Non-intervention Control Group Research Articles

The Effect of Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua) on Sperm Parameters of Infertile Men: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements can increase sperm quality. This study aimed to summarize the available evidence about the effects of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements on sperm quality and reproductive hormones in infertile men. Systematic searches of five databases were conducted from inception to October 20, with the last update on November 20, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements with nonintervention control groups on infertile man. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2. Summary effect size measures were calculated using a random-effects model estimation and are reported as standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines. The analysis included four studies involving 236 infertile men. It was found that sperm motility of infertile men improved after carob intervention (MD:11.30, 95% CI:5.97 to 16.64, Z = 4.15, p < 0.00001), and there was a significant difference compared to control groups. The effect size of carob on semen quantity in infertile men was positive, and the relationship was statistically significant (MD:5.42, 95% CI:1.58 to 9.42, Z = 2.77, p = 0.006). When hormone parameters of infertile men were analyzed, the MDA (malondialdehyde) value decreased compared to the control group (MD = -4.81, 95% CI: -10.18 to 0.56, Z = 1.76, p = 0.08), and there was a significant difference between them. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements was associated with improvement in sperm quality compared with nonintervention control groups in infertile man. However, high-quality, larger RCTs are required to draw more definitive conclusions.

Effects of Christian REACH forgiveness intervention to reduce aggressiveness in adolescents with conduct disorder

AbstractWhile there have been significant advances in the treatment of conduct disorder (CD), there is still a need to seek and develop therapeutic solutions that can overcome the poor long‐term prognosis. In this evidence‐based research, we evaluated the effect of immediate REACH Forgiveness training on the severity of aggressiveness among adolescents with CD. The purposive sample consisted of 32 Catholics aged 15–18 randomly placed in an experimental or nonintervention control group. Participants in the experimental group were subjected to an immediate REACH Forgiveness session for Christians, which lasted 6 h, while participants in the control group played board games and spent time together in the day care center during this time. The scores obtained by adolescents in the experimental group regarding forgiveness (decisional and emotional) and aggressiveness (anger, physical aggression, verbal aggression, and hostility) improved under REACH Forgiveness training, and these positive effects were still evident 1 month after the intervention (while the control scores did not change in a statistically significant way). The data obtained indicate that the Christian version of REACH can provide important support for other forms of psychopedagogical therapy in adolescent Catholics with CD in reducing aggressive behavior.

The effects of high intensity interval training on quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Aim This study aimed to ascertain the impact of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical, mental, and overall quality of life (QoL) through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Subject and methods A systematic search for relevant trials was performed via PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Web of science as well as the manual screening of prior meta-analyses and their respective reference lists (PROSPERO reference: CRD42022326576). Adult controlled trials investigating the effects of a &gt;2-week HIIT intervention with an eligible non-intervention control group were considered. As the primary outcome, studies were required to include at least one measure of physical and/or mental and/or overall QoL, on any validated QoL domain, pre and post intervention. Results Twenty-two studies with twenty-four effect sizes were included; seventeen comparing HIIT and overall QoL, fourteen comparing HIIT and physical QoL and thirteen studies comparing HIIT and mental QoL. There was a statistically significant improvement in physical (SMD= 0.405, 95% CI: 0.110- 0.700, p= 0.007), mental (SMD= 0.473, 95% CI: 0.043 –0.902, p=0.031) and overall QoL (SMD= 0.554, 95% CI 0.210-0.898, p=0.002) following a program of HIIT. Secondary analysis of 5 studies comparing HIIT against moderate intensity continuous training demonstrated no significant difference in improvement between the two modes (SMD= -0.094, CI= -0.506-0.318, p=0.655). Conclusion Engaging in HIIT produces statistically significant improvements in physical, mental, and overall quality of life in clinical and non-clinical populations at a small to moderate effect size. Furthermore, HIIT appears as effective as MICT in improving overall QoL, offering a more time-efficient exercise option.

The minimally important difference for the Xerostomia Inventory among Sjögren's disease patients.

