N = 13) evidenced reduced PTSD symptoms and these reductions were correlated with reductions in amygdala reactivity. Results from this initial proof-of-concept study are intriguing and suggest that affect labeling training offers significant potential as a novel, cost-effective, computer-based intervention for PTSD. Implications and next steps for further developing affect labeling interventions for PTSD are discussed. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05924399.

A comparative study of the effectiveness of Non-computer and Computer-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions on Auditory/Visual Working Memory of Stroke Patients

A comparative study of the effectiveness of Non-computer and Computer-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions on Auditory/Visual Working Memory of Stroke Patients

Development of a Personalized Feedback Intervention Targeting Pain-Related Anxiety for Adults Reporting Hazardous Drinking and Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Among individuals with chronic pain, the rate of hazardous alcohol use is elevated compared with the general population. Yet, hazardous drinkers with chronic pain remain an underserved group. There is a need to develop and test alternative and complementary interventions to reduce hazardous alcohol use among this high-risk segment of the general population. Targeting pain-related anxiety, a candidate mechanism, is one theoretically informed route. Our approach followed a staged model (1A/1B) to develop and test a novel personalized feedback intervention (PFI). Phase 1A collected qualitative feedback from participants (N = 9; 77.8% female, mean age = 33.86 years, SD = 8.75) to refine intervention content and evaluate treatment acceptability and feasibility. For Phase 1B, individuals (N = 118; 57.3% male, mean age = 35.24 years, SD = 11.90) participated in a pilot randomized clinical trial for our novel PFI compared with a health information control condition on alcohol use, intention/motivation to reduce drinking, pain-related anxiety, and expectancies for alcohol analgesia/pain coping for hazardous drinkers with chronic pain. Phase 1A results supported the feasibility of using a PFI to target pain-related anxiety. Results from Phase 1B indicated that participants reduced drinking and primary outcomes changed in the expected directions, but there were no differential effects of the intervention. The current data provide preliminary evidence for the utility of computer-based brief interventions to encourage behavior change. However, further refinement of the intervention to target pain-related anxiety is warranted.

Study of the Computer-Based Interventions for Adolescents in the Prevention and Treatment of Depression and Anxiety

There is a growing interest in using digital technology to assist and enhance the psychological health of adolescents, and there is a growing sign that these techniques are beneficial. Co-design is a process that involves the lively participation of investors and clinicians from the standard methods that are used in the creation of interventions.&#x0D; Objective: This review is to regulate the applicability of computer-based interventions for adolescents with psychological disorders like anxiety and or depression. A literature study and analysis of current intervention technology practices for adolescents were conducted..&#x0D; Methods: Databases including Medline, PsychInfo, and Web of Science were examined, along with recommendations, reviews, and reference lists. Subsequently, key elements of co-design relevant to practice were identified and extracted. Additionally, case studies and methodologies reported by active investigators in the field were incorporated. A preliminary review encompassing 11 papers and a detailed review comprising 22 papers within the domain were completed.&#x0D; Results: Topics that are discovered through review are the values of co-design ways of including and attracting a variety of researchers with the difficulties associated with co-design.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings highlight the tremendous benefits of employing computer-based therapies for sadness and anxiety. There is a shortage of evidence to guide the co-design of computer-based gadgets that can help adolescents recover their psychological health. The findings of this study show the need for more research initiatives to improve functioning and clinical symptoms.

Breaking Sound Barriers: Cultivating Expressive Language in Children with Hearing Impairment Through a Computer-Based Intervention Program

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a linguistic educational program in improving expressive language skills among individuals with mild hearing impairment in the UAE. To achieve this goal, the researchers designed a computer-based program that targeted expressive language abilities in children with language disorders. The study recruited 30 children who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, who received the computer-based program, or a control group, who underwent traditional training methods at centers. After conducting an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the data showed that the experimental group exhibited noteworthy enhancements in expressive language skills compared to the control group. Moreover, the statistical analysis unveiled that the academic level (grade) had a significant influence on the results, with the third level demonstrating the most substantial progress. However, gender did not appear to have any impact on the findings. Ultimately, the results were thoroughly reviewed and deliberated, culminating in the formulation of a set of recommendations.

