Controlled Intervention Study Research Articles

Interpreting comprehension outcomes after multiple-component reading intervention for children and adolescents with reading disabilities

Many children and adolescents with reading comprehension difficulties demonstrate impairment in lexical and sublexical foundational skills, and require intervention for multiple levels of the reading system. This paper provides a merged analysis of results from four controlled intervention studies conducted by our research group: Children and adolescents with reading disabilities (RD) received multiple-component remediation at different ages (early elementary, middle school, high school). All participants demonstrated multi-faceted reading impairment, and all received intervention targeting decoding, word reading, text reading, and comprehension skills. Studies with younger children (Grades 1–3) demonstrated more robust comprehension effects on multiple comprehension measures, while studies with older readers demonstrated more equivocal comprehension effects despite gain on more foundational skills. A parallel moderated-mediation model, using data merged across studies, revealed that intervention-related decoding and word reading change mediated the relationship between intervention and reading comprehension gains. This mediation effect was strongly moderated by age, with younger children demonstrating the greatest mediation. The younger the child, the greater the effects of intervention and the more comprehension gains depended on decoding gains.

Interventions to improve teamwork and wellbeing in primary care settings: a mixed method review

Abstract Background General practices are experiencing increasing pressures due to rising demand, declining staff numbers, and knock-on impacts on patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic has added further challenges and reinforced the importance of teamwork and organisational settings. We undertook a mixed-method systematic review to explore which interventions can improve teamwork within primary care and improve inter-sector partnerships with other health and social care services. Methods Five major bibliographic databases were systematically searched for relevant studies from inception to February 2022. We included controlled intervention study designs and linked qualitative studies. For amenable data, meta-analysis is being undertaken using random effects models taking into account the between study heterogeneity (quantified using the I2 statistic) and potential publication bias (funnel plots and Egger's test). The qualitative studies are analysed using thematic analyses. Results The original search yield of 3012 studies, of which 14 studies with 1,534 participants were include in our analyses. Most of the evaluated interventions focused on improving non-technical skills and provided evidence of improvements in the quality of teamwork in primary care. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis is undertaken to examine the impact of the teamwork interventions on staff outcomes (team attitudes, knowledge, and functioning; wellbeing), and patient outcomes (e.g. quality of patient care, patient satisfaction/experience). Conclusions The findings provide information of immediate importance for the mental health and wellbeing and teamwork support of professionals entering primary care and for the organisation of primary care services.

Health promotion among unemployed people – meta-analytic evidence

Abstract Background It is well known that unemployment impairs health. However, less is known about health promotion among unemployed people and healthy coping strategies to deal with unemployment. Methods A random-effect meta-analysis was applied to statistically integrate quantitative controlled intervention studies among unemployed people. Results The meta-analysis included 34 eligible primary studies with 36 independent intervention samples. For mental health, the average meta-analytic effect sizes for the comparison of intervention group and comparison group was significant and of small size after the intervention d = 0.25; 95% CI [0.10, 0.39], and at follow-up, d = 0.13; 95% CI [0.04, 0.22]. For health behavior (measured as physical activity), the effects were also significant after the intervention, d = 0.30; 95% CI [0.12, 0.47] (no data available at follow-up). Effects on self-assessed physical health status were very small and not significant. However, when health improvement was the only goal of the respective intervention (in contrast to studies with multiple goals, e.g., health improvement plus re-employment), the effect on physical health was significant, too, d = 0.15; 95% CI [0.04, 0.25]. Moderator tests showed that intervention effects on mental health were significantly stronger when cognitive-behavioral methods were used (p < .05), while the use other kinds of stress-management techniques (p < .05), of methods to increase social support (p < .05), or of relaxation techniques (p < .07) did not improve the effectiveness of the intervention. Conclusions The present meta-analyses provided evidence that, on average, interventions aiming at improving unemployed people’s health do indeed improve participants’ health. Key messages • The present meta-analysis confirms that it is possible to promote unemployed people’ health. The moderator effects for type of intervention that were found here might be helpful for health promotion. • The inclusion of cognitive-behavioral methods, appears to be a successful approach for health-oriented interventions with unemployed people.

