Eight-week Intervention Research Articles

The effect of Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi on college students' anxiety and depression: A randomized, controlled pilot study.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the mechanism of the effects of Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi (BWTC) on anxiety and depression in college students using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI). Methods: Eighteen college students (5 males and 13 females) with anxiety and depression met the study criteria and were randomly divided into an experimental group (aged 24.20 ± 4.07years) and a control group (aged 22.50 ± 5.95). The experimental group received an eight-week BWTC intervention five times/week for 60min/session. The control group maintained normal daily life without any exercise intervention. These students were assessed using RS-fMRI scans, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Spearman correlation analysis was used, and statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of <0.05. Results: After the intervention, the SAS and SDS scores of the BWTC group significantly reduced (p = 0.002; p = 0.001). Compared with the control group, the fALFF values of the right middle frontal gyrus, orbital part (Frontal_Mid_Orb_R) (p = 0.043), right inferior occipital gyrus (Occipital_Inf_R) (p = 0.003), and right middle temporal gyrus of the temporal pole (Temporal_Pole_Mid_R) (p = 0.003) in the BWTC group increased significantly; the fALFF values of the left middle frontal gyrus (Frontal_Mid_L) (p = 0.001) and right supplementary motor area (Supp_Motor_Area_R) (p = 0.010) in BWTC group decreased significantly. The fALFF values of Frontal_Mid_Orb_R were significantly positively correlated with the SDS score (r = 0.852, p = 0.015) and the fALFF values of Frontal_Mid_L were significantly negatively correlated with the SAS score (r = -0.797, p = 0.032). Conclusion: In this pilot study with college students, BWTC alleviated anxiety and depression, potentially through modulating activity in the Frontal_Mid_L and Frontal_Mid_Orb_R, respectively.

TREINAMENTO DE FORÇA EM PACIENTES COM FIBROMIALGIA: UM ESTUDO DE VIABILIDADE

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is characterized by the presence of diffuse pain lasting for more than three months and is often associated with sleep disorders. Studies have investigated the effect of strength training (ST) on pain and sleep quality in FM patients, but there continue to be diverse perspectives on the effects of this intervention in this population. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of strength training (ST) on pain and sleep quality in FM patients. Methods: Forty-eight women with FM participated in the study between August and October, 2012. Six (55±6.5 years) performed ST, conducted at Santa Catarina State University, and eight (47±9 years) comprised the control group. The Socio-Demographic and Clinical Questionnaire, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. Data were collected before the first session and after the eight-week intervention and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: The eight- week ST intervention decreased pain (p&lt; 0.05) and significantly diminished the daytime sleep dysfunctions (p&lt; 0.05), demonstrating that the proposed program contributes to improving patient quality of life. Conclusion: ST is a feasible treatment for patients with fibromyalgia. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic study.

Protocolo de tensão progressiva para força muscular com Kinesio tape em corredores - ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego

Abstract Introduction Kinesio tape (KT), although frequently used in sports, is still a matter of debate, and the results of studies that evaluated its effects on muscle strength (MS) in athletes are still inconclusive and contradictory. Objective To evaluate the effect of a progressive KT tension protocol on knee MS in runners over an eight-week intervention. Methods Clinical trial involving 49 runners of both sexes randomized into two groups: KT (KT with progressive tension protocol) and placebo (KT without tension). The MS of knee flexors and extensors was evaluated by isokinetic dynamometer (60º/s and 90º/s) at four moments: (1) without KT; (2) with KT and without tension; (3) without KT (after 8 weeks after of intervention); (4) with KT and with tension (after 8 weeks after of intervention). Inter- and intra-group comparisons were made. The significance level adopted was 95% (p &lt; 0.05). Results There were no significant differences in MS between the groups at any of the evaluated moments. There was a statistically significant difference in MS (60º/s) in both groups (KT and placebo) when comparing moments 4 and 2 for knee flexors, and in the placebo group between moments 4 and 2 and moments 4 and 3 for knee extensors. Conclusion The progressive tension protocol of KT was not able to intervene in the SM gain of knee flexors and extensors of runners in inter and intragroup comparisons.

