Post-intervention Evaluations Research Articles

Non-inferiority of a home-based videoconference physical training program in comparison with the same program administered face-to-face in healthy older adults: the MOTION randomised controlled trial.

older adults often fail to reach the recommended amount of physical activity to prevent the age-related decline in metabolic, cardiorespiratory and muscular function. Effective home-based physical training programs could neutralise barriers preventing older adults from being active, and administration/supervision through videoconference may be an optimal solution. The present randomised controlled trial aimed to test the non-inferiority of training program administered through videoconference against the same program administered face-to-face in healthy older adults. participants were randomised in a no-training control group (n = 13), a face-to-face training group (n = 15) and a videoconference training group (n = 13). The intervention groups completed the same home-based, structured, progressive and combined training program for 16weeks, 1-h twice a week. Pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluations included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle function measures. non-inferiority of videoconferencing against face-to-face training was observed for changes in body weight (P < 0.01), fat mass (P = 0.015), maximal aerobic power (P = 0.013), maximal heart rate (P = 0.034), maximal oxygen consumption (P < 0.01), knee extension strength (P = 0.044) and lower limb power (P = 0.019), but not for muscle mass (P = 0.067), handgrip strength (P = 0.171), trunk extension strength (P = 0.241) and knee flexion strength (P = 0.462). a training program administered through videoconferencing was not inferior to the same program administered face-to-face for reducing body weight and fat mass, and for improving maximal aerobic power and oxygen consumption as well as lower limb power and knee extension strength in healthy older subjects. However, videoconferencing training was not as effective as face-to-face training for improving handgrip, trunk extension and knee flexion isometric strength.

Evaluation of Happy Sport, an Emotional Education Program for Assertive Conflict Resolution in Sports.

Background: Interpersonal conflicts occur in any kind of social relation, including the field of sports. Proper emotional management can improve athletes’ well-being, coexistence, and performance. This study presents the initial results of the gamified emotional education program Happy Sport in a sample of athletes in the field of non-formal education. Methods: The study sample consists of 194 athletes from the benjamín and alevín categories (3rd- to 6th-grade primary school children). A quasi-experimental pre-intervention and post-intervention design with a control group is followed using the Games and Emotions Scale (GES), Social Support Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA), and Bullying in Sports Questionnaire. Results: Statistically significant differences were found across participants in the experimental group between the pre- and post-intervention evaluations for the variables satisfaction and bullying. An analysis of the competencies related to emotion regulation revealed significant results for the experimental group for both scales (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression). Conclusions: The results show that after a training session with the gamified software Happy Sport, children’s satisfaction increased and bullying levels decreased. Changes in cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression may also be explained by the training received.

A Comparative Study on the Effects of Occupation Based Reminiscence Therapy and Conversation-Based Reminiscence Therapy Combined with Gymnastics on the Non-demented Elderly in the Community - Randomized Controlled Trial Design

This study is a comparative study examining the effects of conversation-based reminiscence therapy combined with gymnastics and occupation based reminiscence therapy on cognitive function, depression, and quality of life of non-demented elderly in the community. A total of 53 normal elderly subjects in the community were divided into an experimental group (n=27) and a control group (n=26). The experimental group received occupation-based reminiscence therapy for 1 hour once a week for a total of 8 weeks, and the control group received 20 minutes of gymnastic exercise and 40 minutes of general conversation-oriented reminiscence therapy. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations of the subjects were performed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Korean Version (MoCA-K), a Short Form of the Geriatric depression Scale-Korean Version (SGDS-K), and the Geriatric Quality of Life (GQOL). After the intervention, significant improvements in MoCA-K, SGDS-K, and GQOL were observed in the experimental group (p<0.05), and significant differences were also observed in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). The results of this study suggest that occupation-based reminiscence therapy can be more effective in cognitive function, depression, and quality of life of the non-demented elderly in the community compared to conversation-based reminiscence therapy combined with gymnastics.

Differentiating instruction for learners’ mathematics self-efficacy in inclusive classrooms: Can learners with dyscalculia also benefit?

