Mean Deviation Statistics Research Articles

Stabilization of the wheel running phenotype in mice

PurposeIncreased physical activity is well known to improve health and wellness by modifying the risks for many chronic diseases. Rodent wheel running behavior is a beneficial surrogate model to evaluate the biology of daily physical activity in humans. Upon initial exposure to a running wheel, individual mice differentially respond to the experience, which confounds the normal activity patterns exhibited in this otherwise repeatable phenotype. To promote phenotypic stability, a minimum seven-day (or greater) acclimation period is utilized. Although phenotypic stabilization is achieved during this 7-day period, data to support acclimation periods of this length are not currently available in the literature. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the wheel running response in C57BL/6j mice immediately following exposure to a running wheel. MethodsTwenty-eight male and thirty female C57BL/6j mice (Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME) were acquired at eight weeks of age and were housed individually with free access to running wheels. Wheel running distance (km), duration (min), and speed (m∙min−1) were measured daily for fourteen days following initial housing. One-way ANOVAs were used to evaluate day-to-day differences in each wheel running character. Limits of agreement and mean difference statistics were calculated between days 1–13 (acclimating) and day 14 (acclimated) to assess day-to-day agreement between each parameter. ResultsWheel running distance (males: F=5.653, p=2.14×10−9; females: F=8.217, p=1.20×10−14), duration (males: F=2.613, p=0.001; females: F=4.529, p=3.28×10−7), and speed (males: F=7.803, p=1.22×10−13; females: F=13.140, p=2.00×10−16) exhibited day-to-day differences. Tukey's HSD post-hoc testing indicated differences between early (males: days 1–3; females: days 1–6) and later (males: days >3; females: days >6) wheel running periods in distance and speed. Duration only exhibited an anomalous difference between wheel running on day 13 and wheel running on days 1 through 4 in males. In females, duration exhibited anomalous differences due to abnormally depressed wheel running on day 6 and abnormally elevated wheel running on day 14. Limits of agreement and mean difference statistics indicated stable phenotypic variability with an up-trending daily mean for distance and speed that stabilized within the first three days in males and within eight days in females. Duration exhibited stable variability after nine days in males and after seven days in females. ConclusionAlthough it is common practice to allow a prolonged (≥seven day) acclimation period prior to recording wheel running data, the current study suggests that phenotypic stabilization of all three indices is achieved at different times with distance and speed exhibiting stability by day three in males and day eight in females. Duration exhibits stability by day nine in males and day seven in females.

Gini’s mean difference and variance as measures of finite populations scales

We consider Gini’s mean difference statistic as an alternative to the empirical variance in the settings of finite populations, where simple random samples are drawn without replacement. In particular, we discuss specific (in the finite-population context) estimation strategies for a scale of the population, related to the alternative statistic in a possible presence of outliers in the data. The paper also presents a wide comparative survey of properties of Gini’s mean difference statistic and the empirical variance. It includes asymptotic properties of both statistics: the asymptotic normality, one-term Edgeworth expansions, and bootstrap approximations for Studentized versions of the statistics. Estimation of the variances and other parameters of the statistics is also studied, where we use auxiliary information available on the population elements. Theoretical results are illustrated by a simulation study.

Psychoeducation for siblings of people with severe mental illness.