Experience and Impact of the “Well-Track” Physical Activity and Sleep Tracker Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention for Patients in an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Service

Background: Physical activity and sleep are interconnected with mental health, physical health, wellbeing, quality of life, cognition, and functioning. Compared to the general population, people who experience psychosis are more likely to have low levels of physical activity, high levels of sedentary behaviour, and sleep problems. Intervention: The Well-Track intervention addresses these issues through: provision of a wearable activity and sleep tracker (Fitbit); physical activity and sleep hygiene advice; a brief motivational interview; a goal-setting workbook; and three engagement, feedback and discussion sessions with early intervention in psychosis (EIP) staff. Participants: Thirty participants using an EIP service took part in an eight-week intervention. Thirteen participants (6 males; 7 females) with an age range of 18 to 61 years old (M = 28 years) took part in an interview. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews. Thematic and content analyses were employed to analyse the data. Results: Participants set goals, made lifestyle changes to their daily routine and integrated a Fitbit and its functions into their lives that resulted in more physical activity and enabled more effective sleep. This resulted in improved self-management, positive feelings and thoughts, motivation, confidence, social engagement, mood, health, and wellbeing. Participants made progress towards goals they had set. Conclusion: Well-Track has been successfully integrated into an EIP service and it could be delivered through all EIP and other healthcare services where there is a need to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Long-term effects of cognitive training in Parkinson’s disease: A randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundComputerized cognitive training may be promising to improve cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease and has even been suggested to delay cognitive decline. However, evidence to date is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the durability of eight-week cognitive training effects at up to two years follow-up. MethodsOne hundred and thirty-six (136) individuals with Parkinson’s disease, subjective cognitive complaints but without severe cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 22) participated in this double-blind RCT. Participants underwent an eight-week home-based intervention of either adaptive, computerized cognitive training with BrainGymmer (n = 68) or an active control (n = 68). They underwent extensive neuropsychological assessment, psychiatric questionnaires and motor symptom assessment at baseline and one and two years after the intervention. We used mixed-model analyses to assess changes in cognitive function at follow-up and performed Fisher’s exact tests to assess conversion of cognitive status. ResultsThere were no group differences on any neuropsychological assessment outcome at one- and two-year follow-up. Groups were equally likely to show conversion of cognitive status at follow-up. A considerable amount of assessments was missed (1y: n = 27; 2y: n = 33), most notably due to COVID-19 regulations. ConclusionsEight-week cognitive training did not affect long-term cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease. Future studies may focus on one cognitive subgroup to enhance reliability of study results. Intervention improvements are needed to work towards effective, lasting treatment options.

Examining the impact of YouTube vlogging on communication skills in teens with speech and language disorders

The major goal of this research is to examine how vlogging on YouTube affects the communication skills of Jordan teenagers with language and speech disorders. Fifty people, ranging in age from 13 to 18, participated in an eight-week vlogging intervention program designed to improve their communication skills. The results of the pre- and post-tests showed a statistically significant improvement in communicative competence, with the mean difference between the two measures being 10.5. Vlogging has a significant effect as an intervention because of its remarkable ability to actively engage participants in the creation of relevant content, the facilitation of authentic real-life communication experiences, the encouragement of creative and self-expressive expression, and the provision of individualized therapeutic approaches. Adolescents with speech and language disabilities have unique obstacles in communicating, and this study gives insight on the possible use of novel tools, such as vlogging, to address these issues.

Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention Promoted Healthy Dietary Patterns, Controlled Body Mass Index, and Reduced Self-Reported Stress Levels of Primary School Children: Α One-Arm Pilot Study.

Stress is common in childhood and an important factor that affects behavior later in adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention (PSAI), a holistic "cognitive reconstruction" technique to assess primary school children's stress levels, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and body mass index. Secondary outcome measures included relations with peers, sleep, and hair cortisol concentrations. This one-arm pilot study took place in a primary school, from February to June 2019. Participants were 32 pupils attending the second grade of primary school who received the 8-week PSAI to adopt healthy behaviors and lifestyle. Self-report measures were applied for the evaluation of various variables at the beginning and the end of the eight-week intervention. There were statistically significant reductions in stress levels (p=0.00), nightmares' frequency (p=0.00), body mass index (p=0.03), and bully scale (p=0.00), and improvement in Mediterranean diet quality (p=0.00). Hair cortisol concentrations increased (p=0.02). The social scale significantly increased. Bedtime remained the same after the intervention. This pilot trial showed that the PSAI promoted healthy dietary patterns, controlled children's body mass index, and reduced their self-reported stress levels. Further research on the implementation of this holistic program on children is suggested, in well-powered randomized controlled trials.