Poor mathematics self-efficacy (MSE) has been recorded among learners at all levels in Nigeria. The study reported on here sought to establish the efficacy of differentiated instruction (DI) in raising learners’ MSE in inclusive settings. We also explored the differential effects of DI on the MSE of learners with dyscalculia, as well as on high- and low-achieving learners. We adopted a control group quasi-experimental research design involving 1 experimental and 1 control group. A total of 4 mathematics teachers and 158 Senior Secondary II (SSII) learners in 4 regular classes participated in the study. Mathematics teachers participated in a one week DI training workshop to equip them with DI skills for whole-term mathematics instruction. The Students’ Mathematics Self-efficacy Scale (SMSES) was used for data collection at pre- and post-intervention evaluations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The major findings reveal that using DI led to significant improvements in learners’ MSE. Prior achievement (PA) had a significant influence on MSE; however, DI was effective in reducing the negative effects of poor PA on the self-efficacy of low-achieving learners and learners with dyscalculia. It was concluded that DI offers teachers the impetus to help all learners to improve their self-efficacy in mathematics.

Effects of a school-based intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among secondary school students: A cluster-randomized, controlled trial.

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number cause of death worldwide. In Ghana CVD has been the leading cause of death since 2001. The prevalence of CVD risk factors among adolescents in Ghana has been increasing. This study seeks to develop, implement and evaluate the effects of a behavioral modification intervention program to reduce CVD risk factors among secondary school students in Brong Ahafo, Ghana.MethodsA cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted with schools as clusters over a period of six-months with pre and post intervention evaluations. Participants were public secondary school students (14–19 years) from four schools in Brong Ahafo, Ghana. Students in the intervention group were trained by the researchers whereas those of the control group received no intervention. The intervention included health education and physical activity modules. Follow-up data using same questionnaire were collected within two weeks after the intervention was completed. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed after replacing missing values using the multiple imputation method. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to assess the effects of the intervention study.ResultsThe GLMM analyses showed the intervention was effective in attaining 0.77(p<0.001), 0.72(p<0.001), 0.47(p<0.001), 0.56(p<0.001), and 0.39(p = 0.045) higher total physical activity, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and water scores respectively for the intervention group over the control group. The intervention was also significant in reducing -0.15(p<0.001),-0.23(p<0.001),-0.50(p<0.001),-0.32(p<0.001),-0.90(p<0.001),-0.87(p<0.001),-0.38(p<0.001), -0.63(p<0.001), -1.63(p<0.001), 0.61(p<0.001), and -1.53(p = 0.005) carbohydrates, fats and oils, fried eggs, fried chicken, carbonated drinks, sugar, sweet snacks, salted fish, weight, BMI, and diastolic BP. The odds of quitting alcohol use in the intervention group were 1.06 times more than the control group. There was no significant effect on reducing smoking and systolic BP.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for the intervention program to be integrated into the existing curriculum structure of secondary school schools. Implementing the intervention will allow for longer and more consistent impact on the reduction of CVD risk factors among secondary school students.

Is Remote Learning as Effective as In-Person Learning for Contouring Education? A Comparison of Face-to-Face vs. Online Delivery of the Anatomy and Radiology Contouring Bootcamp

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The Anatomy and Radiology Contouring (ARC) Bootcamp was a three-day in-person course providing integrated radiology, anatomy, and contouring education for radiation oncology (RO) residents and medical physicists. The course consisted of didactic radiology and contouring lectures, small group anatomy sessions using cadaveric prosections, and real-time contouring using commercial software. Acknowledging the importance of increasing access to the Bootcamp, we launched an online (ONL) version of the ARC Bootcamp in November 2019. We evaluated the ONL course's impact on participants' knowledge acquisition, contouring skills, and self-confidence by comparing it to the face-to-face (F2F) course. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> The F2F Bootcamp was adapted into an ONL version using the Teachable platform (teachable.com). The ONL course was structured in a linear progression of locked modules to offer similar content to the F2F comparator. Participants from the 2019 F2F and the 2019–2020 ONL Bootcamp provided consent for the study and completed pre-and post-intervention evaluations, which assessed anatomy/radiology knowledge, contouring skills, anatomy/radiology knowledge and contouring self-confidence, and course satisfaction. <h3>Results</h3> Fifty-seven (F2F: n = 30; ONL: n = 27) participants completed both evaluations. The ONL course had a substantially wider geographic participation, with participants from 19 countries (vs. 4 countries in the F2F course) completing the pre-evaluation. F2F had primarily RO resident participation (80%) compared to ONL (41%). In the ONL course, most were from a different field (52%), including medical physics residents or medical students. Compared to baseline self-assessments, both cohorts demonstrated similar self-confidence improvements with their anatomy knowledge, contouring skills, and in interpreting radiology images (all <i>P</i> < 0.001). In the anatomy/radiology knowledge testing, the ONL group showed improvement (mean improvement ± SD: 4.6 ± 6.3 on a 40-point scale; <i>P</i> < 0.001) but the F2F group did not (1.6 ± 5.6; <i>P</i> = 0.159). The F2F group demonstrated improvement with the contouring assessment (mean ± SD: 0.10 ± 0.17 on a 1-point Dice scale; <i>P</i> = 0.004), whereas only a trend was found for the ONL group (0.07 ± 0.16; <i>P</i> = 0.076). Both cohorts perceived the course as a positive learning experience (F2F: 4.8 ± 0.4 on a 5-point scale; ONL: 4.5 ± 0.6) and stated it will improve their professional practice (F2F: 4.6 ± 0.5 on a 5-point scale; ONL: 4.2 ± 0.8). Both groups would recommend the course to others (F2F: 4.8 ± 0.4 on a 5-point scale; ONL: 4.4 ± 0.6). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The ONL ARC Bootcamp achieved similar results as the F2F version, with improved self-confidence, knowledge scores, and high satisfaction levels among participants. The ONL course is more accessible to diverse geographic regions and disciplines, allows for ongoing education during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be used as a framework to develop other online educational interventions in radiation oncology.

