Quasi-experimental Intervention Study Research Articles

Effects of Recasts, Metalinguistic Feedback, and Students’ Proficiency on the Acquisition of Greek Perfective Past Tense

The role of interactional corrective feedback in second language assessment has attracted both teachers’ and second language researchers’ interest, as they are concerned with when corrective feedback can be implemented to assist second language acquisition. This quasi-experimental intervention study aims to investigate the impact of two corrective feedback types, namely recasts and metalinguistic feedback, and students’ proficiency in the acquisition of the Greek perfective past tense. The sample consists of ten adult beginners’ classes (n = 86 students) of the Modern Greek Language Teaching Center of the University of Athens. The classes were randomly assigned to three treatment conditions: (a) recast; (b) metalinguistic feedback; (c) no feedback and participated in form-focused production activities. A grammaticality judgment pretest and posttest were administrated to measure participants’ development on the explicit knowledge of perfective past tense morphology. After the treatment, participants were divided in the database into high and low beginner students based on their performance on a placement test administrated prior to the treatment. Results revealed that the groups that received corrective feedback outperformed the control group, while no statistical significance was found between the two treatment groups. Moreover, high-beginner learners benefited equally from both feedback types, whereas low-beginner learners benefited significantly from metalinguistic feedback.

A Multimodal Intervention to Improve Cognition in Community-dwelling Older Adults

To examine the effects of a multimodal intervention composed of cognitive training, physical exercise, and group counseling on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. A four-armed, quasi-experimental intervention study. Community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older (n=153). Participants were allocated into multimodal intervention, cognitive training plus Taichi exercise, cognitive training, or control group. The multimodal intervention included 18 sessions of cognitive training, 18 sessions of Taichi, and 6 sessions of group reminiscence over six weeks. Cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and psychological well-being were assessed at the baseline, postintervention, and three-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in overall cognition measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and a composite cognitive score derived from a battery of neuropsychological tests. For MoCA, there was no significant difference between any of the three intervention groups and controls. For composite cognition, all three intervention groups showed improvements at the three-month follow-up, with a large effect size in the cognitive training plus Taichi group (change difference 0.37, 95% CI 0.18-0.56, Hedge's g=0.92), and medium effect sizes in the multimodal intervention group (change difference 0.23, 95% CI 0.0 -0.42, g=0.58) and cognitive training group (change difference 0.22, 95% CI 0.03-0.42, g=0.55). Multimodal intervention, cognitive training plus Taichi, and cognitive training could foster cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. The combination of cognitive training and Taichi showed greater efficacy than the other two interventions.

Multi-level outcomes for young adults with acquired brain injury through a remote intensive cognitive rehabilitation approach: a pilot intervention study

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effects of the Intensive Cognitive and Communication Rehabilitation (ICCR) program for young adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) using a quasi-experimental pilot intervention study design while transitioning to remote implementation. Method Twelve young adults with chronic ABI (treatment n = 7; control n = 5) participated in ICCR (i.e., lectures, seminars, individual cognitive rehabilitation (CR), technology training) for six hours/day, four days/week, for one or two 12-week semesters. Outcomes included classroom metrics, individual therapy performance, including Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), standardized cognitive-linguistic assessments, and participation and health-related quality of life (QOL) measures. Results In the first semester (in-person and remote), treatment participants significantly improved in classroom exams; individual therapy (i.e., memory, writing, GAS); executive function and participation measures, but not QOL. In the second semester (remote), treatment participants significantly improved in classroom exams; essay writing; individual therapy (i.e., writing and GAS); and memory assessment, but not in participation or QOL. Treatment participants enrolled in consecutive semesters significantly improved in classroom exams, individual therapy (i.e., memory), participation and QOL, but not on standardized cognitive assessments. Controls demonstrated no significant group-level gains. Conclusion These preliminary results highlight the benefit of intensive, integrated, and contextualized CR for this population and show promise for its remote delivery.

