Group Post-intervention Research Articles

Effects of 5-Wk Repeated Sprint Training in Hypoxia on Global Inspiratory and Core Muscle Functions.

Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) has been shown to boost team-sport players' repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Whether players' global inspiratory muscle (IM) and core muscle (CM) functions would be altered concomitantly with RSH was not reported. This study was designed to compare the concomitant alternations in players' RSA and their IM and CM functions during a team-sport-specific intermittent exercise protocol (IEP) before and after the intervention. Twenty players were assigned into either RSH or control (CON) groups (n = 10 for each). RSH players participated in 5-wk RSH (15 sessions, 3 sets 5x5-s all-out treadmill sprints interspersed with 25-s passive recovery under the hypoxia of 13.5%) while CON players had no corresponding training. The changes in RSA between pre- and post-intervention, and the alterations in IM and CM functions that were revealed by maximum inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) and sport-specific endurance plank test (SEPT) performance, respectively, between pre- and post-IEP and across pre- and post-intervention in the RSH group were compared with that of CON. Following the 5-wk RSH, players' RSA improved significantly (>6%, p < 0.05) while PImax and SEPT performance did not alter (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, PImax which declined markedly in pre-intervention IEP (pre-IEP 155.4 ± 22.7 vs post-IEP 140.6 ± 22.8 cmH2O, p < 0.05) was alleviated significantly in post-intervention IEP (152.2 ± 27.4 vs 152.6 ± 31.8, p > 0.05), while the concomitant declined SEPT performance in the pre-intervention IEP (155 ± 24.6 vs 98.1 ± 21.7 s, p < 0.05) was retained post intervention (170.7 ± 38.1 vs 100.5 ± 33.4, p < 0.05). For the CON, all variables were unchanged (p > 0.05). Such findings suggest that 5-wk RSH could enhance players' RSA but not global IM and CM functions. Nonetheless, the decline in PImax in pre-intervention IEP alleviated significantly post intervention led to a postulation that players' IM endurance, rather than strength, might improve with the 5-wk RSH regimen, while the possible improved IM endurance did not advance the fatigue resistance of CM.

Estimating the Effect of Contrast Exercises Using Conventional Deadlifts and Air Rower on Increasing Leg Muscle Strength and VO₂max in Rowing Athletes

Objectives. This study aimed to prove the effect of contrast training using conventional deadlifts and air rowers on the increase of leg muscle strength and VO₂max in rowing athletes. Materials and methods. This study used a true-experimental method with a two-group pretest-posttest approach, involving a control group design. A total of 22 rowing athletes, aged 19-23 years, and recruited from the Surabaya City training centre, were involved in the study. The athletes received a contrast training intervention with a high intensity of 85-90 % 1RM, conducted thrice per week for a six-week period. Leg strength and back strength, leg power, and VO₂max were evaluated between pre- and post-intervention in each study group. Results. The results showed that leg strength and back strength, leg power, and VO₂max were found to be significantly improved after performing a contrast exercise intervention compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions. These findings suggest that contrast training combining conventional deadlifts and air rowers is an effective method of increasing leg muscle strength and power, as well as VO₂max in rowing athletes, so that it can provide benefits to enhance the explosive strength and aerobic endurance of these athletes.

Quasi-Experimental Study: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Jacobson Relaxation Techniques on Pain Among Post-COVID Geriatrics with Co-morbid Illness

Introduction: Jacobson's progressive muscle has been widely recognized for its potential benefits in pain management, particularly in populations experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, which are common in post-COVID patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Jacobson Relaxation Techniques on pain among post-COVID geriatrics who had co-morbid illness. Methods: Quantitative study was selected for the study. A total of 82 participants were selected using purposive methods allocated to either the intervention group (n=41) or the control group (n=41). Pain levels were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at baseline and after a week of intervention. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results: The study finding revealed that the intervention group had a pre-intervention pain score of 7.2 ± 1.5, which reduced to 4.5 ± 1.2 post-intervention, indicating a noticeable reduction in pain levels following the intervention. In contrast, the control group had a pre-intervention pain score of 7.0 ± 1.4, which showed a minimal reduction to 6.8 ± 1.3 post-intervention, suggesting that the control condition had little to no impact on pain levels. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores compared to the control group post-intervention (p &lt; 0.05), indicating the efficacy of Jacobson Relaxation Techniques in pain management among post-COVID geriatrics with co-morbid illness. Conclusions: Jacobson Relaxation Techniques offer a valuable non-pharmacological approach for alleviating pain in post-COVID geriatrics with co-morbid illness. Further study recommended on the integration of these techniques into clinical practice can improve the quality of life for this vulnerable population, addressing a critical aspect of post-COVID care.