Assertive skills: a comparison of two group interventions with Brazilian university students

The improvement or acquisition of socioemotional skills contributes to the academic and personal adaptation of university students. The way students think about themselves and others influence their social skills and well-being. Considering the importance of social competence for professional practice in the face of new social realities, the university must invest in programs that promote the socio-emotional development of students. This study compared the effects of interventions based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Psychoeducation on assertive skills and subjective well-being. This study involved 25 undergraduate students of a public university. The students were randomly allocated to three groups, including the Control group, and they were evaluated by means of questionnaires, inventories, scales, and written evaluation of the group process. The program consisted of 10 meetings and a 6-week follow-up. Irrational beliefs were reduced and their assertive skills’ scores increased in the post-intervention and follow-up evaluations, regardless of the group. Only verbal reports from participants indicated an increase in well-being. The students’ written reports after the end of the meetings indicate that the two forms of intervention were evaluated as promoting change by the students. One of the limitations of the study is the size of the groups. Despite the very small sample size, the study highlights that developing a set of flexible beliefs is fundamental to the exercise of assertiveness.

Benefits of two twelve-week multimodal programs on reaction time in community dwellings at risk of falling: preliminary results

Abstract Background A slower reaction time (RT) performance is considered a risk factor for falls. Different approaches as a psychomotor intervention (involving neuromotor exercises) or the whole-body vibration (inducing neurophysiological changes) may reduce the risk of falls. Nevertheless, a combined program may promote greater gains. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability and the effect of two multimodal programs on RT in community-dwelling older adults fallers or balance-impaired. Methods A total of 37 participants (74.3 ± 5.2 years) were divided into two groups (3x/week): experimental group 1 (psychomotor intervention); experimental group 2 [EG2] (combined program: psychomotor intervention + whole-body vibration). The Deary-Liewald reaction time task assessed RT. Simple and choice reaction time [CRT] (ms) tasks were recorded under single and dual-task (DT) paradigms. DT cost was also computed. Results The attendance rate was 86.3%. Wilcoxon test comparisons revealed significant differences between baseline and post-intervention evaluations in the EG2. The improvement was observed in the variable ‘CRT-DT’, in which participants spent less time to perform the task (1026.0 ± 153.4 vs. 960.4 ± 160.9, P = 0.040). The correspondent effect size was medium (r = 0.33). The DT cost was also decreased in CRT-DT by 3.9%. No significant differences between groups were found. Conclusions This study demonstrated that both programs were safe and highly attended. The results suggest that a combined intervention (psychomotor intervention + whole-body vibration) should be privileged to improve RT and reduce the risk of falls. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03446352. Funding: This study was supported by the ESACA Project (Grant ALT20-03-0145-FEDER-000007) and by FCT (SFRH/BD/147398/2019).

Emotional Expression in Children With ASD: A Pre-Study on a Two-Group Pre-Post-Test Design Comparing Robot-Based and Computer-Based Training.

