Participants In Control Group Research Articles

Community Participation Transition After Stroke (COMPASS) Randomized Controlled Trial: Effect on Adverse Health Events

ObjectiveTo compare adverse health events in intervention versus control group participants in the Community Participation Transition After Stroke trial to reduce barriers to independent living for community-dwelling stroke survivors. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingInpatient rehabilitation (IR) to home and community transition. ParticipantsStroke survivors aged ≥50 years being discharged from IR who had been independent in activities of daily living prestroke (N=183). InterventionsParticipants randomized to intervention group (n=85) received home modifications and self-management training from an occupational therapist over 4 visits in the home. Participants randomized to control group (n=98) received the same number of visits consisting of stroke education. Main Outcome MeasuresDeath, skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission, 30-day rehospitalization, and fall rates after discharge from IR. ResultsTime-to-event analysis revealed that the intervention reduced SNF admission (cumulative survival, 87.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 78.6%-96.6%) and death (cumulative survival, 100%) compared with the control group (SNF cumulative survival, 78.9%; 95% CI, 70.4%-87.4%; P=.039; death cumulative survival, 87.3%; 95% CI, 79.9%-94.7%; P=.001). Thirty-day rehospitalization also appeared to be lower among intervention participants (cumulative survival, 95.1%; 95% CI, 90.5%-99.8%) than among control participants (cumulative survival, 86.3%; 95% CI, 79.4%-93.2%; P=.050) but was not statistically significant. Fall rates did not significantly differ between the intervention group (5.6 falls per 1000 participant-days; 95% CI, 4.7-6.5) and the control group (7.2 falls per 1000 participant-days; 95% CI, 6.2-8.3; incidence rate ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.46-1.33; P=.361). ConclusionsA home-based occupational therapist–led intervention that helps stroke survivors transition to home by reducing barriers in the home and improving self-management could decrease the risk of mortality and SNF admission after discharge from rehabilitation.

Effect of Vocal Function Exercises on the Voice Handicap Index, Vocal Fatigue Index, and Number of Vocal Fatigue Symptoms in Bank Workers: Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Vocal fatigue (VF) is a significant portion of occupational voice disorders. Researchers have proposed numerous therapeutic approaches to alleviate VF. However, the efficacy of vocal function exercises (VFEs) as a safe, effective, and simple method is unclear. The current study aims to investigate the effect of VFEs on occupational-related VF in Iranian bank workers. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial with four-level blocking After screening 444 workers, 43 persons with vocal fatigue (VF) were allocated between intervention and control groups. The gender of participants was considered a confounding parameter. Intervention group participants (IGP) (20 males and two females) practiced vocal function exercises (VFEs) (online training) for two weeks, while control group participants (CGP) (20 males and a female) continued their routine lifestyle. The Number of Vocal Fatigue Symptoms (NoVFS), Maximum Phonation Time (MPT), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) at pre-intervention and post-intervention levels were gathered and compared. According to the intergroup, pre-/post-intervention differences, and intragroup analysis, the IGP experienced a significant reduction in the NoVFS (P = 0.006, P = 0.009), the mean score VHI (P:0.006, P: 0.001, P: 0.001), the total mean score of VFI (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), and the first (P = 0.005, P = 0.002, P < 0.001) and second (P = 0.006, P < 0.001) factors' mean score of VFI. Additionally, there was an improvement in the MPT (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001) and the third factor (P = 0.01, P = 0.004, P = 0.021) mean score of VFI. Vocal function exercises can alleviate symptoms, voice handicaps, tiredness, avoidance, and physical discomfort of vocal fatigue in bank workers. Additionally, it can improve glottal (pulmonary) sufficiency and rest recovery of vocal fatigue in this group of workers.