Impact of spilanthol supplementation with balance training on neuromuscular performance

Abstract Background Age-related reductions in muscle mass, muscle contraction power, force, and coordination contribute to an elevated risk of falls and associated consequences. Research suggests that the enhancement of neuromuscular function is attainable through a regimen of targeted exercises and the strategic inclusion of certain supplements like spilanthol. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of resistance exercise with either spilanthol plus coordination/ balance training (BAL) or BAL-alone on neuromuscular function (countermovement jump, multiple one-leg hopping, and sit-to-stand test). Materials and methods In the course of this study, a cohort of 68 healthy male participants, aged 40 to 50 years, completed a rigorous 6-month intervention, from the initial 75 recruits. In the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, participants engaged in 30 minutes of resistance exercise sessions four times a week, complemented by daily supplementation of 17.5 mg of spilanthol. Results The analysis of the results showed significant improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, particularly evident in the peak countermovement power (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The mean effect size for this parameter was a + 1.5[0.9 to 2.1] W/kg greater change in spilanthol-plus-BAL group than BAL-alone group after six months. Moreover, multiple one-leg hopping performance showed significant enhancement in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group post-intervention. The parameters of sit-to-stand duration (1.04 s vs. 1.95 s; p = 0.03) and average acceleration (1.54 g vs. 1.06 g; p = 0.04) both exhibited substantial improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group compared to the BAL-alone group. Conclusions The findings of this investigation contribute empirical evidence supporting the proposition that spilanthol supplementation, when integrated with BAL training, can exert a more pronounced impact on select facets of neuromuscular function. Key messages • Spilanthol supplementation with balance training can exert a pronounced impact on neuromuscular function. • Spilanthol supplementation with balance training demonstrates potential in mitigating sarcopenia and other degenerative conditions.

Influence of vegetable knowledge in preschooler’s vegetable consumption: Veggies4myHeart project

Abstract Background Vegetable consumption among children is below recommended. Food rejection, especially vegetables, is common in preschool-aged children. Impoverished food knowledge is associated with this rejection. The Veggies4myHeart project aims to promote vegetable consumption and knowledge among preschoolers’. This study assesses the project’s effectiveness in increasing vegetable knowledge and consumption and whether increased knowledge influences vegetable consumption. Methods Veggies4myHeart is a prospective longitudinal study with children 2-6 years old attending preschools. Two preschools participated in a five-week intervention in the 2023/24 academic year. A distinctive pedagogical tool was tested in each preschool: a storybook and a digital game. Knowledge and vegetable consumption were assessed before and after the intervention. Knowledge was evaluated through a questionnaire with taxonomic categorization. Consumption was assessed by recording the portions of eight vegetables (carrot, lettuce, red cabbage, cucumber, tomato, onion, beetroot, and red bell pepper). Wilcoxon test was applied to compare vegetable knowledge and consumption before and after the intervention. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine the association between knowledge and vegetable consumption before and after the intervention. Results 98 children (55.1% female, mean age 4.15 ± 0.868 years) participated. Statistically significant increases in both knowledge and total vegetable consumption were observed post-intervention in both preschools (p &amp;lt; 0.001). A moderate correlation of 0.412 (p = 0.013) in the storybook group post-intervention suggests that increased knowledge may contribute to increased vegetable consumption. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential of the Veggies4myHeart project as an effective strategy to promote knowledge about vegetables among preschool children, highlighting the critical role of educational interventions in promoting healthier dietary patterns. Key messages • To increase vegetable knowledge may lead to higher consumption in preschool children. • Veggies4myHeart demonstrated its effectiveness as an educational project for preschool children.

