Effectiveness Of Interventions Research Articles

Effects of a Multicomponent Intervention With Cognitive Training and Lifestyle Guidance for Older Adults at Risk of Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Effects of a Multicomponent Intervention With Cognitive Training and Lifestyle Guidance for Older Adults at Risk of Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The effectiveness of exergames intervention on motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive function disorders: A randomized control trial

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of exergames in improving the motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive functions disorder. Children, selected by simple random method were divided into two groups: experimental (n = 16) and control (n = 16). Circle drawing task, and The Serial Reaction Time Task were used to collect and analyze data. The current study is a randomized control trial (RCT) type of research with a two-group pretest, post-test, and follow up –test design in terms of the purpose of applied research and the method of data collection. T-test results for the differences in post- test mean scores between the two groups in motor memory and inhibitory control showed that the treatment group outperformed the control group. There were statistical differences between pre and post measures in favor of post test, and between pre and follow up measures in favor of follow up test, but no statistical differences between post and follow up test. This study demonstrates that it is possible to enhance motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive functions disorder using exergames intervention.

Supplemental Material for Effect of a Nonpharmacological Psychological Stress Management Intervention on Major Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Supplemental Material for Effect of a Nonpharmacological Psychological Stress Management Intervention on Major Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

A Sand Boil Database for Piping Risk Management in the Po River, Italy

Sand boil formation at the toe of river embankments is the typical manifestation of the initiation and progression of an internal erosion process known as backward erosion piping, which is recognized to be a major concern in many river systems worldwide. In Italy, more than 130 sand boils have been detected along the Po River, many of them experiencing recurrent reactivations during high-water events. In recent years, as part of the activities of the European project LIFE SandBoil, the Italian authority responsible for flood protection and flood damage reduction along the Po River has implemented a GIS-based web application to catalogue the sand boils observed in its operating area. The resulting database allows keeping records of a comprehensive and varied set of information, in terms of predisposing factors, initiation conditions and surface effects. Taking as a reference a well-documented cross-section of the Po River prone to piping, this paper describes the main features of this versatile and flexible tool, whose long-term aim is to support vulnerability studies and the development of risk maps against piping. The database, which might also accommodate data from different river basins, is thus meant to help in flood risk management, by suggesting priorities for the implementation of mitigation measures and allowing the monitoring of intervention effectiveness.

The gut microbiome, resistome, and mycobiome in preterm newborn infants and mouse pups: lack of lasting effects by antimicrobial therapy or probiotic prophylaxis

BackgroundEnhancing our understanding of the underlying influences of medical interventions on the microbiome, resistome and mycobiome of preterm born infants holds significant potential for advancing infection prevention and treatment strategies. We conducted a prospective quasi-intervention study to better understand how antibiotics, and probiotics, and other medical factors influence the gut development of preterm infants. A controlled neonatal mice model was conducted in parallel, designed to closely reflect and predict exposures. Preterm infants and neonatal mice were stratified into four groups: antibiotics only, probiotics only, antibiotics followed by probiotics, and none of these interventions. Stool samples from both preterm infants and neonatal mice were collected at varying time points and analyzed by 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing, ITS amplicon sequencing and whole genome shotgun sequencing.ResultsThe human infant microbiomes showed an unexpectedly high degree of heterogeneity. Little impact from medical exposure (antibiotics/probiotics) was observed on the strain patterns, however, Bifidobacterium bifidum was found more abundant after exposure to probiotics, regardless of prior antibiotic administration. Twenty-seven antibiotic resistant genes were identified in the resistome. High intra-variability was evident within the different treatment groups. Lastly, we found significant effects of antibiotics and probiotics on the mycobiome but not on the microbiome and resistome of preterm infants.ConclusionsAlthough our analyses showed transient effects, these results provide positive motivation to continue the research on the effects of medical interventions on the microbiome, resistome and mycobiome of preterm infants.