Many people with severe mental illness (SMI) have siblings. Siblings are often both natural agents to promote service users' recovery and vulnerable to mental ill health due to the negative impact of psychosis within the family. Despite a wealth of research evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychoeducation for service users with SMI and their family members, in reducing relapse and promoting compliance with treatment, siblings remain relatively invisible in clinical service settings as well as in research studies. If psychoeducational interventions target siblings and improve siblings' knowledge, coping with caring and overall wellbeing, they could potentially provide a cost-effective option for supporting siblings with resulting benefits for service users' outcomes. To assess the effectiveness of psychoeducation compared with usual care or any other intervention in promoting wellbeing and reducing distress of siblings of people affected by SMI.The secondary objective was, if possible, to determine which type of psychoeducation is most effective. We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register and screened the reference lists of relevant reports and reviews (12th November 2013). We contacted trial authors for unpublished and specific data on siblings' outcomes. All relevant randomised controlled trials focusing on psychoeducational interventions targeting siblings of all ages (on their own or amongst other family members including service users) of individuals with SMI, using any means and formats of delivery, i.e. individual (family), groups, computer-based. Two review authors independently screened the abstracts and extracted data and two other authors independently checked the screening and extraction process. We contacted authors of trials to ascertain siblings' participation in the trials and seek sibling-specific data in those studies where siblings' data were grouped together with other participants' (most commonly other family members'/carers') outcomes. We calculated the risk difference (RD), its 95% confidence interval (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis. We presented continuous data using the mean difference statistic (MD) and 95% CIs. We assessed risk of bias for the included study and rated quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). We found 14 studies that included siblings amongst other family members in receipt of psychoeducational interventions. However, we were only able to include one small trial with relevant and available data (n = 9 siblings out of n = 84 family member/carer-participants) comparing psychoeducational intervention with standard care in a community care setting, over a duration of 21 months. There was insufficient evidence to determine the effects of psychoeducational interventions compared with standard care on 'siblings' quality of life' (n = 9, MD score 3.80 95% CI -0.26 to 7.86, low quality of evidence), coping with (family) burden (n = 9, MD -8.80 95% CI -15.22 to -2.34, low quality of evidence). No sibling left the study early by one year (n = 9, RD 0.00 CI -0.34 to 0.34, low quality of evidence). Low quality and insufficient evidence meant we were unable to determine the effects of psychoeducational interventions compared with standard care on service users' global mental state (n = 9, MD -0.60 CI -3.54 to 2.38, low quality of evidence), their frequency of re-hospitalisation (n = 9, MD -0.70 CI -2.46 to 1.06, low quality of evidence) or duration of inpatient stay (n = 9, MD -2.60 CI -6.34 to 1.14, low quality of evidence), whether their siblings received psychoeducation or not. No study data were available to address the other primary outcomes: 'siblings' psychosocial wellbeing', 'siblings' distress' and adverse effects. Most studies evaluating psychoeducational interventions recruited siblings along with other family members. However, the proportion of siblings in these studies was low and outcomes for siblings were not reported independently from those of other types of family members. Indeed, only data from one study with nine siblings were available for the review. The limited study data we obtained provides no clear good quality evidence to indicate psychoeducation is beneficial for siblings' wellbeing or for clinical outcomes of people affected by SMI. More randomised studies are justified and needed to understand the role of psychoeducation in addressing siblings' needs for information and support.

Aesthetic and Functional Mandibular Reconstruction With Immediate Dental Implants in a Free Fibular Flap and a Low-Profile Reconstruction Plate

Aesthetic and functional mandibular reconstruction can be achieved in 1-stage. It involves simultaneous dental implant placement in a free vascularized fibula transfer with a low-profile reconstruction plate. The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative aesthetic profile and oral functional result. Ten patients with a mean age of 31.6 years and an average follow-up time of 83.7 months underwent 1-staged mandibular reconstructions after segmental mandibulectomies. Simultaneous dental implantation was placed at the fibular segment according to the maxillary dentition. The fibula-implant construct was stabilized superiorly with miniplates and an additional low-profile reconstruction plate recreated the inferior mandibular contour. Any remaining vascularized soft tissue was used for augmentation. Palatal mucosa grafts were placed around the dental implant healing abutment at the uncovering stage surface. Aesthetic profile and oral function were evaluated postoperatively for 5 years. All microsurgical transplantations were successful. None of the patients required subsequent revisions. All patients completed prosthodontic rehabilitation. All patients had palatal mucosal grafts placed around the dental implants. The mean probing pocket depths were shallower around the implants, 3.09 ± 0.82 mm at mesial, 3.33 ± 1.05 mm at distal, 3.02 ± 1.13 mm at buccal, and 3.23 ± 1.17 mm at lingual surfaces. Radiographs revealed no statistical differences in mean of the mesial [0.27 ± 0.26 mm] and distal [0.33 ± 0.25 mm] of peri-implant bone loss. The prosthetic load mean follow-up time was 71.7 months with a satisfactory implant-supported prosthesis. Two slender female patients palpated the reconstruction plate beneath the soft tissue envelope. This approach is selectively fashioned for patients with benign disease when the overlying soft tissue drape is adequate. The technique described results in improved appearance and function through definition of the lower third of the face and simultaneous dental implant replacement.

Effectiveness of a satellite educational television program for Ethiopian secondary education

This study examined the actual practice and effectiveness of a satellite educational TV program in Ethiopian secondary schools. Participants in the survey were 228 students and 63 teachers from secondary schools. The results of the data analysis indicate that Ethiopian students and teachers scored highly in the evaluation areas. Levels of students’ general satisfaction with the satellite educational TV program were not equal for the variables of location and gender. It was also found that for students, learning demand, learning content, and class management were factors affecting their satisfaction with the satellite educational TV programs. For teachers, learning content and class management were the factors. The statistical mean difference in the satisfaction with the satellite educational TV program was between students and teachers. These findings suggest that the satellite educational TV program has the possibility of improving the quality of education in Ethiopian secondary schools.

