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Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Recent advances in wearable motion sensors, mobile devices, the Internet of Things, and telecommunications have created new potential for telerehabilitation. Recognizing... (Review)
Review
Recent advances in wearable motion sensors, mobile devices, the Internet of Things, and telecommunications have created new potential for telerehabilitation. Recognizing that there is no systematic review of smartphone- or tablet-based balance and gait telerehabilitation technology for long-term use (i.e., four weeks or more), this systematic review summarizes the effects of smartphone- or tablet-based rehabilitation technology on balance and gait exercise and training in balance and gait disorders. The review examined studies written in English published from 2013 to 2023 in Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Of the 806 studies identified, 14 were selected, and the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies was applied to evaluate methodological quality. The systematic review concluded that all 14 studies found balance and gait performance improvement after four weeks or more of balance and gait telerehabilitation. Ten of the 14 studies found that carry-over effects (improved functional movements, muscle strength, motor capacity, cognition, and reduced fear of falling and anxiety levels) were maintained for weeks to months. The results of the systematic review have positive technical and clinical implications for the next-generation design of rehabilitation technology in balance and gait training and exercise programs.
PubMed: 37892872
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101142 -
Neuropsychology Review Jun 2024Most people with dementia experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), including anxiety, depression or disinhibition. There is growing interest in the relationship... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Most people with dementia experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), including anxiety, depression or disinhibition. There is growing interest in the relationship between NPS and cognitive impairment, but data is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the specific associations between NPS and cognition in people with dementia. MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched for published, peer-reviewed studies of associations between at least one NPS and one cognitive ability in people with dementia. The quality of the studies was assessed with the NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's quality assessment tools. A meta-analysis was conducted using Robumeta package for R. Ninety studies were included. We found significant associations between NPS, global cognition and cognitive domains, e.g. apathy was associated with global cognitive and memory impairment; dysphoria was associated with worse attention; delusions with executive dysfunction. Increased NPS in people with dementia are associated with worse cognitive performance. There were few studies looking at associations between some neuropsychiatric clusters and cognitive abilities, and there was little research on causal relationships. Our review was limited by the inclusion of studies that reported associations in specific formats, and most included people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, given the large number of studies, this is unlikely to have biased results. More research is needed that includes diverse people with different dementia syndromes. Registration: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020165565.
Topics: Humans; Dementia; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cognition; Alzheimer Disease
PubMed: 37477839
DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09608-0 -
Brain Sciences Nov 2023Anxiety and stress plague populations worldwide. Voluntary regulated breathing practices offer a tool to address this epidemic. We examined peer-reviewed published... (Review)
Review
Anxiety and stress plague populations worldwide. Voluntary regulated breathing practices offer a tool to address this epidemic. We examined peer-reviewed published literature to understand effective approaches to and implementation of these practices. PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched to identify clinical trials evaluating isolated breathing-based interventions with psychometric stress/anxiety outcomes. Two independent reviewers conducted all screening and data extraction. Of 2904 unique articles, 731 abstracts, and 181 full texts screened, 58 met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-four of the studies' 72 interventions were effective. Components of effective and ineffective interventions were evaluated to develop a conceptual framework of factors associated with stress/anxiety reduction effectiveness. Effective breath practices avoided fast-only breath paces and sessions <5 min, while including human-guided training, multiple sessions, and long-term practice. Population, other breath paces, session duration ≥5 min, and group versus individual or at-home practices were not associated with effectiveness. Analysis of interventions that did not fit this framework revealed that extensive standing, interruptions, involuntary diaphragmatic obstruction, and inadequate training for highly technical practices may render otherwise promising interventions ineffective. Following this evidence-based framework can help maximize the stress/anxiety reduction benefits of breathing practices. Future research is warranted to further refine this easily accessible intervention for stress/anxiety relief.
PubMed: 38137060
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121612 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Apr 2024Fear of falling (FOF) is a common concern among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects the performance of their daily living activities. Falls may result in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fear of falling (FOF) is a common concern among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects the performance of their daily living activities. Falls may result in FOF, leading to worsening of symptoms of MS, physical deconditioning, and exposure to future falls. This may trigger a vicious cycle between FOF and falls. A better understanding of the relationship between FOF and symptoms of MS may be helpful to develop a conceptual model to guide fall prevention interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the correlational and predictive relationships between FOF and common symptoms of MS.