A controlled study: Evaluating the clinical impact of a nurse-centred multidisciplinary hospice care model on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with advanced malignant tumours.

To explore the clinical effect of a nurse-centred multidisciplinary collaborative hospice care model in patients with advanced malignant tumours. A total of 30 patients with advanced malignant tumours were hospitalised and randomly divided into a study group and a control group, each consisting of 15 cases. The study group received nurse-led multidisciplinary collaborative hospice care, whereas the control group underwent high-quality nursing intervention. Variables such as the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, self-rating depression scale (SDS) score, quality of life scale (EORTC QLQ-C30) score, patient happiness, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Post-intervention, the SAS and SDS scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.01). The overall quality of life score of the study group was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness scores in the study group also surpassed those of the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, nursing satisfaction in the study group exceeded that of the control group (p = 0.027). The nurse-led multidisciplinary collaborative hospice care model substantially alleviated negative emotions among patients, effectively improved their quality of life and happiness, and garnered positive evaluations of nursing satisfaction.

Effects of Family Audio Recordings on Depression, Cognitive Function, and Sleep Quality of Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To explore the effects of family audio recordings on depression, cognitive function, and sleep quality among individuals with Alzheimer's disease in nursing homes. A randomized controlled study design was used, and 107 participants with Alzheimer's disease were stratified and randomly assigned to groups based on Clinical Dementia Rating Scale scores. The control group received usual care and health education, and the experimental group received usual care, health education, and a family audio recording intervention. The experimental group showed significantly lower depression scores compared to the control group post-intervention. A within-group comparison of sleep quality scores in the experimental group was significantly different. At post-intervention, cognitive function scores in the control group significantly decreased compared to before the intervention. Family audio recording interventions helped alleviate depression symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, improved their sleep quality, and delayed the progression of cognitive decline to some extent. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Investigating the influence of Bowen technique with retro-walking on hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in young college-going students

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hamstring tightness is a common issue affecting individuals, leading to discomfort, pain, and increased risk of injury. The Bowen technique, a gentle myofascial release technique, and retro-walking have been suggested as potential interventions to improve hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance. This study aimed to assess the impact of combining the Bowen technique with retro-walking on hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in college students. METHODOLOGY: A pre–post-experimental study was conducted among 50 college students aged 17–25 years. Participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (n = 25) receiving Bowen technique and retro-walking intervention or the control group (n = 25). Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the active knee extension test, and dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-Balance test. The data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis revealed significant improvements in hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance posttreatment in the experimental group (P &lt; 0.05), with no significant changes observed in the control group (P &gt; 0.05). Intergroup analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hamstring flexibility (P &lt; 0.05) and dynamic balance (P &lt; 0.05) between the experimental and control groups postintervention. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that the combination of the Bowen technique and retro-walking effectively improves hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in college students. The Bowen technique likely enhances muscle extensibility and tissue repair, while retro-walking optimizes muscle length utilization and proprioception. These findings underscore the potential utility of these interventions in clinical practice for managing hamstring tightness and improving overall musculoskeletal health. CONCLUSION: The integration of the Bowen technique with retro-walking holds promise as a noninvasive and effective approach to enhance hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in college students.

Efficacy of a Telephone-Intervention on Caregiving Burden and Mental Health among Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Identifying effective and accessible interventions for family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) is crucial as the prevalence of dementia increases in Asia. This study investigated the efficacy of a telephone-intervention on the reduction in caregiver burden, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms among family caregivers (FCs) of PWD in Malaysia. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out with 121 FCs of PWD selected from memory or psychiatry clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia, who were randomly allocated into the intervention or control group. The intervention group received the psychoeducational intervention delivered by healthcare staff via telephone for 10 sessions over 12 weeks. The outcome of the intervention was measured by the Malay version of the Zarit Burden Interview and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and post-intervention. An intention to treat analysis shows that caregiver burden, anxiety symptoms, and psychological distress among FCs in the intervention group decreased by 7.57 units (p < 0.001), 2.46 units (p < 0.001), and 2.98 units (p = 0.011), respectively, at post-intervention, compared to the differences from baseline to post-intervention in the control group. Policies aimed at integrating the telephone-intervention into memory/psychiatry clinics in Malaysia may help FCs of PWD to reduce their caregiver burden and stress while caring for a family member with dementia.