Does a one-week health program promote well-being among caregiving parents? A quasiexperimental intervention study in Germany

BackgroundBurden of care and negative health consequences are evident in informal caregiving. Intervention studies, if any, are largely limited to the field of adult or elderly care although there are specific needs for parents of chronically ill and disabled children, for example, lack of acceptance, special life course problems, and supply deficits.AimThe effect of a legally funded, one-week health program offered by the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture (SVLFG) on the well-being of the participating parents of children with a high level of care is determined. Secondary outcome measures are stress and behavior theory-based characteristics.Subject and methodsIn a controlled panel study (intervention group n = 23, comparison group n = 33, allocation not randomized) well-being (WHO-5 index) and other measures (subjective burden, acceptance of the care situation, institutional and social support, recreational and care-related behavior) were collected at several measurement points. Statistical methods are fixed effects panel regressions under control of time-varying characteristics (external conditions, period effects).ResultsAt the start of the intervention, 70% of the intervention group (83% mothers, 73% at least 51 years old) are at the threshold of clinically relevant depressiveness. After a very clear initial effect, the level remains above the baseline level for up to 15 weeks after the intervention (under stable conditions). A sinking below the initial level is prevented until at least 26 weeks even with significantly increasing external conditions. The main drivers appear to be sustained increases in acceptance of the care situation, institutional support, and recreational behavior.ConclusionGiven the high initial burden of the participants, the sustainability of the prevention-oriented intervention is considerable. Nevertheless low-threshold interventions such as telephone or online counselling could be useful after approximately 25 weeks. The intervention is unique for the social insurance system in Germany. The design allows a causal interpretation of the treatment effects despite the small number of cases. Further studies should particularly address effect heterogeneity.

Stimulating boundary crossing learning in a multi-stakeholder learning environment for sustainable development

Purpose Sustainable development requires multiple stakeholders to work and learn across practices, in other words, it requires boundary crossing competence. To prepare students for their future sustainability professions, higher education should facilitate the development of boundary crossing competence in its curricula. This study aims to confirm whether boundary crossing learning can be stimulated by workshop-based support in multi-stakeholder projects. Design/methodology/approach This quasi-experimental intervention study (N = 122) investigates the effect of a series of supporting workshops on students’ boundary crossing learning in multi-stakeholder projects. The workshops allowed students to adopt four learning mechanisms (identification, coordination, reflection and transformation) theorised to stimulate learning across boundaries between practices. Students followed zero, one, or two workshops. By analysing the student learning reports, the study examines the effect of the workshop intervention on students’ self-efficacy for stakeholder collaboration, the number of reported student-stakeholder collaborative activities and the reported boundary crossing learning mechanisms. Findings The results show that a series of two workshops increase the number of reported collaborative activities and activates the students’ boundary crossing learning in terms of reflection and transformation. Research limitations/implications These findings support the evidence-based design of multi-stakeholder learning environments for sustainable development and contribute to the body of knowledge regarding learning across practices. Originality/value Boundary crossing competence receives increasing attention as an asset for sustainable development. The added value of this study lies in its confirmation that the boundary crossing theory can be translated into directed educational support that can stimulate students’ boundary crossing learning.

Application of protection motivation theory (PMT) on skin cancer preventive behaviors amongst primary school students in rural areas of Fasa city-Iran

BackgroundConsidering that exposure to sunlight in childhood and adolescence has an important role in skin cancer, so it seems that training protective behaviors in this period is more effective.ObjectivesTo survey the application of protection motivation theory (PMT) on skin cancer preventive behaviors among students in rural areas of Fasa city, Iran.MethodsThis study was done in two stages: Phase I of this study, the descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 to investigate the predictive value of the protection motivation theory on skin cancer preventive behaviors. In the second stage, a quasi-experimental interventional study was conducted on 400 primary school students in 2019. The educational intervention was performed in the experimental group for 8 sessions. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire and protection motivation theory before and six months after the intervention.ResultsThe constructs of protection motivation theory predicted 58.6% of skin cancer preventive behaviors. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of knowledge, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, reward, fear, protection motivation, response efficacy, self-efficacy, response costs, and the skin cancer preventive behaviors in before the intervention (p > 0.05). However, six months after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in each of the mentioned constructs and skin cancer protective behaviors (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study showed the effectiveness of the intervention based on the PMT constructs in adoption of skin cancer preventive behaviors in 6 months’ post intervention in primary school students.

