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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Nov 2023Plantar ulcers are a leading complication of leprosy that requires frequent visits to hospital and is associated with stigma. The extent of burden of ulcers in leprosy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Plantar ulcers are a leading complication of leprosy that requires frequent visits to hospital and is associated with stigma. The extent of burden of ulcers in leprosy and its risk factors are scant impeding the development of targeted interventions to prevent and promote healing of ulcers. The aim of this review is to generate evidence on the prevalence of plantar ulcer and its risk factors in leprosy.
METHODS
Databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, BVS), conference abstracts and reference lists were searched for eligible studies. Studies were included that reported a point prevalence of plantar ulcer and/or its "risk factors" associated with development of ulcers (either causatively or predictively), including individual level, disease related and bio-mechanical factors. We followed PRISMA guidelines for this review. Random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken to estimate the pooled point prevalence of ulcers. Reported risk factors in included studies were narratively synthesised. This review is registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022316726.
RESULTS
Overall, 15 studies (8 for prevalence of ulcer and 7 for risk factors) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled point prevalence of ulcer was 34% (95% CIs: 21%, 46%) and 7% (95% CIs: 4%, 11%) among those with foot anaesthesia and among all people affected by leprosy, respectively. Risk factors for developing ulcers included: unable to feel 10 g of monofilament on sensory testing, pronated/hyper-pronated foot, foot with peak plantar pressure, foot with severe deformities, and those with lower education and the unemployed.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of plantar ulceration in leprosy is as high as 34% among those with loss of sensation in the feet. However, the incidence and recurrence rates of ulceration are least reported. The inability to feel 10 g of monofilament appears to be a strong predictor of those at risk of developing ulcers. However, there is a paucity of evidence on identifying those at risk of developing plantar ulcers in leprosy. Prospective studies are needed to estimate the incidence of ulcers. Identifying individuals at risk of ulcers will help design targeted interventions to minimize risk factors, prevent ulcers and promote ulcer healing.
Topics: Humans; Foot Ulcer; Ulcer; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Leprosy
PubMed: 37953361
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-023-00674-4 -
Journal of Dentistry May 2024Erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial condition. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify key risk factors for erosive tooth wear in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial condition. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify key risk factors for erosive tooth wear in permanent dentition.
STUDY SELECTION
Observational studies reporting anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies. Risk factors were visually presented in a heatmap, and where possible, random-effects meta-analyses were performed for the odds ratios (ORs) of risk factors.
SOURCES
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) and manual searches in February 2023. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD4202339776).
DATA
A total of 87 publications reporting on 71 studies were included in the systematic review. The studies examined a variety of anamnestic risk factors (n = 80) that were categorized into ten domains (socio-demographics, socio-economics, general health, oral diseases, medication, oral hygiene, food, beverages, dietary habits, and leisure-related risk factors). Meta-analyses revealed significant associations between erosive tooth wear and male gender (p<0.001; OR=1.30, 95 % CI: 1.16-1.44), regurgitation (p=0.033; OR=2.27, 95 % CI: 1.41-3.65), digestive disorders (p<0.001; OR=1.81, 95 % CI: 1.48-2.21), consumption of acidic foods (p=0.033; OR=2.40, 95 % CI: 1.44-4.00), seasoning sauces (p=0.003; OR=1.28, 95 % CI: 1.13-1.44), nutritional supplements (p=0.019; OR=1.73, 95 % CI: 1.28-2.35), and carbonated drinks (p=0.019; OR=1.43, 95 % CI: 1.17-1.75). Most included studies exhibited low bias risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Observational studies investigated a variety of anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear. Future studies should employ validated questionnaires, particularly considering the most important risk factors.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Erosive tooth wear is a prevalent condition. Clinicians should concentrate primarily on symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and dietary factors when screening patients at risk for erosive tooth wear.
Topics: Humans; Risk Factors; Tooth Erosion; Tooth Wear; Feeding Behavior; Male; Female; Oral Hygiene; Sex Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies
PubMed: 38552999
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104962 -
Current Neurology and Neuroscience... Nov 2023This review aims to explore which cognitive domain is more closely associated with which type of balance (static or dynamic). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review aims to explore which cognitive domain is more closely associated with which type of balance (static or dynamic).