Comparative Outcomes of a Cognitive-Behavioral Skills Building Program on the Mental Health and Healthy Behaviors of Prenursing Students

Background: Nursing students experience significantly more stress related diseases when compared to non-nursing students, and the state of their mental health can result in short-term increased attrition rates and increased nursing shortages. Purpose: A preexperimental pre-post study design was used to examine mental health and healthy behaviors among prenursing students. Methods: Cohorts received the MINDSTRONG© program either in-person or virtually. Data analysis included Personal Wellness Assessments completed at both pre- and poststudy for all participants (n = 110). Results: Both groups postintervention had statistically significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and stress and statistically significant increases in healthy lifestyle behaviors and beliefs. Students with elevated depression and anxiety scores at baseline had greater decreases postintervention than the overall groups. Conclusion: The outcomes for both cohorts were positive and effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Healthy behaviors were improved and align with findings with an in-person format. Findings from this study support implementation of MINDSTRONG in synchronous sessions, either in-person or virtual.

Lifestyle Medicine Implementation in Family Medicine Clinic.

Background: Lifestyle medicine, a patient-centered approach promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, is an evidence-based tool for preventing and treating chronic diseases. It has been shown to reduce the burden of physical and psychological diseases. Despite this, clinical implementation is lagging, with physicians facing barriers effectively encouraging lifestyle change. Objective: This project studies the Lifestyle Medicine Assessment (LMA) tool regarding ease of implementation and influence on patient motivation, perception of lifestyle changes, and satisfaction. Methods: A two-pronged approach was conducted. First, the implementation time was recorded for multiple encounters (N = 42). Next, a different subset of patients (N = 22) receiving the LMA completed a pre- and post-encounter survey about their motivation to change, perception of lifestyle changes on well-being, and visit satisfaction. A control group (N = 21) also received these surveys. Results: The average time of application was 7.12min. Intragroup scores for motivation to change were significantly higher in the LMA group post-intervention (p LMA = .001), but not in the control group. Conclusion: These results show the potential benefits of the LMA tool in a clinical setting, demonstrating realistically achievable implementation times and increased patient motivation regarding better lifestyle choices. Providers should consider using the LMA tool to promote lifestyle change within their practice.

Comprehensive management of gestational diabetes mellitus: practical efficacy of exercise therapy and sustained intervention strategies.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects 14.0% of pregnancies globally, with a 35% post-pregnancy relapse and a 60% risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) within 5-10 years. Challenges in long-term management, especially postpartum, include adherence and follow-up difficulties. This study, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, examined the practical effects of exercise therapy in the prevention, treatment, and prevention of progression from Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Relevant research and clinical practices were retrieved from six major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Science Direct). After analyzing the intervention effects of exercise therapy at different stages, factors favorably influencing the effectiveness of exercise intervention were identified during the more effective stages. Finally, a long-term and efficient exercise implementation plan for the comprehensive management of GDM was proposed. In GDM prevention, exercise reduced the post-intervention risk by 37% compared to the control group (Relative Risk (RR)=0.63; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.54 to 0.72; p=0.01). Studies on GDM treatment showed improved glucose control in the exercise group post-intervention (Mean Difference (MD)=-0.10; 95% CI: -0.16 to -0.04; p=0.04/MD=-0.27; 95% CI: -0.36 to -0.19; p<0.0001). However, exercise therapy didn't significantly affect the incidence of T2D post-GDM (RR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.11; p=0.39) due to challenges in quantified exercise prescriptions and the complexity of postpartum programs. To enhance exercise therapy effectiveness in GDM management, the study recommends adopting an integrated model emphasizing personalized pregnancy plans, postpartum strategies, and long-term support. Leveraging frequent healthcare contact during pregnancy can establish and sustain exercise habits, fostering a lifelong pattern. While the study acknowledges limitations, this approach holds potential for improving glycemic metabolism and developing healthy exercise habits in subsequent generations. Future research should include longer follow-ups to validate the practical efficacy of this approach in preventing T2D after GDM. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023463617.

