Experimental Group Research Articles

The effects of self-explanation on game-based learning: Evidence from eye-tracking analyses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of self-explanation prompts on game performance using eye-tracking techniques. We adopted an experimental design for the study. A total of 40 4th graders participated and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. While the experimental group played a computer game with self-explanation prompts, the control group played the same game without any prompts. A Tobii 4C eye tracker with a sampling rate of 90 Hz was used to record the eye movements of the participants while they were playing the game. A pre-test and post-test were used to assess the participants’ understanding of the target concepts of the game before and after their game-playing, respectively. The results indicated an interaction effect between self-explanation and prior knowledge on the learning outcomes. Regarding the participants with lower-level prior knowledge, the experimental group gained significantly better scores on the posttest than the control group. In contrast, with respect to the participants with higher-level prior knowledge, the self-explanation prompts did not demonstrate a positive effect on the experimental group. Moreover, the results of the lag sequential analysis provide solid evidence of the differences in visual transitional patterns between the participants with different levels of prior knowledge while they were reacting to the self-explanation prompts. These results could account for the different learning outcomes achieved by the participants with different levels of prior knowledge in the experimental group.

Investigating the Influence of First Principles of Instruction on Trauma Management Skills in Nursing Students.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of first principles of instruction on trauma management skills for undergraduate nursing students. Two hundred twenty-four nursing students from Fujian Medical University were divided into control and experimental groups. Participants in the experimental group applied first principles of instruction and introduced design modifications to acquire trauma management skills. Scores for trauma management skills were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, 89% of students strongly agreed with using first principles of instruction and indicated satisfaction with the teaching mode. First principles of instruction enhance theoretical understanding of trauma management skills, with significant score differences between experimental and control groups. High student satisfaction underscores the effectiveness of this approach in creating a conducive learning environment. Integrating first principles of instruction holds promise for deeper comprehension and long-term educational success among nursing students. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(11):731-736.].

Analysis of vocal characteristics in hypopharyngeal cancer patients with vocal cord dysfunction

Objective:To analyze the acoustic characteristics of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer accompanied by vocal cord dysfunction. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who were initially treated at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2018 to April 2024. Patients who had completed electronic laryngoscopy, stroboscopic laryngoscopy, and voice analysis were selected from the data. Among them, patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who had unilateral vocal cord activity disorders were selected as the experimental group, while patients with symmetrical bilateral vocal cord activity were assigned to the control group. Then the clinical characteristics, the vocal parameters, and the stroboscopic laryngoscopy results of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer in the experimental group and the control group were analyzed and compared. Results:Compared with that in the control group, the proportion of lesions located on the inner wall of the piriform fossa in the experimental group increased（83.3% vs 53.8%）, and the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in vocal parameters such as SPL, Jitter, Shimmer, MPT, DSI, F0, sound intensity, electroglottic value and VHI between the experimental group and the control group（P>0.05）. However, the values of F0, Jitter, Shimmer and VHI in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. In addition, in terms of the results of stroboscopic laryngoscopy, the proportion of glottic insufficiency（42.9% vs 18.8%） and asymmetric arytenoid cartilage（64.3% vs 0） in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group（P<0.05）. However, the mucosal waves of the vocal cords on the affected side did not weaken in patients in both the experimental group and the control group. In the experimental group of 18 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who received induction chemotherapy（nituzumab+nedaplatin+5-fluorouracil）, 13 of them had improved vocal cord activity（improvement rate of 72.2%）. Conclusion:Hypopharyngeal cancer in the medial wall of the pyriform fossa is more prone to vocal cord dysfunction, but vocal cord dysfunction has little effect on the vocal parameters of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

Формування фізичної готовності до школи у дітей старшого дошкільного віку засобом спортивних ігор