METHODS
Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINHAL, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscuss were searched from inception to October 2023. Studies examining correlations and/or predictions between FOF and common MS symptoms that include measures of gait, postural control, fatigue, cognition, pain, sleep, depression, and anxiety were identified by two independent reviewers. Both reviewers also conducted the methodological quality assessment of the included studies.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies with a total of 2819 participants were included in the review. Correlational findings indicated that increased FOF was significantly associated with greater walking deficits (lower gait speed, smaller steps), reduced mobility, and poorer balance. Increased FOF was also significantly correlated with higher cognitive impairments, more fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression. Decreased gait parameters, reduced balance, lower physical functions, cognitive impairments, and sleep deficits were found as significant predictors of increased FOF.
CONCLUSION
Evidence indicates significant correlational and bidirectional predictive relationships exist between FOF and common MS symptoms. A comprehensive conceptual framework accounting for the interaction between FOF and MS symptoms is needed to develop effective falls prevention strategies.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Depression; Fear; Cognition; Fatigue; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38422635
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105506 -
Translational Psychiatry Jan 2024Neurocognitive deficits are a core feature of psychotic disorders, but it is unclear whether they affect all individuals uniformly. The aim of this systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Neurocognitive deficits are a core feature of psychotic disorders, but it is unclear whether they affect all individuals uniformly. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the evidence on the magnitude, progression, and variability of neurocognitive functioning in individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP). A multistep literature search was conducted in several databases up to November 1, 2022. Original studies reporting on neurocognitive functioning in FEP were included. The researchers extracted the data and clustered the neurocognitive tasks according to the seven Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) domains and six additional domains. Random-effect model meta-analyses, assessment of publication biases and study quality, and meta-regressions were conducted. The primary effect size reported was Hedges g of (1) neurocognitive functioning in individuals at FEP measuring differences with healthy control (HC) individuals or (2) evolution of neurocognitive impairment across study follow-up intervals. Of 30,384 studies screened, 54 were included, comprising 3,925 FEP individuals and 1,285 HC individuals. Variability analyses indicated greater variability in FEP compared to HC at baseline and follow-up. We found better neurocognitive performance in the HC group at baseline and follow-up but no differences in longitudinal neurocognitive changes between groups. Across the 13 domains, individuals with FEP showed improvement from baseline in all studied domains, except for visual memory. Metaregressions showed some differences in several of the studied domains. The findings suggest that individuals with FEP have marked cognitive impairment, but there is greater variability in cognitive functioning in patients than in HC. This suggests that subgroups of individuals suffer severe disease-related cognitive impairments, whereas others may be much less affected. While these impairments seem stable in the medium term, certain indicators may suggest potential further decline in the long term for a specific subgroup of individuals, although more research is needed to clarify this. Overall, this study highlights the need for tailored neurocognitive interventions for individuals with FEP based on their specific deficits and progression.
Topics: Humans; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Databases, Factual; Longitudinal Studies; Psychotic Disorders
PubMed: 38191534
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02718-6 -
Medical Education Online Dec 2024Non-clinical approaches such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are popular traditional therapeutical interventions adopted by many educational institutions to improve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Non-clinical approaches such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are popular traditional therapeutical interventions adopted by many educational institutions to improve the physical and mental well-being of learners. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga intervention in improving cardiopulmonary parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, pulmonary function tests and psychosomatic symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress in medical and dental students. Using the PRISMA protocol, a search from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase resulted in 304 relevant articles. After screening the title and abstracts, 47 papers were analyzed thoroughly and included in the qualitative analysis. 18 articles with homogenous statistical data on physiology and psychological parameters were included for meta-analysis. In comparison to the control group, the study showed a significant reduction of systolic blood pressure (SBP: 6.82 mmHg, z = -3.06, = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP: 2.92 mmHg, z = -2.22, = 0.03), and heart rate (HR: 2.55 beats/min, z = -2.77, = 0.006). Additionally, data from 4 studies yielded a significant overall effect of a stress reduction of 0.77 on standardized assessments due to the yoga intervention (z = 5.29, < 0.0001). Lastly, the results also showed a significant (z = -2.52, = 0.01) reduction of 1.2 in standardized anxiety tests in intervention group compared to the control. The findings offer promising prospects for medical educators globally, encouraging them to consider reformation and policymaking in medical curricula to enhance academic success and improve the overall quality of life for medical students worldwide.
Topics: Yoga; Humans; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Stress, Psychological; Anxiety; Education, Medical; Depression; Students, Medical; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 38861675
DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2364486 -
Neurology Feb 2024Despite the common occurrence of neurologic complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, data on long-term neuropsychiatric, neurocognitive,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Despite the common occurrence of neurologic complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, data on long-term neuropsychiatric, neurocognitive, and functional outcomes are sparse. We aimed to determine the prevalence of long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive and functional impairment, and favorable neurologic outcomes in adult patients who receive ECMO.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for text related to ECMO and neuropsychiatric, neurocognitive, and functional outcomes from inception to May 3, 2023. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (pain/discomfort, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and sleep disturbance) at long-term (≥6 months) follow-up. Our secondary outcomes were the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment (memory, attention, and reasoning), functional impairment (daily activities, physical activity/mobility, and personal/self-care), and favorable neurologic outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category ≤2, modified Rankin scale ≤3, or Glasgow Outcome Scale ≥4). This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023420565).