RESENT FINDING
Based on recent reviews, inhibitory control, a part of cognition, plays a crucial role in balance performance. Previous reviews report significant links between cognition, mobility, and physical function in older adults. However, evidence regarding the relationship between cognition and balance scores remains inconclusive. The strength of association between cognition and balance appears to be domain-specific and task-specific. Executive function exhibits the strongest correlation with balance, while episodic memory shows a small link with dynamic balance. Processing speed and global cognition demonstrate moderate correlations. Additionally, there is a slight association between cognitive domains and static balance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for managing balance-related concerns that are domain-specific and task-specific.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Cognition; Health Status; Postural Balance; Processing Speed
PubMed: 37856048
DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01305-y -
Nutrition & Dietetics: the Journal of... Feb 2024The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify assessment approaches of Indigenous food sovereignty using the core domains of community ownership, inclusion of... (Review)
Review
AIMS
The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify assessment approaches of Indigenous food sovereignty using the core domains of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability, (2) describe Indigenous research methodologies when assessing Indigenous food sovereignty.
METHODS
Guided by Indigenous members of the research team, a systematic review across four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was performed. Studies in any language from 1996 to 2021, that used one or more of the core domains (identified from a recent scoping review) of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability were included.
RESULTS
From 20 062 records, after exclusion criteria were applied, 34 studies were included. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly qualitative (n = 17) or mixed methods (n = 16), with interviews the most utilised (n = 29), followed by focus groups and meetings (n = 23) and validated frameworks (n = 7) as assessment tools. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly around inclusion of traditional food knowledge (n = 21), or environmental/intervention sustainability (n = 15). Community-Based Participatory Research approaches were utilised across many studies (n = 26), with one-third utilising Indigenous methods of inquiry. Acknowledgement of data sovereignty (n = 6) or collaboration with Indigenous researchers (n = 4) was limited.
CONCLUSION
This review highlights Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches in the literature worldwide. It emphasises the importance of using Indigenous research methodologies in research conducted by or with Indigenous Peoples and acknowledges Indigenous communities should lead future research in this area.
Topics: Humans; Population Groups; Delivery of Health Care; Food
PubMed: 37154011
DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12813 -
Ageing Research Reviews Jan 2024Virtual Reality (VR) has been gaining increasing attention as a potential ecological and effective intervention system for treating Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).... (Review)
Review
Virtual Reality (VR) has been gaining increasing attention as a potential ecological and effective intervention system for treating Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, it remains unclear the efficacy and effectiveness of VR-based cognitive rehabilitation therapy (VR-CRT) in comparison with cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT). Consequently, a systematic review on Pubmed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Web Of Science was conducted to assess the state of the art of the literature published between 2003 and April 2023. Only articles that adopted CRT as control group and that included some measure of at least one domain among overall cognitive function, executive function and functional status were included. Participants needed to be older adults aged 65 or over with a diagnosis of MCI. The risk of bias and the quality of evidence were assessed using the Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Initially, 6503 records were considered and screened after removing duplicates (n = 1321). Subsequently, 81 full texts were assessed for eligibility. Four articles met the inclusion criteria but 2 of them were merged as they were describing different outcomes of the same research project. Consequently, 3 overall studies with a total of 130 participants were included in the final analysis. Due to the high heterogeneity in the methodology and outcome measures employed, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. Included studies used semi-immersive (k = 2) and full-immersive (k = 1) VR systems in their research. Two articles evaluated overall cognitive function through the MoCA together with specific tests for executive functions (n = 69), while one study adopted a comprehensive neuropsychological battery to evaluate both cognitive function and executive function (n = 61). Finally, one study evaluated functional status through instrumental activities of daily living (n = 34). A However, the limited number of studies, the small sample size, and the potential issues with the quality and methodology of these studies that emerged from the risk of bias assessment may raise doubts about the reliability of their results. Nevertheless, although scarce, results of the present review suggest that VR-CRT may be paramount in treating MCI for its additional ecological and adaptive advantages, as all of the studies highlighted that it was at least as effective as conventional CRT for all the outcome measures. Therefore, more rigorous research that compares VR-CRT and CRT is needed to understand the degree to which VR-CRT is effective with older adults with MCI and the potential role of immersion to influence its efficacy. Indeed, these preliminary findings highlight the need for the development of standardized VR protocols, as the integration of such technology into clinical practice may help improve the quality of life and cognitive outcomes for this growing demographic.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Activities of Daily Living; Quality of Life; Cognitive Training; Reproducibility of Results; Cognitive Dysfunction; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 38036103
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102146 -
Physiotherapy Research International :... Apr 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in improving dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, quality of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in improving dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with Long COVID-19 (LC). The impact of PR on LC and a comparison of face-to-face and telerehabilitation approaches was explored.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. A literature search included PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until January 2023. No language filters were applied. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and observational studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools. Descriptive analysis and meta-analysis were performed. Forest plots presented results. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Metafor Package in R v.3.4.2.