Until now, the clinically relevant improvement for the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) has not been defined. Therefore, our aim was to determine the Minimally Important Difference (MID) of the XI for improvement in dry-mouth symptoms in SjD patients. The study recruited 34 SjD patients who underwent sialendoscopy of major salivary glands and 15 SjD patients in a nonintervention control group. XI scores were assessed at several time points. The MID was determined from the mean difference in XI scores between the groups with and without improvement. In the control group, no significant XI score changes were seen. In the sialendoscopy group, a clinically relevant XI score change of four scale points was identified after 1 week. For a prolonged duration (≥16 weeks), a minimum reduction of seven scale points in the XI score was required to indicate clinically relevant improvement. In SjD patients, a minimum change of four points in the XI score indicates a clinically relevant improvement for evaluating short-term effects. For prolonged effects, a clinically relevant improvement requires a MID of seven points. The determination of the MID in XI could assist in future studies that evaluate changes in xerostomia.

Effects of a brief self-compassion intervention for college students with impostor phenomenon.

The present study used a latent growth curve modeling approach to (a) examine the effectiveness of a brief self-compassion intervention on reducing impostor phenomenon, maladaptive perfectionism, and psychological distress and (b) explore who would benefit more from this intervention. A total of 227 college students at a large Midwest university were randomly assigned to participate in either a 4-week brief self-compassion intervention group or a nonintervention control group. Analyses of the effectiveness of the intervention suggested the brief self-compassion intervention had significant treatment effects for reducing impostor phenomenon and maladaptive perfectionism. Moreover, this study also examined whether participants with different levels of fear of self-compassion and core self-evaluation would report different levels of treatment effectiveness. Fear of self-compassion was found to be a significant moderator of the intervention effects in reducing maladaptive perfectionism and psychological distress. Specifically, participants in the intervention group with higher levels of fear of self-compassion reported a greater decline in both maladaptive perfectionism and psychological distress over time when compared to those with lower levels of fear of self-compassion. Core self-evaluation significantly moderated the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing participants' levels of impostor phenomenon and maladaptive perfectionism. Specifically, participants in the intervention group with lower core self-evaluation reported a greater reduction in maladaptive perfectionism over time when compared to those with higher core self-evaluation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of leisure-time physical activity on blood pressure in people with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for premature death. Leisure-time physical activities have been recommended to control hypertension. Studies examining how leisure-time physical activity affects blood pressure have found mixed results. We aimed to conduct a systematic review examining the effect of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on lowering blood pressure among adults living with hypertension. We searched studies in Embase, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Physical Education Index, Scopus and CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library). The primary outcome variables were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). This systematic review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021260751). We included 17 studies out of 12,046 screened articles in this review. Moderate-intensity LTPA (all types) reduced SBP compared to the non-intervention control group (MD −5.35 mm Hg, 95% CI −8.06 to −2.65, nine trials, n = 531, low certainty of the evidence). Mean DBP was reduced by −4.76 mm Hg (95% CI −8.35 to −1.17, nine trials, n = 531, low certainty of the evidence) in all types of LTPA (moderate intensity) group compared to the non-intervention control group. Leisure-time walking reduced mean SBP by −8.36 mmHg, 95% CI −13.39 to −3.32, three trials, n = 128, low certainty of the evidence). Walking during leisure time reduced −5.03 mmHg mean DBP, 95% CI −8.23 to −1.84, three trials, n = 128, low certainty of the evidence). Performing physical activity during free time probably reduces SBP and DBP (low certainty of the evidence) among adults with hypertension.

Examining the New-Member Effect to an Established Community-Based Physical Activity Program for Older Adults in England.