Several studies have found a delay in the development of facial emotion recognition and expression in children with an autism spectrum condition (ASC). Several interventions have been designed to help children to fill this gap. Most of them adopt technological devices (i.e., robots, computers, and avatars) as social mediators and reported evidence of improvement. Few interventions have aimed at promoting emotion recognition and expression abilities and, among these, most have focused on emotion recognition. Moreover, a crucial point is the generalization of the ability acquired during treatment to naturalistic interactions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two technological-based interventions focused on the expression of basic emotions comparing a robot-based type of training with a “hybrid” computer-based one. Furthermore, we explored the engagement of the hybrid technological device introduced in the study as an intermediate step to facilitate the generalization of the acquired competencies in naturalistic settings. A two-group pre-post-test design was applied to a sample of 12 children (M = 9.33; ds = 2.19) with autism. The children were included in one of the two groups: group 1 received a robot-based type of training (n = 6); and group 2 received a computer-based type of training (n = 6). Pre- and post-intervention evaluations (i.e., time) of facial expression and production of four basic emotions (happiness, sadness, fear, and anger) were performed. Non-parametric ANOVAs found significant time effects between pre- and post-interventions on the ability to recognize sadness [t(1) = 7.35, p = 0.006; pre: M (ds) = 4.58 (0.51); post: M (ds) = 5], and to express happiness [t(1) = 5.72, p = 0.016; pre: M (ds) = 3.25 (1.81); post: M (ds) = 4.25 (1.76)], and sadness [t(1) = 10.89, p < 0; pre: M (ds) = 1.5 (1.32); post: M (ds) = 3.42 (1.78)]. The group*time interactions were significant for fear [t(1) = 1.019, p = 0.03] and anger expression [t(1) = 1.039, p = 0.03]. However, Mann–Whitney comparisons did not show significant differences between robot-based and computer-based training. Finally, no difference was found in the levels of engagement comparing the two groups in terms of the number of voice prompts given during interventions. Albeit the results are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, this study suggests that two types of technology-based training, one mediated via a humanoid robot and the other via a pre-settled video of a peer, perform similarly in promoting facial recognition and expression of basic emotions in children with an ASC. The findings represent the first step to generalize the abilities acquired in a laboratory-trained situation to naturalistic interactions.

Efficacy of Virtual Reality Induced Environmental and Habitual Navigation on Psychological, Cognitive Function that Impacts on Physical Recovery in Patients with Stroke

[Background] Cognitive dysfunction after a stroke is normal, but it is underdiagnosed and has a badprognosis. In 40-70 percent of stroke survivors, there is a degree of cognitive dysfunction. Similarly,psychometric issues such as anxiety and depression are normal following stroke but are mostly untreated,resulting in a patient’s poor quality of life. Whereas it also has an effect on a person’s rehabilitation. Theuse of traditional methodology has certain beneficial effects, but it is not necessarily handled with theindividual’s own interests in mind. Virtual reality, on the other hand, seems to play a role in dealing withsuch issues, especially where they are linked to neurological disorders. Virtual reality navigation has thepotential to enhance basic cognitive functions such as visuo-spatial perception, executive performance, andattention, both of which can affect one’s psychological state and aid in functional rehabilitation. Cognitivedeficits and social issues must be addressed because they have a detrimental impact on functional abilitiesand quality of life.[Methodology] Twenty-three participants between the ages of 40 and 60 with a stroke diagnosis were chosen.Participants were split into two groups: Group A, which received Virtual Reality induced environmental andhabitual navigation as well as Conventional Physiotherapy, and Group B, which received ConventionalPhysiotherapy as well as cognitive training and relaxation for 4 weeks of duration. The Montreal CognitiveAssessment (MoCA), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS),and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were used to conduct pre and post intervention evaluations.[Conclusion] The study found that combining virtual reality-induced environmental and habitual navigationwith conventional physiotherapy improves cognitive control, psychological function, and functional recoveryin stroke patients more effectively than treating them with conventional physiotherapy alone.