Changing the Office Design to Activity-Based Flexible Offices: A Longitudinal Study of How Managers' Leadership Behaviours Are Perceived.

This longitudinal study examines the impact of office type on employees’ perception of managers’ leadership behaviours, which is an unexplored area. The expanding research related to activity-based flexible offices (AFOs) has mainly focused on employees’ working conditions and health outcomes, not on the changes in leadership behaviours when moving from traditional offices to AFOs. Office workers (n = 261) from five office sites within a large Swedish government agency were included in a controlled study of a natural intervention. At four sites, traditional offices were replaced by AFOs, while workers at one site with no relocation acted as the control. The same employees rated different leadership behaviours in a web-based questionnaire at baseline and at one follow-up. The analyses showed that relocations from cell and open-plan offices to AFOs were clearly related to a decrease in the perception of relation-oriented leadership behaviours. However, coming from open-plan offices to AFOs also decreased the perception of the other leadership dimensions. As expected, the control group was stable over time in their perceptions. This emphasises the need for organisations to provide managers with prerequisites so they can keep up with behaviours that support employees’ performance and health when office designs and ways of working are changed.

School-Based Educational Interventions on Prevention and Control of Malaria-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Student messengers act as change agents for health and modify the behavior of their families as well as the community. Integration of the school health programs with malaria education enhances the participation of school teachers, parents, as well as the local community in malaria elimination. The objective of this review is to strengthen the evidence for school-based health educational interventions for malaria control and prevention activities. We searched six databases namely PubMed Central, Science Direct, CINAHL with full text, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Pro-Quest to find relevant studies between January 2001 and March 2022 based on PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trial, before-after intervention, and quasi-experimental study designs were included and a meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effect model to pool out the results by using Rev-man 5.4 software. In this review, 13 studies were included. The pooled outcome of school-based educational interventions on malaria was moderate (Standardized Mean Difference-2.59) and a significant difference was observed in intervention and control schools (Z = 7.33, P < 0.00001). In conclusion, this review identified the facts for the prevention and control of malaria through school-based educational interventions. Our findings strengthen the concept of malaria elimination through student messengers to mobilize the local community.

Interventions for children with cerebral visual impairment: Ascoping review.

To examine the nature and scope of the literature on interventions implemented for children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). Using a scoping review methodology, a systematic search of the literature was conducted using four databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. Titles and abstracts were screened and data were extracted and synthesized from full-text, eligible studies. Twenty-three articles were identified and evaluated using quality criteria. Twenty-three of the 895 studies were included with children aged between 1 month and 17 years 6 months. Interventions were grouped into six categories including visual stimulation, task/environmental adaptations, vision training, acupuncture, stem cell transplantation, and transcranial electric stimulation. Outcome measures examined changes in visual function, functional vision, and visual processing. Intervention research for children with CVI is in its infancy. Interventions for children with CVI may be beneficial; however, comparing results is difficult due to inconsistency in outcome measures. Most of the intervention studies had lower-level evidence and included small sample sizes. High-quality studies with larger samples and comparison groups are needed to fully understand which evidence-based interventions are most effective for children with CVI. With the incidence of CVI increasing, further development and validation of intervention methods is imperative. Intervention studies for children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) are sparse. Most intervention studies for children with CVI have low-level evidence with low critical appraisal scores. High-quality, controlled intervention studies are needed to guide families and clinicians toward evidence-based practice.

Positive influence of neuromuscular training on knee injury risk factors during cutting and landing tasks in elite youth female handball players

