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Journal of Eating Disorders Jun 2021Web-based delivered interventions have become an innovative option to treat health problems, like obesity. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Web-based delivered interventions have become an innovative option to treat health problems, like obesity. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of web-based behavioral treatments for adults with overweight and obesity. Web-based interventions and comparison interventions (traditional weight control programs) were classified according to the following feedback characteristics: frequency, personalization, and provider (human versus machine).
METHOD
From the initial 1789 studies, 15 were included in this review. A network meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the efficacy of web-based programs with traditional interventions, considering direct and indirect comparisons. The main outcome was the weight loss mean difference (kg) between baseline and post-treatment. Heterogeneity and consistency assumptions were validated to conduct the network meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Network meta-analysis showed comparisons between different treatment options. The main results were that Intensive Contact Web-based programs were more effective than wait-list (Mean Difference - 1.86 kg; 95% Confidence Interval: - 3.61, - 0.12). Moreover, Intensive Contact Web-based programs were more effective than the other web-based options and self-help traditional interventions. However, the only significant comparison was Intensive Contact Web-based programs versus Guided Self-Help Web-based programs (Mean Difference - 4.31 kg; 95% Confidence Interval: - 5,22, - 3,41). Intensive Contact Web-based programs were the most effective treatment option according the obtained results, achieving the first place in the ranking provided by the network meta-analysis with 98.5% of probabilities.
CONCLUSIONS
Intensive Contact Web-based interventions have obtained the first position in the ranking, proving the relevance of frequent, personalized, and professional feedback and their association with a better prognosis for people with overweight and obesity. These results provide relevant information to design more effective treatments for people with overweight and obesity, in a new format especially appropriate for the current situation.
PubMed: 34174949
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00432-6 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Apr 2016Eating disorders are associated with alterations of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Among other indices, heart rate variability (HRV) provides a readily available... (Review)
Review
Eating disorders are associated with alterations of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Among other indices, heart rate variability (HRV) provides a readily available index of ANS function. While ANS dysfunction indexed by HRV in Anorexia Nervosa has been addressed in previous reviews, here we aimed to review the current evidence on HRV in Bulimia Nervosa (BN). A systematic literature search in Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus, and PubMed identified 17 studies reporting HRV in patients with BN. Studies described (i) differences in resting state HRV in patients compared to controls, (ii) alterations in the stress response in BN indexed by HRV, and (iii) treatment effects on HRV in patients with BN. Despite a number of conflicting results, we conclude that BN is characterized by increased resting state vagally-mediated HRV and an impaired stress-response. Intervention-studies suggest that altered ANS-activity in BN is at least partially reversible. Future studies on the complex relation between BN and HRV should investigate the effect of comorbid disorders, subtypes of BN, and mechanisms affecting treatment outcome.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Autonomic Nervous System; Bulimia Nervosa; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Young Adult
PubMed: 26828568
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.01.012 -
Psychological Medicine Aug 2019Parenting interventions have important consequences for the wellbeing and emotional competences of parents and their children. Technology provides an opportunity with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Parenting interventions have important consequences for the wellbeing and emotional competences of parents and their children. Technology provides an opportunity with advantages for psychological intervention. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the characteristics and effectiveness of technology-based interventions for parents to promote children's physical health or psychological issues.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for articles about parenting skills for prevention or treatment of children's physical or psychological concerns using technology. We explore the aim of the intervention with parents, kind of problem with children, intervention model, instruments, methodological quality, and risk of bias. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included in the systematic review and a meta-analysis of 22 studies was performed to find out the effects of intervention depending on the kind of problem, intervention model, follow-up, type of intervention, type of control condition, and type of outcome data. Results show the usefulness of technology-based therapy for parenting interventions with moderate effect sizes for intervention groups with statistically significant differences from control groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Technology-based parenting programs have positive effects on parenting and emotional wellbeing of parents and children. Attendance and participation level in technology-based treatment increase compared with traditional parenting intervention.
Topics: Computers, Handheld; Humans; Internet-Based Intervention; Parenting; Psychotherapy; Telemedicine; Therapy, Computer-Assisted; Virtual Reality; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 30977462
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291719000692 -
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Sep 2023Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) has been widely used to improve cardiovascular health and well-being. HRVB is based on breathing at an individual's resonance... (Review)
Review
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) has been widely used to improve cardiovascular health and well-being. HRVB is based on breathing at an individual's resonance frequency, which stimulates respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and the baroreflex. There is, however, no methodological consensus on how to apply HRVB, while details about the protocol used are often not well reported. Thus, the objectives of this systematic review are to describe the different HRVB protocols and detect methodological concerns. PsycINFO, CINALH, Medline and Web of Science were searched between 2000 and April 2021. Data extraction and quality assessment were based on PRISMA guidelines. A total of 143 studies were finally included from any scientific field and any type of sample. Three protocols for HRVB were found: (i) "Optimal RF" (n = 37), each participant breathes at their previously detected RF; (ii) "Individual RF" (n = 48), each participant follows a biofeedback device that shows the optimal breathing rate based on cardiovascular data in real time, and (iii) "Preset-pace RF" (n = 51), all participants breathe at the same rate rate, usually 6 breaths/minute. In addition, we found several methodological differences for applying HRVB in terms of number of weeks, duration of breathing or combination of laboratory and home sessions. Remarkably, almost 2/3 of the studies did not report enough information to replicate the HRVB protocol in terms of breathing duration, inhalation/exhalation ratio, breathing control or body position. Methodological guidelines and a checklist are proposed to enhance the methodological quality of future HRVB studies and increase the information reported.