Application of the BASNEF Model in Safety Training in Automobile Manufacturing Plants

After controls, including engineering and management, the final way to control noise is to use hearing protection devices. Due to the lack of a standardized questionnaire regarding investigating workers’ use of hearing protection devices on the basis of the BASNEF behavioral model, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of health education based on the BASNEF model on the use of hearing protection devices in workers of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This quasi-experimental and prospective intervention study was performed on 80 workers at an automobile manufacturing plant who are exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels and do not use hearing protection devices. In this study, 40 people working in a cast iron foundry were selected as the intervention group, and 40 working in aluminum casting were chosen as the control group. Questionnaires were analyzed at the beginning of the intervention and three months after the intervention in the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups before the intervention. There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups after the intervention in the area of knowledge. A significant correlation was observed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention program in all areas of the BASNEF educational model except behavioral intention. In this study, the effect of educational intervention on the use of hearing protection devices was investigated, and with the educational intervention, it was tried to get help from influential people and enabling factors in education based on the BASNEF model. The results showed that the educational intervention based on the BASNEF model can improve the knowledge of individuals in both the intervention and control groups.

The Effects of Planned Education Given to Parents on Smoking in the Home Environment and Passive Exposure of Children Aged 0-5: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Intervention Study

The Effects of Planned Education Given to Parents on Smoking in the Home Environment and Passive Exposure of Children Aged 0-5: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Intervention Study

Can Students Learn from Their Co-Students About Tuberculosis? Outcomes from Student-Friendly Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study in India.

The World Health Organization's "End TB Strategy" aims to end global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic through a holistic combination of health and social interventions placing the patients and communities at the heart of the response. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of utilizing school children as ambassadors in TB advocacy. We adopted a quasi-experimental intervention design where students' awareness level was assessed before and after the intervention. A total of 185 student ambassadors were trained to conduct interventions in schools, and 920 students were randomly selected to assess the impact of the ambassador's intervention. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the correct and incorrect knowledge on specific aspects of TB. This intervention study was implemented in a phased manner which involved a participatory formative phase. A student-friendly and culturally relevant educational materials and activities for providing TB knowledge for the study student population were developed. Data collected from the baseline and end-line evaluation surveys were analyzed using STAT Ver. 16.0.- Stata Corp., June 2016, USA. A significant increase (>80%; P < 0.05) in the correct knowledge on diagnosis and prevention for TB was noted among sampled students (n = 818) before and after intervention. Reduction in incorrect knowledge, like understanding TB as hereditary disease, was found to be less (50%; P < 0.05). School students lead intervention could significantly improve correct knowledge on TB and could be replicated.

Analgesia no farmacológica en la vacunación. Valoración de pediatras, pacientes y tutores

IntroductionThe use of nonpharmacological measures to reduce pain during vaccination has been studied extensively in infants, but there are fewer studies on its effectiveness in older children and on the parental perception of pain in children. MethodsWe conducted a multicentre, quasi-experimental interventional study with a control group. Patients: Infants aged 2 and 11 months and children aged 4 years that attended routine vaccination appointments. Setting: Primary care. Intervention during vaccination: infants were breastfed and 4-year-old children blew a party horn. Control: vaccination performed following routine practice. Measurement: NIPS (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale) and duration of crying in infants, Wong−Baker FACES pain rating scale in older children and parents. ResultsThe study included 125 children (intervention: 60; control: 65). There was a significant decrease in perceived pain in the intervention groups: NIPS score in infants, 3.8±1.1 compared to 5.2±0.7 (P<.001); Wong−Baker FACES score at 4 years of 3.3±1.7 compared to 4.2±1.6 (P=.042). These same differences in support of the intervention were reflected in the parental assessments (3.4±1.3 vs 4.5±1.5; P<.001). The correlation between child and parent scores was strongly positive: 0.7 (95% CI, 0.59–0.78). However, the duration of crying was longer in the intervention group. ConclusionsThe use of distraction techniques reduces pain in children and the pain perceived by parents in their children, thus increasing their satisfaction with the procedure.