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are frequent in the age group of 15–19 years, particularly for female athletes. Although injury-prevention programs effectively reduce severe knee injuries, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and changes of biomechanical risk factors. Thus, this study analyzes the effects of a neuromuscular injury-prevention program on biomechanical parameters associated with ACL injuries in elite youth female handball players. In a nonrandomized, controlled intervention study, 19 players allocated to control (n = 12) and intervention (n = 7) group were investigated for single- and double-leg landings as well as unanticipated side-cutting maneuvers before and after a 12-week study period. The lower-extremity motion of the athletes was captured using a three-dimensional motion capture system consisting of 12 infrared cameras. A lower-body marker set of 40 markers together with a rigid body model, including a forefoot, rearfoot, shank, thigh, and pelvis segment in combination with two force plates was used to determine knee joint angles, resultant external joint moments, and vertical ground reaction forces. The two groups did not differ significantly during pretesting. Only the intervention group showed significant improvements in the initial knee abduction angle during single leg landing (p = 0.038: d = 0.518), knee flexion moment during double-leg landings (p = 0.011; d = −1.086), knee abduction moment during single (p = 0.036; d = 0.585) and double-leg landing (p = 0.006; d = 0.944) and side-cutting (p = 0.015;d = 0.561) as well as vertical ground reaction force during double-leg landing (p = 0.004; d = 1.482). Control group demonstrated no significant changes in kinematics and kinetics. However, at postintervention both groups were not significantly different in any of the biomechanical outcomes except for the normalized knee flexion moment of the dominant leg during single-leg landing. This study provides first indications that the implementation of a training intervention with specific neuromuscular exercises has positive impacts on biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injury risk and, therefore, may help prevent severe knee injuries in elite youth female handball players.

ROLE OF ATROPINE 0.01% DROPS FOR CONTROLLING PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA IN CHILDREN

Background: Myopia is a signicant public health problem, affecting 20% to 50% of the population, especially in children older than 12 years of age. Aim: This study aimed to assess role of 0.01% atropine in 5-16 years of age group children in preventing myopic progression by comparing changes in cycloplegic refraction and axial length of two groups: 0.01% atropine treated and other given placebo eye drops, over 1-year period. Design: Double-blinded randomized control interventional study. Methods: 60 patients with progressive myopia were recruited for study and randomised into 2 groups after obtaining parental consent. One group was prescribed atropine 0.01% concentration (b.d)and second group was given placebo eye drops (0.5% CMC). Each group was followed up, on 3 monthly visits, for a total duration of one year. Subjects included had to undergo baseline evaluation followed by visual acuity assessment on the Snellen's, cycloplegic refraction, axial length and pupil size. Results: Sixty participants with a mean age of 9.87±3.06 years and 10.33±2.94 years in placebo group and atropine group respectively completed the study.Statistically signicant changes were noted in Spherical equivalent of 1.02±0.17 D and 0.32±0.43 D,(p value&lt;0.001) and Axial length of 0.56±0.45 mm and 0.41±0.18 mm ((p value-0.017) in the placebo and 0.01% atropine groups respectively over 1 year. Change in axial length was signicantly correlated with change in spherical equivalent (Spearman's rho: 0.651, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: 0.01% atropine drops instilled twice daily, was efcacious in controlling Spherical equivalent progression and retarded increase in Axial length over one year

Representation of adults with rheumatoid arthritis in US-based randomized controlled exercise trials: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the representation of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to sex, race, and ethnicity in exercise randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in the USA. Exercise RCTs ≥ 4weeks conducted in the USA in adults ≥ 18years with RA were eligible. Studies were retrieved by searching six electronic databases, cross-referencing and searching a clinical trials registry. Dual, independent, study selection and data abstraction were conducted. The primary outcomes were the proportion of participants in each study according to sex as well as race/ethnicity. Results were pooled meta-analytically using the inverse-variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model after applying the double-arcsine transformation. Of the 1030 unique articles screened, five RCTs representing 353 participants with RA were included. The pooled participant prevalence was 83% (95% CI = 73 to 92%) for women and 17% (95% CI = 8 to 27%) for men, suggesting an over-representation of women and an under-representation of men by approximately 7.4% based on current prevalence US estimates for each. Qualitative examination for race and ethnicity demonstrated an under-representation of racial/ethnic minority groups. There is a lack of representation of men with RA in US-based randomized controlled exercise intervention studies. Additional US-based randomized controlled exercise trials, including greater inclusion and reporting of the racial/ethnic composition of participants, are also needed. Key Points • This systematic review with meta-analysis of US studies found an under-representation of men in randomized controlled trials examining the effects of exercise in those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). • Qualitative examination according to race/ethnicity found both a lack of reporting as well as under-representation of selected racial/ethnic minorities in US-based randomized controlled exercise studies among adults with RA. • This study highlights the need for additional US-based randomized controlled trials of exercise in adults with RA that better represent the RA population in the USA.