Skeletal Stability of Patients Undergoing Maxillomandibular Advancement for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

To determine the long-term stability of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent MMA and genial tubercle advancement (GTA) for treatment of OSA. Patients were included if they 1) were older than 19 years; 2) had a confirmatory polysomnogram; 3) underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split osteotomies, and GTA; 4) had adequate radiographic documentation; and 5) at least 11 months of follow-up. Exclusion criteria included previous orthognathic or other maxillofacial surgery. Predictor variables were the presence of OSA treated by MMA, pre- and postoperative orthodontia or no orthodontia, length of follow-up, and magnitude of advancement. The outcome variable was the stability of MMA judged by clinical examination and cephalometric measurements. Standardized lateral cephalometric measurements were performed preoperatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), and at the latest follow-up beyond 11 months (T2). Differences in cephalometric measurements were calculated between time points (T0 to T1 and T1 to T2) for the overall group and for patients who had orthodontia (group 1) and those who did not (group 2). A correlation analysis using length of follow-up and magnitude of advancement as predictor variables of stability was completed. For all analyses, a P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. During the 9-year study period, 120 patients with OSA were evaluated and 112 had operative treatment; 25 patients specifically had MMA and GTA, met the inclusion criteria, and formed the study sample. The mean maxillary and mandibular advancements (T1 vs T0) were 9.48 mm (range, 1.6 to 15.2 mm) and 10.85 mm (range, 6.3 to 15.8 mm), respectively. From T1 to T2, no occlusal changes occurred. Changes in the subgroup analyses included a decrease in the angle formed by the sella, nasion, and A point (SNA) and the angle formed by the nasion and A and B points (ANB) and an increase in the angle formed by the mandibular plane (gnathion and gonion) to a line from the sella to the nasion in group 1 and a decrease in ANB in group 2. The only statistical mean difference in cephalometric measurements between groups was in the distance between the condylion and the gnathion. There was no correlation between length of follow-up (mean, 27.84 months) and changes in cephalometric measurements. Results of this study indicate that although there were changes in the SNA and ANB from T1 to T2 suggesting maxillary relapse, the mean difference was no greater than 1° and no patients developed amalocclusion; therefore, the changes were considered clinically minor. Advancement of the maxillomandibular complex by 10 mm for treatment of OSA remains stable at a mean follow-up period longer than 2years and preoperative orthodontic treatment does not appear to influence skeletal stability.

Language, Ethnicity and Conflict: Applying Linguistic Measure to Prevent Ethnic Violence in Middle Belt Nigeria

This research highlights the efficacy of community-based language planning initiatives in ethnic conflict and violence prevention. As a threshold which elucidates how linguistic measures can help to prevent inter-ethnic violence, the research illustrates that where ethnic safeguarding reaches the extremity of violence, language issues are found to have covert but very strong causal roles as manifested in the ethnic violent conflicts affecting Nigeria’s Middle-Belt including the Berom/Afizere/Anaguta versus Hausa/Fulani; Taroh versus Hausa/Fulani (Plateau State); Tiv versus Etulo (Benue State); Tiv versus Jukun (Benue and Taraba States); and Jukun versus Kuteb (Taraba State). Paired t-test values set at a confidence interval of 95 per cent indicate that the statistical mean differences (1.60 in Tiv/Jukun and 9.60 in the Jos area) are close to the true difference occurrences in the randomly sampled populations. More significant are the two tailed P values of 0.5895 (Tiv/Jukun) showing low bilingualism; and 0.3477 (Jos area) depicting more acute bilingualism decline associated with the ethnic violence. The research then considers the application of linguistic measures vital to prevent ethnic violence. In particular, critiqued aspects of the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scales (EGIDS) are recommended to ethnic communities, voluntary organisations and governments for implementation in dealing with violent conflicts.

Anatomic Variations in Pulmonary Perfusion and Ventilation Per Quantitative MAA and DTPA SPECT/CT in Patients Receiving Thoracic Radiation Therapy

Anatomic Variations in Pulmonary Perfusion and Ventilation Per Quantitative MAA and DTPA SPECT/CT in Patients Receiving Thoracic Radiation Therapy

Effects of Antibiotics on Bone and Soft-Tissue Healing Following Immediate Single-Tooth Implant Placement Into Sites With Apical Pathology.