Interventional, Quasi-Experimental Study of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Education Care Plan for Hospital Discharge.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life for patients. Proper use of inhaler devices is critical for effective drug delivery and prevention of COPD progression. The primary endpoint of this study was a mean percent increase in correct steps associated with inhaler technique after pharmacist education. The co-primary endpoint was a 25% increase in the proportion of patients correctly identifying the appropriate use of short-acting versus long-acting inhaler types. This was an interventional quasi-experimental study of patients hospitalized at a 491-bed tertiary academic medical center with a COPD exacerbation to assess a pharmacist-led COPD care plan. Eligible patients included general floor, adult patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. The primary investigator recorded initial inhaler technique scores through a paper checklist, and provided education about device types and usage. Patients were reassessed within 48 h to determine if pharmacist education improved inhaler knowledge. A total of 67 patients received the COPD care plan before hospital discharge. At baseline, patients scored a median of 81.8% (67.5–97.0) of steps correct across all inhaler device types. After pharmacist education, patient scores increased to a median of 100% (90.9–100.0) (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients correctly identifying when to use short-acting versus long-acting inhalers increased from 73.1% to 98.5% (p < 0.0001). Implementation of a pharmacist-led care plan for patients admitted for COPD exacerbation was associated with an increase in correct steps for appropriate inhaler technique and understanding of inhaler device types after pharmacist education.

Promoting the adoption of behaviors to prevent osteoporosis using the health belief model integrated with health literacy: quasi-experimental intervention study

BackgroundThe health belief model (HBM) is effective in preventing osteoporosis and promoting health literacy (HL). In this regard, there are some critical points such as the role of HL in preventing osteoporosis, adoption of preventive behaviors, adoption of behaviors, including physical activity, and the role of health volunteers in transmitting health messages to the community. Considering the aforesaid points this study was performed among the health volunteers aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention based on integrated HBM with HL on walking and nutrition behaviors to prevent osteoporosis.Materials and methodsIn this quasi-experimental intervention study, 140 health volunteers (70 people in each of the two intervention and control groups) were enrolled in the study using multi-stage random sampling, in 2020. The members of the intervention group received e-learning through social media software, 4 times during 4 weeks (once a week) and were provided with educational booklets and pamphlets. Data collection tools included demographic and background questionnaires; standard questionnaire based on the HBM, awareness, and walking and nutrition behaviors to prevent osteoporosis; and HELIA questionnaire to measure HL. These questionnaires were completed in two stages, before and 3 months after the intervention. The educational intervention in this study was sent to the intervention group in 4 stages. The collected data were analyzed using proportional tests (paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test) and SPSS software version 23.ResultsThe mean and standard deviation related to the score of adoption of nutrition behaviors at the beginning of the study in the intervention group was 5.398 ± 1.447, which changed to 8.446 ± 1.244 after 3 months, indicating a significant increase in the adoption of such behaviors (P = 0.009). In the control group, the mean and standard deviation of the scores of adoption of nutrition behaviors changed from 5.451 ± 1.222 to 6.003 ± 1.005, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.351). Also, the mean and standard deviation related to the scores of adoption of walking behavior at the beginning of the study in the intervention group was 8.956 ± 0.261, which changed to 13.457 ± 0.587 after 3 months, indicating a significant increase in the adoption of such behaviors (P < 0.001). In the control group, the mean and standard deviation related to the scores of the adoption of walking behavior changed from 8.848 ± 0.353 to 9.025 ± 0.545, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.211).Prior to the intervention, there was no significant difference between two groups regarding the variables of demographic and background, knowledge, all constructs of the model, HL, and adoption of walking and nutrition behaviors (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the comparison of the two groups showed that there was a significant change in the mean scores of awareness, all constructs of the model, HL, and adoption of preventive behaviors in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe educational intervention based on an HBM integrated with HL was effective and acceptable in correcting and promoting walking and nutrition behaviors to prevent osteoporosis among health volunteers. Therefore, it can be said that the intervention implemented was in line with the developed model used.