Community-based group physical activity programs promote exercise opportunities for older people. The aim of this study was to examine the short-term, new participant effect after joining Vitality, a community-based group physical activity program available in the East of England for older adults. Two independent groups of participants were assessed before and after an 8 week period: a group recruited from the 'Vitality' program (VP) (n 15, age: Age = 69.4 ± 6.4 y), and; a non-intervention control (CON) group (n 14, age: 64.5 ± 5.8 y). Assessment outcomes included basic physical health measures, a fitness test battery, and three psychological scales. The VP group recorded statistically significant improvements on the following outcomes: body mass (VP: -1.39 kg/CON: -0.2 kg), body mass index (VP: -1.5 kg/CON: -0.2 kg), 6 min walk (VP: +42.81 m/CON: -0.45 m), 30 s sit-to-stand (VP: -1.7 s/CON: -0.7 s), the chair sit-and-reach (VP: +3.12 cm/CON: +1.90 cm), and the 30 s arm curl test (VP: + 2 reps/CON: +0.9 reps). No significant differences were found with the other outcomes assessed. New members to the Vitality program achieved several physical and functional benefits without regression on any aspects of physical or psychological health.

Assessing stress using repeated saliva concentration of steroid hormones in dementia care dyads: results from a controlled pilot care music intervention.

Stress-related biomarkers have the potential to provide objective measures of whether interventions directed at people with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers (FCG) are successful. The use of such biomarkers has been limited by logistical barriers to sample collection. Explore saliva concentration of steroid hormones in dementia care dyads during a music intervention. Consecutive PWD attending a memory evaluation center and their FCG were allocated to either an intervention-with-music or a non-intervention control group. All were living at home. Stress biomarkers, salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) samples were collected by the PWD and their FCG, in the morning and evening, 5 days a week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Biomarker concentrations of the intervention and the control groups were compared at week 8, in an intention-to-treat approach with adjustment for baseline value. Twenty-four PWD in the intervention group and 10 in the control group, and their FCG were included in the analyses. The mean number of morning saliva collections was similar in the intervention and the control groups, ranging from 4.3 to 4.9 per participant weekly during the first 7 weeks, declining to 3.3 during week 8. Median log morning cortisol (pg/mL) among caregivers was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (8.09 vs. 8.57, P = 0.0133). This study demonstrates that music intervention was associated with lower morning saliva cortisol concentrations for FCGs.

IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR BINGOCIZE CLINICAL TRIAL PARTICIPANTS

Abstract With the number of older adults increasing rapidly, researchers have increasingly focused on designing interventions to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adulthood. However, many interventions struggle with adherence because older adults often perceive them as unenjoyable, condescending, or painful. Here, we report results from a clinical trial of Bingocize®, a community-based “in vivo” exercise and health education intervention for older adults, to determine if participation impacts participants’ HRQOL. One-hundred and forty-three older adults ages 60+ were randomly assigned to one of four conditions that contrasted exercise and health education to non-intervention control groups. All conditions were matched on social engagement and met in group sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. The CDC HRQOL measure was administered before and after the intervention. Session adherence was &amp;gt;90% across all sessions. Results from 2 (Time: Pre/Post) x 4 (Condition: Bingo-only Control vs. Bingo+Health Education vs. Bingo+Exercise vs. Bingo+Health Education+Exercise) ANOVAs found that all participants reported better sleep quality, reduced pain, and increased energy after completing the program (p-values &amp;lt;.05). Results from 2 (Time: Pre/Post) x 2 (Exercise/No Exercise) ANOVAs revealed interactions showing that exercise participants experienced greater decreases in days with anxiety and physically unhealthy days as compared to non-exercise participants (p-values &amp;lt;.05). These findings suggest that elements of Bingocize can contribute to improvements in older adults’ mental and physical quality of life. The current research can help researchers and professionals further elucidate which intervention mechanisms play a role in determining older adults’ health-related quality of life.

A Multicenter, Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Calf Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Program on Walking Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease: The ELECTRO-PAD Study Protocol.

