Pre-and Post-test Design Research Articles

Pedals possible: a pilot study of adaptive cycling as a school-based rehabilitation intervention for students with disabilities

IntroductionPediatric therapists in school-based practice can incorporate exercise promotion through adaptive cycling for children with disabilities who experience high levels of sedentary behavior and low levels of moderate to vigorous activity.MethodsThe impacts of an adaptive cycling pilot program for children with disabilities were investigated through a community-based participatory study. During an eight-week intervention, students had a goal of riding adaptive cycles three times a week for twenty minutes. Using a pre-and post-test design, primary outcomes included individualized goal attainment scaling (GAS) linked to students' individualized education plans (IEP) and the 6-minute cycling test (6MCT) measuring cycling distance. Secondary outcomes included cycling duration over time, assistance levels for pedaling and steering, a “happiness scale”, and overall program satisfaction of parents and teachers. To prevent harm, pain behavior was examined using the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC).ResultsCycling had a positive impact on students with disabilities. No increased levels of pain behavior or adverse events were reported. Individual GAS T-score means significantly improved to 0.24 and program effectiveness achieved a T-score value of 50.53. The mean distance of 6MCT increased from 728.95 feet to 880.5 feet. Secondary measures also documented significant improvement. Parents and teachers reported high overall satisfaction.DiscussionAdaptive cycling can incorporate needed physical activity into the school day and also support the achievement of IEP goals, physical activity capacity, and emotional happiness. Scaling adaptive cycling programs for children with disabilities should be considered an excellent opportunity for educational growth, health, and well-being.

The Effect of Myofascial Release Iliotibial Band on Reducing Pain and Increasing Functional Activity in Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common case suffered by elderly women. The population at high risk of experiencing knee osteoarthritis is women at 18% compared to men at around 9.6% worldwide, older age, excessive body weight, and having had a knee injury or having had previous knee surgery. Methods: The design of this study was a two-group pre-and post-test design. The research compares the effect of the myofascial release of the iliotibial band on reducing pain and increasing functional activity in knee osteoarthritis. The research subjects were all clients who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis by a doctor. Results: The results of the test for the difference in pain scores with VAS before and after treatment in group 1 showed a value of p = 0.000 or a value of p < 0.05, while the functional ability scores with WOMAC before and after group 1 treatment showed a p-value = 0.000 or a p-value < 0.05, which means that there was an effect of standard therapy on reducing pain and increasing functional activity in osteoarthritis knees in group 1 so that the hypothesis was accepted. Conclusion: There is a difference in effect between standard therapy and standard therapy plus myofascial release of the iliotibial band to increase functional activity in knee osteoarthritis. There is a difference in the effect of standard therapy and standard therapy plus myofascial release iliotibial band on increasing functional activity (p = 0.00) in knee osteoarthritis.

The Effect of Back Massage Using VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) on Sleep Quality in the Elderly in Banjar Jambe Working Area of UPTD Puskesmas Utara

Poor sleep quality has physiological and psychological consequences, including weakness, elevated blood pressure, decreased activity, diminished endurance, emotional instability, and withdrawal. Sleep quality can be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. Many things can be done to improve sleep quality in the elderly, one of which is back massage combined with VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil). This research aims to determine the effect of back massage using VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) on sleep quality in the elderly. This is a pre-experimental study with a one-group pre-and post-test design. The sample for this study was drawn using a non-probability sampling technique, namely purposive sampling of 28 senior respondents who reported poor sleep quality. In bivariate analysis, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was employed to compare pretest and posttest scores. Based on the results of data analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Range Test at a significance level of α = 0.05, a p-value of 0.000 < 0.05 was obtained. This shows that there is an effect of back massage using VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) on sleep quality in the elderly in Banjar Jambe, Region Area of UPTD Puskesmas Kuta Utara. It is hoped that this research can be used for health services, nursing education and the community to overcome sleep disorders in the elderly.