Effects of a Concurrent Training Protocol on Body Composition and Phase Angle in Physically Inactive Young Women: A Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study

Effects of a Concurrent Training Protocol on Body Composition and Phase Angle in Physically Inactive Young Women: A Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study

Effectiveness of a large-scale, sustained and comprehensive community health worker program in improving population health: the experience of an urban health district in South Africa

IntroductionSouth Africa is an upper middle-income country with wide wealth inequality. It faces a quadruple burden of disease and poor health outcomes, with access to appropriate and adequate health care a challenge for millions of South Africans. The introduction of large-scale, comprehensive community health worker (CHW) programs in the country, within the context of implementing universal health coverage, was anticipated to improve population health outcomes. However, there is inadequate local (or global) evidence on whether such programs are effective, especially in urban settings.MethodsThis study is part of a multi-method, quasi-experimental intervention study measuring effectiveness of a large-scale CHW program in a health district in an urban province of South Africa, where CHWs now support approximately one million people in 280,000 households. Using interviewer administered questionnaires, a 2019 cross-sectional survey of 417 vulnerable households with long-term CHW support (intervention households) are compared to 417 households with no CHW support (control households). Households were selected from similar vulnerable areas from all sub-levels of the Ekurhuleni health district.ResultsThe 417 intervention and control households each had good health knowledge. Compared to controls, intervention households with long-term comprehensive CHW support were more likely to access early care, get diagnosed for a chronic condition, be put on treatment and be well controlled on chronic treatment. They were also more likely to receive a social grant, and have a birth certificate or identity document. The differences were statistically significant for social support, health seeking behavior, and health outcomes for maternal, child health and chronic care.ConclusionA large-scale and sustained comprehensive CHW program in an urban setting improved access to social support, chronic and minor acute health services at household and population level through better health-seeking behavior and adherence to treatment. Direct evidence from households illustrated that such community health worker programs are therefore effective and should be part of health systems in low- and middle-income countries.

Composite non-clinical interventions for a safe cesarean section rate reduction: results of a pre-post interventional study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact on cesarean section (CS) rate with of a program of multiple non-clinical interventions targeted at health-care professional within a hospital maternity ward.Materials and methodsRetrospective quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study with an historical control group conducted in a second-level teaching hospital. All women who gave birth in the period 2014 to 2018 were included. A series of multiple non-clinical interventions including a dedicated team of obstetricians for delivery room and antenatal counseling, monthly internal audits and physician education by local opinion leader were prospectively introduced from September 2016. The primary outcome of the study was the CS rate. The incidences of operative vaginal delivery, 3rd−/4th-degree perineal tears and further maternal and neonatal complications were considered as secondary outcomes.ResultsThe CS rate dropped from 33.05 to 26.06% after starting the interventions (p < 0.01); in particular, the cumulative rate of CS performed during labor decreased significantly from 19.46 to 14.11% (p < 0.01). CS reduction was still statistically significant after multivariate correction (OR = 0.66, CI.95 = 0.57–0.76, p < 0.01). Results further showed an increased prevalence of 3rd-degree perineal tears (0.97% versus 2.24%, p < 0.01), present also after correcting for possible confounding factors (OR = 2.36, CI.95 = 1.48–3.76, p < 0.01). No differences were found in the rate of vaginal-operative births and further maternal complications, while the composite neonatal outcome was found to be improved (OR = 0.73, CI.95 = 0.57–0.93, p = 0.010).ConclusionsThe introduction of multiple non-clinical interventions can significantly reduce the CS rate. However, beside an improvement in neonatal composite outcome, a potential increase in high-degree perineal tears should be taken in account.