Fostering historical thinking and democratic citizenship? A cluster randomized controlled intervention study

Historical thinking has gradually become a central goal for history education. Its complexity, however, makes it difficult to foster among students and little is known about the role of students’ epistemological beliefs. At the same time, several history education scholars have argued that historical thinking may not only contribute to disciplinary goals, but also to civic ones. They assume students to spontaneously transfer historical skills, knowledge and dispositions to contemporary contexts. Although there is some evidence to support such a spontaneous transfer, general educational literature indicates that a transfer of learning is difficult to obtain. This study examines the disciplinary effects of a lesson series aimed at fostering students’ historical inquiry competence via a cluster randomized controlled intervention study in Flemish history education (control: n = 266; intervention: n = 402). It also examines whether a spontaneous transfer to contemporary topics occurs. To this end, a pre- and posttest examines (1) changes in students’ historical inquiry competences and epistemological beliefs about history and (2) the transfer to democratic skills and dispositions.Multilevel and linear regression models showed that the lesson series was effective in enhancing students’ historical inquiry skills and procedural knowledge; no effect was found on their epistemological beliefs. The lesson series did not directly improve students’ democratic skills and dispositions. However, changes in students’ historical inquiry competence did significantly predict their democratic skills at posttest, although in a limited way. These results caution for an excessive optimism regarding the idea that historical thinking automatically contributes to democratic citizenship.

Impact of educational training and C-reactive protein point-of-care testing on antibiotic prescribing in rural and urban family physician practices in Latvia: a randomised controlled intervention study

BackgroundAlthough self-limiting viral infections are predominant, children with acute infections are often prescribed antibiotics by family physicians. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of two interventions, namely C-reactive protein point-of-care testing and educational training, on antibiotic prescribing by family physicians.MethodsThis randomised controlled intervention study included acutely ill children consulted by 80 family physicians from urban and rural practices in Latvia. The family physicians were divided into two groups of 40. The family physicians in the intervention group received both interventions, i.e. C-reactive protein point-of-care testing and educational training, whereas the family physicians in the control group continued to dispense their standard care. The primary outcome measure was the antibiotic prescribing at the index consultation (delayed or immediate prescription) in both study groups. The secondary outcome was CRP testing per study group. Patient- and family physician- related predictors of antibiotic prescribing were analysed as associated independent variables. Practice location effect on the outcomes was specially addressed, similar to other scientific literature.ResultsIn total, 2039 children with acute infections were enrolled in the study. The most common infections observed were upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Overall, 29.8% (n = 607) of the study population received antibiotic prescription. Our binary logistic regression analysis did not find a statistically significant association between antibiotic prescriptions and the implemented interventions. In the control group of family physicians, a rural location was associated with more frequent antibiotic prescribing and minimal use of CRP testing of venous blood samples. However, in the intervention group of family physicians, a rural location was associated with a higher level of C-reactive protein point-of-care testing. Furthermore, in rural areas, a significant reduction in antibiotic prescribing was observed in the intervention group compared with the control group (29.0% (n = 118) and 37.8% (n = 128), respectively, p = 0.01).ConclusionOur results show that the availabilty of C-reactive protein point-of-care testing and educational training for family physicians did not reduce antibiotic prescribing. Nevertheless, our data indicate that regional variations in antibiotic-prescribing habits exist and the implemented interventions had an effect on family physicians practices in rural areas.

1555MO Effects of exercise on sleep quality and cancer-related fatigue during neurotoxic chemotherapy

(Neurotoxic) Chemotherapy can have extensive negative effects at the biopsychosocial level. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled exercise intervention study aimed to investigate whether a sensorimotor- (SMT) and resistance training (RT) may affect sleep quality and fatigue during neurotoxic chemotherapy.