Lifestyle Intervention Improves Parasympathetic Activity in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background A limited number of studies have investigated the effects of lifestyle interventions in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This study evaluated the effect of a novel lifestyle intervention incorporating physical activity (PA) and dietary nitrate supplementation on heart rate variability (HRV) and haemodynamic measures in HCM. Methods Twenty-eight individuals with HCM were randomised into either the intervention or control group. Frequency-domain HRV measures including low frequency power (LF), high frequency power (HF) and LF/HF were recorded at rest using bioimpedance. Non-invasive haemodynamic variables were recorded at rest using bioreactance. Participants in the intervention group consumed 6 mmol of nitrate daily (concentrated beetroot juice) and were instructed to increase and maintain daily PA by ≥ 2000 steps/day above baseline for 16 weeks. Control group participants retained their usual lifestyle and monitored daily step counts. Results There was a significant increase in post-intervention HF power (7.54 ± 2.14 vs 8.78 ± 1.60 ms2, P &lt; .01) and LF power (6.89 ± 2.33 vs 8.17 ± 1.55, P &lt; .01) in the intervention but not in the control group. Resting mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in the intervention group significantly reduced at follow-up (108 ± 6 vs 102 ± 7 mmHg, P &lt; .01). Conclusions A novel lifestyle intervention including PA and dietary nitrate supplementation enhanced parasympathetic activity and resting MABP in HCM.

Cognitive impairment and treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation in older adults: The SAGE-AF study.

Cognitive impairment is strongly associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Rate and rhythm control are the two treatment strategies for AF and the effect of treatment strategy on risk of cognitive decline and frailty is not well established. We sought to determine how treatment strategy affects geriatric-centered outcomes. The Systematic Assessment of Geriatric Elements-AF (SAGE-AF) was a prospective, observational, cohort study. Older adults with AF were prospectively enrolled between 2016 and 2018 and followed longitudinally for 2 years. In a non-randomized fashion, participants were grouped by rate or rhythm control treatment strategy based on clinical treatment at enrollment. Baseline characteristics were compared. Longitudinal binary mixed models were used to compare treatment strategy with respect to change in cognitive function and frailty status. Cognitive function and frailty status were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Battery and Fried frailty phenotype tools. 972 participants (mean age = 75, SD = 6.8; 49% female, 87% non-Hispanic white) completed baseline examination and 2-year follow-up. 408 (42%) were treated with rate control and 564 (58%) with rhythm control. The patient characteristics of the two groups were different at baseline. Participants in the rate control group were older, more likely to have persistent AF, prior stroke, be treated with warfarin and have baseline cognitive impairment. After adjusting for baseline differences, participants treated with rate control were 1.5 times more likely to be cognitively impaired over 2 years (adjusted OR: 1.47, 95% CI:1.12, 1.98) and had a greater decline in cognitive function (adjusted estimate: -0.59 (0.23), p < 0.01) in comparison to rhythm control. Frailty did not vary between the treatment strategies. Among those who had 2-year follow-up in non-randomized observational cohort, the decision to rate control AF in older adults was associated with increased odds of decline in cognitive function but not frailty.

The impact of mobile-assisted project-based learning on developing EFL students' speaking skills

Combining mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) with project-based learning (PBL) might be the potential framework for enhancing EFL learners' speaking skills. However, only a few studies have scrutinised the impact of modern technologies on project work. More importantly, investigating how MALL, as a new field within ICT with unique pedagogical affordances, and PBL can enhance learners' speaking skills is still lacking in the literature. Accordingly, this study examines how integrating MALL through mobile phones and PBL, defined as mobile-assisted project-based learning or mobile-assisted projects, improves Moroccan secondary school students’ speaking performance. A true experimental study was conducted with 91 students assigned randomly to one experimental group and two control groups. The experimental group received instruction through mobile-assisted projects over one semester. In contrast, participants in the first control group taught speaking through project-based learning, and participants in the second control group received traditional teaching. Two instruments were employed to collect data: a speaking pre- and post-test to evaluate the three groups’ oral proficiency and a 5-Likert scale survey to detect the experimental group participants’ experience and attitudes toward the implementation. Based on independent sample t tests and paired sample t tests (SPSS-26), it was found that instruction through mobile-assisted projects was considerably more effective than project-based learning and conventional teaching in enhancing learners’ overall speaking performance and sub-skills: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Further, the results of the attitude post-questionnaire demonstrated a very high positive perception of the participants toward the implementation. As a result, these findings confirm the pedagogical role of combining MALL with PBL as an innovative mode of instruction in enhancing EFL learners’ speaking performance.