Real-world experience of how chlorhexidine bathing affects the acquisition and incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a medical intensive care unit with VRE endemicity: a prospective interrupted time-series study

BackgroundCritically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) often acquire opportunistic infections or are colonized by vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), which limits therapeutic options and results in high case-fatality rates. In clinical practice, the beneficial effects of universal chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing on the control of VRE remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether 2% CHG daily bathing reduced the acquisition of VRE in the setting of a medical ICU (MICU) with VRE endemicity.MethodsThis quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in a 23-bed MICU of a tertiary care hospital in Korea from September 2016 to December 2017. In a prospective, interrupted time-series analysis (ITS) with a 6-month CHG bathing intervention, we compared the acquisition and incidence of VRE and the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) between the pre-intervention and intervention periods. The primary and secondary outcomes were a change in the acquisition of VRE and incidence of VRE, MRSA, or CRAB between the two periods, respectively.ResultsAll the adult patients admitted to the MICU were enrolled in the pre-intervention (n = 259) and intervention (n = 242). The overall CHG daily bathing compliance rate was 72.5%. In the ITS, there was a significant intervention effect with a 58% decrease in VRE acquisition (95% CI 7.1–82.1%, p = 0.038) following the intervention. However, there was no significant intervention effects on the incidence trend of VRE, MRSA, and CRAB determined by clinical culture between the pre-intervention and intervention periods.ConclusionIn this real-world study, we concluded that daily bathing with CHG may be an effective measure to reduce VRE cross-transmission among patients in MICU with a high VRE endemicity.

Job-Search Activities, Job-Seeking Barriers, and Work Experiences of Transition-Age Youths With Visual Impairments

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the job-seeking and work experiences of transition-age youths with visual impairments. Methods: We analyzed follow-up data from a quasi-experimental study of a job-search intervention conducted from 2016 to 2019. Participants were 88 youths with visual impairments from three states; approximately half received the job-search intervention, and the other half served as a comparison group. Measures included job-search activities and outcomes, job-seeking barriers, volunteer and work experiences, and parental support for job-seeking. Results: Commonly reported job-search activities were preparing or revising resumes, talking to people about jobs, submitting applications, and submitting resumes, but most participants performed these activities infrequently. Many job-seekers encountered barriers during their job search, and few searches resulted in paid employment. Participants generally reported moderate levels of preparation to handle job-seeking barriers and parental support for job-seeking. Intervention and comparison participants had similar results on most measures, with few exceptions. Discussion: When youths actively search for a job but do not find one, their motivation to continue job-seeking may be reduced, particularly if their preparedness to overcome job-seeking barriers is low. Although many participants had some engagement in volunteer or work activities, short-term work experiences were the most common—and perhaps most misunderstood—work activity. Implications for practitioners: Youths with visual impairments may benefit from feedback on their job-seeking approach, application materials, and interview skills so they can make changes and determine how to focus or refocus their efforts. In addition to offering feedback, service providers can provide ongoing support to youth job-seekers and encourage them to persist in their job search. Explicit discussions about different types of work activities may help transition-age youths understand how short-term work experiences differ from paid jobs.

