Significant Interaction Effect Of Time Research Articles

The Effect of auriculotherapy on sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized clinical trial

IntroductionConsidering the importance of sleep disorders in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and effective therapeutic strategies, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of auriculotherapy on sleep quality in children with ADHD.Materials and methodsThis clinical trial was conducted in children with ADHD in Kashan, Iran, 2021–2022. Fifty-two eligible samples were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to intervention and sham groups. The intervention group used Vacaria seeds to apply ear acupressure to Shenmen, Sympathetic, Subcortex, Heart, and Endocrine points for four weeks, while the sham group received adhesives without seeds and pressure. Sleep quality was assessed using children’s sleep habits questionnaire at the beginning (T0), at the end of the intervention (T1), and one month later (T2). Data from 45 children (23 and 22 children in the intervention and sham groups, respectively) were analyzed using the per-protocol and intention-to-treat designs using repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsThe background variables did not significantly differ between two groups. The between-group analysis revealed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on sleep quality (Effect Size = 0.545, p < 0.0001). The sleep quality score in the intervention group was significantly greater than in the sham group at T1 and T2 (p < 0.0001). The within-group analysis of the intervention group revealed a significant difference in sleep quality scores at three time points (Effect Size = 0.672, p < 0.05). In the sham group, sleep quality score increased significantly over time (Effect Size = 0.511, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that auriculotherapy may be a beneficial complementary treatment for improving sleep quality in children with ADHD.

Exploring the effects of a 12-Week functional training program on fundamental motor skills for primary school children aged 6–7

BackgroundFundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children’s movement. Professional guidance and customised training methods are essential to effectively acquiring and mastering fundamental motor skills. Recently, functional training has gained widespread popularity and is associated with numerous benefits. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7. MethodsThis study was conducted at a primary school. One hundred children were randomly selected from 382 who met the criteria and allocated to a functional training or regular physical education group, with 25 boys and 25 girls in each group. The research program lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions, each lasting 40 min. The assessment of fundamental motor skills utilises the Test of Gross Motor Development and Pediatric Balance Scale. The pre-test and post-test data were analysed using generalised estimating equations. ResultsThe data analysis showed statistically significant differences between and within groups. There was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the gross motor quotient (x2 = 51.603, p = 0.001), locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 22.259, p = 0.001), object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 29.283, p = 0.001), and PBS balance scores (x2 = 24.881, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the main effect of time was significant for the four variables. However, the main effects of the group varied. Significant effects of the group were observed for the gross motor quotient (x2 = 8.662, p = 0.003) and object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 7.471, p = 0.006), but not for locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 2.558, p = 0.110) or PBS balance scores (x2 = 1.188, p = 0.276). Discussion and ConclusionsFunctional training can positively impact the development of fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7, demonstrating greater effectiveness than regular physical education courses. These findings provide evidence that incorporating functional training into early childhood physical education can be an effective intervention for enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.

Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health in Flood Survivors and Disaster Volunteers: A Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial

ObjectivesBeing affected by a natural disaster or helping victims can impact mental health. This study aimed to examine whether a digital mindfulness intervention positively affects self-compassion, life satisfaction, and positive affect, and alleviates negative affect, perceived stress, and pathological symptoms in victims and volunteers of the flood disaster in Germany in July 2021.MethodParticipants were 146 people affected by the flood (via house, n = 88; friends, n = 100; workplace, n = 54) and/or volunteered after the disaster (n = 86). After the randomized assignment, 74 received a 6-week application-based mindfulness intervention, and 72 were allocated to the wait-control condition. The control group received the same intervention 6 weeks later. Before (T1) and after (T2) the intervention of the first group and after the intervention of the control group (T3), participants filled out questionnaires regarding different aspects of mental health.ResultsWe found significant interaction effects of time and intervention for all variables (self-compassion, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, and pathological symptoms), indicating effectiveness of the digital mindfulness intervention. No deterioration were found between T2 and T3 in the intervention group for any of the variables.ConclusionsThe 6-week digital mindfulness program positively affected the mental health of both disaster victims and volunteers. Therefore, a digital mindfulness intervention could be a good alternative in situations where group programs or face-to-face meetings are infeasible.