Topics: Humans; Heart Rate; Biofeedback, Psychology; Exhalation; Respiratory Rate; Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia
PubMed: 36917418
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-023-09582-6 -
Mitochondrion Jul 2021Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) is a marker of inflammatory disease and a predictor of mortality, but little is known about cf-mtDNA in relation to psychobiology.... (Review)
Review
Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) is a marker of inflammatory disease and a predictor of mortality, but little is known about cf-mtDNA in relation to psychobiology. A systematic review of the literature reveals that blood cf-mtDNA varies in response to common real-world stressors including psychopathology, acute psychological stress, and exercise. Moreover, cf-mtDNA is inducible within minutes and exhibits high intra-individual day-to-day variation, highlighting the dynamic regulation of cf-mtDNA levels. We discuss current knowledge on the mechanisms of cf-mtDNA release, its forms of transport ("cell-free" does not mean "membrane-free"), potential physiological functions, putative cellular and neuroendocrine triggers, and factors that may contribute to cf-mtDNA removal from the circulation. A review of in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies shows conflicting results around the dogma that physiological forms of cf-mtDNA are pro-inflammatory, opening the possibility of other physiological functions, including the cell-to-cell transfer of whole mitochondria. Finally, to enhance the reproducibility and biological interpretation of human cf-mtDNA research, we propose guidelines for blood collection, cf-mtDNA isolation, quantification, and reporting standards, which can promote concerted advances by the community. Defining the mechanistic basis for cf-mtDNA signaling is an opportunity to elucidate the role of mitochondria in brain-body interactions and psychopathology.
Topics: Brain; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids; DNA, Mitochondrial; Humans; Mitochondria; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33839318
DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.04.002 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2017The pattern of alcohol consumption in the form of binge drinking (BD) or heavy episodic drinking has increased notably worldwide in recent years, especially among... (Review)
Review
The pattern of alcohol consumption in the form of binge drinking (BD) or heavy episodic drinking has increased notably worldwide in recent years, especially among adolescent and young people, being currently recognized as a global health problem. Although only a minority of binge drinkers will develop a substance use disorder, BD may have negative personal and social consequences in the short and medium term. The objective of this article is to review the findings on personality traits related to binge drinkers and to emphasize the aspects that should be examined in order to make progress in this area. The main characteristics of personality related to the practice of BD, regardless of the theoretical model used, are high Impulsivity and high Sensation seeking, as well as Anxiety sensitivity, Neuroticism (Hopelessness), Extraversion and low Conscientiousness. The data obtained may have theoretical implications to elucidate the endophenotype of BD, but they are especially useful for their preventive applications. Integration into prevention programs of emotional self-control skills, decision-making, social skills, and strategies to manage negative emotions will minimize the risk factors or consequences of BD associated with personality and will improve their effectiveness. In the future, it is necessary to harmonize a common measurement instrument for the assessment of personality, develop longitudinal studies with large samples that also integrate biological and neurocognitive measurements, and determine the reciprocal relationship between personality and BD together with its modulating variables, as well as the possible cultural differences.
PubMed: 28804465
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00134 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... May 2015The relationships between obesity and low back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) remain unclear. It is possible that familial factors, including genetics and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
The relationships between obesity and low back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) remain unclear. It is possible that familial factors, including genetics and early environment, affect these relationships.
PURPOSE
To investigate the relationship between obesity-related measures (eg, weight, body mass index [BMI]) and LBP and LDD using twin studies, where the effect of genetics and early environment can be controlled.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review with meta-analysis.
METHODS
MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched from the earliest records to August 2014. All cross-sectional and longitudinal observational twin studies identified by the search strategy were considered for inclusion. Two investigators independently assessed the eligibility, conducted the quality assessment, and extracted the data. Metaanalyses (fixed or random effects, as appropriate) were used to pool studies' estimates of association.