Enhance Staff Nurses' Proficiency And Knowledge In Wound Assessment And Management Using The NERDS & Stones Technique

Aim: This study aims to enhance the knowledge and proficiency of staff nurses in wound assessment and management using the NERDS & STONES technique through targeted educational interventions and hands-on training. Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-and post-test design was used. A total of 89 registered nurses from one hospital in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. The intervention consisted of lectures, hands-on workshops, and case study discussions. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using the Wound Care Knowledge Assessment Tool, which measured nurses' knowledge of wound assessment and infection identification. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to compare pre-and post-intervention scores. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in nurses' wound care knowledge after the educational intervention using the NERDS & STONES technique. The pre-intervention mean score was 4.44 (SD = 1.74), which increased to 5.98 (SD = 2.13) post-intervention, with a mean difference of -1.54 (SD = 3.12). A paired ttest revealed a statistically significant increase in knowledge (t = -4.66, p < 0.001). The effect size, as measured by Cohen’s d, was 0.494, indicating a medium effect of the intervention. Conclusion: The educational intervention using the NERDS & STONES technique significantly improved nurses' wound care knowledge, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted training. These findings highlight the importance of structured educational programs in enhancing clinical skills and promoting better patient care outcomes.

The Impact of a New Specialized Learning Platform on Enhancing Students’ Skills in Designing and Producing Online Educational Talking Books

The use of digital audio-based learning applications in classrooms is increasing. Thus, instructional technology professionals need to become more skilled in designing and developing these apps. To succeed in the future learning process, students studying instructional technology need to have mastered these skills. This study aims to examine the impact of a specialized platform proposed to cultivate students’ skills in easily designing and producing online educational talking books (online ETBs). To improve the target abilities, we developed a new specialized platform as a web-based system for this investigation that includes several innovative tools and special learning content. The research design used was quasi-experimental. Thirty-two undergraduate students majoring in instructional technology who were in the third grade examined the proposed platform. With the pre-and post-test design, all participants were placed into one group. Three online instruments were used to gather the data: a performance observation card; a product evaluation card; and a usability questionnaire. According to the results, the suggested platform considerably increased the practical skills required to design and create an online ETB. Additionally, the proposed platform positively impacted the production of online ETB products with an acceptable proficiency level across various educational subjects. The customized platform has also proven to be a comfortable learning environment for the participating instructional technology students. This platform may be utilized as an ICT teaching tool to enhance instructional technology departments as it is appropriate for constructing online ETBs in various educational areas without coding barriers.

The Effect of Ultrasound and Core Stability Exercise on Increasing Lower Back Functionality in Adolescents

Background: Myogenic low back pain is a disorder characterized by pain in the lower back. Low back pain can have an impact on impaired functional ability. Some of the factors causing functional disorders are physiological factors, poor body posture, and unergonomic work postures. Adolescents are a group that is vulnerable to experiencing functional decline in the lower back due to pain in the lower back as a result of the demands of activity during the learning process, by spending most time sitting, and having busy learning schedules, which make physical activity tend to be low, which can result in decreased lower back functionality. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of ultrasound and core stability exercise on functional abilities in sufferers of myogenic low back pain in adolescents. Methods: The research design was pre-experimental with a one-group pre-and post-test design. From a total population of around 100, after simple random sampling, 57 subjects were obtained with measurements using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: The results of the normality test data analysis using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, ODI pre-test 0.072, and ODI post-test 0.157, and for hypothesis testing using the paired sample t-test P 0.000, so that there is a significant difference. Conclusion: The clinical implications could be the influence of providing ultrasound and core stability exercises on improving lower back function in adolescents. So the hypothesis is accepted.