RESULTS/FINDINGS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included 16 studies on PR in LC patients. A total of 1027 adults were included. The studies varied in design, with seven observational studies, three quasi-experimental studies, and six randomized controlled trials. Dyspnea, physical function, quality of life, psychological state, and fatigue were assessed as outcomes. The review found that pulmonary rehabilitation had a significant positive effect on dyspnea, physical function, quality of life (both global and physical domain), anxiety, and depression. However, the effect on fatigue was not significant. Heterogeneity was observed in some analyses, and publication bias was found in certain outcomes. Age and study design were identified as potential moderators. Both face-to-face and telerehabilitation interventions improved the studied outcomes, with only differences in the physical domain of quality of life favoring the face-to-face group.
IMPLICATIONS ON PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE
PR improved dyspnea, physical function, quality of life, and psychological state in LC patients, but not fatigue. Face-to-face and telerehabilitation have similar effects, except for physical quality of life.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Quality of Life; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; COVID-19; Fatigue; Dyspnea
PubMed: 38389299
DOI: 10.1002/pri.2077 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Nov 2023Whereas the risk and course of psychopathology in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BD) have been the primary focus of high-risk offspring studies to date,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Whereas the risk and course of psychopathology in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BD) have been the primary focus of high-risk offspring studies to date, functional outcomes have not been given much attention. We present a systematic review of functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) across development in offspring of parents with BD and aim to explore the role of offspring psychopathology in these outcomes.
METHOD
We searched Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar from inception to June 24, 2022, for studies referring to functional outcomes (global, social, academic or occupational) or QoL in offspring of parents with BD.
RESULTS
From the 6470 records identified, 39 studies were retained (global = 17; social = 17; school = 16; occupational = 3; QoL = 5), including 13 studies that examined multiple domains. For all domains, high heterogeneity was found in study methods and quality. Only 56 % of studies adjusted for offspring psychopathology, impeding interpretation. Global and social functioning generally seemed to be impaired among older offspring (>16 years). Academic performance appeared to be unaffected. School behavior, occupational functioning, and QoL showed mixed results. Offspring psychopathology is associated with social functioning, but the relationship of offspring psychopathology with other domains is less clear.
CONCLUSION
Studies on functional outcome in offspring of parents with BD show predominantly mixed results. Inconsistent adjustment of psychopathology and age limits conclusive interpretation. Functional outcomes should be prioritized as research topics in high-risk studies and the potential associations between familial risk status, offspring psychopathology, and age may inform prevention strategies.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Quality of Life; Child of Impaired Parents; Parents; Psychopathology
PubMed: 37467795
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.072 -
Drug and Alcohol Review Nov 2023Consideration of an individual's quality of life (QoL) can benefit assessment and treatment of addictive disorders, however, uncertainty remains over operationalisation... (Review)
Review
ISSUES
Consideration of an individual's quality of life (QoL) can benefit assessment and treatment of addictive disorders, however, uncertainty remains over operationalisation of the construct as an outcome and the appropriateness of existing measures for these populations. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate QoL and health-related QoL outcome instruments used in addiction-related risk and harm research and map their conceptualised domains.
APPROACH
Three electronic databases and a specialised assessment library were searched on 1 February 2022 for QoL or health-related QoL outcome instruments used with addiction-related risk and harm populations. PRISMA reporting guidance was followed and included outcome instruments were appraised using mixed methods. Psychometric evidence supporting their use was summarised. The COSMIN risk of bias tool was used to assess validation studies.