Role of Physiotherapy Intervention in Adult Moya Moya Disease - A Single Case Study

Moya Moya disease is a progressive stenotic occlusive disease of the bilateral carotid bifurcations with the formation of fine collateral networks with an angiographic diagnosis. These abnormal blood vessels at the base of the brain were first described by the Japanese Takeuchi and Shimizu in 1957 as a cloudy cloudy plume of smoke leading to the term Moya Moya. To date the structured rehabilitation program for the patients with Moya Moya disease has not been well documented. This case report illustrates the effectiveness of the structured eight-week intensive rehabilitation program SEIRP in an individual rehabilitating with Moya Moya disease. A participant who was diagnosed with Moya Moya disease presented to us at the age of 33 years. The patient was evaluated using the shoulder pain and disability index SPADI Disability of arm shoulder and hand DASH Wolf motor test Berg balance scale and One Min-Step test. Physiotherapy intervention was done based on the impairments to improve motor function. The participant was given an intensive physiotherapy program which included a strengthening and functional exercise program for a period of eight weeks. Each treatment session lasted for about 60-90 minutes per day five days per week. SPADI DASH and Wolf motor test were administered two times in eight weeks. Pre-test total score of 101 46 were observed for SPADI and DASH respectively whereas Wolf motor test showed a score of 50 and 70 for the right and left hands respectively. Post the eight-week intervention SPADI and DASH total scores improved to 35 and 22 respectively. Wolf motor test score was 65 for the right hand and 74 for the left hand. This case report highlighted the importance and efficacy of a tailor-made structured protocol which is feasible and beneficial in improving the functional abilities of patients with Moya Moya disease.

The Effects of Zumba Fitness® on Respiratory Function and Body Composition Parameters: An Eight-Week Intervention in Healthy Inactive Women.

Women are considered less active than men, and a sedentary lifestyle particularly affects middle-aged women and affects their overall health. Recommending group fitness programs that have a positive effect on women's overall health is an important strategy of any health policy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate how the Zumba Fitness® workout affects healthy inactive women's respiratory function and body composition. The research was conducted for eight weeks on a sample of 41 females aged 35 to 45 divided into two groups: experimental (21 subjects: age 38.52 ± 2.29) and control (20 subjects: age 39.45 ± 3.01). They were tested before, four weeks, and eight weeks after the intervention period. The respiratory functions were tested using spirometry and the body composition parameters by the Tanita body analyzer. The experimental group practiced Zumba Fitness® three times per week for 60 min (24 training sessions in total). The control group was not physically active during the intervention period. After the Zumba Fitness® program, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the following respiratory function parameters: forced expiratory volume in the first second (M = 4.02 ± 0.69; MD = 0.65, p = 0.01, ES = 0.14), vital capacity (M = 4.10 ± 0.65: MD = -0.63, p = 0.03, ES = 0.11) and lung age (M = 30.95 ± 10.30; MD = 8.52, p = 0.04, ES = 0.10). The body composition parameters were significantly decreased: body mass (M = 60.09 ± 7.57; MD = 6.32, p = 0.03, ES = 0.11), body mass index (M = 20.44 ± 2.63; MD = 2.61, p = 0.01, ES = 0.13) and fat mass (M = 16.07 ± 4.87; MD = 3.95, p = 0.03, ES = 0.11). The results of the current study suggest that the Zumba Fitness® workout is a beneficial exercise method not only for reducing body parameters but also for improving respiratory function in inactive women.

The effect of web-based Hatha yoga on psychological distress and sleep quality in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTo date, there has been very limited experimental research on the impact of Yoga on older adults’ mental health during the COVID-19 crisis. We aimed to explore the effect of a web-based Hatha yoga program on psychological and quality of sleep in older adults who self-isolated at home during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. MethodsTwo hundred volunteers of both sexes were split into experimental (Yoga group, YG) and control (Control group, CG) groups, in a web-based randomized controlled study. All participants were administered the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI); at baseline and following an eight-week online Hatha yoga intervention. ResultsThe YG showed significant reductions in depression (−56.1%; Z = 5.67, p < 0.01, r = 0.70) anxiety (−64.3%; Z = 5.27, p < 0.01, r = 0.65) and stress (−68.2%; Z = 5.86, r = 0.73) scores, while the CG showed a significant increase in depression. In addition, the total PSQI score of the YG was considerably lower during follow-up (3.38 ± 2.02, p < 0.05) than at baseline (4.8 ± 32, p < 0.05), which indicates an improvement of the quality of sleep. The proportion of individuals experiencing good sleep from the YG increased from 63% to 85% after the Hatha yoga intervention. ConclusionThe use of a web-based Hatha Yoga intervention program was associated with a beneficial effect on the mental health and quality of sleep in older adults.