An analysis of studies on the problem of forming physical readiness for school in older preschool children has been conducted. It is emphasized that physical readiness is fundamental for a child's successful adaptation to the school environment. It includes the development of motor skills, coordination, endurance, and strength, which are crucial for a child’s ability to perform various school tasks, from writing letters to participating in active games during breaks. Insufficient physical preparedness can lead to difficulties in mastering the school curriculum, decreased attention span, quick fatigue, and even health problems. Therefore, it is essential to develop the necessary physical qualities in children before they start school. It has been established that sports games are an effective tool for ensuring the physical readiness of older preschoolers for school. Games help develop coordination, strength, endurance, and flexibility, which are important for comprehensive physical development. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of sports games on the formation of physical readiness for school in older preschool children. At the initial stage of the study, generalized results of the level of physical readiness for school revealed that only 20% of children in the experimental group (EG) and 16% in the control group (CG) showed a high level of readiness, 58% of children in the EG and 52% in the CG showed a medium level, and 22% of children in the EG and 31% in the CG showed a low level. It was noted that the initial level of physical readiness for school in children from both the experimental and control groups was approximately the same at the beginning of the formative stage of the study. During the research, a system was developed and tested, aimed at enhancing the level of physical readiness for school in older preschool children, with active use of sports games elements. The proposed system of work involved organizing activities with children through play and was implemented sequentially across three interrelated stages: introductory, active, and creative. By the end of the study, the results in the CG and EG were as follows: a high level of physical readiness was shown by 46% of children in the EG and 24% in the CG, a medium level by 42% in the EG and 52% in the CG, and a low level by 12% in the EG and 24% in the CG.

Effect of electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide on the efficacy of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children.

This study investigates the effect of electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide on the efficacy of treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 children with MPP treated at our hospital from April 2022 to April 2024. The patients were divided into an experimental group (50 cases) and a control group (50 cases) based to the treatment method. Both groups received routine treatment, however, the control group was treated with electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage alone, while the experimental group received electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide. The efficacy of the two treatments was compared. The experimental group showed a significantly higher overall effective rate than the control group (p<0.05). After treatment, the time for cough relief, lung rales resolution, fever reduction, and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.05). One week after treatment, the levels of tidal volume, vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Post-treatment levels of WBC and CRP were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the incidence of complications in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Electronic fibrobronchoscope alveolar lavage combined with local administration of budesonide improves the efficacy of treatment for children with MPP, enhances clinical indicators, reduces inflammation levels, and has high safety, making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Efficacy of 15-minute music intervention on nursing students' anxiety, self-efficacy, and performance in simulation testing: A randomized study

BackgroundAnxiety can negatively impact nursing students' confidence and performance during simulation-based training, leading to suboptimal learning outcomes. SampleThe study included 102 prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students. The participants (µage = 21.72, SD = 3.14), mostly female (n = 85, 83.33%) and Caucasian (n = 67, 65.69%), were randomized into control (n = 51) and experimental (n = 51) groups. MethodParticipants in the control group prepared for simulation as they usually would, while those in the experimental group listened to 15-minutes of classical music before their simulation sessions. Anxiety, self-efficacy, and instructor-assigned performance ratings during the simulation were evaluated. ResultsThe experimental group experienced significantly lower anxiety, increased self-efficacy, and higher performance scores compared to the control group (p-values < .001 for all measures). ConclusionThese results suggest that a 15-minute music-listening intervention could effectively reduce anxiety, boost self-efficacy, and improve performance during simulation-based training.

Planning and management of environmental education to promote educator’s environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviour

The increased burden on educators to promote environmental education has recently attracted research interest. Since environmental knowledge has insignificant direct effects on pro-environmental behaviour, it is important to devise effective teaching methods to reduce the burden on educators and promote environmental conservation. In this study, we examined whether the planning and practice of educating others promoted environmental consciousness in the educators. Twenty-four and twenty-two university students participated in the study as part of an experimental and active control group, respectively. The experimental group was asked to plan and manage events meant to educate children about the environment and help them feel comfortable in nature. As a result, compared to the beginning of the study, the experimental group participants exhibited increased environmental consciousness. This improvement could be attributed to the fact that the participants possibly altered their behaviour towards the environment, consistent with the nature conservation practices they presented to the children participating in the abovementioned events. These findings highlight how planning and managing environmental conservation events for others could influence and improve individuals’ environmental consciousness.

Application of Multi-Slice Spiral CT Renal Angiography Combined with Intraoperative Ultrasound in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of multi-slice spiral CT renal angiography combined with intraoperative ultrasound in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Eighty patients were seen at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2021 to December 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, the experimental group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group. The experimental group received laparoscopic partial nephrectomy combined with intraoperative ultrasound, while the control group received only conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The experimental group had significantly shorter operative time and intraoperative thermal ischaemia time (p <0.05) and had significant advantage in the detection of microscopic cancer foci (p = 0.04). The experimental group also had significantly lower of positive rate of postoperative incisal margin (p = 0.01). The experimental group had significantly lower of recurrence rate (p = 0.03). The study concluded that multi-slice spiral CT renal angiography combined with intraoperative ultrasound boasts various benefits in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma, it is safe and effective with no significant impact on renal function. Key Words: CT renal angiography, Intraoperative ultrasound, Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, Renal cancer.