Use and appreciation of combined computer- and mobile-based physical activity interventions within adults aged 50 years and older: Randomized controlled trial

Objective To investigate whether six combined computer- and mobile-based physical activity interventions differ regarding use, attrition, usability and appreciation among adults aged 50 years and older. Methods The interventions were studied in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were allocated to the computer-based Active Plus or I Move program including a mobile-based activity tracker, or ecological momentary intervention (EMI), or chatbot, or to a waiting list control group. Use and attrition were investigated via log data gathered within the intervention software. Appreciation was assessed via online evaluation questionnaires. ANOVAs and Chi-squares were performed to test for intervention differences on use, attrition and appreciation ( p ≤ .05). Results A total of 954 participants aged 50 years and older with varying health conditions were included. Attrition differed between interventions ( χ2 = 27.121, p &lt; .001) and was the highest in I Move including chatbot (58.4%) and lowest in I Move including activity tracker (33.0%). Appreciation differed between interventions ( p &lt; .001) and was the highest for interventions including activity tracker, followed by interventions including EMI and lowest for interventions including chatbot. Technical issues were primarily faced by EMI- and chatbot-participants. EMI-participants reported mainly that they received no or few text messages. Chatbot-participants reported mainly that the step count application was not working properly. Conclusions The integration of mobile-based activity trackers with computer-based interventions has high potential for increasing use and lowering attrition among adults aged 50 years and older. The process evaluation findings can guide future intervention optimization procedures, other eHealth and mHealth developers and practitioners.

Enhancing Visual Perception in Children Ages 4-12 Years: A Systematic Review of Technology-based Interventions

Introduction: Visual perception plays a pivotal role in a child’s overall development and learning. Occupational therapists often employ interventions to support children in enhancing their visual perception skills, with technology-based approaches gaining prominence in recent years. This review intends to highlight the significance of visual perception interventions, especially those involving technology. Aim: To systematically synthesise the literature on the effectiveness of technology-based interventions on visual perception in children with disabilities aged 4-12 years. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of studies was conducted using electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and OTseeker). Additionally, studies were also considered through manual searches from printed journals (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, and the Australian Journal of Occupational Therapy) to identify existing technology-based visual perception interventions in children aged 4-12 years. Risk of Bias was conducted through guidelines for systematic review by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Data extraction was reported by tabulating author(s) and year, sample characteristics, outcome measures used, study design, intervention details (experimental, comparator, study setting, duration), and outcomes of the studies. Results: In the present review of 13 studies, two studies used iPad interventions, while 11 used computer-based interventions, targeting various clinical groups like developmental delays, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, down syndrome, hydrocephalus, and special needs. Occupational therapists led most studies, with some involving physiotherapists, educators, and multidisciplinary teams. iPad interventions focused on visual skills with structured apps, while computer methods included games and software like Microsoft Office and Computerised Visual Perception Training (CVPT) for visual training. Positive effects were seen on visual perception and motor skills across different conditions with these technology-based interventions. Conclusion: Visual perception interventions, particularly those incorporating technology, have become invaluable in the field of paediatric occupational therapy. As technology continues to evolve, occupational therapists must remain adaptive and innovative in their strategies to provide the best possible support for children with visual perception difficulties.

The Role of Digital Health Technology Interventions in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

Diabetes in the 21st century presents one of the greatest burdens of disease on the global population. Digitally mediated interventions have become imperative in alleviating this disease epidemic. We aimed to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different health technologies for preventing Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and their efficacy in decreasing diabetes risk-related outcomes in at-risk patients in comparison to standard care. Five electronic databases were searched between October 2021 and December 2022. Studies including digital health technology interventions used for preventing diabetes development by reducing diabetes risk-related outcomes in at-risk adults (⩾18 years) were identified. Data on glycemic levels, incidence of T2DM, weight, and intervention descriptions were extracted, and the risk of bias (ROB) was assessed. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and 5 studies (56%) achieved clinically significant outcomes in at least one of the following: decreased weight (22%), glycemic levels (22%), or incidence of T2DM (11%). Two of the 3 (67%) computer-based interventions effectively reduced the HbA1c levels and mean weight of their study population, and 3 of 6 (50%) mobile based interventions (text messages, mobile app, and telehealth) decreased the incidence of T2DM and HbA1c levels. Four studies each had an overall low ROB and one had a high ROB due to attrition. Preliminary evidence identified in our review demonstrated that health technologies for diabetes prevention are effective for improving diabetes risk-related outcomes. Future research into digital technology protocol and studies of longer duration and more diverse populations are needed for clinical feasibility.