Cost effectiveness and decision analysis for national airport screening options to reduce risk of COVID-19 introduction in Uganda, 2020

IntroductionEarly during the COVID-19 outbreak, various approaches were utilized to prevent COVID-19 introductions from incoming airport travellers. However, the costs and effectiveness of airport-specific interventions have not been evaluated.MethodsWe evaluated policy options for COVID-19-specific interventions at Entebbe International Airport for costs and impact on COVID-19 case counts, we took the government payer perspective. Policy options included; (1)no screening, testing, or mandatory quarantine for any incoming traveller; (2)mandatory symptom screening for all incoming travellers with RT-PCR testing only for the symptomatic and isolation of positives; and (3)mandatory 14-day quarantine and one-time testing for all, with 10-day isolation of persons testing positive. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in US$ per additional case averted.ResultsExpected costs per incoming traveller were $0 (Option 1), $19 (Option 2), and $766 (Option 3). ICERs per case averted were $257 for Option 2 (which averted 4,948 cases), and $10,139 for Option 3 (which averted 5,097 cases) compared with Option I. Two-week costs were $0 for Option 1, $1,271,431 Option 2, and $51,684,999 Option 3. The per-case ICER decreased with increase in prevalence. The cost-effectiveness of our interventions was modestly sensitive to the prevalence of COVID-19, diagnostic test sensitivity, and testing costs.ConclusionScreening all incoming travellers, testing symptomatic persons, and isolating positives (Option 2) was the most cost-effective option. A higher COVID-19 prevalence among incoming travellers increased cost-effectiveness of airport-specific interventions. This model could be used to evaluate prevention options at the airport for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with similar requirements for control.

Effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management: An umbrella review.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Globally, the number of cases of HIV continues to increase. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions have emerged as promising tools to support disease self-management among people living with HIV. The purpose of this umbrella review is to systematically evaluate and summarize the evidence and results of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for reviews. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2. A total of 22 systematic reviews were included. The methodological quality of the reviews was low or critically low. EHealth interventions range from Internet, computer, or mobile interventions to websites, programs, applications, email, video, games, telemedicine, texting, and social media, or a combination of them. The majority of the reviews showed evidence of effectiveness (including increased participation in HIV management behaviours, successfully changed HIV testing behaviours, and reduced risk behaviours). EHealth interventions were effective in the short term. Ehealth interventions have the potential to improve HIV prevention, HIV testing and disease management. Due to the limitations of the low methodological quality of the currently available systematic reviews, more high-quality evidence is needed to develop clear and robust recommendations.

Effectiveness of simulation-based interventions on empathy enhancement among nursing students: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to secure and analyze evidence regarding the enhancement of nursing students’ empathy through simulation-based interventions. It comprehensively analyzed self-reported emotions and reactions as primary outcomes, along with the results reported by nursing students who experienced simulation-based interventions, including empathy.MethodsThis systematic literature review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of simulation-based interventions on enhancing empathy among nursing students. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The following details were considered: population, nursing students; intervention, simulation-based interventions targeting empathy enhancement; comparators, control groups without intervention or those undergoing general non-simulation-based classes; and outcomes, self-reported empathy.ResultsIn the systematic review of 28 studies, it was found that the use of simulation-based interventions among nursing students led to an increase in empathy, albeit with a small effect size. This was demonstrated through a pooled, random-effects meta-analysis, yielding an effect size (Hedge’s g) of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.57, p = 0.001). The results of meta-regression and subgroup analysis significantly increased in empathy for studies published after 2019 (Hedge’s g = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.73, p < 0.001), quasi-experimental research design (Hedge’s g = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.74, p < 0.001), more than 60 participants (Hedge’s g = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.59, p = 0.034), and simulation-based interventions in nursing education (Hedge’s g = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.65, p < 0.001).ConclusionsConsidering factors such as variations in sample size, research approaches, and the effects of independent studies on empathy, this systematic literature review and meta-analysis suggests that simulation-based education can significantly improve nursing students’ overall empathy skills.

The mediation role of emotion regulation strategies on the relationship between mindfulness effects, psychological well-being and distress among youths: findings from a randomized controlled trial

AbstractThe Gaia program is a 12-week mindfulness intervention based on cultivating body, emotional, and ecological self-awareness, which has been shown to be effective in reducing children’s and adolescents’ internalizing problems, and improving psychological well-being, and psychological distress in early adolescents. To clarify the psychological processes underlying mindfulness effects on mental health among adolescents, the present study aimed to examine whether emotion regulation strategies (i.e., cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) may be considered as key processes linking the Gaia program effects to improvements in psychological distress and well-being. A total of 361 adolescents (mean age 14 years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Gaia program (i.e., experimental group; N = 210) and waiting list (i.e., control group; N = 151). Measures were administered at three time points, approximately every three months: one week before treatment, one week after treatment, and three months after treatment. Using a structural equation model (SEM), we found that the Gaia Program had a positive and significant indirect effect on psychological well-being only via cognitive reappraisal as measured at follow-up [B = 0.181, 95% C.I. (0.012; 0.395)], whereas no significant indirect effects were found on psychological distress through cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Findings from this study provide evidence of key emotional processes underlying the effects of a mindfulness intervention on positive but not negative psychological outcomes.