Can positive emotional writing improve the emotional health level of international medical students? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are common psychological issues among international medical students in universities, which have serious negative impacts on their learning and life. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of positive emotional writing in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as enhancing subjective well-being among this population.MethodThis study was conducted at an international college of a comprehensive university in central China. A total of ninety-two participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited to participate in a single-blind randomized controlled trial, in which participants were not aware that there was an experimental group and a control group. Participants in control received daily psychological care weekly for 8 weeks (n = 46). Correspondingly, participants in experimental group received the positive emotional writing intervention on the basis of daily psychological care. Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and General Well-being Scale (GWB) were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention. Data from 89 students who completed the entire study (experimental group, n = 44; control group, n = 45) were analyzed.ResultsAfter the intervention, the scores of SDS and SAS in the experimental group significantly decreased, while the subjective well-being score significantly increased. Although the SAS score of the control group after intervention was significantly lower than before, the decrease in SDS and SAS scores, as well as the increase in GWB score, were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group.ConclusionThe findings suggest that positive emotional writing can effectively reduce the depression and anxiety of international medical students, and significantly enhance their subjective well-being, providing ideas for management to solve the psychological problems of international medical students.Trial registration numberChiCTR2400087815. Registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab, radiation therapy, and surgery versus radiation therapy and surgery for stage III soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity (SU2C-SARC032): an open-label, randomised clinical trial.

Approximately half of patients with localised, high-risk soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity develop metastases. We aimed to assess whether the addition of pembrolizumab to preoperative radiotherapy and surgery would improve disease-free survival. We completed an open-label, randomised clinical trial in patients with grade 2 or 3, stage III undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma or dedifferentiated or pleomorphic liposarcoma of the extremity and limb girdle. Patients were enrolled at 20 academic institutions in Australia, Canada, Italy, and the USA. Patients were randomly assigned to preoperative radiotherapy then surgery (control group) or preoperative pembrolizumab with radiotherapy (initiated 1-14 days after the first dose of pembrolizumab) then surgery and postoperative pembrolizumab (experimental group). Pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks) was administered as three neoadjuvant cycles (before, during, and after radiotherapy) and 14 or less adjuvant cycles. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival. This study is registered with ClincialTrials.gov (NCT03092323). Between Nov 18, 2017, and Nov 14, 2023, 143 participants were randomly assigned to treatment. A modified intention-to-treat analysis of 127 patients with median follow-up of 43 months showed that the experimental group (n=64) had significantly longer disease-free survival than the control group (n=63; log-rank one-sided p=0·035; hazard ratio [HR] 0·61; 90% CI 0·39-0·96). The 2-year disease-free survival increased by 15% with addition of pembrolizumab: 52% (90% CI 42-64) and 67% (90% CI 58-78) for the control and experimental groups, respectively. Disease-free survival was similarly improved with pembrolizumab for the intention-to-treat patient population (HR 0·61 [90% CI 0·39-0·95]). Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred more frequently in the experimental group (56%) than the control group (31%). Addition of pembrolizumab to preoperative radiotherapy and surgery improves disease-free survival for patients with stage III undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and pleomorphic or dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the extremity, which establishes a promising new treatment option for these patients. Stand Up to Cancer and Merck Sharp & Dohme.

Application of Multi-Slice Spiral CT Renal Angiography Combined with Intraoperative Ultrasound in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of multi-slice spiral CT renal angiography combined with intraoperative ultrasound in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Eighty patients were seen at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2021 to December 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, the experimental group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group. The experimental group received laparoscopic partial nephrectomy combined with intraoperative ultrasound, while the control group received only conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The experimental group had significantly shorter operative time and intraoperative thermal ischaemia time (p <0.05) and had significant advantage in the detection of microscopic cancer foci (p = 0.04). The experimental group also had significantly lower of positive rate of postoperative incisal margin (p = 0.01). The experimental group had significantly lower of recurrence rate (p = 0.03). The study concluded that multi-slice spiral CT renal angiography combined with intraoperative ultrasound boasts various benefits in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma, it is safe and effective with no significant impact on renal function. Key Words: CT renal angiography, Intraoperative ultrasound, Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, Renal cancer.