Evaluation of an eLearning teaching innovation to assist clinical radiation therapy educators in the provision of student feedback

BackgroundClinical placement is an integral part of the Radiation Therapy undergraduate programme. Feedback and formative assessment during clinical placement are regarded as key to developing clinical skills and competencies. Students regularly report dissatisfaction with the feedback process while clinical educators report heavy clinical workloads and a lack of guidance on feedback mechanisms as barriers to providing meaningful student feedback. MethodsAn eLearning teaching intervention was developed to support radiation therapists in the provision of student feedback in the clinic. Thematic analysis was used to report attitudes to feedback and feedback practices collected in a pre and a post intervention evaluation. Results30 radiation therapists completed the module and pre and post intervention evaluations. Prior to taking the module just over half of respondents stated that they offered regular and on-going feedback throughout the student's placement. Positive attitudes to feedback were reported. Following completion of the eLearning tool respondents reported a higher level of confidence in the provision of student feedback and almost 70% said the module had changed how they would approach the feedback process by using feedback models in the future. DiscussionGood and timely feedback is essential and allows a student opportunity to improve prior to the end of the placement. It also teaches students how to self-assess and self-reflect - skills that they can use in continuous professional development after they graduate. Radiation therapists appreciate the structure that using a model in the feedback process offers. ConclusionThis eLearning teaching intervention was received favourably by radiation therapists who are key to creating a culture of feedback in the clinical environment that will facilitate students in becoming competent healthcare professionals.

Group Psychoeducational Intervention for Grandparents of Young Children with ASD: An Open Feasibility Study

This initial open feasibility trial reports on feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the manualized, group-based psychoeducational intervention for grandparents of preschool-aged children with ASD provided by the outpatient habilitation services in Stockholm, Sweden. One hundred and twenty non-custodial grandparents participated in a 6-h intervention program. The study demonstrated good feasibility: 114 (95%) grandparents completed both pre- and post-intervention measures and evaluations and reported high intervention acceptability. The results also indicated that grandparents increased their knowledge about ASD from pre-intervention to post-intervention, gained skills about strategies of supporting their grandchildren and adult children, and appreciated the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other grandparents. Follow-up with a randomized controlled trial design is needed to firmly establish efficacy of this intervention.

Assessment of Studies of Quality Improvement Strategies to Enhance Outcomes in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Clinical care quality improvement (QI) strategies are critical to prevent and control cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is limited evidence regarding which components of the health system-, clinician-, and patient-based QI strategies contribute to their impact on CVD. To identify, map, and organize evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of cardiovascular QI strategies that seek to improve outcomes in patients with CVD. Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched for studies published between January 1, 2009, and October 25, 2019. Eligible study designs included randomized trials and preintervention and postintervention evaluations. Descriptive findings of included studies were reported using several frameworks to map the intervention components stratified by target population, setting, outcomes, and overall results. From 8066 screened titles and abstracts, 456 unique studies with 150 148 unique patients (38.1% women and 61.9% men; mean [SD] age, 64.6 [7.1] years) were identified, including 427 randomized trials, 21 quasi-randomized studies, and 8 preintervention and postintervention studies. Of 336 studies from 45 countries that were classified, 255 (75.9%) were from high-income countries; 68 (20.2%), upper-middle-income countries; 13 (3.9%), lower-middle-income countries; and 0, low-income countries, with diverse clinical settings and target patient populations (post-myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure). Patient support (311 studies), information communication technology (ICT) for health (78 studies), community support (18 studies), supervision (15 studies), and high-intensity training (14 studies) were the most commonly evaluated QI strategies. Other strategies were group problem-solving (7 studies), printed information (5 studies), strengthening infrastructure (4 studies), and financial incentives (3 studies). Patient support, ICT for health, training, and community support were strategies that had been evaluated the most for clinical end points and showed modest associations with several clinical outcomes. The other strategies did not have outcome-driven evaluations reported. Group problem-solving was associated with improved patient self-care and quality of life. Strengthening infrastructure was associated with improved treatment satisfaction. Printed information and financial incentives showed no meaningful effect. This systematic review found that substantial variations exist in the types, effectiveness, and implementation of QI strategies for patients with CVD. A comprehensive map of QI strategies created by this study would be useful for researchers to identify where new knowledge is needed to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Outcome-driven evaluations and long-term studies are needed, particularly in low-income settings, to better understand the effects of QI strategies on prevention and control of CVD.