Negative Implications of Drug and Substance use on Mental Health

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which encompasses aspects such as thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the ability to cope with life's challenges. Several factors including drug abuse have been recognized to cause mental health disorders; hence, the urgent need to globally address these factors. Drug abuse emerges as a complex public health issue, involving the misuse of legal and illegal drugs, with consequences extending beyond individual health. The relationship between mental health and drug abuse intensifies challenges, as drug misuse contributes to the development or worsening of mental health disorders. This review examined biological, psychological, and social determinants, and advocate for a standardized approach to address the complex issue of drug abuse. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and others, were used to access resources, in which thirty-three (33) literatures were reviewed. Results of the reviewed literatures revealed that the impact of drug abuse on mental health involves neurobiological alterations affecting neurotransmitter levels and structural changes in the brain. This does not only affect individuals, but also results in societal burdens, such as increased healthcare costs and criminal justice involvement, compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse. The classification of drugs into legal and illegal categories highlights the diversity of substances and emphasizes the need to understand their effects on mental well-being. Categories include legal drugs, prescription medications, socially accepted substances, and illegal drugs with varying dependency potentials. Addressing mental health disorders induced by drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach, involving strategies like Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Peer Support, 12-Step Programs, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC). These methods guarantee a care continuum that centers on the individual and emphasizes recovery, acknowledging the relationship between mental health and drug abuse disorders. Nevertheless, the review highlights a research gap in that, in-depth research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aforementioned interventions. Additionally, exploring innovative strategies to address challenges such as stigma, limited treatment accessibility, and the cyclical nature of addiction would enhance intervention effectiveness.

Comparing the effectiveness of adulticide application interventions on mitigating local transmission of dengue virus

AbstractThe southern US has a large presence of mosquito vector species for dengue virus (DENV) and experiences thousands of DENV importations every year, which have led to several local outbreaks. Adulticide spraying targeting active mosquitoes is one of the most common insecticide strategies used as a response to an outbreak. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of adulticide spraying conducted at different times of the day to curb DENV transmission. Based on unique dataset of Aedes aegypti diel activity patterns in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas, we developed a mechanistic model of DENV transmission, which simulates adulticide spraying interventions. We estimated that spraying adulticide for 14 consecutive days at 7am or 8 pm was highly effective in reducing DENV outbreak probability from 10% in the absence of interventions to 0.1% for Miami-Dade County, and from 7.8 to 0.1% for Brownsville. Moreover, in case of a local outbreak in Miami-Dade County, we estimated the median number of symptomatic infections after the identification of a local outbreak to be reduced from 67.0 (IQR: 25.5–103.0) in the absence of interventions to 1.0 (IQR: 0.0–2.0) when spraying adulticide for 14 consecutive days at 8 pm. In Brownsville, the same intervention is estimated to lead to a decrease from 15.0 (IQR: 7.0–33.0) cases to 1.0 (IQR: 0.0–2.0). Our study highlights the importance of considering diel activity patterns of vector mosquito species in arbovirus preparedness and response planning and provide quantitative evidence to guide the decision-making of mosquito control authorities.

Nocebo expectations rather than placebo expectations affect topical pain relief: A randomized clinical trial

Patients' expectations and beliefs regarding the potential benefits and harms of medical interventions may induce placebo and nocebo effects, and affect the response to pain therapies. In a randomized clinical trial, we examined the effect of placebo and nocebo expectations on pain relief and adverse events (AEs) in association with a topical treatment among 65 cancer survivors experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain. Participants received either a 1% camphor-based topical pain patch or a placebo treatment for 14 days. We measured pain severity with the worst pain item of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) at baseline and 14 days and treatment expectations at baseline with validated expectation questionnaires. We found that high vs. low nocebo expectations decreased pain severity improvements by 2.5 points (95% confidence interval [CI] −3.8 to −1.2; p<0.001) on a 0–10 numeric rating scale of the BPI and pain response rate by 42.7% (95% CI 0.2–0.6; p<0.001) at day 14, irrespective of placebo expectation status or treatment arms. Patients with high vs. low nocebo expectations in the true arm reported 22.4% more unwanted AEs. High nocebo expectations were associated with increased AEs by 39.5% (odds ratio: 12.0, 95% CI 1.2, 145.5; p=0.029) and decreased pain response in the true arm vs. placebo. Our study demonstrated that nocebo expectations, rather than placebo expectations, elevate the risk of AEs and compromise the effect of topical pain interventions. The findings raise the possibility that nocebo expectations may worsen somatic symptoms through heightening central pain amplification and should be further investigated.