Pediatric Tuberculosis Screening through Parent Involvement

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Pediatric TB poses a unique challenge due to the difficulty in diagnosing the disease in young children. Early detection and treatment of TB are crucial to prevent transmission and improve outcomes. Parent involvement in pediatric TB screening can be vital in increasing case detection and reducing morbidity and mortality. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of pediatric TB screening through parent involvement in a community setting in Indonesia. The study will assess this approach's feasibility, acceptability, and impact on identifying TB cases among children. The findings will contribute to developing effective strategies for pediatric TB screening in resource-limited settings. Methods: The research used a pre-and post-test design with a control group design involving 177 mothers with children aged 0-14 years in the Seberang Health Center Working Area, Padang City. Three interventions were applied: self-screening education, structured training, and self-screening simulation. Results: The intervention group showed notable improvements in knowledge, understanding, confidence, and skills across all stages, with statistically significant results (p < 0.05). In contrast, the control group experienced either minimal improvements or decreases in these areas. These findings suggest that the comprehensive approach of education, training, and simulation-based interventions is highly effective in enhancing parents' capacity for early detection of childhood tuberculosis, offering a promising solution for preventing and managing the disease. Conclusions: The results showed significant improvements in mothers' knowledge, understanding, and skills, with each approach contributing differently. The implications are substantial, providing practical guidance for the implementation of TB self-screening in communities and changing the paradigm of TB detection in children nationally and globally.

Home Automated Telemanagement System for Individualized Exercise Programs: Design and Usability Evaluation.

Exercise is essential for physical rehabilitation, helping to improve functional performance and manage chronic conditions. Telerehabilitation offers an innovative way to deliver personalized exercise programs remotely, enhancing patient adherence and clinical outcomes. The Home Automated Telemanagement (HAT) System, integrated with the interactive bike (iBikE) system, was designed to support home-based rehabilitation by providing patients with individualized exercise programs that can be monitored remotely by a clinical rehabilitation team. This study aims to evaluate the design, usability, and efficacy of the iBikE system within the HAT platform. We assessed the system's ability to enhance patient adherence to prescribed exercise regimens while minimizing patient and clinician burden in carrying out the rehabilitation program. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with five participants using a pre-and post-test design. Usability testing included two primary tasks that participants performed with the iBikE system. Task completion times, adherence to exercise protocols, and user satisfaction were measured. A System Usability Scale (SUS) was also used to evaluate participants' overall experience. After an initial introduction, users performed the tasks independently following a one-week break to assess retention of the system's operation skills and its functionality. Task completion times improved significantly from the pre-test to the post-test: execution time for Task 1 reduced from 8.6±4.7 seconds to 1.8±0.8 seconds, and the time for Task 2 decreased from 315.0±6.9 seconds to 303.4±1.1 seconds. Adherence to the prescribed cycling speed also improved, with deviations from the prescribed speed reduced from 6.26±1.00 RPM to 4.02±0.82 RPM (t=3.305, p=0.030). SUS scores increased from 92.0±8.6 to 97.0±3.3, indicating high user satisfaction and confidence in system usability. All participants successfully completed both tasks without any additional assistance during the post-test phase, demonstrating the system's ease of use and effectiveness in supporting independent exercise. The iBikE system, integrated into the HAT platform, effectively supports home-based telerehabilitation by enabling patients to follow personalized exercise prescriptions with minimal need for further training or supervision. The significant improvements in task performance and exercise adherence suggest that the system is well-suited for use in home-based rehabilitation programs, promoting sustained patient engagement and adherence to exercise regimens. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these findings and explore the long-term benefits of the system in broader patient populations.

Recovery after ischemic stroke: Effects of FuekFone home-based program on upper limb and cognitive function