Transdiagnostic internet cbt for mixed anxiety and depressive: Results from a feasibility study in primary care

IntroductionIn response to the treatment gap for anxiety and depressive disorders, psychological treatments with innovative modalities and high implementation potential are essential. Internet CBT (iCBT) is a cost/effective approach that could improve access to a low-intensity evidence-based CBT intervention.ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and acceptability of the French adaptation of the physician-prescribed six-lesson This Way Up transdiagnostic iCBT program for mixed anxiety and depressive disorders developed in Australia.MethodsFeasibility study with pre- post-intervention evaluations, including an embedded qualitative study in Family Medicine Groups (Quebec, Canada). Inclusion criteria comprise a family physician diagnosis of Major Depression, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Primary self-reported outcomes: PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety); secondary measures include diagnostic-specific scales and health service utilisation.ResultsFamily physicians (N=21) from five Family Medicine Groups prescribed iCBT to 45 patients (30 women, 15 men; mean age = 39.7), 31 initiated the program. To date, 20 patients completed 5 or 6 lessons, nine completed between 2 and 4. Intervention and post-treatment assessments are ongoing, results forthcoming. Results of semi-structured interviews with patients (N=15) and family physicians (ongoing) on iCBT acceptability indicate it is beneficial, practical and easy to use. Program adherence requires patient readiness and determination and could be fostered by motivational support from clinicians.ConclusionsResults support this French iCBT program’s scaling-up potential to contribute to reducing the gap in evidence-based treatments for common mental disorders. Its implementation in primary care could improve the effectiveness, efficiency and equity to a rapidly accessible treatment.

Adverse Events Reported From COVID-19 Vaccine Trials: A Systematic Review.

COVID-19 infection originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and crippled human health globally in no time. The public health emergency required urgent efforts to develop and test the efficacy and safety of vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency use approval has been granted to COVID-19 vaccines before the completion of conventional phases of clinical trials. However, there is no comprehensive review of safety data reported from the vaccine trials, which is critical information to inform the policies in order to improve uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and mitigate the risk aversion perceived due to the COVID-vaccine side effects. This study aims to systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the safety data from the published COVID-19 vaccine trials. This study followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched three major electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar) for published studies between Dec 2019 and 2020. Eligible study designs were randomized trials and pre-and post-intervention evaluations. Descriptive findings of included studies were reported stratified by target population, setting, outcomes, and overall results. From PubMed, Embase, WHO database, and Google Scholar screened titles and abstracts, 11 studies were identified in this review. Most of the reactions reported were mild to moderate whereas a few with severe intensity. All reactions resolved within 3–4 days. The commonly reported local adverse events were pain at the site of injection, swelling, and redness. The systemic reactions included fever, fatigue, myalgia, and headache. Some trials also reported laboratory derangements like decreased hemoglobin, increased bilirubin, altered SGOT and SGPT. None of these alterations were clinically manifested and were self-limiting. Few clinical trials reported serious adverse events, but they were unrelated to vaccination. This systematic review indicates that COVID-19 vaccines can be safe with no serious adverse events. However, long-term post-marketing surveillance data, particularly in high-risk vulnerable populations (elderly and those with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children) is warranted to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

Feasibility of a home-based environmental enrichment paradigm to enhance purposeful activities in adults with traumatic brain injury: a case series

Purpose To assess the feasibility, safety, and functional recovery of an Environmental Enrichment (EE) inspired paradigm for enhancing daily activities in people with traumatic brain injury. Methods Two TBI-Caregiver dyads participated in the six-month study. A preinstalled harness provided the support structure that enabled the family to perform task-specific functional and cognitive goals. The pre- and post-intervention evaluations included the safety, feasibility, and clinical outcomes such as the 10-m walk test, the Timed Up and Go test, the Jebsen Hand Function test, the Six-Minute Walk test, and the Trail Making Test. The Actigraph GT9X recorded the Caregiver-TBI step count during days spent in harness and out of harness. Results The study was feasible, safe, and both TBI subjects improved in functional outcomes. Analysis of Actigraph GT9X yielded mixed results. Conclusion A partnership with caregivers and adults with TBI to design an EE-focused community program could improve functional activities in real life. To optimize this intervention, caregivers will likely need an alternate approach to record time spent in the harness. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The complexities of the real world encourage meaningful activities and participation. Autonomy in everyday activities is an important long-term objective for adults with brain injury. Community-tailored harnesses designed to prevent falls encourages physical activity and social interaction.