Evaluating structure and content of parent-implemented early logopaedic intervention models following the three stages of communicative development in children with cleft lip and/or palate: Systematic literature review with narrative synthesis.

The development of communication, speech and language follows three stages (development of the parent-child relationship, interactions and actual speech and language acquisition). Children born with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of communicative problems while parents may be going through an emotionally difficult time. Early parent-implemented logopaedic intervention that supports both parents and child is important. Three systematic reviews have examined the effects of early speech and language interventions, but not their structure and content. To investigate which early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions already exist for children with cleft lip and/or palate, and to evaluate their structure, content and time of onset against the three stages of communicative development. Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, Cinahl and Scopus) were searched between inception and 31 March 2023 to identify published articles that reported early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions in children with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 0 to 3 years, clearly describing the strategies used to train parents. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of the studies. Quality assessment was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database quality assessment tool, Single-Case Experimental Design tool and the National Institutes of Health pre-post-study tools. The structure and content of the interventions were analysed taking into account the needs and difficulties of both the parents and the child according to the three stages of communicative development. The systematic literature search identified four studies that met the inclusion criteria. Three of them had a Level of Evidence III and one study had a Level of Evidence IV. Strategies appropriate for Stage 1 of communicative development (parent-child relationship) are well represented in only one study, but the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in these programmes. However, research shows that parental emotional difficulties can adversely impact a child's communicative development. Strategies appropriate for Stage 2 (promoting social interactions) are better represented. However, strategies appropriate for Stage 3 (acquiring correct speech and language patterns) are most represented in all intervention programmes. Three out of four intervention programmes focus on Stage 3 (actual speech and language stimulation). Stage 1 is underrepresented and the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in existing intervention programmes. Further research is needed in close collaboration with psychologists to construct a comprehensive, longitudinal, developmentally appropriate intervention programme that equally represents the three stages of communicative development and considers the psychosocial needs of parents. What is already known on the subject Children with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of speech and language problems from birth. Parents of these children often have emotional problems following their child's diagnosis. The effectiveness of early intervention to facilitate the child's speech and language development has already been proven. Early intervention is recommended for both parents and child, but little is known about early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions that also provide psychosocial support for parents. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This review has shown that existing early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions for children with cleft lip and/or palate focus mainly on facilitating responsive interactions and actual speech and language development (Stages 2 and 3 of communicative development). However, Stage 1, where the parent-child relationship develops, is currently not included, even though this stage is a prerequisite of subsequent stages. If parents are struggling with emotional problems (following their child's diagnosis) this can negatively impact their mental health, the parent-child relationship, attachment and their child's development. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? A clinical implication of the findings in this review is that more attention should be paid to Stage 1 of communicative development in early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions. By working closely with the psychologist of the cleft (and craniofacial) team, any psychosocial needs of the parents can be included in the counselling. As a result, the parents and their child are seen and supported as a unit and the parent-child relationship can develop optimally.

Effect of Swimming Free 50 Meters for Males on Calcium Levels and Some Enzymes of Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland

Study purpose. This study aimed to investigate the effect of swimming free 50 meters on calcium levels and activities of some key enzymes involved in calcium metabolism in males. Materials and Methods. Eleven healthy male adults were selected to participate in the study. They freely swam 50 meters daily for four weeks. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the effect of the swimming intervention on markers of calcium metabolism. Measurements were taken for participants before and after swimming. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after swimming to measure serum calcium levels as well as the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 5'-nucleotidase, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and parathormone (PTH) by standard enzymatic methods. Results. After four weeks of swimming free 50 meters daily, serum calcium levels showed a statistically significant increase compared to baseline (p &lt; 0.05). The activities of ALP, AST, and ALT were significantly higher post-intervention (p &lt; 0.05 for all enzymes). There were no significant changes in 5'-nucleotidase, TSH, and PTH activities. Conclusions. The results indicate that swimming free 50 meters daily for four weeks increases serum calcium levels, likely through enhanced bone resorption as suggested by the elevated activities of ALP, AST, and ALT. However, there were no significant effects on thyroid and parathyroid functions as assessed by TSH and PTH.