This paper describes a currently on-going multicenter, randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of calf neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on changes in maximal walking distance in people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), compared with a non-intervention control-group. This study (NCT03795103) encompasses five participating centers in France. PAD participants with a predominant claudication at the calf level and a maximal treadmill walking distance ≤300 m are randomized into one of the two groups: NMES group or Control group. The NMES program consists of a 12-week program of electrical stimulations at the calf-muscle level. The primary outcome of the study is the change in maximal treadmill walking distance at 12 weeks. Main secondary outcomes include changes in the pain-free treadmill walking distance; 6 min total walking distance; global positioning system (GPS)-measured outdoor walking capacity; daily physical activity level by accelerometry; self-reported walking impairment; self-reported quality of life; ankle-brachial index; and skin microvascular function, both at the forearm and calf levels. Recruitment started in September 2019 and data collection is expected to end in November 2022.

Time-restricted eating and exercise training improve HbA1c and body composition in women with overweight/obesity: A randomized controlled trial

Diet modification and exercise training are primary lifestyle strategies for obesity management, but poor adherence rates limit their effectiveness. Time-restricted eating (TRE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve cardiometabolic health in at-risk individuals, but whether these two interventions combined induce superior improvements in glycemic control than each individual intervention is not known. In this four-armed randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04019860), we determined the isolated and combined effects of 7weeks of TRE (≤10-h daily eating window, with ad libitum energy intake) and HIIT (three exercise sessions per week), compared with a non-intervention control group, on glycemic control and secondary cardiometabolic outcomes in 131 women (36.2± 6.2 years) with overweight/obesity. There were no statistically significant effects after isolated TRE, HIIT, or a combination (TREHIIT) on glucose area under the curve during an oral glucose tolerance test (the primary outcome) compared with the control group (TRE, -26.3mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], -82.3 to 29.7, p= 0.36; HIIT, -53.8mmol/L; 95% CI, -109.2 to 1.6, p= 0.057; TREHIIT, -41.3mmol/L; 95% CI, -96.4 to 13.8, p= 0.14). However, TREHIIT improved HbA1c and induced superior reductions in total and visceral fat mass compared with TRE and HIIT alone. High participant adherence rates suggest that TRE, HIIT, and a combination thereof may be realistic diet-exercise strategies for improving markers of metabolic health in women at risk of cardiometabolic disease.

P4 - The relationship between vitamin D supplementation before 24 weeks gestation and risk of preeclampsia

A growing body of evidence suggests that there may be a relationship between vitamin D (VD) levels and the development of pre-eclampsia. Despite the growing body of primary studies, systematic reviews on the topic have yielded contradictory results. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the existing literature to determine whether or not vitamin D supplementation prior to 24 weeks gestation has an impact on preeclampsia risk when compared to a non-intervention or placebo control group. The review was conducted using the methodology outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute manual for evidence synthesis. The use of a structured and validated methodology aided in ensuring rigorous analysis and synthesis of the existing literature to develop recommendations which can inform practice. Medline and CHINAL databases were searched for suitable studies using a predetermined search string, with only randomised control trials being included for review. Journals were searched from their conception to the first of July 2021. Quality of included studies was assessed using the critical appraisal skills (CASP) checklist for randomised control trials. Five randomised control trials were included in the review and meta-analysis. Vitamin D supplementation prior to 24 weeks gestational age was associated with a significantly reduced risk of preeclampsia (OR:0.51, [95%CI: 0.4-0.67]). Vitamin D supplementation was not associated with adverse outcomes or vitamin D toxicity even at doses equivalent to >7000IU per day. The results of this review suggest that vitamin D supplementation beginning prior to 24 weeks gestation is effective in reducing the risk of preeclampsia. This presents the opportunity for a safe, accessible and cost-effective measure for reducing rates of preeclampsia and promoting normal physiological pregnancy. As champions of normal physiological midwives play a key role in the implementation of this research into practice.