EFFECTS OF TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (tDCS) ASSOCIATED WITH BALANCE TRAINING IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PARKINSON'S: STUDY PROTOCOL FOR A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of balance training associated with cerebellar tDCS on postural control in individuals with PD. This is a randomized clinical trial in which individuals were allocated to an experimental group (EG) or placebo group (PG), in which a conventional protocol of 10 Physiotherapy sessions for locomotor training and postural control was applied. In the EG, tDCS was applied, with a current setting of 1.5 mA for 20 minutes simultaneously with postural control training. In the PG, tDCS was applied in sham mode, with the same electrode positioning and the same number of sessions as the EG. The sample compared 34 individuals with PD (EG: 17; PG: 17).Cerebellar tDCS associated with balance training may help improve postural control and balance in walkers with Parkinson's Disease. The hypothesis is, if walking improve, the benefits may be accompanied by better balance and reduced fear of falling, and individuals may experience greater free-living physical activity at home and in the community.

Effect of Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing on Pain in Patients with Metastatic Gastrointestinal Cancers

BackgroundPatients with gastrointestinal cancers commonly experience acute and chronic pain. This study aimed to determine the effect of deep diaphragmatic breathing on acute and chronic pain in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancers. MethodsThis clinical trial was conducted in Kermanshah-Iran in 2022. The sample consisted of 44 patients hospitalized in the oncology ward, who were selected by convenient sampling and randomly allocated into case and control groups. The case group performed diaphragmatic deep breathing intervention for 10 days, twice a day, for 10 minutes. The subjects completed pain assessment tools before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24. ResultsThe study included participants with a Mean and Standard Deviation(SD) age of 53.95 ± 10.51 years. The case and control groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. The mean and sd acute pain score before the intervention was 3.50±1.84 in the experimental group and 2.18±1.65 in the control group (p=0.01). However, after the intervention, the score decreased to 1.72±1.07 in the experimental group and increased to 3.72±1.95 in the control group (p=0.001). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of chronic pain before the intervention (p=0.07). However, after the intervention, the score decreased in the experimental group and increased in the control group, with a significant difference (p=0.01). ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that deep diaphragmatic breathing reduces pain in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Including this method as a routine care program for cancer patients is recommended.

The effect of therapeutic education program on hypertensive Tunisian patients' knowledge: a randomized controlled trial.

Hypertension is a prevalent non-communicable disease and unequivocally one of the most serious health threats of the twenty-first century. The prevention of both immediate and long-term consequences depends on ongoing therapeutic education. To assess Tunisian hypertensive patients' knowledge of hypertension and then evaluate the impact of an educational program on knowledge among this population. A randomized controlled trial was carried out among 639 hypertensive patients in Tunisia. The control group received only basic medical care, while the experimental group acquired additionally an educational program. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that included an information sheet and the Hypertension Knowledge Level Scale (HK-LS). Before to the implementation of the program, only 12.1% of the participants had a good level of knowledge about hypertension (12.8% for the experimental group, vs. 10.5% for the control group, P=0.57). Following the program's deployment, the rate of good level of knowledge became 63.6% for the experimental group vs. 11.4% for the control group, P<0.001). The results revealed that the experimental group showed a significant amelioration in the total score of the HK-LS: from 58.49 to 76.94%, P<0.0001. In contrast, no significant amelioration was noted in the control group. Concerning the six dimensions of the scale, the amelioration in the experimental group was observed in all dimensions, except the treatment dimension. Overall, the findings indicated low levels of knowledge about hypertension. This kind of approach proved an effective improvement in disease-related knowledge and may be essential for hypertension management.

The effect of pin distractor assistance on the reduction of fibular fractures in the treatment of ankle fracture: A retrospective case-control study.

This study will evaluate the therapeutic effect of pin distractor assisted reduction of fibular fracture on ankle fracture. A retrospective analysis was performed on 98 patients diagnosed as ankle fracture or pilon fracture. These patients were all combined with fibular fracture. Retrospective analysis included 48 patients in the experimental group (distractor assisted reduction) and 48 patients in the control group (without pin distractor). The statistical indexes include: the time spent in fracture reduction and fixation, the length of surgical incision, the operative blood loss of fracture operation, the incidence of incision skin necrosis, the incidence of fracture end splitting during reduction, the quality of fracture reduction, the time of fracture healing, infection rate, and The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at the last follow-up. There were statistical differences between the 2 groups in the time spent in the reduction and fixation of fractures, the incidence of fracture end splitting during reduction, the quality of anatomical reduction of fractures, and the healing time of fractures. The experimental group was better than the control group. In addition, for patients with long spiral fracture, comminuted fracture, osteoporotic fracture and preoperative delay time for operation more than 2 weeks, the time spent in the reduction and fixation of fracture, the operative blood loss of fracture operation, the incidence of fracture end splitting during reduction, the quality of anatomical reduction of fracture, and the healing time of fracture in the experimental group are also better than those in the control group. The pin distractor assisted reduction of fibular fracture has the advantages of simple operation, less trauma, short operation time, less operative blood loss, and fewer complications. It is especially suitable for patients with long spiral fibular fracture, comminuted fracture, osteoporotic fracture, and long preoperative delay time in ankle fracture.