Evaluation of a walking school bus program: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a walking school bus intervention on children’s active commuting to school.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Houston, Texas (Year 1) and Seattle, Washington (Years 2–4) from 2012 to 2016. The study had a two-arm, cluster randomized design comparing the intervention (walking school bus and education materials) to the control (education materials) over one school year October/November – May/June). Twenty-two schools that served lower income families participated. Outcomes included percentage of days students’ active commuting to school (primary, measured via survey) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, measured via accelerometry). Follow-up took place in May or June. We used linear mixed-effects models to estimate the association between the intervention and outcomes of interest.ResultsTotal sample was 418 students [Mage=9.2 (SD = 0.9) years; 46% female], 197 (47%) in the intervention group. The intervention group showed a significant increase compared with the control group over time in percentage of days active commuting (β = 9.04; 95% CI: 1.10, 16.98; p = 0.015) and MVPA minutes/day (β = 4.31; 95% CI: 0.70, 7.91; p = 0.02).ConclusionsThese findings support implementation of walking school bus programs that are inclusive of school-age children from lower income families to support active commuting to school and improve physical activity.Trail registrationThis RCT is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01626807).

Effects of different nutrition interventions on sarcopenia criteria in older people: A study protocol for a systematic review of systematic reviews with meta-analysis.

Sarcopenia, a subject of extensive research, has led to numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews (SR). These reviews aid healthcare professionals by summarizing results and conducting meta-analyses, enhancing reliability. However, the abundance of reviews complicates decision-making on sarcopenia management. To address this, SR of SR have emerged, consolidating data from various sources into comprehensive documents. To assess the isolated impact of dietary interventions on sarcopenia's diagnostic criteria for older individuals. A study protocol for a SR of SR, following Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. The search strategy includes the MeSH 'sarcopenia' and its subheadings; 'aged' and its subheadings; 'nutrition' and its subheadings; and filter 'systematic review', performed at main databases. Selected studies must include older adults, submitted to nutritional interventions compared to control groups. Quantitative analyses will use inverse variance statistic method (random effects); the effect measures mean difference. Heterogeneity measured with Q-Test. The results of this SR of SR may provide valuable information about the sarcopenia treatment, deepening the knowledge about. This protocol is reproducible, requires low cost and personnel, and may allow a higher understanding on sarcopenia treatment and management on older people.

"I am adhering to HIV treatment so that I can live to support her": A qualitative study of upward intergenerational support in South Africa.

Intergenerational family care, which was upended by the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), may return to a pre-HIV era arrangement as access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) expands and treated adults can once again provide support for older household members. Empirical research has demonstrated positive 'spillover effects' of ART uptake from treated adults to younger generations, yet much less is known about the nature and breadth of such effects to older generations. This study explores the role and lived experiences among adults who take up ART and those of an older generation with whom they live. We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews (n = 46) embedded in the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural South Africa, between July and September 2022. We purposefully sampled two respondent categories: (i) young or middle-aged adults on ART (aged 18-59 years old); and (ii) older adults (aged ≥60 years old) who were affiliated with a young or middle-aged adult on ART. We used thematic content analysis to extract, code, and categorise relevant text by types of upward spillover effects from ART in younger adults to older adults. Quantitative data was extracted from the existing Agincourt HDSS database and matched to qualitative interview data based on Clinic link unique identifiers of study participants. Mean age was 41 years among young or middle-aged adults (n = 29) and 72 years among older adults (n = 17). Among younger adults, time on ART ranged from five months to more than 21 years. Both young or middle-aged adults on ART and older adults reported positive spillover effects for older adults across five main tiers: caregiving, financial support, physical and mental health, living arrangements and household relationships, and stigma and reputation. Spillover challenges included financial costs and caregiving responsibilities following ART initiation of young or middle-aged adults, although these additional caregiving responsibilities were generally not perceived as particularly burdensome. ART is likely to benefit older adults in South Africa whose families are affected by HIV. This study identified a wide range of perceived spillover effects from ART in younger adults to older adults, including improvements to upward intergenerational support. These qualitative findings offer a guide to researchers, policymakers, and donors to capitalise on the broader societal effects of a large-scale health intervention to further support family structures and meet the needs of a growing older population.