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the effects of the “FuekFone (F.F.) home-based program” on the upper limb and cognitive function of ischemic stroke patients after discharge. MethodsA single group pre-and post-test design was conducted. A total of 40 patients with recovery after ischemic stroke were recruited from two university hospitals in Thailand. The study was conducted between June 2022 and January 2023. Participants underwent a six-week “F.F. home-based program,” which combined an upper limb and cognitive function rehabilitation device with Android games, including stationary barrel, adventure walk, adventure stroll, sliding barrel, sauce squeeze, and cut objects. Each game has different difficulty levels. Patients can perform corresponding exercises through the games according to their conditions under the guidance of medical staff. The patients played for 24 mins per time, 4 mins each game, three days a week. The second week, let the patients play games for 30 mins per time, 5 mins each game, 3 days a week. Then, in the 3–6 weeks, let the patients play games for 1 h per time, 10 mins each game, 5 days a week. At the pre-and post-intervention, the Thai version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the Motor Assessment Scale, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA score) were administered to patients at discharge and at 2, 4, and 6 weeksafter discharge, and the results were compared. ResultsAll participants completed this program. Participants had statistically improved upper limb function (upper arm function score, hand movements score, advanced hand activities score, total Motor Assessment Scale score) and MoCA score at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after discharge (P < 0.001). In the comparison of upper limb function and cognitive function at each of the study times, we found statistically improved upper limb function (upper arm function score, hand movements score, advanced hand activities score, total Motor Assessment Scale score) and MoCA score at 4, and 6 weeks after discharge when compared to after discharge and 2 weeks after discharge, respectively (P < 0.05). ConclusionsContinuing care of patients post-stroke after discharge from hospital, such as F.F. home-based program should be applied at home to enhance upper limb and cognitive function.

Educating for Emergency Preparedness the Impact Of First Aid Training on Elementary School Students Knowledge of Basic Trauma Management

Contusions, strains, sprains, dislocations, and subluxations are the most common musculoskeletal disorders in musculoskeletal trauma. These conditions include simple trauma but can cause dysfunction of surrounding structures and structures in the protected or supported part. Simple trauma often occurs in school-aged children, especially elementary school students. This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge of Malangrejo Jetis State Elementary School students, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, before and after being given first aid training on simple trauma. This study used a quasi-experiment with a pre-and post-test design without control. Sampling was conducted using the consecutive method to collect 65 respondents. The instruments used included questionnaires and first aid training with group simulation. Analysis in this study used the Wilcoxon test. The mean value of knowledge before first aid training was 11.00, while the mean value of knowledge after first aid training was 12.00. First aid in simple trauma affects the knowledge of elementary school students.

EFFECTIVENESS OF RED BETEL (PIPER CROCATUM) EXTRACT ON LEUCORRHEA IN WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE

Introduction: Reproductive health problems exist in Asia; 76% of women experience vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge symptoms are also experienced by women of childbearing age (around 31.8%). Women of childbearing age are more at risk of fluor albus, which can be a trigger for reproductive organ infections. One of the treatments is to use betel leaves, which contain natural antiseptics and antibiotics. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of red betel leaf extract (Piper crocatum) against leucorrhea in women of childbearing age. Method: This research method uses a quasi-experiment design with one pre-and post-test design technique group. The research was conducted at the Independent Midwife Practice in Bandung City. The population in the study were all women of childbearing age in Bandung City. The sample consisted of women of childbearing age, according to the inclusion criteria of 36 people. The data obtained were primary data from the measurement of vaginal pH with Neco test litmus paper. The data analysis used was the Wilcoxon test to test the difference in pH scores before and after the intervention. Result: The results showed a significant difference in the use of 0.5% red betel leaf extract in women of childbearing age before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Red betel leaf extract 0.5% is effective in reducing the incidence of leucorrhea. There is a decrease in vaginal pH before and after the use of red betel leaf extract 0.5% by 1.78 (p &lt;0.05).

Design and Effect of Neurosurgical Educational Software Using Gamification on Students' Learning and Motivation.

Gamification is an innovative learning approach that, when combined with technology, aligns well with students' preferences. Recognizing the necessity of employing effective educational methods in surgical team training, this study aims to examine the impact of gamification-based educational software on students' learning and motivation in the surgical technology field. This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental single-group pre-and post-test design in Iran in 2023. The study sample comprised 40 undergraduate students majoring in surgical technology, selected through a census method. The educational software is designed according to the nine principles of the model of Karl Kapp and Sharon Buller, using the mechanics, dynamics and aesthetics (MDA) framework. After implementation, the software's impact on students' learning and motivation was assessed. The students' learning levels before and after using the educational software were evaluated using a multiple-choice test. To measure students' motivation, a researcher-developed questionnaire was utilized. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of the distribution of the studied variables. Through SPSS version 26, descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were analyzed along with inferential statistics, including paired t-tests. Among the participants, 55% were female, and the sample had a mean age of 22.30±0.99 years. A significant difference was observed between the mean learning scores before and after using the educational software (10.43±4.38 vs. 21±4.11, p < 0.001). The motivation level of the students showed a significant increase. Based on the results of this study, gamification-based software has led to improved learning and increased motivation among students in surgical technology.