Effects of a randomized controlled trial of mobile app-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on depressive symptoms and process variables in college students - Focusing on the mediating effects of acceptance and cognitive defusion-

As social costs rise due to the increasing prevalence of depression, there is a growing emphasis on cost-effective and evidence-based psychotherapeutic methods. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for depression is an effective approach that reduces depressive symptoms and helps prevent recurrence by enhancing psychological flexibility. This study developed a mobile app-based ACT and tested its effectiveness for college students with depression. Eighty college students with depression were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n = 41) or a control group (n = 39). The treatment group received mobile app-based ACT for 4 weeks, the control group waited without treatment. The scores from pre, post, and follow-up assessments were compared between the two groups. Significant interaction effects of time and group were found for depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as for treatment process variables such as acceptance, inflexibility, defusion, values, commitment, and mindfulness. Acceptance and cognitive defusion emerged as significant mediators in the impact of mobile app-based ACT on depression. The mobile app-based ACT effectively reduced depression and improved treatment process variables, demonstrating its cost-effectiveness. The study also discusses the implications, limitations, and directions for future research.

Influence of Brain Gym on children's behavioral problems with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled clinical trial

IntroductionChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a variety of behavioral problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Brain Gym (BG) on the behavioral problems of children with ASD in Iran. MethodsThis clinical trial was conducted on 36 children with ASD at Kashan and Arak in 2019. Samples were selected using the block randomization method and assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received ten sessions of BG according to Dennison's protocol. There was no intervention in the control group. The stereotyped behavior, communication, and social interactions of the behavioral problems were assessed at the beginning (T0), the end of the intervention (T1), and two months later (T2). The data were collected using the Demographics, Rutter, GARS-2, and Raven scales. Data from 33 children were analyzed via per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis using repeated measures analysis of variance. ResultsThe two groups did not differ significantly in demographic variables. The results showed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on the severity of behavioral problems (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in the severity of behavioral disorders between the two groups at T1 and T2 (p < 0.05). A within-group analysis revealed a significant difference in the severity of the behavioral disorder at the three time points between the BG and control groups (p < 0.0001). ConclusionBG can alleviate the behavioral problems of children with ASD. This intervention is recommended as a complementary treatment for affected families with children with ASD. Trial registration numberIRCT20100211003329N5. Date of registration2020-07-16.

The effect of ear acupressure on occupational cognitive failure in nurses after the COVID-19 crisis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundIn the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses reported varying degrees of cognitive failure. To prioritize patient safety in clinical settings, it is important and necessary to address and mitigate the symptoms of cognitive failure among nurses.AimThis study was conducted in Iran to evaluate the impact of ear acupressure on occupational cognitive failure in nurses.MethodsThis randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 54 nurses who experienced cognitive failure in 2022. Sampling was performed by convenience. Fifty-six nurses who scored 40 or higher on the occupational cognitive failure questionnaire were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (28 subjects) or the sham group (28 subjects). In the intervention group, pressure was applied to the shen-men point, zero point, hippocampus, master cerebral, brain, and memory 1 and 2 of the earlobes for six weeks using Vaccaria seeds. In the sham group, a sticker without seeds was applied at the same points as in the intervention group, and no pressure was applied. Cognitive failure was assessed at the beginning of the study (T0), at the end of the intervention (sixth week of study, T1), and four weeks after the end of the intervention (tenth week of study, T2). The data were collected using contextual data questionnaires and the Occupational Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (OCFQ). The data obtained from 54 nurses (28 in the sham group and 26 in the intervention group) were analyzed by SPSS v16 using repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsThe two groups had no significant differences regarding background variables. The between-group analysis revealed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on cognitive failure (F = 60.320, p < 0.001, effect size = 0.537). The cognitive failure score in the intervention group was significantly lower at the end of the intervention and one month later than that in the sham group (p < 0.001). Within-group analysis revealed a significant difference in the cognitive failure scores of the intervention group at T0, T1, and T2 (61.231 ± 14.230, 34.000 ± 14.659, and 29.808 ± 14.266, respectively; F = 52.331, p < 0.001, effect size = 0.677). However, in the sham group, the cognitive failure score exhibited a brief but significant increase at T0, T1, and T2 (54.786 ± 11.239, 56.250 ± 10.950, and 56.000 ± 11.337, respectively; F = 6.369, p = 0.006, effect size = 0.191).ConclusionAuriculotherapy has shown promise in improving occupational cognitive failure in nurses. It is recommended that nurses consider incorporating auriculotherapy as a complementary treatment modality, particularly through self-treatment programs, when experiencing symptoms of cognitive impairment.Trial Registration Number (TRN)IRCT20100211003329N10Date of registration04/11/2022