Postpartum life interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disease that seriously endangers life and health, but women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postpartum lifestyle intervention on the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the effect of lifestyle intervention on glycemic outcomes and anthropometric measures. We searched PubMed and other databases to retrieve articles published before May 21, 2023, on randomized controlled trials of postnatal lifestyle interventions (diet and/or physical activity) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. We estimated the pooled odds ratios using fixed or random effects models and conducted a subgroup analysis of the different intervention methods to explore differences in the different lifestyle interventions. The review included 17 randomized controlled trials. Overall, lifestyle changes started after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus an 11% (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74-1.07) reduction in diabetes risk; significant differences were found for weight (MD = -1.33; 95% CI: [-1.76; -0.89], P < 0.00001) body mass index (MD = -0.53; 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.32], P < 0.00001), and waist circumference change (MD = -1.38; 95% CI: [-2.12; -0.64], P = 0.0002) but not for fasting glucose (MD = -0.06; 95% CI: [-0.19; 0.06], P = 0.32), 2 h glucose (MD = -0.12; 95% CI: [-0.30; 0.06], P = 0.19), and hemoglobin A1c (MD = -0.11; 95% CI: [-0.23; 0.02], P = 0.09). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in the effects of different lifestyle interventions on the incidence of type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels, and anthropometric parameters. Our comprehensive meta-analysis of lifestyle interventions can improve modifiable anthropometric measures in women with gestational diabetes. We need further research to provide more intensive lifestyle intervention, more scientific intervention methods, and to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with gestational diabetes.

Metaverse technologies in managing frailty among older individuals: A systematic review

Introduction: Frailty, characterized by declines in physical, psychological, and social functions, presents challenges to aging populations. While multicomponent exercise programs have shown efficacy, accessibility can be limited. Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, including Metaverse integration, show promise for frailty management. Studies have demonstrated positive impacts from VR on physical function in older adults, but research on Metaverse technologies specifically for frailty remains limited. Aim: This systematic review aimed to explore the utilization of Metaverse technology in frailty management among older individuals. Methods: The systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, searching databases for studies from January 2013 to December 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on Metaverse use for frailty in individuals ≥ 65 years old. Two researchers screened articles, leading to the evaluation of full-text papers. Results: Despite screening 35 articles, none were suitable for data extraction, indicating a gap in the literature regarding the application of Metaverse technologies to frailty management. Conclusion: While Metaverse technologies hold promise for personalized frailty interventions, research in this area is limited. Future studies should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of Metaverse interventions and promoting collaboration between healthcare providers and technology developers to advance frailty management in older individuals.

An Intervention into Imagery and Self-Efficacy: Enhancing Athletic Achievements of Alpine Skiers

Psychological preparation has taken on a crucial role in today’s sports practice. Effective resolutions to the challenges inherent in athletes’ psychological preparation require a comprehensive understanding of the key components that constitute the psychological preparation process. This quasi-experimental study aims to first, assess the interrelationships among imagery abilities, physical self-efficacy, and sport performance among a sample of alpine skiers. Secondly, this study sought to assess the effect of a psychological intervention on imagery and self-efficacy, and its impact on their task performance. The proposed hypothesis suggests that integrating imagery and self-efficacy interventions into the training process of alpine skiers will enhance athletes’ achievements on the slalom ski track. Seven leading Latvian youth alpine skiers with an average age of M = 17.14 (SD = 1.77) participated in a three-month psychological skill intervention targeting imagery and self-efficacy enhancement, alongside control training sessions on a slalom ski track to evaluate its effectiveness on sport performance. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using questionnaires, revealing significant improvements in imagery abilities and self-efficacy (p &lt; 0.05). Notably, positive interrelationships between imagery abilities, self-efficacy, and sport performance were observed. These findings underscore the efficacy of integrating psychological interventions into the athlete training process and highlight the importance of psychological readiness in optimizing athletic achievements, particularly in dynamic sports like alpine skiing. The study results provide novel theoretical and practical psychological insights into the training process of athletes in sports.