The effect of hands-on activity and problem-based learning on achievement of biology students in Enugu state

The research researched the impact of problem-based learning and hands-on activity on the students' academic performance in biology. The study implemented a quasi-experimental design, specifically a non-equivalent control group design with a pre-and post-test design. The study's population consisted of 2691 students from 32 public secondary schools in the Nsukka. We used a multi-stage sampling procedure to sample 85 SS II students from two intact classes. The researchers developed the "Biology Achievement Test (BAT)" as an instrument for data collection. We used the mean and standard deviation to answer the research question and used the ANCOVA to test the null hypotheses. The study's findings revealed that there is a significant difference in the mean achievement scores of secondary school students taught biology using the hand-on activity method and problem-based learning. According to the study, biology teachers should always use hands-on activities when teaching biology to students. Based on the findings, we recommend training biology teachers through workshops, orientation courses, and seminars on adopting hands-on activities in teaching to enhance students' academic achievement in biology. The study concluded that using hands-on activities in teaching biology is more effective in enhancing students' biology achievement.

How Effective Are In-Hospital Training Workshops on Infection Control for Physicians? First Report in Iran

Background: The treatment staff should properly understand infection prevention and control (IPC) methods. Adherence to IPC has significant implications and outcomes for maintaining treatment staff safety, patient protection, and environmental care. Objectives: This study was conducted to examine infection control training in doctors. Methods: This study was conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran, and practitioners in internal and surgical departments participated. The research focused on infection prevention and control (IPC) through specialized workshops and questionnaires using a pre-and post-test design. The sessions included topics such as infection control, transmission, hospital-acquired infections, and components of the IPC program. Questionnaires based on the KAP method evaluated participants' knowledge, attitude, and performance. This study was approved by the university's research vice department and the research ethics committee. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the significance of P &lt; 0.05 was emphasized. Results: Of the 251 medical residents, 189 completed the study, 122 of whom were in internal medicine and 67 in surgery. Among the 158 faculty members, 60 completed the study, 39 were in internal medicine, and 21 were in surgery. The mean pre-test scores for internal medicine residents were 15.63 (out of 30) and 13.11 for surgical residents, respectively, which increased to 22.41 and 18.09 in the post-test. Conclusions: The results showed that regular and standard periodic training can improve doctors' knowledge and performance in implementing infection prevention and control programs.

Effect of standardized patient simulation-based pedagogics embedded with lecture in enhancing mental status evaluation cognition among nursing students in Tanzania: A longitudinal quasi-experimental study

BackgroundNurses around the world are expected to demonstrate competence in performing mental status evaluation. However, there is a gap between what is taught in class and what is practiced for patients with mental illness among nursing students during MSE performance. It is believed that proper pedagogics may enhance this competence. A longitudinal controlled quasi-experimental study design was used to evaluate the effect of using standardized patient simulation-based pedagogics embedded with a lecture in enhancing mental status evaluation cognition among nursing students in Tanzania.MethodsA longitudinal controlled quasi-experimental study design with pre-and post-test design studied 311 nursing students in the Tanga and Dodoma regions. The Standardized Patient Simulation-Based Pedagogy (SPSP) package was administered to the intervention group. Both groups underwent baseline and post-test assessments using a Interviewer-adminstered structured questionnaire as the primary data collection tool, which was benchmarked from previous studies. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically the Difference in Difference linear mixed model, and the t-test was carried out using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 25.ResultsThe participant’s mean age was 21 years ± 2.69 with 68.81% of the students being female. Following the training Students in the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in MSE cognition post-test, with an overall mean score of (M ± SD = 22.15 ± 4.42;p = < 0.0001), against (M ± SD = 16.52 ± 6.30) for the control group.ConclusionA significant difference exists in the levels of cognition, among nursing students exposed to Mental Status Evaluation (MSE) materials through Standardized Patient Simulation-Based Pedagogy (SPSP) embeded with lectures. When MSE materials are delivered through SPSP along with lectures, the results are significantly superior to using lectures pedagogy alone.