Overprescription of antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance problems, leading to life-threatening illnesses and public health crises. Clinicians often believe antibiotics can prevent dental implant failure and postoperative complications. In conjunction with implant surgery, antibiotics are therefore routinely prescribed for all cases. In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, the effects of antibiotics on the clinical outcomes of immediate implant placement upon replacing a tooth with an apical pathology were examined to compare antibiotics (n = 10) and placebo (n = 10). In each subject, a tooth with a chronic apical lesion was extracted, thoroughly curetted, irrigated, and replaced with single implant with a screw-retained custom provisional abutment/crown. Postoperative pain/discomfort was measured at 1- and 4-week postsurgical follow-up visits using visual analog scales. Facial alveolar bone and soft-tissue changes were measured using pre- and postoperative cone-beam computerized tomography and impressions. We found survival rates of 100% (antibiotics) and 78% (control). However, there was no statistical difference in means for any clinical outcome (t tests with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing), except for midfacial soft-tissue changes: 0.43 mm (SD, 0.76) in the antibiotics group and 1.70 mm (SD, 1.06) in the placebo group (t15 = -2.89, P = .011). The average change of the midfacial alveolar plate was 0.62 mm (SD, 0.46) and 1.34 mm (SD, 0.91) for the antibiotic and placebo groups, respectively, which did not significantly differ statistically. No significant correlation (Spearman correlation) existed between the changes in facial alveolar bone and the facial gingival margin. Antibiotics appear to have little effect on immediate implant treatment outcomes.

Disease activity assessment in ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese cohort: BASDAI or ASDAS?

Recently, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), a new index, has been shown to be validated and highly discriminatory in assessing ankylosing spondylitis (AS) disease activity. This study is to evaluate the performance of ASDAS in a local Chinese cohort of AS in a cross-sectional setting and to compare it with the existing instrument, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Consecutive patients with AS were recruited from a local rheumatology clinic. Data, including BASDAI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for spinal pain, and patient and physician global assessments were gathered during clinic visit. Inflammatory markers, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP were collected. ASDAS was calculated accordingly. The discriminatory capacity of BASDAI and ASDAS was compared by: (1) standardized mean difference statistics, (2) R (2) in linear regressions, and (3) area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in logistic regression models. Both ASDAS and BASDAI showed satisfactory predictive value on disease activity with reference to patient and physician global assessment. R (2) in linear regression models ranged from 0.6-0.7. Both indices also demonstrated good discriminatory capacity as evidenced by a relatively high AUC (> 0.8) under the logistic regression models using either patient or physician global assessment score ≥4 and <4 as cut off of high and low disease activity status, respectively. Although we could not demonstrate significant differences in the performance between them, subgroup analysis suggested better discriminatory ability of ASDAS in the high inflammatory marker subgroup. ASDAS and BASDAI showed similarly good performance in a cross-sectional setting in a local Chinese AS cohort. ASDAS performed better in subgroup with raised inflammatory markers.

TEACHERS PERCEPTION OF PUNISHMENT AS CONTROL METHODS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

&#x0D; This study examines teachers perception of punishment as control methods for secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State the rate of indiscipline amongst students in our secondary schools has assumed an alarming magnitude which has occasioned or elicited various control methods as perceived by teachers. The research design adopted was descriptive. The finding of the study revealed that, there is no significant difference between the professional training of a teacher in the perception on the enforcement of punishment by the teacher due to sex. Data was analyzed using descriptive, frequency count and t-test of mean difference statistics with SPSS. The study recommends that opportunities should be made available for both serving teachers and principals to attend in service training programmes, seminars and workshops on the control of students behaviour and punishment. At every level in the course of training a teacher should have some aspects of the legal implication of teachers actions and behaviour should be taught in order to minimize the rate of litigation by parents and students against school authorities.&#x0D;

Analysis and meta-analysis of single-case designs: An introduction

The last 10years have seen great progress in the analysis and meta-analysis of single-case designs (SCDs). This special issue includes five articles that provide an overview of current work on that topic, including standardized mean difference statistics, multilevel models, Bayesian statistics, and generalized additive models. Each article analyzes a common example across articles and presents syntax or macros for how to do them. These articles are followed by commentaries from single-case design researchers and journal editors. This introduction briefly describes each article and then discusses several issues that must be addressed before we can know what analyses will eventually be best to use in SCD research. These issues include modeling trend, modeling error covariances, computing standardized effect size estimates, assessing statistical power, incorporating more accurate models of outcome distributions, exploring whether Bayesian statistics can improve estimation given the small samples common in SCDs, and the need for annotated syntax and graphical user interfaces that make complex statistics accessible to SCD researchers. The article then discusses reasons why SCD researchers are likely to incorporate statistical analyses into their research more often in the future, including changing expectations and contingencies regarding SCD research from outside SCD communities, changes and diversity within SCD communities, corrections of erroneous beliefs about the relationship between SCD research and statistics, and demonstrations of how statistics can help SCD researchers better meet their goals.