A Study on the Implementation of Automated Writing Evaluation

The body of research demonstrating the significance of automated writing evaluation (AWE) systems in writing instruction and education continues to expand. However, not much research has been done to investigate how AWE may be implemented in different educational settings and what kind of effects it has on the students' ability to write. This article describes the MI Write AWE system and the conclusions of an inquiry that looked at the incorporation and use of AWE with middle school writing teaching utilizing a variety of research methodologies. During this investigation, AWE integration was investigated concerning a conventional process approach to writing education and a strategy teaching method based on the paradigm of self-regulated strategy development. Both of these pedagogical tenets were considered about one another. Both the effectiveness of these two instructional settings in fostering students' and teachers' experiences with and perspectives on teaching and learning through the use of AWE, as well as the effectiveness of these instructional settings in encouraging students to improve the quality of their writing from their first draft through subsequent essays, were both evaluated. The results of these evaluations can be found in the table below. Following an eight-week intervention, multilevel model analyses showed that students' first-draft writing skills increased at approximately the same rates independent of the instructional setting. This improvement occurred across the duration of the intervention. The findings of qualitative analyses of interview data demonstrated that AWE's effects on teaching were consistent across various contexts. Both instructional environments featured qualities consistent with a framework for purposeful practice, and this was especially true when it came to the application of AWE.

Influence of Confucianism and Taoism on self-construal and thinking style: an intervention study

ABSTRACT Using original texts of Confucian and Taoist primary classics as materials, we conducted an eight-week educational intervention experiment combining classroom teaching and post-class reflection as cultural manipulation. Ninety-four sixth-grade students from three parallel mainstream classes were randomly assigned to three intervention groups, comprising two experimental groups (Confucian and Taoist values interventions) and a control group (natural science intervention). The results suggest that the Confucian intervention had a positive effect on interdependent self and holistic thinking, the Taoist intervention had a positive effect on independent self and holistic thinking, and the natural science intervention promoted analytical thinking.

Adaptive Yoga for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Background: Individuals with chronic acquired brain injury (ABI) often have residual functional impairments and limited access to services that could address these impairments. Fortunately, adaptive yoga has shown potential for improving functional impairments, like balance and quality of life, and is becoming more available in community settings. Research objectives were to: 1) determine if we could recruit and retain local adults with ABI for an adaptive yoga intervention and 2) evaluate if we could acquire high-quality neuroimaging data from a subset of adults. <h3>Design</h3> Single arm intervention feasibility study with pre- and post-intervention assessments completed ∼2 weeks before and after the intervention, respectively. <h3>Setting</h3> Pre- and post-intervention assessments were completed at a university human MRI research space and a research laboratory. Yoga intervention was completed in a university health and medical center classroom. <h3>Participants</h3> Twelve adults (5 males, mean age = 47.3) with chronic (≥ 6 months post-injury) acquired brain injuries. <h3>Interventions</h3> An eight-week adaptive yoga intervention conducted in-person by an adaptive yoga specialist for one hour once/week with supplemental online material. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> - Resting state neuroimaging: functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) evaluating functional connectivity of neural networks at rest. - Task-based neuroimaging: functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) evaluating neural activation during six balance tasks adapted from the Berg Balance Scale. <h3>Results</h3> Nine of twelve participants completed all or nearly-all yoga sessions, two had scheduling and transportation issues, preventing regular attendance, and one withdrew due to unrelated illness; 12 completed self-report assessments. We successfully acquired high-quality rs-fMRI data from six participants before yoga (maximum with budget) and five participants after yoga, and fNIRS from ten participants before yoga and seven after yoga. Preliminary results indicate improvements after yoga. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our results suggest an adaptive yoga imaging study is feasible; next steps are warranted. Thus, we are designing a pilot randomized control trial that includes fMRI and fNIRS. Notably, this future study will have key modifications to support participants' scheduling and transportation needs. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No disclosure to report.