The Interventional Capacity of Community Health Volunteers for Screening and Linkages of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nyeri County, Kenya

Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health challenge, contributing to 50% of worldwide morbidity and 63% of mortality. The burden is particularly substantial in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 80% of NCD-related deaths occur. This study evaluated barriers and challenges to effective screening and linkages of NCDs in Nyeri County. Methodology: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent pre-and post-test design was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023. The study employed multistage cluster and random sampling to select ten community units, resulting in 150 community health volunteers (CHVs) in the control unit and 150 in the intervention group. Data collection was facilitated through the KOBO app. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, and qualitative data was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via N-Vivo 12 and findings were presented in textual descriptions and thematic analysis that included direct quotes from participants, descriptions of observed behaviors, and interpretations of patterns and themes. Findings: The study shows that 59.3% of respondents have minimal information, and 92.7 % (n =139) have no clear understanding of NCDs, with a pre-intervention capacity of 48.8%. Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in capacity from a pre-intervention average of 48.75 (SD±5.7) %, which increased to 68.28 (SD±7.6) %, p&lt;0.001. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: There is a need for a comprehensive, and culturally sensitive training for that will focus on modern healthcare practices, implementing more structured, community-centric approaches involving effective communication, mobilization, and sensitization will enhance the capacity and acceptance of CHVs' roles in combating NCDs. Continuous research and evaluation should ensure practical changes including innovations and use of mobile apps like NCDs app and wheel. An easy-to-use CHV mobile app, continuous capacity building and increased awareness and training will greatly improve on CHVs screening and linkages. Therefore, in this era of technology and use of mobile phones, there is need to develop an app that can be integrated with CHVs mobile phones, Healthcare facility and clients for close NCD monitoring and referral.

Changes in younger stroke survivors’ body perception as indicated in body drawings: A comparison between Expressive Arts-based Intervention and control groups

ABSTRACT Stroke-related deficits affect stroke survivors' perception of their bodies and possibly impede their progress in rehabilitation and well-being. This study adopted a pre-and post-test design to compare the changes in body perception among younger stroke survivors after participating in an 8-week Expressive Arts-based Intervention (EABI) (n = 32) with the control group (n = 30). Each participant partook in structured drawing interviews at baseline (T0) and 8-week follow-up/post-intervention (T1). The data were analyzed using content analysis. More EABI (n = 27) than control (n = 14) participants reported positive changes in body perception and applied lighter colours or created a more symmetrical drawing at T1. They shared that EABI promoted these positive changes by facilitating the reconnection with one's body and self. While some control participants experienced positive changes in body perception, others tended to apply darker colours or the same colour to show negative or no changes in body perception. More control (n = 8) than EABI (n = 3) participants reported negative thoughts about their bodies and negative influences from other individuals and the environment. The findings suggested that EABI can change stroke survivors' body perception. EABI can be considered one of the interventions that may help foster positive changes in body perception.