A Probability Weighting Function for Cumulative Prospect Theory and Mean-Gini Approach to Optimal Portfolio Investment

This paper presents a new two-parameter probability weighting function for Tversky and Kahneman (1992) cumulative prospect theory as well as its special cases — Quiggin (1981) rank-dependent utility and Yaari (1987) dual model. The proposed probability weighting function can be inverse S-shaped (concave near probability zero and convex near probability one), S-shaped, globally convex and globally concave. Utility function of Yaari (1987) dual model with the proposed probability weighting function is a linear tradeoff between the lottery’s expected value (i.e. the first L-moment), Gini (1912) mean difference statistic (or the second L-moment, known as L-scale) and the third L-moment (measuring the lottery’s skewness). Two parameters of the proposed probability weighting function can be interpreted as a decision maker’s sensitivity to the dispersion and skewness of lottery’s outcomes. A decision maker who prefers positively skewed distributions (e.g., a small chance to win a highly desirable outcome) and dislikes negatively skewed distributions generally has an inverse S-shaped probability weighting function. This function crosses the 45° line at a probability smaller (greater) than 0.5 if a decision maker is also averse (attracted) to the dispersion of outcomes. Cumulative prospect theory with our proposed probability weighting function can rationalize the common ratio effect (i.e. a systematic fanning-out of indifference curves) in one type of common ratio problems as well as the reverse common ratio effect (i.e. a systematic fanning-in) — in another type of common ratio problems, in accordance with the recent experimental evidence.

Analysis and meta-analysis of single-case designs with a standardized mean difference statistic: A primer and applications

This article presents a d-statistic for single-case designs that is in the same metric as the d-statistic used in between-subjects designs such as randomized experiments and offers some reasons why such a statistic would be useful in SCD research. The d has a formal statistical development, is accompanied by appropriate power analyses, and can be estimated using user-friendly SPSS macros. We discuss both advantages and disadvantages of d compared to other approaches such as previous d-statistics, overlap statistics, and multilevel modeling. It requires at least three cases for computation and assumes normally distributed outcomes and stationarity, assumptions that are discussed in some detail. We also show how to test these assumptions. The core of the article then demonstrates in depth how to compute d for one study, including estimation of the autocorrelation and the ratio of between case variance to total variance (between case plus within case variance), how to compute power using a macro, and how to use the d to conduct a meta-analysis of studies using single-case designs in the free program R, including syntax in an appendix. This syntax includes how to read data, compute fixed and random effect average effect sizes, prepare a forest plot and a cumulative meta-analysis, estimate various influence statistics to identify studies contributing to heterogeneity and effect size, and do various kinds of publication bias analyses. This d may prove useful for both the analysis and meta-analysis of data from SCDs.

Is Fasting Duration Time Important in Post Adenotonsillectomy Feeding Time?

Background:Adenotonsillectomy is a common otolaryngology surgery. Nausea and vomiting are the most common complications of this procedure with a prevalence ranging from 49% to 73 %.Objectives:Our aim was to evaluate the effects of short time fasting protocol on decreasing postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and initiation of oral feeding after adenotonsillectomy.Patients and Methods:120 children aged 4 to 14 years candidates for adenotonsillectomy were randomly divided into intervention and control groups (n = 120, 60 in each group). Each patient of the intervention group was given oral dextrose 10% as much volume as he could consume at 3 and 6 hours prior to the operation. All the data including pain severity, nausea and vomiting of the patients, the time of oral feeding initiation etc. were gathered in checklists after the operation. Statistical analyses were then performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 16. Descriptive statistical methods and mean difference test for independent groups and chi square test or Fisher exact test, and if regression needed model test were applied. A P value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant.Results:The amount of Acetaminophen administered for the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group, and also the time of oral feeding initiation was significantly shorter in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.005). Pain severity at all occasions following surgery was significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.001). Although frequency of nausea at recovery time was significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.002), there were no significant differences in frequency of nausea between the two groups at other postoperative occasions. Postoperative vomiting frequency was not significant between the two groups at any occasions.Conclusions:The findings of this survey showed that shortening the duration of pre-adenotonsillectomy fasting period and hydration of patients several hours prior to the operation might be effective in decreasing postoperative pain and facilitating postoperative oral feeding initiation. Nevertheless this method does not seem to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Longitudinal Charge Nurse Leadership Development and Evaluation