Sensory-motor training versus resistance training in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Objective To compare the effectiveness of sensory-motor training and resistance training in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Istanbul University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Subjects Forty-eight participants with knee osteoarthritis. Interventions Following baseline assessment, participants were randomly allocated to sensory-motor training (n = 24) and resistance training (n = 24). Both groups received training three times a week for 8 weeks. Main measures The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). The secondary outcome measures were pain level, muscle strength, proprioception, range of motion, quality of life, and patient satisfaction with treatment. Patients were assessed before and after four- and eight-week interventions. Results There was no significant difference between the groups’ total WOMAC scores after four- and eight-week interventions (respectively, p = 0.415, p = 0.828). There was a significant improvement in pain level during movement and in the energy subscale SF-36 for resistance training after the four-week intervention (respectively, p = 0.012, p = 0.007). After the eight-week intervention, a significant difference was noted in favor of resistance training in the secondary outcome measure quality of life (QoL). No significant difference was found in other secondary outcomes. Conclusions At the end of the treatment, it was observed that sensory-motor training had a similar effect in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms to resistance training. These findings may suggest that sensory-motor training is an effective new method to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Desk based prompts to replace workplace sitting with stair climbing; a pilot study of acceptability, effects on behaviour and disease risk factors

BackgroundProlonged sitting is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Occupational sitting accounts for up to 50 h/week for employees. This pilot study assessed the acceptability of stair climbing as an interruption to sitting throughout working hours, and provided preliminary data of the effects on glucose and lipid profiles.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was conducted involving 16 sedentary office workers (five females and 11 males) for intervention (n = 8) and control groups (n = 8) with mean age of 36.38 (5.58). For the eight-week intervention, a continuous four-floor stair climb and descent was performed eight times/day spread evenly over the working day. A prompt to climb was presented on the participant’s computer eight times/day. Participants in the experimental group recorded daily floors climbed and steps (measured using pedometers) in a weekly log sheet. Blood samples were collected pre and post intervention to test effects on fasting glucose and 2 h plasma glucose, triglycerides, and total (TC), LDL and HDL cholesterol. Experimental participants were interviewed at the end of the study. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the median changes (pre-post) of the dependent variables.ResultsOn average, the experimental group climbed 121 floors/week when prompted. There were significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, TC and LDL, as well as the derived measures of ‘bad’ cholesterol and the TC/HDL ratio in the experimental group. Post-experimental interviews indicated that the interruption to sitting was well tolerated.ConclusionPrompted stair climbing activity had impacts on health outcomes and was found acceptable to employees at work.Trial registrationEthics for this study was approved by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ethical Review Committee, University of Birmingham with ethics reference number ERN_15_0491.

Long-term administration of resveratrol and MitoQ stimulates cavernosum antioxidant gene expression in a mouse castration model of erectile dysfunction

AimsErectile dysfunction is a common complication within many pathological conditions associated with low testosterone. Testosterone deficiency increases oxidative stress in the penile tissue that contributes to endothelial dysfunction and subsequent erectile dysfunction. Current therapies do not ameliorate oxidative stress so targeting oxidative stress may improve erectile dysfunction. Resveratrol and MitoQ are two prospective drugs that have antioxidant-like properties and may be useful to improve erectile dysfunction induced by androgen deprivation. Materials and methodsWe castrated 12-week-old male C57BL/6 mice and performed an eight-week intervention with oral delivery of resveratrol or MitoQ at low and high doses. We assessed vascular reactivity of the corpus cavernosum and internal pudendal arteries (IPA) through dose-dependent responses to vasodilatory, vasocontractile, and neurogenic stimuli in a myograph system. We performed qRT-PCR to measure expression changes of 18 antioxidant genes in the corpus cavernosum. Key findingsCastration significantly impaired erectile function via impaired endothelial-dependent and-independent relaxation, and increased constriction of the corpus cavernosum, and induced severe endothelial dysfunction of the IPA. Castration decreased expression of 8 of the antioxidant genes investigated. Resveratrol and MitoQ were ineffective in reversing the effects of androgen deprivation on vascular reactivity, however high-dose resveratrol treatment upregulated several key antioxidant genes, including Cat, Sod1, Gstm1, and Prdx3. SignificanceOur findings suggest that oral resveratrol and MitoQ treatment may provide protection to the corpus cavernosum under androgen deprived conditions by stimulating endogenous antioxidant systems. However, they may need to be paired with vasoactive drugs to reverse erectile dysfunction under androgen deprived conditions.