RESULTS
We included 59 studies with 3,280 patients (median age 54 years, 69% male). The cohort consisted of 86% venoarterial (VA)-ECMO (n = 2,819) and 14% venovenous (VV)-ECMO (n = 461) patients. More than 10 tools were used to assess neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive outcomes, indicating a lack of standardization in assessment methodologies. The overall prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms was 41% (95% CI 33%-49%): pain/discomfort (52%, 95% CI 42%-63%), sleep disturbance (37%, 95% CI 0%-98%), anxiety (36%, 95% CI 27%-46%), depression (31%, 95% CI 22%-40%), and PTSD (18%, 95% CI 9%-29%). The prevalence of neurocognitive impairment was 38% (95% CI 13%-65%). The prevalence of functional impairment was 52% (95% CI 40%-64%): daily activities (54%, 95% CI 41%-66%), mobility (41%, 95% CI 28%-54%), and self-care (21%, 95% CI 13%-31%). The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in VV-ECMO patients was higher than that in VA-ECMO patients (55% [95% CI 34%-75%] vs 32% [95% CI 23%-41%], = 0.01), though the prevalence of neurocognitive and functional impairment was not different between the groups. The prevalence of favorable neurologic outcomes was not different at various follow-ups: 3 months (23%, 95% CI 12%-36%), 6 months (25%, 95% CI 16%-35%), and ≥1 year (28%, 95% CI 21%-36%, = 0.68).
DISCUSSION
A substantial proportion of ECMO patients seemed to experience neuropsychiatric symptoms and neurocognitive and functional impairments at long-term follow-up. Considerable heterogeneity in methodology for gauging these outcomes exists, warranting the need for standardization. Multicenter prospective observational studies are indicated to further investigate risk factors for these outcomes in ECMO-supported patients.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Pain; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 38181313
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000208081 -
Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences 2023Social anxiety is common and can have far-reaching implications for affected individuals, both on social life and working performance. Usage of virtual reality exposure... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Social anxiety is common and can have far-reaching implications for affected individuals, both on social life and working performance. Usage of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has gained traction. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effect of stand-alone VRET on social anxiety symptoms.
METHOD
We searched systematically in , , , and in May 2022 for studies with participants with social anxiety symptoms receiving stand-alone VRET. Two reviewers independently selected relevant studies in a two-step procedure, and the risk of bias was assessed.
RESULTS
Of 158 hits, 7 studies were selected for full-text reading, 6 were chosen for evaluation, and 5 were included in meta-analyses. VRET resulted in a significantly lower anxiety score in treated individuals with a standard mean difference of -0.82, 95% confidence interval -1.52 to -0.13, compared to controls.
CONCLUSION
Stand-alone VRET may reduce social anxiety symptoms. However, despite promising results, there is still uncertainty as the effect estimate is based on few studies with few participants each and a high risk of bias.
Topics: Humans; Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy; Anxiety
PubMed: 37807998
DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v128.9289 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2023There is a significant research gap in the field of universal, selective, and indicated prevention interventions for mental health promotion and the prevention of mental...
BACKGROUND
There is a significant research gap in the field of universal, selective, and indicated prevention interventions for mental health promotion and the prevention of mental disorders. Barriers to closing the research gap include scarcity of skilled human resources, large inequities in resource distribution and utilization, and stigma.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of delivery by primary workers of interventions for the promotion of mental health and universal prevention, and for the selective and indicated prevention of mental disorders or symptoms of mental illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To examine the impact of intervention delivery by primary workers on resource use and costs.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, PsycInfo, WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to 29 November 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of primary-level and/or community health worker interventions for promoting mental health and/or preventing mental disorders versus any control conditions in adults and children in LMICs.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) were used for continuous outcomes, and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, using a random-effects model. We analyzed data at 0 to 1, 1 to 6, and 7 to 24 months post-intervention. For SMDs, 0.20 to 0.49 represented small, 0.50 to 0.79 moderate, and ≥ 0.80 large clinical effects. We evaluated the risk of bias (RoB) using Cochrane RoB2.