Management of Chronic Pain in Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Pain, a complex subjective experience, is common in care home residents. Despite advances in pain management, optimal pain control remains a challenge. In this updated systematic review, we examined effectiveness of interventions for treating chronic pain in care home residents. A Cochrane-style systematic review and meta-analysis using PRISMA guidelines. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials and intervention studies included care home residents aged ≥60years receiving interventions to reduce chronic pain. Six databases were searched to identify relevant studies. After duplicate removal, articles were screened by title and abstract. Full-text articles were reviewed and included if they implemented a pain management intervention and measured pain with a standardized quantitative pain scale. Meta-analyses calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) using random-effect models. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool 2.0. We included 42 trials in the meta-analysis and described 13 more studies narratively. Studies included 26 nondrug alternative treatments, 8 education interventions, 7 system modifications, 3 nonanalgesic drug treatments, 2 analgesic treatments, and 9 combined interventions. Pooled results at trial completion revealed that, except for nonanalgesic drugs and health system modification interventions, all interventions were at least moderately effective in reducing pain. Analgesic treatments (SMD-0.80; 95% CI-1.47 to-0.12; P= .02) showed the greatest treatment effect, followed by nondrug alternative treatments (SMD-0.70; 95% CI-0.95 to-0.45; P < .001), combined interventions (SMD-0.37; 95% CI-0.60 to-0.13; P= .002), and education interventions (SMD-0.31; 95% CI-0.48 to-0.15; P < .001). Our findings suggest that analgesic drugs and nondrug alternative pain management strategies are the most effective in reducing pain among care home residents. Clinicians should also consider implementing nondrug alternative therapies in care homes, rather than relying solely on analgesic drug options.

Can magnetic resonance imaging enhance the assessment of potential new treatments for cognitive impairment in mood disorders? A systematic review and position paper by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force.

Developing treatments for cognitive impairment is key to improving the functioning of people with mood disorders. Neuroimaging may assist in identifying brain-based efficacy markers. This systematic review and position paper by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force examines the evidence from neuroimaging studies of pro-cognitive interventions. We included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of candidate interventions in people with mood disorders or healthy individuals, following the procedures of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 statement. Searches were conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to 30th April 2021. Two independent authors reviewed the studies using the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Controlled Intervention Studies and the quality of neuroimaging methodology assessment checklist. We identified 26 studies (N=702). Six investigated cognitive remediation or pharmacological treatments in mood disorders (N=190). In healthy individuals, 14 studies investigated pharmacological interventions (N=319), 2 cognitive training (N=73) and 4 neuromodulatory treatments (N=120). Methodologies were mostly rated as 'fair'. 77% of studies investigated effects with task-based fMRI. Findings varied but most consistently involved treatment-associated cognitive control network (CCN) activity increases with cognitive improvements, or CCN activity decreases with no cognitive change, and increased functional connectivity. In mood disorders, treatment-related default mode network suppression occurred. Modulation of CCN and DMN activity is a putative efficacy biomarker. Methodological recommendations are to pre-declare intended analyses and use task-based fMRI, paradigms probing the CCN, longitudinal assessments, mock scanning, and out-of-scanner tests.

The Effect of Empowerment Interventions Applied to Geriatric Patients Receiving Physical Therapy on Their Depression and Self-Efficacy Levels