Chocolate Or Fetal Doppler Sonography For Non-Reactive Non-Stress Test Patterns: Randomized Prospective Controlled Study

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of 20-second MCA Doppler ultrasonography and bitter chocolate on non-stress test (NST) patterns, fetal movements felt by the mother and cesarean delivery rates.&#x0D; Methods: Single pregnancies between 36-41 weeks with non-reactive NST pattern were included in the study and prospectively randomized to Doppler ultrasound, bitter chocolate, and non-intervention control groups. NSTs of the patients at the 5th and 30th minutes were examined.&#x0D; Results: The rate of improvement in the fetal movements felt by the mother did not differ significantly among groups (p ˃ 0.05). The 5th minute reactive NST ratio in the Doppler group was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) than in the follow-up and chocolate group. In the chocolate and non-intervention control group, the 5th minute reactive NST ratio did not differ significantly (p ˃ 0.05). In the 30th minute NST, patients with non-reactive results had significantly higher fetal distress rates in the Doppler group compared to the other groups (p ˂ 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: We think that with the application of Doppler, the length of hospital stay and accordingly patient’s anxiety will reduce. In addition, the patient should be monitored more carefully in terms of fetal distress because it quickly corrects false non-reactivity.

The effects of plasticity-based cognitive rehabilitation on resting-state functional connectivity in chronic traumatic brain injury: A pilot study.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in chronic impairments to cognitive function, and these may be related to disrupted functional connectivity (FC) of the brain at rest. To investigate changes in default mode network (DMN) FC in adults with chronic TBI following 40 hours of auditory processing speed training. Eleven adults with chronic TBI underwent 40-hours of auditory processing speed training over 13-weeks and seven adults with chronic TBI were assigned to a non-intervention control group. For all participants, resting-state FC and cognitive and self-reported function were measured at baseline and at a follow-up visit 13-weeks later. No significant group differences in cognitive function or resting-state FC were observed at baseline. Following training, the intervention group demonstrated objective and subjective improvements on cognitive measures with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Repeated measures ANCOVAs revealed significant (p < 0.001) group×time interactions, suggesting training-related changes in DMN FC, and semipartial correlations demonstrated that these were associated with changes in cognitive functioning. Changes in the FC between the DMN and other resting-state networks involved in the maintenance and manipulation of internal information, attention, and sensorimotor functioning may be facilitated through consistent participation in plasticity-based auditory processing speed training in adults with chronic TBI.

Disordered Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Tumor-Bearing Mice Altered Serum Metabolome Related to Fufangchangtai.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota (GM) and serum metabolism using antineoplastic Fufangchangtai (FFCT) as the model prescription in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Tumor-bearing mice and normal mice were administered different doses of FFCT. The tumor volume of tumor-bearing mice was observed. The levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the blood, spleen, and tumor of mice were determined using a flow cytometer. The bacterial microbiota in stool samples from mice and the serum metabolomics of FFCT-treated mice and fecal microbiota transplantation mice were detected using 16s RNA sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS), respectively. Results: The tumor volume of mice showed no significant decrease after FFCT intervention. The levels of CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes showed a significant increase under the intervention of FFCT. GM of colorectal tumor-bearing mice and healthy mice were determined, and the diversity and abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacteres, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were significantly different between the two groups. Furthermore, we found that the levels of matrine, isogingerenone B, and armillaripin were significantly decreased in tumor-bearing mice after FFCT intervention, indicating that the tumor-induced dysbiosis of gut bacteria may affect the absorption and metabolism of FFCT. Under the intervention of FFCT, serum metabolism of mice transplanted with feces from CRC patients showed less metabolites related to FFCT than that from healthy people, indicating that GM could be a single factor affecting the metabolism of FFCT. Furthermore, we found that different doses of FFCT-treated mice had higher abundance of Roseburia, Turicibacter, and Flexispira than that in the non-intervention control group. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in FFCT-treated groups showed a similar trend compared to the healthy group, indicating that FFCT might correct the intestinal microenvironment by modulating gut microbiota in colorectal tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion: The dysbiosis of GM in tumor-bearing mice reduced the serum metabolites related to FFCT, and FFCT could correct the disordered GM of colorectal tumor-bearing mice to exert efficacy.

Non-Targeted Dried Blood Spot-Based Metabolomics Analysis Showed Rice Bran Supplementation Effects Multiple Metabolic Pathways during Infant Weaning and Growth in Mali.