Psychosocial rehabilitation, disability, and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia residing in long-stay homes

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that results in significant disability. Many patients have difficulties in self-care, communication, and employment. The study assessed the effectiveness of a psychiatric rehabilitation program in reducing disability and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with schizophrenia residing in long-stay homes. Methods: Forty-two patients with schizophrenia who were inmates of two long-stay homes were the subjects. A rehabilitation program consisting of training in activities of daily living, social skills, medication self-adherence, cognitive training, and psychoeducation was imparted for 6 months. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were done using IDEAS and WHOQOL-BREF. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the significance of the change in outcomes. Results: Scores in self-care, interpersonal activities, communication, and work domain of IDEAS showed a significant reduction with large effect sizes. Domains one, two, and four of WHOQOL-BREF also showed significant improvements with medium to large effect sizes. Conclusion: The rehabilitation program reduces disability and improves the QOL in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Our model of rehabilitation is inexpensive and can be delivered by lay health workers under supervision.

Maternal History of Childhood Violence in the Context of a Parenting Program

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a universal parenting program of violence prevention against children to improve the parenting practices in groups of mothers differentiated by the presence or not of a history of adverse childhood experiences. The study also aimed to characterize the types of violence experienced by the participants. A mixed-methods approach was used with qualitative and quantitative analyzes. The study sample consisted of 125 mothers of 3- to 8-year-old children. Mothers participated in the ACT-Raising Safe Kids Program with pre- and post-intervention evaluations. A self-report questionnaire was used to assess mothers’ parenting practices (emotional and behavioral regulation, communication, and positive discipline). After the intervention, an individual interview was carried out, including open-ended questions about the participants’ history of relationship with their parents and violence and maltreatment situations in their childhood. For the analysis, the mothers were divided into two groups, with a history of violence in childhood (VG; n = 103) and without violence in childhood (CG; n = 24). Results showed a high prevalence (81%) of mothers who reported violent episodes in their childhood, predominantly physical abuse. In the ACT post-intervention, both groups of mothers reported improvements in all dimensions of their parenting practices. In conclusion, the mothers improved their parenting practices after participation in a preventive program, regardless of their history of violence in childhood.

Effect of ischaemic compression versus kinesiotape on patellar tendinitis

IntroductionThe goal of this study was to compare the impact of ischaemic compression and kinesiotape on pain, physical function, and resting myoelectric activity of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles in patients with unilateral acute patellar tendinitis.MethodsOverall, 33 patients were randomly assigned to 3 equal groups. Group A received ischaemic compression and conventional treatment of patellar tendinitis. Group B received kinesiotape and conventional treatment of patellar tendinitis. Group C received only conventional treatment. Each patient received 3 sessions per week for 1 month. Pain intensity, physical function, and resting myoelectric activity were measured before, after, and after another 2 weeks of completion of the study.ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant improvement in all the variables between the pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up evaluations in the 3 groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsKinesiotape is more effective than ischaemic compression in decreasing pain intensity level, improving physical function, and enhancing the activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles in patients with unilateral acute patellar tendinitis.

Relationship-Centered Mealtime Training Program Demonstrates Efficacy to Improve the Dining Environment in Long-Term Care

ObjectivesMealtimes in residential care tend to be task-focused rather than relationship-centered, impacting resident quality of life. CHOICE+ uses participatory approaches to make mealtimes more relationship-centered. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of the 12-month external-facilitated implementation of CHOICE+ to improve the mealtime environment. DesignModified stepped-wedge time series design. Setting and ParticipantsDining rooms in 3 homes were entered into the intervention every 4 months; total study length was 20 months. Pre- and postintervention evaluations were attained from residents (n = 27, n = 19) and staff (n = 39, n = 29) respectively. MethodsFive meals in each home were observed by a blinded trained assessor every 4 months using the Mealtime Scan+ to assess physical, social, and relationship-centered practices and overall quality of the dining environment. Repeated measures analysis determined change in mealtime environment scores. The Team member Mealtime Experience Questionnaire and 5 questions from the InterRAI Quality of Life Questionnaire for residents and family were administered at pre- and postintervention. ResultsThere were significant increases in physical and social environments, relationship-centered care practices, and overall quality of the mealtime environment during the intervention period at all sites (all P < .001) and significant site by intervention interactions for physical (P = .01) and relationship-centered care (P = .03). Statistically significant site differences were noted for relationship-centered care practices (P < .001) and overall quality of the dining environment (P < .002). There was no significant difference in staff and resident/family pre-/postintervention questionnaire results. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe external facilitated model of CHOICE+ resulted in significant improvements in the mealtime environment. Although site context impacted implementation, this study demonstrates that mealtimes can be improved even in homes that have challenges. Future work should determine impact of these improvements on other outcomes such as resident quality of life, using more specific measures.