ABSTRACT The extension of the human lifespan has led to an increase in the proportion of the elderly population worldwide. This situation has also brought the issue of healthy aging to the agenda. The importance of more active participation of elderly individuals in life in the development of health is increasing. Depression and self-efficacy of the elderly people are primarily addressed to support this situation. This study is a randomized controlled intervention study in which evaluating the change in depression and self-efficacy levels of elderly individuals after the empowerment intervention. In the study, which was conducted to improve elderly individuals’ depression and self-efficacy levels, an empowerment intervention consisting of 7 sessions was applied to these individuals. In the sessions, practices were carried out to increase the functionality of the elderly in cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual areas. In this study, 60 elderly individuals (intervention and control groups) who were hospitalized for physical therapy and rehabilitation in a state hospital in Turkey between September 2019 and December 2020 were included. The simple random sampling method was used for sampling. The sample size was determined by G Power analysis. Geriatric depression and self-efficacy scales were used in the study. The study data were analyzed on the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software package. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate descriptive data. Pearson, Chi-Square, and Fisher Exact tests were used to compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. Paired Samples t-test was used to compare the intervention and the control groups’ pretest and posttest scores. In the study, it was determined that the mean geriatric depression pretest score was 15.43 ± 7.05 in the control group and 14.46 ± 7.21 in the intervention group, and there was no significant difference between the groups’ geriatric depression pretest scores (p = .602). However, it was determined that the mean geriatric depression posttest score was 13.50 ± 9.02 in the control group and 9.23 ± 6.71 in the intervention group, and there was a significant difference between the posttest scores of the groups (p = .042). No significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest geriatric depression scale scores of the control group (t = 1.346; p = .189). The posttest geriatric depression score of the intervention group was significantly lower than the pretest score (t = 5.966; p = .0001). In the study, it was determined that the mean self-efficacy pretest score was 79.63 ± 12.62 in the control group, 75.63 ± 14.20 in the intervention group, and there was no significant difference between the pretest scores of the groups (p = .254). It was determined that the mean self-efficacy posttest score was 83.10 ± 11.35 in the control group and 84.50 ± 14.41 in the intervention group, and there was no significant difference between the posttest scores of the groups (p = .678). The posttest self-efficacy score of the intervention group was found to be significantly higher than the pretest score (p = .001). The empowerment intervention was determined to decrease the elderly individuals’ depression and increase their self-efficacy levels.

Effectiveness of dance/movement therapy in individuals with intellectual disability: a systematic review

This systematic review aimed to verify the quality of analyses using PRISMA guidelines and evaluate the effectiveness of dance/movement therapy (DMT) interventions in individuals with intellectual disabilities. As search engines, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to select the studies under specific requirements. We also used the American Journal of Dance Therapy as an additional search. Five studies were selected after the final screening. Regarding the levels of evidence (LOE), two studies had an LOE of 3 and three studies had an LOE of 4. The risk of bias (ROB) through quality assessment of controlled intervention studies showed a high ROB in all selected studies. Although the results showed the low LOE and high ROB, the selected studies reported that DMT interventions improved motor skills, body knowledge, emotional well-being, skin temperature in fingers, and muscle relaxation in individuals with moderate to severe IQ from young adults to middle-aged adults.

Protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled study of a multicomponent intervention to promote a sustainable return to work of workers on long-term sick leave — PROWORK: PROmoting a Sustainable and Healthy Return to WORK

BackgroundThe cost of sickness absence has major social, psychological and financial implications for individuals and organisations. Return-to-work (RTW) interventions that support good quality communication and contact with the workplace can reduce the length of sickness absence by between 15 and 30 days. However, initiatives promoting a sustainable return to work for workers with poor mental health on long-term sickness absence across small, medium and large enterprises (SMEs and LEs) are limited. This paper describes the protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the feasibility of implementing a RTW intervention across SMEs and LEs across all sectors.Methods and designA two-arm feasibility RCT with a 4-month intervention will be conducted in SMEs and LE enterprises from the Midlands region, UK. At least 8 organisations (4 controls and interventions), and at least 60 workers and/or managers, will be recruited and randomised into the intervention and control group (30 interventions, 30 controls). Workers on long-term sickness absence (LTSA) (between 8 and 50 days) and managers with a worker on LTSA will be eligible to participate. The intervention is a behavioural change programme, including a managers and workers RTW toolkit, focused on supporting sickness absence and RTW through the provision of knowledge, problem-solving, action planning, goal setting and positive communication that leads to a sustainable RTW. Organisations assigned to the control group will continue with their usual practice. Measurements of mental health, RTW, work outcomes, quality-of-life, workplace support and communication and other demographic data will be taken at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. Feasibility will be assessed based on recruitment, retention, attrition, completion of measures and intervention compliance for which specific process and research outcomes have been established. A process evaluation will explore the experiences and acceptability of the intervention components and evaluation measures. Exploratory economic evaluation will be conducted to further inform a definitive trial.DiscussionThis is a novel intervention using a worker-manager approach to promote a sustainable return to work of workers on long-term sick leave due to poor mental wellbeing. If this intervention is shown to be feasible, the outcomes will inform a larger scale randomised control trial.Trial registrationISRCTN90032009 (retrospectively registered, date registered 15th December 2020)

Milk intake enhances cerebral antioxidant (glutathione) concentration in older adults: A randomized controlled intervention study.