Long-term effects and predictors of change of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy on cardiac anxiety in patients with non-cardiac chest pain: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundApproximately half of patients who seek care at Emergency Departments due to chest pain are diagnosed with Non-Cardiac Chest Pain (NCCP). Concerns for heart disease and misinterpretation of the symptoms increase cardiac anxiety and have a negative impact on patients' lives. Psychological interventions such as internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) are effective in treating psychological conditions such as anxiety, by helping patients to learn how to manage chest pain.AimsTo evaluate the effects of a nurse-led iCBT program on cardiac anxiety and secondary outcomes, as bodily sensations, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life and chest pain frequency in patients with NCCP at 6- and 12-month follow-up, and to explore predictors that can have impact on the effects of the iCBT program on psychological distress.MethodsA longitudinal study of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluating the long-term effects of an iCBT program (n = 54) in patients with NCCP, compared to psychoeducation (n = 55). The primary outcome, cardiac anxiety was measured using the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ), and the secondary outcomes were measured with The Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), The EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) and a self-developed question to measure chest pain frequency. All measurements were performed before and after the intervention, and 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Linear mixed model was used to test between-group differences in primary and secondary outcomes and multiple regression analysis was used to explore factors that may have an impact on the treatment effect of iCBT on cardiac anxiety.ResultsA total of 85% (n = 93/109) participants completed the 12-month follow-up. Mixed model analysis showed no statistically significant interaction effect of time and group between the iCBT and psychoeducation groups regarding cardiac anxiety over the 12-month follow-up. However, there was a statistically significant interaction effect of time and group (p = .009) regarding chest pain frequency favouring the iCBT group. In addition, we found a group effect in health-related quality of life (p = .03) favouring the iCBT group. The regression analysis showed that higher avoidance scores at baseline were associated with improvement in cardiac anxiety at 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsCardiac anxiety was reduced in patients with NCCP, but iCBT was not more effective than psychoeducation. Patients with a high tendency to avoid activities or situations that they believe could trigger cardiac symptoms may benefit more from psychological interventions targeting cardiac anxiety.Trial RegistrationThe trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03336112 on 08/11/2017.

Muscle strength and body composition in obese adults following nine months of yoga or nutrition advice: A comparative controlled trial