RESULTS
In total, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were included in the LBP analysis and seven in the LDD analysis. For the LBP analysis, pooling of the five studies showed that the risk of having LBP for individuals with the highest levels of BMI or weight was almost twice that of people with a lower BMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-2.0; I(2)=0%). A dose-response relationship was also identified. When genetics and the effects of a shared early environment were adjusted for using a within-pair twin case-control analysis, pooling of three studies showed a reduced but statistically positive association between obesity and prevalence of LBP (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.1; I(2)=0%). However, the association was further diminished and not significant (OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.8-2.3; I(2)=0%) when pooling included two studies on monozygotic twin pairs only. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria for LDD. When familial factors were not controlled for, body weight was positively associated with LDD in all five cross-sectional studies. Only two cross-sectional studies investigated the relationship between obesity-related measures and LDD accounting for familial factors, and the results were conflicting. One longitudinal study in LBP and three longitudinal studies in LDD found no increase in risk in obese individuals, whether or not familial factors were controlled for.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this review suggest that genetics and early environment are possible mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and LBP; however, a direct causal link between these conditions appears to be weak. Further longitudinal studies using the twin design are needed to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying the associations between obesity, LBP, and LDD.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Obesity; Twins, Monozygotic
PubMed: 25661432
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.02.001 -
Journal of the American Nutrition... Jan 2024The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature and analyze the effects of beetroot-based supplements (BRS) on muscular performance. Randomized... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature and analyze the effects of beetroot-based supplements (BRS) on muscular performance. Randomized controlled trials that assessed the acute or short-term effects of BRS administration on muscular endurance and/or strength in healthy male individuals were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases from inception to February 20, 2023. In addition, we also searched preprint papers in medRxiv.org, bibRxiv.org; thesis and dissertations included in oatd.org; and clinical trials published in ClinicalTrials.gov. Data extraction, risk of bias, and study quality were assessed by 2 authors. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses of standardized mean differences (SMD) were performed using a random-effects model. A total of 1486 records were identified in the databases and 2 were obtained by manual search in the reference list. Of those, 27 studies attended eligibility criteria and composed this systematic review. BRS administration resulted in a positive effect on muscular endurance (SMD: 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10 to 0.51; < 0.01; = 16 studies). There was an overall significative effect for muscular strength (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.48; < 0.05; = 18 studies), but a subgroup analysis showed that significant effects were found when strength was measured in a fatigued (SMD: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.03; < 0.01), but not resting state. BRS administration have a small ergogenic effect on muscular endurance and attenuate the decline in muscular strength in a fatigued state in healthy male individuals.
Topics: Humans; Male; Health Status; Dietary Supplements; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 37167368
DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2211318 -
Cognitive Processing May 2024It is well recognized that children born preterm have specific learning difficulties. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis... (Review)
Review
It is well recognized that children born preterm have specific learning difficulties. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis on preterm children's reading ability performance. Of the 486 studies identified, 53 met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 143 effect sizes. 33,500 children between 5 and 18 years were included of whom 13,765 were preterm infants and 19,735 were full-term infants. Among preterm-born children without neurodevelopmental disorders significant differences and larger effect sizes were found in the reading subcategories, letter-word knowledge, reading comprehension, and spelling, whereas no significant differences were found in phonological awareness and rapid automatized naming. Extremely preterm children showed larger effect size. The present meta-analysis, which includes a much larger number of studies, shows that preterm children have lower performance than full-term children in reading and spelling. This fact underlines the need to design, develop and implement neuroeducational programs that take into account the characteristics of preterm born students.
PubMed: 38753253
DOI: 10.1007/s10339-024-01192-2 -
JMIR Mental Health Apr 2024There has been an increased interest in understanding social anxiety (SA) and SA disorder (SAD) antecedents and consequences as they occur in real time, resulting in a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There has been an increased interest in understanding social anxiety (SA) and SA disorder (SAD) antecedents and consequences as they occur in real time, resulting in a proliferation of studies using ambulatory assessment (AA). Despite the exponential growth of research in this area, these studies have not been synthesized yet.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to identify and describe the latest advances in the understanding of SA and SAD through the use of AA.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science.
RESULTS
A total of 70 articles met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis of these studies showed that AA permitted the exploration of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dynamics associated with the experience of SA and SAD. In line with the available models of SA and SAD, emotion regulation, perseverative cognition, cognitive factors, substance use, and interactional patterns were the principal topics of the included studies. In addition, the incorporation of AA to study psychological interventions, multimodal assessment using sensors and biosensors, and transcultural differences were some of the identified emerging topics.
CONCLUSIONS
AA constitutes a very powerful methodology to grasp SA from a complementary perspective to laboratory experiments and usual self-report measures, shedding light on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral antecedents and consequences of SA and the development and maintenance of SAD as a mental disorder.
Topics: Humans; Fear; Emotions; Phobia, Social; Anxiety
PubMed: 38574359
DOI: 10.2196/46593