Allied rehabilitation using caregiver-mediated exercises combined with telerehabilitation for stroke (ARMed4Stroke): A randomised controlled trial

Objective To assess the added value of caregiver-mediated exercises combined with telerehabilitation in addition to usual care compared to usual care alone on the self-reported mobility outcome after subacute stroke. Design Multicentre, observer-blinded, parallel randomised controlled trial. An off-site researcher allocated treatments using minimisation. Setting Four rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands. Participants Forty-one patient–caregiver dyads within 3 months poststroke. Intervention Eight-week blended care program with caregiver-mediated mobility exercises for 2.5 h per week supported by telerehabilitation and four face-to-face sessions in addition to usual care. Main measures Self-reported mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale postintervention. Secondary outcomes were functional outcome, dyads’ psychosocial wellbeing, care transition to the community postintervention and after 6 months. Results Forty-one dyads (21 intervention, 20 control) were randomised, and 37 (N = 18; N = 19) were analysed following intention-to-treat. The Stroke Impact Scale mobility was not significantly different between groups postintervention (B 0.8, 95% CI –6.8–8.5, p = 0.826). The secondary outcomes, namely, (a) caregivers’ quality of life postintervention (p = 0.013), (b) caregivers’ symptoms of depression postintervention (p = 0.025), and (c) independence in leisurely activities at 6 months (p = 0.024), showed significant benefits in favour of caregiver-mediated exercises with telerehabilitation. A significant difference favouring controls was found in self-reported muscle strength at 6 months (p = 0.002). Conclusions Caregiver-mediated exercises combined with telerehabilitation yielded no differential effect on our primary outcome self-reported mobility. Although the trial is underpowered, current findings are in line with previous trials. Future studies should further explore beneficial effects of caregiver involvement in stroke rehabilitation targeting psychosocial wellbeing.

Medication safety knowledge and practice among nursing students: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND: Medication safety is of paramount importance in nursing practice to ensure the accurate administration of medications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving a control group (n = 119) and an intervention group (n = 119) of nursing students at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). Randomization was achieved using computer-generated random numbers. The study design employed was a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize participant characteristics, and inferential statistics were employed to compare outcomes between the control and intervention groups. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge and practice of medication safety. In the control group, pre-intervention knowledge was 65.9%, increasing to 82.4% post-intervention. The intervention group exhibited an increase from 66.7% to 90.6% after targeted interventions. Practice assessments also yielded positive outcomes, with high medication safety practice rising from 52.1% to 65.5% in the control group, and from 56.3% to 80.7% in the intervention group post-intervention. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the dedication of nursing students to patient safety and affirms the effectiveness of both standard curriculum-based education and targeted interventions in enhancing medication safety knowledge and practice. Even the control group displayed notable competence, indicating the strength of the existing educational framework at UCTH. To further improve conditions and benefit the beneficiaries, we propose ongoing education and training for nursing students, as well as continued adherence to established protocols in medication safety within nursing education. These efforts will ultimately contribute to heightened patient care and safety in clinical settings.

Therapist-led Microlearning Curriculum for Resident Mobility Education

Background:Early mobility programs can mitigate or prevent functional decline in hospitalized patients. Studies have shown that insufficient staff mobility-related knowledge can hinder efficacy and sustainability of mobility initiatives. Integrating mobility education into residency training may help to bridge this knowledge gap. The purpose of this randomized pre-post survey study was to evaluate the impact of a standardized microlearning mobility curriculum embedded into daily interdisciplinary rounds on internal medicine residents’ self-reported beliefs, knowledge, and practices related to inpatient mobility.Methods:A mobility curriculum utilizing microlearning principles, consisting of 4 weekly 5-10-minute sessions, was developed and implemented at an academically-affiliated Veteran’s Hospital. Residents were randomly assigned by team numbers into an Education (intervention) group and a Control group. A questionnaire was developed and validated to assess the impact of the curriculum on learner perceptions, knowledge, and clinical practices. The survey was administered to the entire cohort of trainees at the beginning and end of their 4-week rotations, with results analyzed for differences between the groups.Outcomes:Both the Education and Control groups exhibited consistently positive attitudes towards inpatient mobility at baseline and after the study. The Education group reported higher confidence in mobility knowledge compared to the Control group post-intervention. Though reported mobility practices remained similar between groups, there was higher correlation between knowledge and practice responses in the Education group.Conclusion:As part of early mobility programmatic efforts, a microlearning curriculum embedded into interdisciplinary rounds can be effective in enhancing residents’ mobility-related knowledge and confidence.