Effects and mechanisms of computerized cognitive training in Huntington's disease: protocol for a pilot study

Huntington's disease (HD) causes progressive cognitive decline, with no available treatments. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has shown efficacy in other populations, but its effects in HD are largely unknown. This pilot study will explore the effects and neural mechanisms of CCT in HD. The intervention group participants will complete 12 weeks of multidomain CCT. Control group participants will receive lifestyle education and access to CCT after the study. The primary outcome is change in processing speed. Secondary outcomes include – change in other cognitive domains, functional brain network connectivity (derived from MRI) and psychosocial function. Feasibility outcomes include rates of recruitment, adherence and retention. This study may provide insights into the effects of CCT in HD and guide future trials. Clinical Trial Registration: ACTRN12622000908730 ( ClinicalTrials.gov )

The effectiveness of video-based exercise training program for people with intellectual disability: a multicenter study.

To examine the effectiveness of a specially designed video-based exercise program in promoting physical and balance performance in people with intellectual disability. This study was a multicenter controlled trial. Participants with intellectual disability were divided into exercise group and control group by cluster sampling. The participants in the exercise group received 1 h exercise training sessions twice a week for 8 weeks, and the controls continued their usual care without exercise training. The exercises were specially designed to match the physical ability level of the participants classified as high and low, and a third group called "special" was designed for those wheelchair-bound persons with limited mobility. Elements of light-tempo music and animation were introduced in the videos to motivate the participants. Recording the exercises in video format makes it easier for the class instructors and participants to perform the exercises together, and ensure consistency across different exercise groups conducted in different centers. Each participant underwent the pre- and post-intervention assessment including 30-s chair stand repetitions, five-time chair stand duration, 4-m comfortable walk time, standing static balance level, 6-min walk test, and short physical performance battery score. These variables were compared within each group at pre- and post-intervention stages, and they were also compared between the two groups. A total of 180 participants were enrolled in 16 subcenters, including 160 participants in the exercise group and 20 participants in the control group. After 8 weeks of exercise training, there were significant improvements in their physical performance including 30-s chair stand repetitions and five-time chair stand duration, 4-m comfortable walk time and also 6-min walk test, within the exercise group (all P < 0.05). Approximately 39% of the participants in the exercise group also showed significant improvement in standing static balance level. No significant differences were found when compared with the control group participants who did not have any regular exercise participation. A specially designed video-based exercise program has demonstrated some positive effects on physical and balance performance after 8 weeks of training among adults with intellectual disability.

Innovative continuum of care to promote exclusive breast feeding in Pakistan: protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundBreastmilk being the ideal nutrition from birth to 2 years and beyond has many health benefits for both newborn and mothers. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of...

A randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational interviewing-based group intervention for emerging adults experiencing homelessness: 24-month effects on alcohol use.

Despite rates of alcohol misuse being higher among emerging adults experiencing homelessness compared to those who are stably housed, there are few brief evidence-based risk reduction programs for this population that focus on alcohol use and assess outcomes for more than 1 year. This study examines alcohol outcomes from a 24-month evaluation of AWARE, a brief motivational interviewing-based group risk reduction intervention for emerging adults experiencing homelessness. In a cluster randomized crossover trial, 18- to 25- year-olds received AWARE (n = 132) or standard care (n = 144) at one of three drop-in centers serving young people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. We evaluated intervention effects on past month alcohol use, consequences, and related cognitions such as motivation to change behavior. AWARE participants showed significant reductions over 24 months in alcohol use and negative consequences from drinking and reported significant increases in their use of drinking protective strategies. Except for drinking frequency, control group participants did not show a significant change in these outcomes. Findings build on earlier work by demonstrating that AWARE is effective in reducing alcohol use and related problems among emerging adults experiencing homelessness over a 2-year period. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effect of Distance Reiki on State Test Anxiety and Test Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Nursing Students.