The effectiveness of aerobic versus strengthening exercise therapy in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorder: a randomised single case experimental design study

Purpose Recent RCTs and meta-analyses compare the effectiveness of different types of exercise for chronic whiplash associated disorder (WAD). This study aimed to verify whether the results of these studies translate to statistically significant and clinically meaningful effects in individual participants. Materials and methods A series of replicated randomised single case experimental design studies (SCEDs) with A-B design (A: baseline, B: intervention). Eight participants with chronic WAD (8 female, mean [SD] age 47 [10] years) were randomised into one of four baseline durations (5, 8, 11, and 14 days) and to one of two eight-week exercise interventions (aerobic or strengthening). Daily measures of pain intensity, bothersomeness, and interference were collected during the baseline phase and the intervention phase. Results Visual analyses indicated that three participants in the aerobic exercise group meaningfully improved. No improvements were found in the strengthening group. Effect sizes favoured the aerobic exercise group, yet randomisation tests of pooled effects did not show a difference in between-intervention effectiveness. Conclusion Contrary to our expectations, three out of four participants were nearly pain-free at the end of the aerobic exercise intervention, whereas none of the participants in the strengthening group improved meaningfully. This suggests that aerobic exercise may be favourable for WAD. Implications for Rehabilitation Our results suggest that aerobic exercises are favourable over strengthening exercises and may be the preferred option for patients with chronic WAD. We found substantial variability in self-reported outcomes within participants, clinicians should be aware of this in the judgement of treatment effectiveness.

Potential Modulation of Inflammation by Probiotic and Omega-3 Supplementation in Elderly with Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Probiotic and omega-3 supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation, and dual supplementation may have synergistic health effects. We investigated if the novel combination of a multi-strain probiotic (containing B. lactis Bi-07, L. paracasei Lpc-37, L. acidophilus NCFM, and B. lactis Bl-04) alongside omega-3 supplements reduces low-grade inflammation as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in elderly participants in a proof-of-concept, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study (NCT04126330). In this case, 76 community-dwelling elderly participants (median: 71.0 years; IQR: 68.0–73.8) underwent an intervention with the dual supplement (n = 37) or placebo (n = 39) for eight weeks. In addition to hs-CRP, cytokine levels and intestinal permeability were also assessed at baseline and after the eight-week intervention. No significant difference was seen for hs-CRP between the dual supplement group and placebo. However, interestingly, supplementation did result in significant increases in the level of the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10. In addition, dual supplementation increased levels of valeric acid, further suggesting the potential of the supplements in reducing inflammation and conferring health benefits. Together, the results suggest that probiotic and omega-3 dual supplementation exerts modest effects on inflammation and may have potential use as a non-pharmacological treatment for low-grade inflammation in the elderly.

Impact of Meditation on Quality of Life of Employees

The article presents a conceptual and empirical research study with future scope for wellness programs for organizational health promotion and mental well-being. The study focuses on virtual programs on meditation or mindfulness integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). That adds to the literature, which is relatively minor on this subject. Meditation can be a powerful organizational resource to improve employee efficiency, emotional stability, well-being, and stress. Young engineers of middle-hierarchy employed at PPS International, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (n=30), all males, were given an eight-week meditation intervention. The experimental group showed significant and influential improvements over control-group participants of the World Health Organization (WHO)-issued quality-of-life scale. The different domains studied were perception, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment.

The feasibility and preliminary efficacy of early time-restricted eating on diet quality in college students: A randomized study

Meal timing is an important consideration when assessing health. The primary outcome of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of early time-restricted eating (eTRE) on diet quality in a sample of college students attending a large southwestern university. Cardiometabolic indices and anthropometric measures were also obtained. The study was planned as an eight-week intervention; however, COVID-19 necessitated laboratory closures that disrupted data collection at week eight. Hence, only data obtained at week zero (baseline) and week four were viable for analysis and are presented herein. Twenty-five healthy participants were randomized to the intervention group (eTRE) which consisted of a daily 6-hour eating window or the control group (CON) which consisted of a daily 16-hour eating window. Each week, participants were permitted one day off from their respective study protocol. Seventeen participants completed all aspects of the study, and diet quality data were obtained from one additional participant (n = 18). Preliminary findings indicate that the 6-hour eTRE protocol may be beneficial for weight reduction and for reducing energy-dense foods typically consumed during the evening hours or later at night. Future research should accommodate individual preferences with regard to the initiation time of the eating window while also providing evidence-based nutrition recommendations to improve diet quality.