Rice bran contains essential nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactives with anti-inflammatory and diarrheal protective properties important for infants. This 6-month randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of heat-stabilized rice bran supplementation during Malian infant weaning. Fifty healthy 6-month-old infants were randomized to a rice bran intervention (N = 25) or non-intervention control group (N = 25). Intervention infants received dose-escalating rice bran supplementation for 6 months (1–5 g/day). Monthly infant dried blood spot and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dried blood spot metabolite abundances were compared monthly according to diet for six months. Supplementation resulted in favorable weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-score changes. Non-targeted dried blood spot-based metabolomics identified 796 metabolites, of which 33% had significant fold differences between groups (7–12 months). Lipids and amino acids represented 70.6% of the metabolites identified. Rice bran supplementation during infant weaning significantly modulated the metabolites involved in antioxidant defenses and with neuroactive properties including reduced glutathione, glycine, glutamate, cysteinylglycine, tryptophan betaine, and choline. These findings support rice bran as a weaning ingredient to meet infant nutritional requirements and with the potential to reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive outcomes. This study provides evidence for dried blood spots as a cost-effective tool to detect infant biomarkers of nutritional and metabolic status.

Applied relaxation and cortisol secretion: findings from a randomized controlled indicated prevention trial in adults with stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms

Previous research has shown that relaxation interventions can reduce distress, anxiety, and depression. The exact mechanisms that underlie the efficacy of relaxation interventions remain unresolved. This study aimed to investigate whether applied relaxation (AR) leads to changes in cortisol secretion and whether these effects mediate fewer symptoms due to AR. Data come from a randomized controlled preventive interventional trial (N = 277) with elevated tension/distress, anxiety, or depressive symptomatology. Participants were randomized to an intervention group (IG; n = 139, received AR training), or a non-interventional control group (CG, n = 138). Psychopathological symptoms were assessed with DASS-21 and diagnoses of mental disorders via DIA-X-5. Cortisol was measured as short-term index in saliva (six times/d for 2 d at pre-, post-, and follow-up [FU] assessment) and long-term index in hair samples (once at pre-assessment and FU, respectively). Data were analyzed as pre-specified secondary analyses of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) on completer basis (n = 134 CG, n = 102 IG), using multivariable-adjusted linear regression models and mediation analyses (the DASS-21 change in the IG vs. CG with cortisol (area under the curve [AUC]) as mediator). From pre- to post-assessment, total daily salivary cortisol (AUC) decreased more strongly in the IG vs. CG (β-coefficient: −13.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −26.85 to −0.81), but was rendered non-significant when adjusting for pre-assessment AUC. This effect was not found for the cortisol awakening response (CAR) or hair cortisol. There was no evidence for a mediation of cortisol (AUC). These findings provide little support for the idea that cortisol reductions explain the beneficial effects of AR on mental health.

Comparison Between High- and Low-Intensity Static Stretching Training Program on Active and Passive Properties of Plantar Flexors.

The purpose of this study was to compare two static stretching (SS) training programs at high-intensity (HI-SS) and low-intensity (LI-SS) on passive and active properties of the plantar flexor muscles. Forty healthy young men were randomly allocated into three groups: HI-SS intervention group (n = 14), LI-SS intervention group (n = 13), and non-intervention control group (n = 13). An 11-point numerical scale (0–10; none to very painful stretching) was used to determine SS intensity. HI-SS and LI-SS stretched at 6–7 and 0–1 intensities, respectively, both in 3 sets of 60 s, 3×/week, for 4 weeks. Dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), gastrocnemius muscle stiffness, muscle strength, drop jump height, and muscle architecture were assessed before and after SS training program. The HI-SS group improved more than LI-SS in ROM (40 vs. 15%) and decreased muscle stiffness (−57 vs. −24%), while no significant change was observed for muscle strength, drop jump height, and muscle architecture in both groups. The control group presented no significant change in any variable. Performing HI-SS is more effective than LI-SS for increasing ROM and decreasing muscle stiffness of plantar flexor muscles following a 4-week training period in young men. However, SS may not increase muscle strength or hypertrophy, regardless of the stretching discomfort intensity.