IntroductionMuscle strength is impaired in obese persons due to low physical activity, obesity-related modifications in muscle morphology and as a consequence of calorie regulation (where applicable). Previously decreased BMI and increased hand grip strength was reported following a short duration yoga intervention in obese adults. MethodsThe present comparative controlled study was conducted on two hundred and ninety seven obese adults (BMI ≥25 Kg/M2) aged between 20 and 59 years, to determine the effects of nine months of yoga or nutrition advice on muscle strength and body composition. Participants were assessed for bilateral hand grip strength, leg and back strength, and body composition at baseline, after 3 months, 6 months and 9 months of yoga or nutrition advice. BMI-adjusted bilateral hand grip strength and leg and back strength were calculated. ResultsIn the linear mixed model analyses, there was a significant interaction effect of Time X Groups for (i) right hand grip strength (F3,668.465 = 9.297, p < 0.001), (ii) left hand grip strength (F3,673.408 = 14.469, p < 0.001), (iii) BMI-adjusted right hand grip strength (F3,650.542 = 9.954, p < 0.001) and (iv) BMI-adjusted left hand grip strength (F3,655.518 = 13.853, p < 0.001). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc analyses (padj < 0.05; in all cases) showed a significant increase in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the yoga group while a decrease in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the nutrition advice group. ConclusionYoga practice appears to protect and increase upper limb muscle strength in obese adults.

Cognitive bias modification for perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty: A randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated the efficacy of combined cognitive bias modification (CBM) on perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty. Fifty-four university students scoring over 70.5 on the Brief Symptom Measure were randomly assigned to experimental and placebo control groups. The CBM intervention was administered online for 4 weeks. Assessments were given at baseline, after the 4-week intervention, and 1 month post-intervention. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in two dimensions of perfectionism, concern over mistakes and parental criticism, and intolerance of uncertainty of those in the experimental group, compared to those in the control group. The findings related to the interpretation of perfectionism revealed a significant interaction effect of time and direction of sentences for the experimental group. Lastly, the experimental group's interpretation bias scores for intolerance of uncertainty showed a statistically significant increase after the intervention compared to those in the control group. The study's findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of CBM on perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty.

Modulation of Bone Mineral Density and Its Response to Menopausal Hormone Therapy according to the Apolipoprotein E Genotype in Postmenopausal Korean Women.

Genetic factors are a major cause of osteoporosis. The present study evaluated the association of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype with bone mineral density (BMD) and its response to menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in postmenopausal Korean women. This retrospective cohort study included 172 postmenopausal women with no endocrine diseases, medications, or lifestyles that would affect bone metabolism and who were continuously treated with MHT for at least 2 years. BMDs were measured at baseline and periodically. Linear regression analysis demonstrated similar baseline BMDs at the lumbar spine, but significantly lower at the femur neck and total hip in the ApoE ε4 carrier than in the noncarrier group, after controlling for age, body mass index, and history of MHT usage. Overall, the Wilcoxon signed rank test demonstrated that MHT increased the BMD percentage change at all three regions, and the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) demonstrated significant time trends at the lumbar spine and femur neck. ApoE ε4 noncarriers exhibited a significant time trend in BMD changes at the femur neck, whereas ε4 carriers exhibited a time trend at the lumbar spine. However, BMD changes at each time point were comparable at all regions between the groups. Notably, GEE adjusted for baseline characteristics and BMD revealed a significant interaction effect of time and ApoE ε4 allele in BMD changes at the femur neck. Postmenopausal Korean women carrying the ApoE ε4 allele demonstrated a lower hip BMD compared with ε4 noncarriers. Furthermore, the ε4 allele may modulate hip BMD responses to MHT.

Effect of Core Stability Exercises on Shoulder Pain, Muscle Strength, and Range of Motion in Female Swimmers With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Background and Aims Previous studies have shown that core stability exercises reduce the applied force on the upper limbs in swimmers. However, the effect of these exercises on the range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and pain in the shoulder of swimmers is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a core stability exercise program on shoulder pain, muscle strength, and ROM in female swimmers with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Methods The study population consists of all female swimmers with SIS in Tabriz, Iran. Twenty eligible swimmers were selected and randomly divided into two exercise (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The shoulder pain, ROM, and muscle strength were measured by the shoulder pain and disability index, a goniometer, and the bench press (One repetition maximum), respectively. The exercise group participated in a specific core stability exercise program. The data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 24 using repeated measures analysis of variance, independent t-test, and paired t-test for within-group and between-group comparisons. The significance level was set a t 0.05. Results After exercise, the amount of shoulder pain in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P=0.0001). It also had a significant effect on the ROM of the shoulder in this group. In addition, there was a significant difference in shoulder muscle strength in the experimental group before and after exercise (P=0.0001), but this difference was not significant in the control group (P=0.138). Moreover, there was a significant interaction effect of time and group in the shoulder girdle muscle strength (P=0.001). Conclusion The core stability exercises can reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder ROM and muscle strength in female swimmers with SIS. Performing core stability exercises is recommended to reduce pain and improve shoulder girdle function in these swimmers.