Randomized trial of early exercise rehabilitation and its effects on patients with acute coronary syndrome

To assess the psychological and physiological benefits of early exercise rehabilitation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Among 559 ACS-diagnosed patients at Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital from January to December 2021, 200 eligible participants were assigned to two groups. The control group received standard care, while the experimental group received early exercise rehabilitation in addition to standard care. The outcomes measured included changes in depression levels (PHQ-9), fasting blood glucose, and troponin I (TnI) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with t tests and chi-square tests for group comparisons. In comparison to the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in PHQ-9 scores (P < 0.001) and lower fasting blood glucose levels before discharge (P = 0.046). Additionally, the experimental group had notably reduced TnI levels at 72 h after admission (P = 0.001), especially among non-diabetic NSTEMI patients over 60 years old, who showed decreased TnI levels at the 48-hour mark (P = 0.016). However, there were no significant differences in NT-ProBNP change values between the two groups (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed enhanced outcomes in the intervention group for ACS patients without smoking or drinking history and no heart failure (P = 0.025,P = 0.014,P = 0.018). Early exercise rehabilitation has notable benefits for ACS patients, including reduced depression, improved blood glucose control, and enhanced myocardial protection, especially in nondiabetic NSTEMI patients aged 60 and above.

Changes in intestinal flora associated with childhood sleep-disordered breathing and the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children

Objective:To explore the interaction between pediatric sleep-disordered breathing（SDB）, the intestinal microbiota, and pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD）. Methods:A total of 63 non-obese children（47 children with SDB in the experimental group and 16 without SDB in the control group） were enrolled in this study. The liver function and degree of SDB were assessed in both groups. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted to detect the composition and functional variations of the intestinal microbiota in the two groups of children. Results:Compared with children in the experimental group, serum ALT and AST levels were higher in the control group. and the relative proteobacteria abundance of intestinal flora increased, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased significantly. Function including membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism, were enriched in the intestinal microbiota of children with SDB. Conclusion:The composition and functional annotation of the pediatric liver functional status and gut microbiota were significantly different between the two groups of children with and without SDB. Changes in SDB-associated intestinal bacterial abundance may be related to the pathogenesis of pediatric NAFLD.

Multimodal intervention on perception and quality of life of geriatric clients regarding health promotional outcomes at a selected hospitals, Kolar, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT Background of Study: Old age is a privilege for a second childhood and a new stage of opportunity and strength. Older adults are the most rapidly growing segment of the population. By 2050, 80% of all older people will live in low- and middle-income countries. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal intervention on perception and quality of life among geriatric clients. Methods: Quantitative approach quasi-experimental interventional controlled study with pre-test, post-test design and follow-up for two months, adopted by using purposive sampling technique among 120 geriatric clients who gave consent for participation in the study at two different settings of hospitals from July 2022 to January 2023, Kolar. After obtaining Central Ethics Committee approval, data was obtained using the structured perception questionnaire and WHO Quality of Life questionnaire, and the Multimodal Intervention package consisting of a snake and ladder health promotion strategies game, educational video, and informational pamphlet distributed to the experimental group, whereas routine care was given to the control group followed by post-test group on the 30th and 60th day. Reinforcement was carried out by the investigator on a fortnightly basis reminders through messages. Data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics such as repeated measures of ANOVA, independent ‘t’- test, paired ‘t-test, and Chi-square. Results: A perception significant effect was demonstrated in the experimental group with enhanced mean, standard deviation from pre-test to post-test I and Post-test II found to be 35.1 ± 7.9, 46.3 ± 6.1, and 48.3 ± 4.7, respectively, without significant changes in the control group. Concerning quality of life, important variations were demonstrated in the experimental group with enhanced mean, SD from pre-test to post-test I and Post-test II found to be 54.76 ± 10.39, 74.15 ± 6.75 and 77.71 ± 4.99, respectively, without any significant changes in the control group. Conclusion: Geriatric population was the biggest beneficiary, multimodal intervention was proven to be effective and can be implemented in hospitals and community settings in improving the perception and quality of life of senior clients to foster healthy aging. CTRI Trial Reg no: CTRI/2021/07/034632.