Understanding and restoring dopaminergic function in fibromyalgia patients using a mindfulness-based psychological intervention: a [18F]-DOPA PET study. Study protocol for the FIBRODOPA study\u2014a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a very prevalent and debilitating chronic pain disorder that is difficult to treat. Mindfulness-based techniques are regarded as a very promising approach for the treatment of chronic pain and in particular FM. The Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) intervention, a mindfulness-based group intervention, has shown beneficial effects in opioid-treated chronic pain patients, including reduced pain severity, functional interference, and opioid dosing, by restoring neurophysiological and behavioral responses to reward. The first evidence for a hypodopaminergic state and impaired reward processing in FM has been reported. However, little is known about its impact on dopamine (DA) function and in particular with regard to DA responses to monetary reward in FM. The aim of the present study protocol is to evaluate if MORE is able to restore the DA function in FM patients, in particular with regard to the DA responses to reward, and to reduce pain and mood complaints in FM.MethodsThe present study is a multi-center interventional RCT with 3 time points: before the intervention, after completion of the intervention, and 3 months after completion of the intervention. Sixty-four FM patients will be randomly assigned to either the MORE intervention (N = 32) or a non-intervention control group (N = 32). Additionally, a comparison group of healthy women (N = 20) for PET measures will be enrolled and another group of healthy women (N = 15) will do the ambulatory assessments only. The MORE intervention consists of eight 2-h-long group sessions administered weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, FM participants will undergo [18F] DOPA positron emission tomography (PET) and functional MR imaging while performing a reward task. The primary outcome will be endogeneous DA changes measured with [18F] DOPA PET at baseline, after the intervention (after 8 weeks for the non-intervention control group), and at 3 months’ follow-up. Secondary outcomes will be (1) clinical pain measures and FM symptoms using standardized clinical scales; (2) functional brain changes; (3) measures of negative and positive affect, stress, and reward experience in daily life using the ambulatory assessment method (AA); and (4) biological measures of stress including cortisol and alpha-amylase.DiscussionIf the findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of MORE in restoring DA function, reducing pain, and improving mood symptoms, MORE can be judged to be a promising means to improve the quality of life in FM patients. The findings of this trial may inform health care providers about the potential use of the MORE intervention as a possible non-pharmacological intervention for FM.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT 04451564. Registered on 3 July 2020. The trial was prospectively registered.

Effectiveness of Exercise Training on Male Factor Infertility: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Mounting evidence from the literature suggests that different types of training interventions can be successful at improving several aspects of male reproductive function in both fertile and infertile populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise training on male factor infertility and seminal markers of inflammation. We searched PubMed, CISCOM, Springer, Elsevier Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, PEDro, Ovid (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO), Sport Discus, Orbis, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that analyzed the impacts of selected types of exercise interventions on markers of male reproductive function and reproductive performance. A total of 336 records were identified, of which we included 7 trials reporting on 2641 fertile and infertile men in the systematic review and network meta-analysis. Level 1 (because this is a systematic review of RCTs). The data included the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion, intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and the main results of the study. The results of network meta-analysis showed that, compared with a nonintervention control group, the top-ranking interventions for pregnancy rate were for combined aerobic and resistance training (CET) (relative risk [RR] = 27.81), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) (RR = 26.67), resistance training (RT) (RR = 12.54), high-intensity continuous training (HICT) (RR = 5.55), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (RR = 4.63). While the top-ranking interventions for live birth rate were for MICT (RR = 10.05), RT (RR = 4.92), HIIT (RR = 4.38), CET (RR = 2.20), and HICT (RR = 1.55). Also, with the following order of effectiveness, 5 training strategies were significantly better at improving semen quality parameters (CET > MICT > HICT > RT > HIIT), seminal markers of oxidative stress (CET > MICT > HIIT > HICT > RT), seminal markers of inflammation (CET > MICT > HIIT > RT > HICT), as well as measures of body composition and VO2max (CET > HICT > MICT > HIIT > RT). The review recommends that the intervention with the highest probability of being the best approach out of all available options for improving the male factor infertility was for CET.