KEY FINDINGS
A total of 298 articles (330 studies) used 53 outcome instruments and 41 unique domains of QoL. Eleven instruments' psychometric properties were evaluated. No instrument was assessed for any parameter in at least five studies for meta-analytic pooling. Cronbach's alpha (α) internal consistency was the most widely assessed parameter with the AQoLS, WHOQOL-BREF, ALQoL-9, Q-LES-Q-SF, SF-12, DUQoL, QLI and SF-36 displaying promising statistics (α > 0.70).
IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Many instruments have been utilised. However, a significant proportion of studies applied a small number of instruments with minimal high-quality validation evidence supporting their use within addiction-related risk and harm. Promising instruments are recommended, however, the paucity of supporting evidence limits confidence in the reliability and validity of QoL measurement in these populations.
Topics: Humans; Behavior, Addictive; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 37439397
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13717 -
Knee Surgery & Related Research Dec 2023The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature pertaining to Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) validation... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature pertaining to Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) validation and utilization as an outcomes metric in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. This is the first systematic review on PROMIS use in total knee arthroplasty patients.
METHODS
A systematic search of the Pubmed/MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Study characteristics, patient demographics, psychometric properties (Pearson and Spearman correlation) with legacy patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) instruments, floor and ceiling effects, responsiveness, and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and PROMIS outcomes were recorded and analyzed.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies investigating PROMIS in 11,140 patients were included. The weighted-average Pearson correlation coefficient comparing PROMIS domains with legacy patient-reported outcome measurements in total knee arthroplasty patients was 0.62 [standard error (SE) = 0.06] and the weighted-average Spearman correlation comparing PROMIS domains with legacy patient-reported outcome measurements in total knee arthroplasty patients was 0.59 (SE = 0.06), demonstrating moderate-to-strong correlation and validity. There were no differences in weighted average floor [0.03% (SE = 3.1) versus 0% (SE = 0.1) versus 0.01% (SE = 1.1); p = 0.25] or ceiling effects [0.01% (SE = 0.7) versus 0.02% (SE = 1.4) versus 0.04% (SE = 3.5); p = 0.36] between PROMIS and legacy instruments. The weighted average for percentage of patients achieving MCID was 59.1% for global physical health (GPH), 26.0% for global mental health (GMH), 52.7% for physical function (PF), 67.2% for pain interference (PI), and 37.2% for depression.
CONCLUSION
Notably, PROMIS global physical health, physical function, and pain interference were found to be significantly responsive, with PROMIS pain interference most effectively capturing clinical improvement as evidenced by the achievement of MCID.
PubMed: 38041197
DOI: 10.1186/s43019-023-00201-6 -
Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing Apr 2024Non-pharmacological interventions have been used in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors, but their effects on stroke survivors' quality of life (QoL) are unknown. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Non-pharmacological interventions have been used in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors, but their effects on stroke survivors' quality of life (QoL) are unknown.
AIM
This review aimed to summarize the existing evidence regarding non-pharmacological interventions for QoL in stroke survivors and to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of interventions.
METHODS
We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang data from the earliest available records to March 2023. Randomized controlled trials which explored the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on QoL in stroke patients were included. The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions on QoL. The Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct the meta-analysis and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of trials.
RESULTS
A total of 93,245 records were identified, and 34 articles were reviewed and summarized, of which 20 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The summary of the findings of the included studies revealed fitness training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), physical exercise, music therapy (MT), and art-based interventions may have positive effects on QoL. The fitness training improved total QoL, especially in physical domains including physical functioning (mean difference [MD] = 10.90; 95% CI [7.20, 14.59]), role physical (MD = 10.63; 95% CI [6.71, 14.55]), and global health (MD = 8.76; 95% CI [5.14, 12.38]). The CIMT had a slight effect on general QoL (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.48, 95% CI [0.16, 0.80]), whereas significantly improved strength (MD = 8.84; 95% CI [1.31, 16.38]), activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL; MD = 10.42; 95% CI [2.98, 17.87]), and mobility (MD = 8.02; 95% CI [1.21, 14.83]). MT had a positive effect on the mental health domain (SMD = 0.54; 95% CI [0.14, 0.94]).
LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION
Our findings suggest that fitness training and CIMT have a significant effect on improving physical QoL, while MT has a positive effect on improving psychological QoL. Future studies may use comprehensive and multicomponent interventions to simultaneously improve the patients' physical, psychological, and social QoL.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Activities of Daily Living; Stroke; Exercise; Stroke Rehabilitation; Survivors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38429872
DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12714