The Effectiveness of Communicative and Test-Focused Approaches in TOEFL® Preparation Classes

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Communicative Approach and the Test-Focused Approach in TOEFL® preparation classes. Sixty-four students from Islamic Senior High School Madrasah Aliyah Al-Insan (pseudonym) in Jombang, East Java, Indonesia, were divided into two groups: one receiving instruction based on the Communicative Approach and the other on the Test-Focused Approach. Using a quasi-experimental design, pre-test and post-test scores were analyzed to measure improvements in TOEFL performance. The results showed significant score increases in both groups. The Communicative Approach group’s mean pre-test score of 456 improved to 483 post-intervention, while the Test-Focused Approach group’s mean score rose from 460 to 493. The paired sample t-test results indicated statistically significant improvements within each group, with p-values of 0.00 for the Communicative Approach and 0.00 for the Test-Focused Approach. Additionally, the independent sample t-test revealed that the Test-Focused Approach group performed significantly better than the Communicative Approach group post-intervention, with a p-value of 0.030. These findings align with existing theories on language learning and test preparation, suggesting that while communicative methods enhance overall language proficiency, test-focused strategies more effectively boost immediate test performance. The study concludes that integrating both approaches in TOEFL preparation programs can provide a balanced and comprehensive strategy, optimizing both language development and test readiness. Future research should explore the long-term effects of such integrated methods on students' language proficiency and academic success.

A Preschool based intervention to reduce Early Childhood Caries in a District of Sri Lanka: A Quasi-experimental Study.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is prevalent among preschool children. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of an intervention to modify family-level determinants of caries (i.e. maternal parenting style, oral health-related self-efficacy and oral health-related knowledge) via preschool teachers, to improve the child level determinants of ECC (dietary sugar consumption, oral hygiene pattern, dental attendance pattern). Quasi-experimental study. Preschools in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Preschoolers and their mothers/caregivers. Delivered via preschool teachers to 200 children and their caregivers. Maternal parenting style, oral health related self-efficacy and oral health related knowledge, parentally reported dietary sugar consumption, oral hygiene pattern, dental attendance pattern and ECC. Maternal oral health related knowledge, authoritative parenting, authoritarian parenting and oral health related self-efficacy, maternally reported sugar consumption, sweetened drink consumption, tooth brushing frequency, dental visiting during the past six months and receipt of treatment better in the intervention group than the control group post-intervention. The intervention shows potential in modifying family level determinants of ECC.

Developing and testing a community based, online vs. face-to-face peer led intervention to improve mental well-being in Cambodian adults with physical disabilities.

Despite growing international attention, there remains an urgent need to develop mental health services within low and middle income countries. The Khmer Rouge period in Cambodia saw the destruction of all health services infrastructure in the 1970s. Consequently, Cambodia has struggled to rebuild both its economy and healthcare system, with the number of qualified mental health clinicians remaining disproportionately low. Resultantly, there is a pressing need to develop low-cost community based alternatives of mental healthcare. Using a mixed methods design, researchers developed an 8-week peer-led intervention, known as a Friendship Group, for adults with physical disabilities using both face-to-face and online delivery methods. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to assess changes in pre-post survey scores and qualitative data was collected in form of five focus groups post intervention. 41 participants were allocated across four Friendship groups - two were online and two face-to-face. Attrition rate was 22% post-intervention (n = 32). ITT analyses showed a statistically significant decrease in psychological distress scores [Z = -3.808, p < .001] from pre [Mdn = 20, IQR = 16.5-25.5] to post [Mdn = 16, IQR = 14-18.5] intervention. A Wilcoxon signed-ranks test also showed a statistically significant decrease in PTSD scores [Z = -2.239, p < .025] from pre [Mdn = 4, IQR = 3-5] to post [Mdn = 3, IQR = 2.75-4] intervention. There was also a statistically significant decrease in worry scores [Z = -3.904, p < .001] from pre [Mdn = 5, IQR = 3.5-6.5] to post [Mdn = 3, IQR = 3-4] intervention. There were no significant group differences between the face to face and online groups. A number of interconnected themes emerged from focus group data (n = 5), these included the mental health benefits of Friendship Groups as conceptualised through knowledge acquisition, skill development and peer support. The Friendship group intervention delivered in both online and face-to-face formats appears feasible and acceptable within the Cambodian context. Initial data revealed positive findings in terms of reduction in psychological distress, worry and PTSD symptoms as well increased feeling as calm.