The effect of a thyme-ivy fluid extract combination on the severity of cough in children: randomized controlled trial

Thyme and ivy leaves contain anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and bronchospasmolytic properties, resulting in anti-cough benefits. There are no extensive studies conducted on the efficacy of thyme and ivy in children with acute cough. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficiency and safety of thyme and ivy in reducing the severity of cough in children. This study was a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical experiment on children aged 1 to 12-year old who had an acute cough with no identified etiology. One hundred and forty-two patients were randomly assigned to dextromethorphan or herbal groups, and frequency and severity were measured using a visual analog scale. After the initiation of therapy, recovery trends were assessed at 24, 48, and 96 hours. Eighty-three patients, including 43 patients in the dextromethorphan group and 40 in the herbal group, were followed for 96 hours. Cough severity was decreased by 80.7% in the dextromethorphan group and 87.4% in the herbal syrup group. In addition, there was a significant interaction effect of time and groups on changes in cough severity. In the groups of dextromethorphan and herbal after 96 hours of complete treatment, the efficacy was 72.1% and 75%, respectively, which showed the beneficial effects of both drugs. In children, a mixture of thyme and ivy extracts can help to reduce the severity and length of the cough. As a result, this combination has the potential to be an effective cough therapy for children.

The effect of mobile-based logotherapy on depression, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness in patients with major depressive disorder: a mixed-methods study

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the world. It is essential to study and use effective, available, and affordable psychotherapy methods along with drug therapy to manage the symptoms of this disease. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the effect of mobile phone-based logotherapy on depression, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness in patients with major depressive disorder by using a mixed-methods approach. In the first phase of this mixed-methods study, 70 patients completed the quantitative phase (control group = 35, intervention group = 35). The intervention group received an 8-week mobile-based logotherapy program via WhatsApp (one 180-min module per week) combined with sertraline, while the control group received just sertraline plus education about pharmacotherapy. Data was collected before, immediately after the intervention, and 3 months later using the Beck depression inventory short form items (BDI-13), the Beck hopelessness scale (BHS), and the Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSSI). Then, a qualitative study on the intervention group was conducted to explain the findings of the quantitative phase. The repeated measure MANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect of time and group on the set of dependent variables (F(6,63) = 25.218, P < 0.001). Qualitative analysis confirmed the efficacy of sertraline plus mobile-based logotherapy on depression, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness in the intervention group. Three key themes extracted from the participants’ experiences of mobile-based logotherapy were “efficient instruction”, “user-friendly intervention” and “constructive change”. Mobile-based logotherapy through WhatsApp was an effective psychotherapy method for decreasing depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder. It is suggested that educational, institutional, and technological infrastructure for providing and using mobile-based logotheapy for patients with major depressive disorder be considered in the mental health care system.

Development of a Cutting Technique Modification Training Program and Evaluation of its Effects on Movement Quality and Cutting Performance in Male Adolescent American Football Players.