“Varus knee dysfunction contributing to early medial knee arthritis: Novel pathomechanics, diagnosis and multi-modal conservative interventions”

ObjectiveEvaluate whether the three-planar spring test and pathomechanics-based interventions (manual therapy, strengthening, orthosis) increase the range of motion and explore potential changes in joint space of varus knee dysfunction, further investigating their potential association with the early development of medial knee arthritis (MKA). MethodsSingle group, pre-and post-test design. Adults (n = 54) exhibiting a positive spring test for varus knee dysfunction, characterised by extension lag with proximal tibia externally rotated and subluxed laterally, completed the study. Outcome measures include pain intensity, ROM, functional abilities and X-ray measures (joint space, tilt, and tibia position relative to the femur) following the interventions. ResultsAfter interventions, the spring test has become negative at the pre-assessment range. There is an increased ROM [internal rotation by 3.61° (95CI 3.22, 4.01) and extension by 3.92° (95CI −4.51, −3.33)], and X-ray measurements showed an increase in both medial and lateral joint space by 0.78 mm (95CI 0.63, 0.92) and 0.13 mm (95CI −0.03, 0.24) respectively. Additionally, total joint space expansion happened by 0.28 ± 0.23 mm. The proximal tibia medially shifted by 0.85 ± 0.96 mm, and the medial tilt was reduced by 1.79°±1.28°. A significant decrease in pain by five points (NPRS) and an increase in the overall functional abilities of participants by 36.9 points (95CI 34.72, 39.09). ConclusionThe study results indicate that diagnosis with a spring test and interventions have increased the medial joint space and ROM, possibly improved alignment and synovial fluid, contributing to decreasing the pain and improving the functional abilities, thereby supporting the study's objective.

The effect of spaced learning on the learning outcome and retention of nurse anesthesia students: a randomized-controlled study

BackgroundPoor learning and retention are common problems of students, which may be alleviated by optimization of widely used educational methods such as lectures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of spaced learning on the learning outcome and retention of nurse anesthesia students.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled study with a pre-and post-test design on 64 nurse anesthesia students who were divided into two groups of spaced lecture (n = 32) and conventional lecture (n = 32). The spaced lectures included three 30-minute training sessions with 10-minute intervals while the conventional sessions including 90 min of continuous training. Students’ knowledge was measured using one valid and reliable questionnaire developed by the research team. All students in both groups took a pre-test, and their level of knowledge acquisition was evaluated immediately after the training. Their level of knowledge retention was tested two and four weeks after the lecture.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups regarding demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). In the pre-test, the mean score of knowledge in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group, there was no significant difference (p = 0.177). But after the intervention, the mean scores of learning outcome and retention in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001, eta = 0.576). Also, the results showed that learning outcome and retention across the three academic semesters in the two groups are significantly different, and students with a higher academic semester obtained a significantly higher mean score of knowledge and retention (p < 0.001, eta = 0.604).ConclusionSpaced learning improves nurse anesthesia students’ knowledge and retention more than conventional method. Future studies focusing on spaced learning should specifically examine the impact of duration and number of intervals, as well as the time gap between training and measurement of learning retention.

Using Modern Learning Method to Teach Pharmacy Students Psychopharmacotherapy.

Applying modern educational methods for digital native students seems necessary. Active learning strategies promote students' skills and knowledge. This study was conducted to design and evaluate active learning methods by teaching psychopharmacotherapy to pharmacy students. This was a quasi-experimental study with three randomized study groups (control, game, and multimedia), using a pre-and post-test design, conducted on 155 students of 5-year pharmacy in 2022 at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Overall, 18 clinical cases were designed for the basic structure of interventions. After teaching psychopharmacotherapy contents through lecturing, the pre-test was held. The next steps were playing the educational game, studying the multimedia case-based learning files, and then completing questionnaires, respectively. Then, a post-test was held. 65.33% of participants were female and 34.66% were male. The pre-test and post-test scores comparison showed no difference in control group (P=0.409). However, in the serious game and multimedia groups, the average score of pre-test and post-test had a statistically significant difference (P<0.001, P=0.002 respectively), this difference was higher in the serious game group. Questionnaire evaluation showed substantial differences between game and multimedia groups. The educational interventions were able to improve student's knowledge and skills so they can better help patients and promote public health. In the sections of Confidence, Social Interactions, Fun, Focused attention, Learnability, Relevance, and Perceived Learning, the serious game far outweighed the multimedia case-based learning.