The effects of a teacher-led online mental health literacy program for high school students: a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial

Background Adolescents are vulnerable to mental health problems, and this vulnerability may be enhanced in situations such as the present COVID-19 pandemic. Online mental health literacy (MHL) education may help adolescents maintain/improve their mental health, especially in situations where face-to-face education is difficult. Aims To evaluate the effects of a teacher-led “online Short MHL Program (o-SMHLP)” delivered online to grade 10 students in their classrooms. Methods Students (age 15–16) were randomly assigned to an o-SMHLP group (n = 115 (3 classes)) or a control group (n = 155 (4 classes)) at the class level. The program consisted of a 20-minute session which included an animated video. The students completed a self-report questionnaire pre- and post-intervention assessing outcomes including: “Knowledge about mental health/illnesses”, “Recognition of necessity to seek help”, “Intention to seek help”, and “Unwillingness to socialize with people having mental illness”. Mixed effects modeling was employed for analyses. Results All outcomes were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group post-intervention, except for “intention to seek help”. Conclusions The present study shows the effectiveness of an online MHL intervention while identifying the need for the development of effective online programs targeting adolescents’ “intention to seek help”.

Assessing the efficacy of tocotrienol-rich fraction vitamin E in obese children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a single-blind, randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChildhood obesity is a growing concern, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant consequence. Currently, there are no approved drugs to treat NAFLD in children. However, a recent study explored the potential of vitamin E enriched with tocotrienol (TRF) as a powerful antioxidant for NAFLD. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effectiveness and safety of TRF in managing children with obesity and NAFLD.MethodsA total of 29 patients aged 10 to 18 received a daily oral dose of 50 mg TRF for six months (January 2020 to February 2022), and all had fatty liver disease were detected by ultrasonography and abnormally high alanine transaminase levels (at least two-fold higher than the upper limits for their respective genders). Various parameters, including biochemical markers, FibroScan, LiverFASt, DNA damage, and cytokine expression, were monitored.ResultsAPO-A1 and AST levels decreased significantly from 1.39 ± 0.3 to 1.22 ± 0.2 g/L (P = 0.002) and from 30 ± 12 to 22 ± 10 g/L (P = 0.038), respectively, in the TRF group post-intervention. Hepatic steatosis was significantly reduced in the placebo group from 309.38 ± 53.60 db/m to 277.62 ± 39.55 db/m (p = 0.048), but not in the TRF group. Comet assay analysis showed a significant reduction in the DNA damage parameters in the TRF group in the post-intervention period compared to the baseline, with tail length decreasing from 28.34 ± 10.9 to 21.69 ± 9.84; (p = 0.049) and with tail DNA (%) decreasing from 54.13 ± 22.1to 46.23 ± 17.9; (p = 0.043). Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels were significantly lower in the TRF group compared to baseline levels for IL-6 (2.10 6.3 to 0.7 1.0 pg/mL; p = 0.047 pg/mL) and TNF-1 (1.73 5.5 pg/mL to 0.7 0.5 pg/mL; p = 0.045).ConclusionThe study provides evidence that TRF supplementation may offer a risk-free treatment option for children with obesity and NAFLD. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of TRF offer a promising adjuvant therapy for NAFLD treatment. In combination with lifestyle modifications such as exercise and calorie restriction, TRF could play an essential role in the prevention of NAFLD in the future. However, further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of TRF supplementation on NAFLD in children.Trial registrationThe study has been registered with the International Clinical Trial Registry under reference number (NCT05905185) retrospective registration on (15/06/2023).