Benefits of 16 weeks of physical activity in patients diagnosed of Parkinson’s Disease at Parkinson Fundation Ecuador (FUNDAPE), March-September 2019

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is neurodegenerative, explained by the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, affecting most commonly people over 60 years of age. The aim of this study was to analyze the benefits in both motor and non-motor symptoms, found after a 16-week pro- gram of physical activity in people with this disease who belong to the Parkinson Foundation of Ecuador (FUNDAPE). METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental interventional study, with a sample of 17 patients with Parkin- son’s disease diagnosis that went through a 16 week program of aerobic exercise, to analyze its impact on maximum oxygen consumption, motor skills, balance, cognition, body composition, and presence of depression. For the analysis, Wilconson “t-test” was applied. Confidence interval was 95%, 5% error. RESULTS: The maximum oxygen consumption improved 29.86%. The percentage of fat mass decreased 10.78%. The muscle weight percentage increased 4.58%. Regarding the different evaluated tests, the mean score for UPRDS improved 8.29%; the mean score for Berg Scale test improved 6.25%; regarding Ye- savage Geriatric Depression Scale, the percentage of patients with probable depression decreased from 42.86% to 7.14% in the group with PD of ≤5 years of evolution, and from 66.67% to 33.33% in the group with PD for than 5 years; regarding the Folstein Minimental State of Mind test, we found no benefits. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there are statistically significant benefits resulting from the appli- cation of a 16 week aerobic exercise program in patients with Parkinson’s disease, related to the motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease, body composition, and maximum oxygen consumption. No significant benefits were found in relation to the cognitive impairment associated with the disease. The benefits were greater in patients younger than 60 years of age, and were also greater in patients with less than 5 years of evolution of the disease.

Effect of Educational Intervention about Computer Vision Syndrome on the Severity of Eye Complaints among Computer Users

The Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) related to the usage of computers has been due to low compliance with ergonomic features. The aim of that research was to assess the effectiveness of educational intervention about computer vision syndrome on the severity of eye complaints among computer users. Design: A quasi-experimental interventional study with pre-post evaluation was performed. Setting: The research was concluded in the administrative buildings of Zagazig University/Egypt. Subjects: Seventy-five computer operators were included in the current study. Tools: Three questionnaires were used for data gathering, which includes I. computer user's self-administered questionnaire, and Self- reported eye complaints' and computer users' CVS knowledge scale, II. Observation and measurement of the employees' computer ergonomic practices, and III. Assessment of the computer workstation design. Results: Following educational intervention by 1 and 3 months, the total-eye-complaints score, total-knowledge score, and the total protective ergonomic practices scores showed a statistically significant difference. Additionally, after one and three months, the overall workstation score showed a substantial mean difference. Conclusion: As a result of the educational intervention regarding computer vision syndrome and its preventive ergonomic practices, computer users' observed eye symptoms decreased, their knowledge about computer vision syndrome improved. Their protective ergonomic practices and workstation proposal were remodeled. Recommendation: Based on the study findings, it is recommended that application the educational intervention about the ergonomic training program Computer operating employees, and acquiescence to recommend office ergonomics are essential to alleviate the growing prevalence in CVS cases.

Mono- and Multi-Representational Learning of the Covariational Aspect of Functional Thinking

Using multiple external representations is advocated for learning in STEM education. This learning approach assumes that multiple external representations promote richer mental representations and a deeper understanding of the concept. In mathematics, the concept of function is a prototypical content area in which multiple representations are used. However, there are hardly any experimental studies investigating the effect of learning functional thinking with multiple representations compared to learning with only one form of representation. Therefore, this article reports on a quasi-experimental intervention study with students from Grade 7, using three measurement time points. The study compared the multi-representational learning of functional thinking with both tables and graphs with mono-representational learning with either tables or graphs. The results show that multi-representational learning led to advantages in learning qualitative functional thinking. However, in quantitative functional thinking, learning with both graphs and tables did not result in higher learning gains than learning exclusively with graphs. Furthermore, students were better able to transfer their knowledge from graphs to tables than vice versa. The results also indicate that multi-representational learning requires more time than mono-representational learning but can lead to higher learning gains. In sum, the results show that the effect of learning with representations is a complex interaction process between learning content and the forms of representation.