MAIN RESULTS
Description of studies We identified 113 studies with 32,992 participants (97 RCTs, 19,570 participants in meta-analyses) for inclusion. Nineteen RCTs were conducted in low-income countries, 27 in low-middle-income countries, 2 in middle-income countries, 58 in upper-middle-income countries and 7 in mixed settings. Eighty-three RCTs included adults and 30 RCTs included children. Cadres of primary-level workers employed primary care health workers (38 studies), community workers (71 studies), both (2 studies), and not reported (2 studies). Interventions were universal prevention/promotion in 22 studies, selective in 36, and indicated prevention in 55 RCTs. Risk of bias The most common concerns over risk of bias were performance bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias. Intervention effects 'Probably', 'may', or 'uncertain' indicates 'moderate-', 'low-', or 'very low-'certainty evidence. *Certainty of the evidence (using GRADE) was assessed at 0 to 1 month post-intervention as specified in the review protocol. In the abstract, we did not report results for outcomes for which evidence was missing or very uncertain. Adults Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced anxiety symptoms (MD -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.27 to -0.01; 1 trial, 158 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.08; 4 trials, 722 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD -0.69, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.30; 4 trials, 223 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 547 participants) - probably slightly reduced functional impairment (SMD -0.12, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.15; 4 trials, 663 participants) Children Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - may improve the quality of life (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.11; 2 trials, 803 participants) - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 694 participants) - may slightly reduce depressive symptoms (MD -3.04, 95% CI -6 to -0.08; 1 trial, 160 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD -2.27, 95% CI -3.13 to -1.41; 1 trial, 183 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD 0, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.15; 2 trials, 638 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD 4.50, 95% CI -12.05 to 21.05; 1 trial, 28 participants) - probably slightly reduced distress/PTSD symptoms (MD -2.14, 95% CI -3.77 to -0.51; 1 trial, 159 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - decreased slightly functional impairment (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.10; 2 trials, 448 participants) - decreased slightly depressive symptoms (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.04; 4 trials, 771 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD 0.24, 95% CI -1.28 to 1.76; 2 trials, 448 participants).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The evidence indicated that prevention interventions delivered through primary workers - a form of task-shifting - may improve mental health outcomes. Certainty in the evidence was influenced by the risk of bias and by substantial levels of heterogeneity. A supportive network of infrastructure and research would enhance and reinforce this delivery modality across LMICs.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety; Developing Countries; Health Promotion; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37873968
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014722.pub2 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Jan 2024Subjective cognitive decline is one of the first symptoms of dementia. With increasing awareness of brain health and a rising prevalence of dementia, a growing number of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Subjective cognitive decline is one of the first symptoms of dementia. With increasing awareness of brain health and a rising prevalence of dementia, a growing number of individuals seek medical assistance for purely subjective cognitive decline. However, only individuals with specific characteristics tend to experience clinical progression.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to summarize the predictors of objective cognitive impairment in individuals with subjective cognitive decline and to identify those at higher risk of clinical progression.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We systematically searched 11 electronic databases from inception to February 1, 2023, for longitudinal studies investigating factors associated with the clinical progression of subjective cognitive decline. Effect sizes were pooled using fixed-effects and random-effects models. Leveraging the results of the meta-analysis, we developed two risk prediction models for objective cognitive impairment.
RESULTS
Forty-six cohort studies were included in the systematic review, of which 28 met the meta-analysis criteria. Fifteen predictors were identified, including 4 biomarkers (amyloid β deposition, lower Hulstaert Formula scores, apolipoprotein e4, and hippocampus atrophy), four epidemiological factors (older age at baseline, impaired instrumental activity of daily living, depression, and anxiety), and seven neuropsychological factors (participants in clinical settings, older age at onset, stable symptom, concerns, cognitive decline confirmed by informant, severe symptoms, and poor performance on Trail Making Test B). Based on the meta-analysis results, we developed two risk prediction models. The first model (Model) incorporates epidemiological and neuropsychological factors, distinguishing individuals with low and medium risk. The second model (Model) includes additional biomarkers to enhance predictive performance and identify individuals at high risk.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a comprehensive characterization of individuals undergoing clinical progression from subjective cognitive decline to mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The developed models support the prediction of progression risk in both memory clinic and community settings, aiding in the early identification of individuals at risk of disease conversion and facilitating the translation of evidence into clinical practice.
REGISTRATION
The systematic review and meta-analysis have been registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42023392476).
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
Factors for predicting progression from subjective cognitive decline to objective cognitive impairment: evidence from longitudinal studies.
Topics: Humans; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Disease Progression; Neuropsychological Tests; Cognitive Dysfunction; Longitudinal Studies; Biomarkers; Dementia
PubMed: 37979370
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104629