The study's aim was to examine longitudinal outcomes of a leadership program for permanent and relief charge nurse from 1996 to 2012 using action research and Kouzes and Posner's The Leadership Challenge conceptual frameworks. Charge nurses hold significant oversight of patient safety, quality, and team functioning. This study contributes knowledge regarding charge nurse leadership and organization outcomes associated with these essential roles over time. Data were collected over 6 time periods using Kouzes and Posner's The Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) and internally developed action research tools. Surveys were aligned with leadership and work environment changes to examine outcomes. Charge nurse leadership LPI mean ratings improved. Relief charge nurses reached similar LPI outcomes by 2012, with no statistical differences in mean or domain scores. Action research methods facilitated executive decision making during change processes. Demographics shifted with younger charge nurses with less practice experience serving as charge nurses in the most recent years. Charge nurse leadership reported significant gains despite institutional changes and uneven delivery of educational interventions.

A d-statistic for single-case designs that is equivalent to the usual between-groups d-statistic

We describe a standardised mean difference statistic (d) for single-case designs that is equivalent to the usual d in between-groups experiments. We show how it can be used to summarise treatment effects over cases within a study, to do power analyses in planning new studies and grant proposals, and to meta-analyse effects across studies of the same question. We discuss limitations of this d-statistic, and possible remedies to them. Even so, this d-statistic is better founded statistically than other effect size measures for single-case design, and unlike many general linear model approaches such as multilevel modelling or generalised additive models, it produces a standardised effect size that can be integrated over studies with different outcome measures. SPSS macros for both effect size computation and power analysis are available.

AB0922 Disease activity assessment in ankylosing spondylitis: Basdai or asdas?

BackgroundRecently, a new index, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease activity Score (ASDAS), has been shown to be a validated and highly discriminatory instrument in assessing disease activity.ObjectivesTo evaluate the performance of...

Effect of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) for people with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the effect of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) on improving cognitive functions in patients with stroke. Researchers performed a literature search using computerized databases such as the Cochrane Database, EBSCO (CINAHL), PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science. The following keywords were used: stroke, computer-based, cognitive rehabilitation, and others. The methodological quality was evaluated. Statistical heterogeneity and standardized mean difference were used to compute the overall effect size and that of subgroups. Also publication bias of the selected studies was analysed. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria including a total of 461 stroke survivors. Among studies, six RCT studies were rated as high methodological quality. Overall effect size was medium 0.54, and the 95% confidence interval was 0.33-0.74. The effect sizes of acute and chronic phase of stroke were both 0.54. They can be interpreted as medium effect size and were statistically significant. The statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were not significant. The present study provides evidence that CBCR is effective on improving cognitive function after stroke. We recommend conducting meta-analysis on subgroups of CBCR programs in further studies.

Physiological and Biomechanical Analysis of a Foot‐Tapping Device

Fidgeting may be effective to increase daily energy expenditure. The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of foot tapping using a variable resistance device in subjects in different age ranges with no lower extremity limitations. The subjects were young, 19–34 years (M: 7, F: 7), middle aged, 35–54 years (M: 4, F: 3), and older, &gt;;55 years (M: 4, F: 4) adults. Movement factors of the limb were measured with accelerometry, goniometry, and electromyography and whole body metabolic cost was assessed. Subjects performed eight 5‐minute conditions (toe and heel, low resistance versus higher resistance, and speed, 100 bpm and 140 bpm) with each separated by a recovery period. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA at an alpha level of 0.05. There were no statistical differences in either mean or peak shank acceleration, tibialis anterior or gastrocnemius average Integrated EMG, ankle range of motion, or metabolic cost for younger and middle aged subjects. For older adults, METs were statistically different in Toe‐Low Resistance‐100 (TL100) versus Heel‐High Resistance‐140 (HH140), TL100 at 1.06±0.17 versus HH140 1.27±0.28. The TL100 versus HH140 comparison was at the extreme of the conditions, lowest contrasted with highest. However, the slight increase in the mean values of 0.19 METs probably would not have a consequential effect on metabolic cost. At the average weight of the older adult subjects tested, approximately two kilocalories per minute would be expended.