This study developed a cutting technique modification training program and investigated its effects on cutting performance and movement quality in adolescent American football players. For six weeks, an intervention group (IG) of 11 players participated in 25 min cutting technique modification training sessions integrated into team training twice a week, while a control group (CG) of 11 players continued their usual team training. Movement quality was assessed by evaluating 2D high-speed videos, obtained during preplanned 45° and 90° cutting tests, using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) qualitative screening tool. Cutting performance was assessed based on change of direction deficit (CODD). Significant interaction effects of time × group were found for CMAS in 45° and 90° cuttings (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.76, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.64, respectively), with large improvements in the IG (p < 0.001, g = -2.16, p < 0.001, g = -1.78, respectively) and deteriorations in the CG for 45° cuttings (p = 0.002, g = 1.15). However, no statistically significant differences in CODD were observed pre-to-post intervention. The cutting technique modification training was effective at improving movement quality without impairing cutting performance, and it can be used by practitioners working with adolescent athletes.

운동유발성 근육상해 후 IASTM 처치가 회복기 섬유화 반응에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of applying instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to muscle fibrosis due to motor-induced muscle damage. 24 male students participated in this study, and were randomly assigned to the IASTM group and the control group, respectively. For the IASTM group, IASTM was applied to muscles such as rectal femur muscles 48 hours after exercise. Maximum strength (leg extension and leg refraction), TGF-γ, CK, LDH, TNF-,, and IL-6 were measured as variables, and repeated measurement variance analysis was used for statistical analysis. As a result of the study, there was: Significant interaction effects of time and groups on maximum strength (leg dilatation and leg flexion), TGF-γ, CK, LDH, TNF-및, and IL-6 and IASTM groups showed more improvements in recovery at maximum strength (leg dilatation and leg flexion), TGF-γ, CK, LDH, TNF-α, and IL-6. In conclusion, the application of IASTM to male students showed that it was effective in improving muscle fibrosis due to muscle damage caused by exercise.

Effects of Eight Weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on the Balance of Older Men

Background and Aims Ageing is associated with physical changes where balance impairment is one of important consequences. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of an 8-week dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) program on the balance of older men. Methods Thirty-six older men (age: 66.5±1.02 years, height: 171.8±1.17 cm, and weight: 75.4±2.16 kg) were purposefully selected based on the inclusion criteria. They were then paired based on the functional reach test score and randomly assigned to exercise (n=18) and control (n=18) groups. The pre-test and post-test assessments included the functional reach test and the Y balance test. The exercise group performed the DNS exercises for eight weeks (three sessions of one hour per week), while the control group performed their routine daily activities. The collected data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS software. Results There was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the scores of both functional reach test and Y balance test (F(1,23)=12.17, P=0.002, η2&gt;0.35). From the pre-test to the post-test phase, there was a significant improvement in the exercise group, while no significant improvement was reported in the control group. Conclusion The DNS program can affect the balance of older men. It is recommended to use these exercises to improve their balance.

The Effect of Directed Avoidance on Impulsive Behaviors among Individuals with Traits of Borderline Personality Disorder

Background: This study aims to examine the emotion regulation effect of directed avoidance on the impulsive behavior of individuals with traits of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: A total of 44 participants with BPD traits were randomly assigned to the control group (n=22) and treatment group (n=22). Participants in the treatment group were directed to use avoidance when they experienced a negative emotion. Positive and negative emotions and impulsivity were measured before and after the negative emotion was induced; impulsivity was measured using the Stroop test and Contingency Delay task. Results: The Stroop test’s results demonstrated that there was a significant interaction effect of time and error between the groups, specifically, impulsivity increased in the control group when negative emotions were induced. However, the results of Contingency Delay task were marginally significant. The main effect of directed avoidance on discount rate k slightly increased but did not reach a significant level, and the interaction effect between the groups and time was not found. In the control group, discount rate k significantly increased after directed avoidance was induced; however, it was not significant in the treatment group. Conclusions: Findings from our study supported the effect of directed avoidance could be used as an emotional regulation method among individuals with traits of BPD, such as controlling impulsive behaviors. Finally, limitations of this study and implications of the short-term intervention method using the immediate emotional control effect of directed avoidance for the future are discussed.