This randomized controlled, pretest-post-test intervention study examined the effect of distance reiki on state test anxiety and test performance. First-year nursing students (n = 71) were randomized into two groups. One week before the examination, intervention group participants performed reiki remotely for 20 minutes for 4 consecutive days, and control group participants received no intervention. The intervention group had lower posttest cognitive and psychosocial subscale scores than pretest scores (p > .05). The control group had a significantly higher mean posttest physiological subscale score than pretest score (p < .05). Final grade point averages were not significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p > .05). One quarter of the intervention group participants noted reiki reduced their stress and helped them perform better on the examination. Reiki is a safe and easy-to-practice method to help students cope with test anxiety. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(5):298-303.].

Monolithic Zirconia Single Crowns Supported by Narrow- or Standard-Diameter Titanium-Zirconia Implants in Posterior Sites: 1-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

To compare the prosthetic outcomes of screw-retained monolithic zirconia (Zr) single crowns supported by either narrow-diameter (3.3 mm) or standard-diameter (4.1 mm) tissue-level titanium-zirconia (TiZr) implants in posterior sites. A total of 18 participants, each with a missing molar or premolar tooth requiring an implantsupported single crown, were randomly assigned to either the test or control group. All participants received screwretained monolithic Zr single crowns supported by single tissue-level TiZr implants. Test group participants received narrow-diameter implants (3.3 mm), whereas control group participants received standard-diameter implants (4.1 mm). A modified version of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria was used to assess the prosthetic outcome across 12 parameters after 1 year of function. Data were analyzed descriptively, and statistical analysis was performed using a statistical software (SPSS, Version 28.0; IBM) with the level of significance set at P < .05. Of the 18 single crowns delivered, 16 were available for review at the 1-year follow-up, including 7 in the test group and 9 in the control group. Patient characteristics and crown site distribution were similar, with no significant differences observed between the two groups (chi-square test; P < .05). There were no crown failures, meaning a crown survival rate of 100% was achieved after 1 year. The prosthetic outcome based on USPHS criteria was comparable between the two groups with no significant differences observed (chi-square test; P < .05). There were 19 prosthetic events in total (10 in the test group and 9 in the control group), with no significant differences between the groups (chi-square test; P < .05). Loss of proximal contact was the dominant event, with a total of eight events (three in the test group and five in the control group). Patient satisfaction after 1 year was high in both treatment groups, with no significant differences detected. Screw-retained monolithic Zr single crowns supported by either narrow- or standard-diameter tissue-level TiZr implants in posterior sites have comparable prosthetic outcomes after 1 year. Long-term results from well-designed trials are still needed to validate the findings of the present study.

The effect of symbolic play activities on first reading and writing skills

The aim of this research is to reveal the effects of symbolic play content activities organized in kindergarten to first reading and writing skills. For this purpose, mixed-method research has been designed. In the first stage of this research, four experiments, including pretest-posttest applied, a paired experiment-control group, were applied. 30 kindergarten students from 15 experimental and 15 control group-students participated. The data obtained from the experimental process were analyzed with the Man-Whitney U Test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. In the second stage, the data were collected through semi-structured observation and interview forms. 20 first-grade students from 10 experimental and 10 control group-students participated. Qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive analysis. The control group participants who successfully acquired the read-write preparation outcomes in the kindergarten and passed to the first grade were more successful in obtaining the first reading and first writing compared to the supervisory set participants who passed the first grade without acquiring the literacy preparation achievements in the kindergarten.

Apple cider vinegar effervescent tablets on gut health, obesity and user experience – A randomized controlled trial

Research indicates that apple cider vinegar (ACV) may benefit health by lowering blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight, waist circumference, and BMI. To investigate further, a 60-day randomized controlled trial was conducted at Sudha Institute of Medical Science involving 77 participants with abnormal weight. They were divided into control and ACV groups. The ACV group consumed a daily ACV effervescent tablet, engaged in mild exercise, and followed a low-sugar diet, while the control group followed only the exercise and diet regimen. Anthropometric measurements and participant satisfaction data were collected throughout. The analysis revealed significant reductions in weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio over the 60-day period. Additionally, improvements were observed in abnormal food intake and various digestive issues such as appetite, constipation, cravings, and gas problems in the ACV group. Notably, 56.25% of control group participants and 44.44% of ACV group participants were categorized as overweight. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel, utilizing descriptive statistics such as mean and percentage. The study concluded that daily consumption of ACV effervescent tablets has a positive impact on weight loss and alleviates issues related to digestion and appetite. These findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating ACV into dietary and lifestyle interventions for individuals with abnormal weight, suggesting its role as a complementary approach to promote overall health and well-being.

Effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on attention and dispositional mindfulness in young adult males

This study examined the impact of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) training on attention function and dispositional mindfulness in young males. 126 male participants aged 18–26 from the security industry were recruited, with 66 participants (M = 22.84, SD = 2.41) undergoing 4-week mindfulness meditation training and 60 participants (M = 23.07, SD = 2.29) in the active control group. The intervention was integrated into the participants' schedules. Measures included Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaires (FFMQ), concentration and assignment attention tasks, Attention Network Test (ANT), and saliva cortisol concentration. Findings indicate that brief mindfulness meditation training led to significant improvements in participants' FFMQ scores), with marginally significant enhancements in the executive control network. However, it had no discernible effect on alertness and orientation networks. Additionally, brief mindfulness meditation training enhanced attention allocation to light stimulation and prolonged individual attention. Surprisingly, there was no observed decrease in saliva cortisol concentration among meditation training participants. However, this study did not find a decrease in saliva cortisol concentration in the brief mindfulness meditation group. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of a 4-week brief mindfulness meditation training program to enhance dispositional mindfulness and specific aspects of attention function in young men, offering practical insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation practices for this demographic.

Piloting co-developed behaviour change interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution and improve self-reported asthma-related health.

Exposure to air pollution can exacerbate asthma with immediate and long-term health consequences. Behaviour changes can reduce exposure to air pollution, yet its 'invisible' nature often leaves individuals unaware of their exposure, complicating the identification of appropriate behaviour modifications. Moreover, making health behaviour changes can be challenging, necessitating additional support from healthcare professionals. This pilot study used personal exposure monitoring, data feedback, and co-developed behaviour change interventions with individuals with asthma, with the goal of reducing personal exposure to PM2.5 and subsequently improving asthma-related health. Twenty-eight participants conducted baseline exposure monitoring for one-week, simultaneously keeping asthma symptom and medication diaries (previously published in McCarron et al., 2023). Participants were then randomised into control (n = 8) or intervention (n = 9) groups. Intervention participants received PM2.5 exposure feedback and worked with researchers to co-develop behaviour change interventions based on a health behaviour change programme which they implemented during the follow-up monitoring week. Control group participants received no feedback or intervention during the study. All interventions focused on the home environment. Intervention group participants reduced their at-home exposure by an average of 5.7 µg/m³ over the monitoring week (-23.0 to +3.2 µg/m³), whereas the control group had a reduction of 4.7 µg/m³ (-15.6 to +0.4 µg/m³). Furthermore, intervention group participants experienced a 4.6% decrease in participant-hours with reported asthma symptoms, while the control group saw a 0.5% increase. Similarly, the intervention group's asthma-related quality of life improved compared to the control group. This pilot study investigated a novel behaviour change intervention, utilising personal exposure monitoring, data feedback, and co-developed interventions guided by a health behaviour change programme. The study aimed to reduce personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and improve self-reported asthma-related health. Conducting a randomised controlled trial with 28 participants, co-developed intervention successfully targeted exposure peaks within participants' home microenvironments, resulting in a reduction in at-home personal exposure to PM2.5 and improving self-reported asthma-related health. The study contributes valuable insights into the environmental exposure-health relationship and highlights the potential of the intervention for individual-level decision-making to protect human health.

Health and Wellness Coaching Can Improve Usage of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Participants With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been tied to chronic conditions, such as obesity. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is an effective treatment, device discomfort impacts treatment adherence. Health and wellness coaching (HWC) can increase weight loss (WL) and adherence across other treatment types. This study aims to determine whether participants undergoing an HWC program improve CPAP device usage and WL compared to control group (CG). Participants were randomly selected to participate in the HWC group in conjunction with standard care. The HWC participants were gender, age, weight, CPAP usage (e.g., hours, days), and race matched to CG participants receiving standard care only. Variables collected include demographics (i.e., age, gender), CPAP device usage, and weight across four time points (baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months). Paired samples t-test and Pearson’s coefficient correlation were conducted to determine how outcomes differ between groups. Of 232 participants studied, those in the HWC group significantly increased CPAP usage over time ( P &lt; .001) vs CG (6.5 ± 1.8, and 5.0 ± 2.3 hours, respectively). The HWC group had significantly more weight loss (11.0 ± 14.5 lbs.) than CG (5.7 ± 16.1 lbs.) across the 9-month timeline ( P &lt; .001). This study provides evidence that HWC can improve CPAP adherence and weight loss.