독거노인의 사회적 고립과 관련된 중재: 체계적 문헌 고찰

Objective: This study aimed to analyze research on social isolation intervention for the older adults living alone, find effective social isolation intervention techniques and provide basic data for effective application of these interventions. Methods: Databases from SCOPUS, Web of Science, Research Information Sharing Service, and CINAHL, which contained studies from January 2012 to January 2023, were searched through using the search terms, “social isolation” AND (“older” OR “elder” OR “aged” OR “geriatric”) AND (“living alone” OR “live alone”) AND “intervention”. Ultimately, five studies were selected for further analysis. Results: Four of the five selected studies provided interventions related to social interactions, and one provided computer-based interventions. As a result of the intervention, social isolation and loneliness were reduced, and effects such as increasing social support, improving environmental quality of life, and improving life satisfaction were also reported. Conclusion: This study investigated interventions for older adults living alone who complained of social isolation. This information can be used as a basis for effective social isolation interventions in occupational therapy.

The Effects of a Computer-Based Phrase Reading Intervention on Isolated Word Reading in Post-secondary Students with Disabilities

The Effects of a Computer-Based Phrase Reading Intervention on Isolated Word Reading in Post-secondary Students with Disabilities

Do in-person and computer-based brief alcohol interventions reduce tobacco smoking among general hospital patients? Secondary outcomes from a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAt-risk alcohol use and tobacco smoking often co-occur. We investigated whether brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) among general hospital patients with at-risk alcohol use may also reduce tobacco smoking over 2 years. We also investigated whether such effects vary by delivery mode; i.e. in-person versus computer-based BAI.MethodsA proactively recruited sample of 961 general hospital patients with at-risk alcohol use aged 18 to 64 years was allocated to three BAI study groups: in-person BAI, computer-based BAI, and assessment only. In-person- and computer-based BAI included motivation-enhancing intervention contacts to reduce alcohol use at baseline and 1 and 3 months later. Follow-ups were conducted after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. A two-part latent growth model, with self-reported smoking status (current smoking: yes/no) and number of cigarettes in smoking participants as outcomes, was estimated.ResultsSmoking participants in computer-based BAI smoked fewer cigarettes per day than those assigned to assessment only at month 6 (meannet change = − 0.02; 95% confidence interval = − 0.08–0.00). After 2 years, neither in-person- nor computer-based BAI significantly changed smoking status or number of cigarettes per day in comparison to assessment only or to each other (ps ≥ 0.23).ConclusionsWhile computer-based BAI also resulted in short-term reductions of number of cigarettes in smoking participants, none of the two BAIs were sufficient to evoke spill-over effects on tobacco smoking over 2 years. For long-term smoking cessation effects, multibehavioural interventions simultaneously targeting tobacco smoking along with at-risk alcohol use may be more effective.Trial registration number: NCT01291693.

Effects of a Computer-Based Intervention on Sustained Attention, Divided Attention, and Impulsivity in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that causes poor academic performance. If left untreated, it can lead to different comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Objectives: This study compared the effects of a computer-based intervention (Captain's Log MindPower Builder) combined with Ritalin to those of Ritalin alone on sustained attention, divided attention, and impulsivity in children with ADHD. Methods: The statistical population included all boys and girls with ADHD aged 7 - 12 years who visited Baqiyatallah Hospital of Tehran in 2021 (N = 103). Purposive sampling was employed to select 30 eligible children as the research sample. They were then randomly assigned to an intervention group (Captain's Log MindPower Builder + Ritalin) and a waitlist control group (Ritalin alone). The computer-based intervention was performed in twelve 60-minute sessions. The data were collected by conducting the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was then utilized to analyze the research data. SPSS software v26 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean ± SD of sustained attention, divided attention and impulsivity were 78.26 ± 6.90, 80.20 ± 6.01, and 73.70 ± 8.91on the pretest in the intervention group; moreover, it was 88.87 ± 7.19, 90.94 ± 5.45, and 82.41 ± 8.46 on the pretest in the control group. According to the results, the computer-based intervention had significant effects on both sustained attention and divided attention; however, it failed to significantly improve impulsivity (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the intervention effects during the 45-day follow-up period only showed stability for sustained attention (P &lt; 0.001). In fact, its effects on divided attention and impulsivity control were not significant. Conclusions: The computer-based intervention enhanced Ritalin's effects in some ways and improved sustained attention. Therefore, education centers for children with ADHD are recommended to adopt this method in order to improve attention in such children. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in this field to gain a better insight into the effectiveness of Captain's Log MindPower Builder.