Long-term effects of imaginal retraining in overweight and obesity: A controlled study

BackgroundImaginal retraining (IR) is a self-help technique that targets automatic approach tendencies toward appetitive stimuli. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT; N = 384), IR reduced craving for high-calorie foods after a six-week intervention period (small effect). The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term effects of IR in this sample. MethodsOne year after baseline, participants from the initial RCT were recontacted. A visual analogue scale measuring craving, the Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait-reduced (FCQ-T-r), the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, quality of life, and subjective appraisal of the intervention were assessed online. Participants were classified as users or nonusers based on self-reported usage of IR over the previous year. ResultsLinear-mixed models showed no significant interaction effects of time and group for any outcome (trend level effects were found for two subscales of the FCQ-T-r). Yet, higher usage of IR was associated with greater symptom reduction. Although overall subjective appraisal of the intervention was comparably good to the initial study, usage of IR and completion rate were unsatisfactory. LimitationsMain limitations of the present study include the nonrandomized group allocation and the low completion rate. ConclusionsThis study did not find evidence for the long-term efficacy of IR in individuals with craving for high-calorie foods. Only upon high usage of IR, improvement was found. However, low completion rate and usage of the intervention may have resulted in a Type-II error. Future studies may consider low-intensity professional guidance to increase adherence and assess the long-term effects of IR in RCTs.

Effects of Structured Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Psychological Acceptance and Recovery Among Inpatients With Psychotic Disorder: A Pilot Study

Objectives: Psychosocial intervention method is very important for clinical recovery and personal recovery for psychosis. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a trans-diagnostic approach that has been proven effective in the recovery for psychosis but there are few studies in South Korea testing its effects. In this paper, the structured protocol, ‘Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Psychosis Recovery (G-ACTp)’ was adopted and a systematized manual was developed to investigate the effects on psychological acceptance and recovery.Methods: 17 patients receiving treatment for psychotic symptoms were randomly assigned to the treatment group and control group, respectively. The treatment group (n=9) received G-ACTp for 5 weeks in addition to the treatment as usual, and the control group (n=8) waited with only the treatment as usual, and the scores of pre assesment, post assesment, and follow-up assessment for acceptance, recovery, mindfulness, psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were all compared.Results: As a result, there was a significant interaction effect of time and group in acceptance and recovery variables. Also, in the mindfulness variable, there was a significant trend in the time and group interaction. There were no significant effects on psychotic symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life variables.Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was mentioned that the ACT for psychosis can be widely used as an effective method in the personal recovery of psychosis, and that results can be linked to the application of mental health services in South Korea. Finally, the significance and limitations of the studies were discussed.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for psychiatric symptoms in long-term hospitalized veterans with schizophrenia: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate that high-frequency (HF) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may improve clinical outcomes in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). However, the efficacy of HF-rTMS on psychiatric symptoms remains unknown in veterans with SCZ. This study aimed to investigate whether HF-rTMS was beneficial in alleviating the clinical symptoms in veterans with SCZ. Forty-seven long-term hospitalized veterans with SCZ were randomly allocated to receive neuronavigated 10 Hz rTMS or sham stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex once daily for four consecutive weeks. Symptoms were assessed by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale at baseline and at the end of week 4. We also collected easily available routine biochemical markers including blood sugar, lipid profiles, hormone, and blood cell counts, considering that these markers may potentially be used to predict the outcomes of rTMS treatment. We found that there was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the positive symptoms. Compared with the sham group, the positive factor score of veterans with SCZ was significantly decreased after treatment in the real rTMS group. Interestingly, the improvement of positive symptoms from baseline to 4-week follow-up was significantly associated with the whole white blood cells (WBC) counts at baseline in the real rTMS group, and baseline WBC counts were predictive of the symptom improvement after rTMS treatment. Our findings indicate that add-on 10 Hz rTMS is beneficial for clinical symptoms in veterans with SCZ. In addition, the baseline WBC counts were predictive of the outcomes after treatment.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03774927.