Study some biochemical parameters in patients with Coronary artery disease with and without Type 2 diabetes

Background: Impaired lipid metabolism are well recognized factors for Coronary artery disease (CAD) which is the major reason of mortality and morbidity all over world. The incident of CAD with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing.&#x0D; Aim: The current study aimed to study some biochemical variables (vitamin D3, lipid profile, Insulin, FBG and HbA1C) in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease and compare them with healthy people.&#x0D; Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted in human beings (apparently healthy and patients). It is statistically considered as [case- control study], the voluntaries were divided as following: 40 apparently healthy persons (40 male) were recruited through advertisement among laboratories and hospital staff in the three medical centers previously mentioned and from friends in Baghdad. 40 voluntaries patients with T2DM were taken, of them (40 male) were recruited from the specialized center for endocrinology and diabetes. 55 voluntaries patients who had CAD (55 male), 55 patients who have had T2DM with CAD (55 male).&#x0D; Results: the results evaluating the BMI of participant revealed that 16.3% had normal BMI, 55.8% were overweight and 27.9% were obese. 65.3% had vitamin D. insufficiency and 16.8% had vitamin D deficiency. The glycemic control evaluation shows that 37.4% had good glycemic control and 16.8% had poor control and 45.8% had excellent control. All participant had insulin resistance in which 31.6% had early resistance. Otherwise, a statistical significant difference in mean level of BMI, vitamin D, insulin level, HOMA-IR, FBS and HbA1c between the 4 groups. For lipid profile, Control group participant had significant lower total cholesterol level in compare to the other groups. Control group participant had significant lower TG level in compare to the other groups. Control group participant had significant higher HDL in compare in CAD group and CAD with DM group. Control group participant had significant lower LDL in compare in CAD group and CAD with DM group.&#x0D; Conclusions: Based on the results of the current study, it was found that there is a strong association between low vitamin D and cardiovascular disease, and it was also found that insulin resistance, which mainly causes type 2 diabetes, has increased health problems in CAD patients. On the other hand, the current study demonstrated that high levels of LDL and cholesterol were closely associated with events and increased risk of CAD.

Growing Resilience in Tough Times (GRITT): Development and Randomized Trial of a Farmer Mental Health Literacy Intervention

ABSTRACT Objectives Farmers in the United States (U.S.) are exposed to myriad stressors and experience their negative effects, including higher rates of suicide than individuals in some other occupations. However, interventions to address mental health amongst farmers have faced barriers, such as farmers’ perceived stigma regarding mental health, time constraints, and geographical isolation. Using text-messaging for intervention delivery may help to address some barriers, as text messages are private, delivered directly to one’s phone, and require no travel. Our objective was to develop and assess the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a text-messaging mental health literacy intervention tailored to U.S. farmers: Growing Resiliency in Tough Times (GRITT). Methods U.S. farmers (N = 134) were randomly assigned to an intervention group, who received 12 weeks of text messages regarding mental health literacy, or a control group, who received no treatment. Online pre-test and post-test surveys assessed mental health knowledge, familiarity with relevant mental health resources, self-efficacy to manage stress, and perceived stress. Feasibility was assessed via recruitment and retention data, and intervention group participants completed post-test measures to assess acceptability. Results Results indicate that intervention group participants were highly satisfied with the intervention and had higher post-test scores on multiple facets of mental health literacy and self-efficacy to manage farm stress than control group participants. The intervention group experienced a significant drop in perceived stress from pre-test to post-test. Participant retention was relatively high (84%). However, recruitment difficulties call into question intervention feasibility. Conclusion Though the intervention was efficacious in enhancing mental health literacy, improving stress management self-efficacy, and reducing stress, difficulties with participant recruitment indicate the need for continued intervention research in this context.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and slow breathing interventions alleviate premature ejaculation (PE) symptoms