The Effects of an Adler-oriented Parenting Group on Parenting Efficacy and Family Atmosphere Learning for Parents of the Gifted Students in Junior High School

&lt;p&gt;目前能夠回應青春期資優生特性及其家長特有需求的親職團體並不多見。本研究即在探討「阿德勒取向親職團體」對國中資優生家長在親職效能感與家庭氣氛等之立即性與持續性輔導效果。本研究採前、後測準實驗設計，以高雄市某國中12名資優生家長為對象，分為實驗組及控制組，實驗組接受每週一次，每次120分鐘，共八次16小時之親職團體。本研究工具為親職效能感量表（由家長填寫）及家庭氣氛量表（由子女填寫）。兩組成員在團體開始一週前進行前測，團體結束一週內進行後測，並於結束第四週進行追蹤測。實驗組成員於團體前七次結束時填寫回饋表，並於團體最後一次結束時填寫總回饋表。研究者在團體結束後進行實驗組成員個別訪談，藉以暸解成員在參與團體後的改變情形。資料分析後發現如下：1.能立即提升整體親職效能感與人際溝通；2.能立即提升整體家庭氣氛與家庭溝通；3.能持續提升整體親職效能感、學習引導與生活督導；4.整體家庭氣氛、家庭關係與家庭溝通持續提升。本研究提出親子聯合參與團體、增加家長自我探索、納入資優學生訪談等具體建議，作為輔導應用之參考。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The purpose of the study is to explore the immediate and continuous counseling effects of an Adlerian-oriented parenting group on parenting efficacy and family atmosphere for parents of the gifted students in junior high school. The research used a quasi-experimental design. Participants were twelve parents of gifted students in a junior high school. Six parents were in the experimental group and Six parents were in a control group. The participants in the experimental group attended 8-week group counseling sessions for two hours per week. Members of the two groups took a pre-test one week before the start of the group, a post-test within one week after the end of the group, and a follow-up test in the fourth week afterwards. Members of the experimental group filled out the feedback form at the end of the first session, and the general feedback form at the end of the last group. The researcher conducted individual interviews with the members of the experimental group after the group. Four significant results were found for those who joined the Adlerian-oriented parenting group. First, parents of the gifted students in junior high school who participated in the parenting group could immediately improve the overall parenting efficacy and &amp;quot;interpersonal communication&amp;quot;. Second, parents of the gifted students in junior high school could immediately improve the overall family atmosphere and &amp;quot;family communication&amp;quot; after participating in the parenting group. Third, parents of the gifted students in junior high school can continue to improve the overall parenting efficacy, &amp;quot;learning-guidance&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;life-supervision&amp;quot; after participating in the parenting group. Fourth, parents of the gifted students in junior high school could continue to improve the family atmosphere, &amp;quot;family relationship&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;family communication&amp;quot; after participating in the parenting group. Suggestions as above can be references to applications for the counseling and research in the future.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Efficacy of a Wearable Activity Tracker With Step-by-Step Goal-Setting on Older Adults' Physical Activity and Sarcopenia Indicators: Clustered Trial.

Smart wearable technology has potential benefits for promoting physical activity and preventing sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of a wearable activity tracker with 2-stage goal-setting for daily steps on older adults' physical activity and sarcopenia indicators. The study used a clustered trial design and was conducted in March to June 2022. Participants were community-dwelling adults older than 60 years who were recruited from 4 community centers in Taipei City. The intervention was designed with 2-stage goals set to 5000 steps/day in the first 4 weeks and 7500 steps/day in the final 4 weeks while wearing a commercial wearable activity tracker. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires, a body composition analyzer, a handle grip tester, and 5 sit-to-stand tests. All 27 participants in the experimental group and 31 participants in the control group completed the 8-week intervention. Total and light-intensity physical activities, skeletal muscle index, and muscle strength increased, while sedentary time, BMI, and the waist circumference of participants decreased in the experimental group, with significant group-by-time interactions compared to the control group. A wearable activity tracker with gradual goal-setting is an efficient approach to improve older adults' physical activity and sarcopenia indicators. Smart wearable products with behavioral change techniques are recommended to prevent sarcopenia in older adult populations.