BackgroundA major antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), is a key factor in the antioxidant defense mechanism against oxidative stress and aging-related functional declines. Our previous observational study showed positive correlations between brain GSH concentrations and dairy food consumption, particularly milk (p < 0.001), in older adults.ObjectiveTo investigate whether a recommended amount of milk intake (3 cups/day) in low dairy consumers enhances brain GSH concentrations through an intervention trial.MethodsSeventy-three older adults (60–89 years) with a low dairy intake (≤1.5 servings/day) were randomized (5:2 ratio) in this 3-month randomized clinical trial. The intervention group was provided 1% milk weekly and instructed to consume 3 cups of milk/day for 3 months while the control group continued their habitual intake of total dairy ≤ 1.5 servings/day (<1 cup of milk/day). Brain GSH concentrations were measured in the fronto-parietal region using our unique 3 T magnetic resonance chemical shift imaging technique at baseline and 3 months.ResultsAmong 73 randomized participants, 66 participants (49 intervention; 17 controls) completed the study. Milk intake in the intervention group increased from 0.2 ± 0.3 cups/day to 3.0 ± 0.6 cups/day (p < 0.001) between baseline and the end of the study, while milk intake in the control group did not differ throughout the study duration (0.4 ± 0.4 cups/day). The intervention group showed increases in brain GSH concentrations by 7.4 ± 11.7% (p < 0.001) in parietal and 4.7 ± 9.8% (p = 0.003) in fronto-parietal regions, and 4.6 ± 8.7% (p < 0.001) in overall brain concentration after the intervention compared with baseline, while the control group showed no changes.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that milk serves as a good dietary source to increase and/or restore brain GSH concentrations in older adults. Identifying dietary sources that effectively enhance antioxidant defenses and neuroprotection could lead to the development of new strategies to promote brain health in the aging population.Clinical trial registration[https://ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02957422].

Prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders through physical activity, exercise, and sport

Prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders through physical activity, exercise, and sport

THE IMPACT OF HEALTH EDUCATION ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE, AND PREVENTION OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AMONG ADOLESCENT FEMALES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: Women in reproductive age are at high risk of iron deficiency anemia during the menstrual cycle. Adequate knowledge, attitudes, practices, and prevention towards anemia are necessary. There is a dearth of information on the evaluation of study characteristics and the overall quality of evidence of intervention studies in improving knowledge, attitudes and practices of anemia among adolescents. Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of health education interventions on the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and prevention towards anemia in adolescent girls. Therefore, the review question are “What health education methods are best used to improve knowledge, attitudes, practices, and prevention of adolescent?”, “What is the effect of health education interventions on anemia in adolescent girls?” Methods: This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) Checklist whichinvolved studies published between 2000 to 2021 through the databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Willey online Library, Cochrane, in English version. Study quality assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on controlled intervention studies. The risk of bias of the studies included assessed using The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.Data of the studies included were synthesized thematically in order to understand the effectiveness of mobile application. At identification stage, there are 1,414 publications were discovered through backward searching of relevant papers. The full-text screening was conducted on 34 articles and the finding 22 articles failed to meet eligibility criteria at the full-text screening stage, and only 12 articles were finally eligible for further analysis. There are twelve studies included in this study, strengthening the components of health education and increasing Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) knowledge among adolescent girls is beneficial in reducing iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls Results: The results of the review article showed that health education interventions, giving iron supplements and multivitamins were effective in overcoming iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls. Educational interventions also increase the knowledge of young women about iron deficiency anemia Conclusions: Health Education intervention for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent female improved their knowledge, attitude, practice,and prevention.