BackgroundPhysical exercise may alleviate premature ejaculation symptoms, a prevalent male sexual dysfunction linked to a series of negative outcomes for men and their partners. ObjectiveWe investigated the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and slow breathing interventions on premature ejaculation symptoms and their relation to autonomic activity and attention regulation. MethodChinese adult men (N = 76, M = 21.89, SD = 3.32) with premature ejaculation completed one of the two-week interventions in their homes or as participants in a normal breathing control group; they reported their age, height, weight, physical activity level, premature ejaculation symptoms, and attention regulation. In the HIIT group, 26 participants engaged in a 7-minute HIIT each day. In the slow breathing group, 25 participants performed 7-minute slow breathing exercises per day while the 25 participants in the normal breathing group similarly performed normal breathing exercises. All participants measured their heart rate once before and five times (with one-minute intervals) after the intervention. When participants had penile-vaginal sex with their partners, they measured their heart rate once after ejaculation. ResultsTime × Intervention interaction was significant with lower levels of premature ejaculation symptoms on Days 12, 13, and 14 in the HIIT group (M ± SD = 16.19 ± 3.45, 15.96 ± 3.43, and 15.15 ± 3.62) compared to the normal breathing group (M ± SD = 17.68 ± 3.06, 17.68 ± 3.15, and 17.44 ± 3.25). Higher levels of attention regulation were associated with fewer premature ejaculation symptoms. We also found that a larger increase in heart rate from resting to after sex was associated with fewer premature ejaculation symptoms. ConclusionCompared to the control group, the efficacy of two weeks of HIIT exercise in mitigating PE symptoms suggests its potential as a novel treatment for PE.

Comparative analysis of self-stimulatory behaviors in ASD and ADHD

IntroductionThe phenomenon of self-stimulatory behaviors, commonly referred to as “stimming,” presents a fascinating avenue of exploration within the context of neurodevelopmental disorders. While stimming behaviors are widely associated with ASD, there is emerging evidence suggesting that individuals with ADHD may also engage in similar behaviors. This study seeks to undertake a comprehensive investigation of the neurophenomenology of stimming in individuals diagnosed with ASD and ADHD, aiming to discern potential shared and distinctive characteristics.Objectives The principal objective of this research is to conduct an intricate neurophenomenological analysis of stimming behaviors in cohorts diagnosed with ASD (n=60) and ADHD (n=60), with a concurrent control group of neurotypical individuals (n=60). The study aspires to delineate the prevalence, typology, and neurophysiological underpinnings of stimming behaviors in both ASD and ADHD populations. Moreover, this study endeavors to identify whether particular stimming behaviors exhibit differential prevalence or intensity between the two disorders.MethodsParticipants underwent rigorous neurophenomenological assessments, incorporating structured interviews, validated self-report questionnaires and direct observations. Diagnostic confirmation was established through the administration of gold-standard instruments, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) for ASD and the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale for ADHD. Stimming behaviors were meticulously categorized (e.g., motor, vocal, sensory) and scrutinized for quantitative metrics, including frequency, duration, and complexity.Results Preliminary analyses have uncovered profound disparities in the manifestation of stimming behaviors between ASD and ADHD cohorts. Individuals with ASD displayed a significantly higher prevalence of stimming behaviors, with motor stimming predominating, followed by vocal and sensory manifestations. In contrast, individuals with ADHD exhibited a comparatively reduced frequency and intensity of stimming, primarily within the motor domain, albeit notably less elaborate. Control group participants exhibited a negligible occurrence of stimming behaviors.ConclusionsThis multidimensional exploration illuminates the nuanced neurophenomenological distinctions in self-stimulatory behaviors between ASD and ADHD. Stimming emerges as a pivotal feature in ASD, while its presence in ADHD, though discernible, is markedly attenuated. This study’s findings hold implications for precise diagnostic delineation and the prospect of personalized interventions for these complex neurodevelopmental conditions. Future avenues of research may delve into the neural substrates underpinning stimming behaviors, further enhancing our comprehension of these phenomena.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared