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Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Sep 2023In recent decades, new virtual reality (VR)-based protocols have been proposed for the rehabilitation of Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN), a debilitating disorder of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In recent decades, new virtual reality (VR)-based protocols have been proposed for the rehabilitation of Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN), a debilitating disorder of spatial awareness. However, it remains unclear which type of VR protocol and level of VR immersion can maximize the clinical benefits. To answer these questions, we conducted a systematic review of the use of VR for the rehabilitation of USN.
METHOD
Studies between 2000 and 2022 that met the inclusion criteria were classified according to their research design and degree of immersion (non-immersive, NIVR; semi-immersive, SIVR; immersive, IVR).
RESULTS
A total of 375 studies were identified, of which 26 met the inclusion criteria. Improvements were found in 84.6% of the reviewed studies: 85.7% used NIVR, 100% used SIVR and 55.6% used IVR. However, only 42.3% of them included a control group and only 19.2% were randomized control trials (RCT).
CONCLUSION
VR protocols may offer new opportunities for USN rehabilitation, although further RCTs are needed to validate their clinical efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Perceptual Disorders; Treatment Outcome; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 37247829
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105248 -
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD Aug 2023Educational interventions are a key element in the care of young patients with feeding and eating disorders, forming part of the majority of therapeutic approaches. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Educational interventions are a key element in the care of young patients with feeding and eating disorders, forming part of the majority of therapeutic approaches. The aim of this review is to evaluate the impact of educational interventions in adolescents with feeding and eating disorders.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA recommendations electronic databases were searched up to 29 June 2023. Studies related to educational interventions in young population diagnosed with feeding and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, bulimia nervosa, pica and ruminative disorders and binge- eating disorder) in Spanish and English language, without temporal limitation, were located in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CUIDEN, DIALNET, and ENFISPO. A search in the databases of grey literature was performed in OpenGrey and Teseo. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020167736).
RESULTS
A total of 191 articles were selected from the 9744 citations screened. Ten publications were included. The results indicated variability between educational programs, including individual and group interventions, learning techniques and various research methodologies. Variables such as learning, attitudinal and perceptual changes, anthropometric parameters, symptom improvement, normalization of eating patterns, evaluation of the program and cognitive flexibility were identified. The risk of bias was high due to the low methodological quality of a large number of studies analyzed.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that educational interventions can influence the improvement of knowledge level and have a positive effect on health outcomes. Although education is a common practice in the treatment of these pathologies, high-quality studies were not identified. Thus, this review concludes that additional evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs, with further research studies, especially randomized controlled trials, to confirm these results.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I: Systematic review.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Anorexia Nervosa; Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder; Binge-Eating Disorder; Bulimia Nervosa
PubMed: 37608142
DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01594-9 -
PloS One 2023During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment such as facial masks and coverings were mandated all over the globe to protect against the virus. Although...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment such as facial masks and coverings were mandated all over the globe to protect against the virus. Although the primary aim of wearing face masks is to protect against viral transmission, they pose a potential burden on communication. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the state of the evidence of the effect of facial coverings on acoustic and perceptual speech outcomes. The scoping review followed the framework created by Arksey & O'Malley (2005) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (PRISMA-ScR; Tricco et al., 2018). The search was completed in May 2021 across the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 3,846 records were retrieved from the database search. Following the removal of duplicates, 3,479 remained for the title/abstract screen and 149 were selected for the full-text review. Of these, 52 were included in the final review and relevant data were extracted. The 52 articles included in the final review consisted of; 11 studied perceptual outcomes only, 16 studied acoustic outcomes only, and 14 studied both perceptual and acoustic outcomes. 13 of these investigated acoustic features that could be used for mask classification. Although the findings varied from article to article, many trends stood out. Many articles revealed that face masks act as a low pass filter, dampening sounds at higher frequencies; however, the frequency range and the degree of attenuation varied based on face mask type. All but five articles that reported on perceptual outcomes showed a common trend that wearing a face mask was associated with poorer speech intelligibility. The findings of the scoping review provided evidence that facial coverings negatively impacted speech intelligibility, which is likely due to a combination of auditory and visual cue degradation. Due to the continued prevalence of mask use, how facial coverings affect a wider variety of speaker populations, such as those with communication impairments, and strategies for overcoming communication challenges should be explored.
Topics: Humans; Acoustics; COVID-19; Masks; Pandemics; Speech Intelligibility
PubMed: 37624795
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285009 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a pain-alleviating and muscle-relaxing treatment used in physio-therapeutic clinical practice, has recently appeared... (Review)
Review
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a pain-alleviating and muscle-relaxing treatment used in physio-therapeutic clinical practice, has recently appeared to be just as effective in dysphonia. This review aimed at clarifying whether TENS can be an effective practice in dysphonia therapy and/or management on its own or combined with other types of interventions and, hence, whether its practice can be a useful, more widespread establishment to speech and language therapy intervention methods. A search was conducted on the PubMed database using specific terms based on the PICO search strategy. Eventually, four randomized controlled studies and four clinical trials were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the physiotherapy evidence-based database (PEDro) assessment tool, and this indicated high-quality research with an average score of 8.43. The studies utilized various TENS devices, predominantly the Dualpex 961 device (frequency of 10 Hz, phase of 200 ms). The assessment methods varied, including auditory perception, vocal therapy, electrostimulation, audio and video perceptual assessments, and laryngeal evaluations. The clinical outcomes of TENS showed a reduction in musculoskeletal pain in various areas, while the acoustic analysis results were significant in only one study. TENS was compared to manual laryngeal therapy (LMT), placebo TENS, and vocal therapy in different studies with mixed results. This review supports the idea that a multidimensional approach, incorporating various therapeutic modalities (TENS, LMT, speech therapy, and vocal training) can yield positive outcomes for patients with voice disorders. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms of action and optimal treatment protocols for TENS in voice therapy.
Topics: Humans; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Dysphonia; Musculoskeletal Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37893455
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101737 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023This systematic review synthesized the outcomes of previous intervention studies published from January 2000-October 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness of Dalcroze-based... (Review)
Review
This systematic review synthesized the outcomes of previous intervention studies published from January 2000-October 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness of Dalcroze-based or similar music-movement integration among groups of individuals considered vulnerable (in relation to their abilities and health/wellbeing). The target groups addressed in previous intervention studies included individuals with special educational needs (such as disorders, disabilities, or impairments) or with a (risk of) decline in health and/or physical strength. Twenty articles met the review inclusion criteria. All studies showed beneficial outcomes for music-movement intervention except one that suffered from low adherence rates. In older adults, the benefits were cognitive, physical, social, and/or emotional, including improved postural stability, balance, gait safety, confidence in mobility, metamemory skills, dual-task performance, social and physical pleasure, autotelic/flow experience, enjoyment, health, and quality of life. In individuals with special educational needs, improvement was seen in relation to inclusion, reductions in compulsive and other problematic behaviors, self-regulation, perceptual and cognitive abilities and functions, linguistic and learning skills, auditory attention and phonological awareness, social interaction, engagement, and agency.
PubMed: 37744587
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1127654 -
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Feb 2024Phantom limb pain (PLP) and symptomatic neuroma can be debilitating and significantly impact the quality of life of amputees. However, the prevalence of PLP and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Phantom limb pain (PLP) and symptomatic neuroma can be debilitating and significantly impact the quality of life of amputees. However, the prevalence of PLP and symptomatic neuromas in patients following dysvascular lower limb amputation (LLA) has not been reliably established. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the prevalence and incidence of phantom limb pain and symptomatic neuroma after dysvascular LLA.
METHODS
Four databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science) were searched on October 5, 2022. Prospective or retrospective observational cohort studies or cross-sectional studies reporting either the prevalence or incidence of phantom limb pain and/or symptomatic neuroma following dysvascular LLA were identified. Two reviewers independently conducted the screening, data extraction, and the risk of bias assessment according to the PRISMA guidelines. To estimate the prevalence of phantom limb pain, a meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed.
RESULTS
Twelve articles were included in the quantitative analysis, including 1924 amputees. A meta-analysis demonstrated that 69% of patients after dysvascular LLA experience phantom limb pain (95% CI 53-86%). The reported pain intensity on a scale from 0-10 in LLA patients ranged between 2.3 ± 1.4 and 5.5 ± .7. A single study reported an incidence of symptomatic neuroma following dysvascular LLA of 5%.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrates the high prevalence of phantom limb pain after dysvascular LLA. Given the often prolonged and disabling nature of neuropathic pain and the difficulties managing it, more consideration needs to be given to strategies to prevent it at the time of amputation.
Topics: Humans; Phantom Limb; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Quality of Life; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Amputation, Surgical; Neuroma; Extremities; Lower Extremity
PubMed: 37616476
DOI: 10.1177/15385744231197097 -
Journal of Neurology Apr 2024Visual auras in migraine have been extensively studied, but less is known about multisensory hallucinations or other unusual sensory experiences, including whether these... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND
Visual auras in migraine have been extensively studied, but less is known about multisensory hallucinations or other unusual sensory experiences, including whether these should be diagnostically considered as part of aura symptoms. The current study aimed to conduct a systematic review and synthesis to bring together existing empirical evidence on these non-visual perceptual experiences, focusing on their phenomenological descriptions and clinical correlates.
METHODS
Forty-eight relevant studies were included based on a systematic search across PsycINFO APA and Web of Science, for peer-reviewed publications in the English language, from 1980 to the present. These comprised a mix of case reports/series (n = 19) and group design studies (n = 29).
RESULTS
Reports of complex multisensory hallucinations, beyond typical established aura symptoms, were numerous and varied in nature. Yet there were limited data on how this related to patient distress and functional interference. Other sensory distortions or hypersensitivities across non-visual domains were also evident, and generally more common in those with established aura symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Our findings provide preliminary evidence that multisensory hallucinations and other unusual perceptual experiences in migraine are likely more common than previously believed. Further investigations are needed to appropriately account for these symptoms within current nosological systems. Increased clinician-patient awareness is important for managing distress (where necessary), and potentially for offering a holistic therapeutic approach to migraine management.
Topics: Humans; Migraine with Aura; Migraine Disorders; Hallucinations; Epilepsy
PubMed: 38236395
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12144-9 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Mar 2024The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic and wearing face mask is recommended across the globe to break the transmission chain of infection.... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic and wearing face mask is recommended across the globe to break the transmission chain of infection. The masks available in the market are of different types and materials and tend to alter the voice characteristics of the speaker. This can therefore impair optimal communication and the present study is a systematic review exploring the effect of various masks on voice production parameters.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The titles and abstracts screening was carried out for the inclusion of articles using eight electronic databases spanning the period from 1st January 2020 to 30th April 2021. 10 articles (8 published & 2 in pre-print) that met the inclusion criteria were considered for this systematic review and the pooled age range was 18 -69 years.
RESULTS
Three primary studies from the USA, 2 each from Australia & Italy, one each from Brazil, China, and Germany were found to have investigated the influence of wearing N95, KN95, surgical and fabric masks on voice related measures. The users significantly reported vocal fatigue, discomfort, and also perceived voice problems. Attenuation of speech sound amplitude was highest for the transparent mask followed by cloth mask, N95, KN95, and surgical mask.
CONCLUSION
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been repeatedly endorsing the need to use a face mask in the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, for an unintruded voice production, the surgical mask is recommended for everyone, including healthcare professionals when they are not in close contact with patients, and not involved in aerosol-generating procedures. For teachers, doing direct teaching (offline classes), 'surgical mask' can reduce the vocal load of teachers, smoothen the teacher-student interaction and thereby facilitate better learning by the students. Additionally, it would be useful to protect oneself from the risk of developing voice problems by following standard vocal healthcare tips.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Pandemics; Masks; COVID-19; Voice; Voice Disorders
PubMed: 34802856
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.09.027 -
The Australian and New Zealand Journal... Jun 2024Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) have been associated with a range of altered cognitive functions, pertaining to signal detection, source-monitoring, memory,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) have been associated with a range of altered cognitive functions, pertaining to signal detection, source-monitoring, memory, inhibition and language processes. Yet, empirical results are inconsistent. Despite this, several theoretical models of auditory hallucinations persist, alongside increasing emphasis on the utility of a multidimensional framework. Thus, clarification of current evidence across the broad scope of proposed mechanisms is warranted.
METHOD
A systematic search of the Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted. Records were screened to confirm the use of an objective behavioural cognitive task, and valid measurement of hallucinations specific to the auditory modality.
RESULTS
Auditory hallucinations were primarily associated with difficulties in perceptual decision-making (i.e. reduced sensitivity/accuracy for signal-noise discrimination; liberal responding to ambiguity), source-monitoring (i.e. self-other and temporal context confusion), working memory and language function (i.e. reduced verbal fluency). Mixed or limited support was observed for perceptual feature discrimination, imagery vividness/illusion susceptibility, source-monitoring for stimulus form and spatial context, recognition and recall memory, executive functions (e.g. attention, inhibition), emotion processing and language comprehension/hemispheric organisation.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings were considered within predictive coding and self-monitoring frameworks. Of concern was the portion of studies which - despite offering auditory-hallucination-specific aims and inferences - employed modality-general measures, and/or diagnostic-based contrasts with psychologically healthy individuals. This review highlights disparities within the literature between theoretical conceptualisations of auditory hallucinations and the body of rigorous empirical evidence supporting such inferences. Future cognitive investigations, beyond the schizophrenia-spectrum, which explicitly define and measure the timeframe and sensory modality of hallucinations, are recommended.
Topics: Hallucinations; Humans; Cognition; Auditory Perception; Executive Function
PubMed: 38470085
DOI: 10.1177/00048674241235849 -
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Jun 2024Perception is an essential component of children's psychological development, which is foundational to children's ability to understand and adapt to their external... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Perception is an essential component of children's psychological development, which is foundational to children's ability to understand and adapt to their external environment. Perception is also a crucial tool for understand and navigating one's surroundings, enabling children to identify objects and react appropriately to settings or situations. Substantial evidence indicates that engaging in physical activity is beneficial for the development of children's perceptual abilities, as the two are closely intertwined. Still, more research is necessary to gain a full understanding of the impact of physical activity on children's perception. To further identify and quantify the effects of physical activity on a number of specific perceptions in children. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches were performed using five online databases (i.e., PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for articles published up to and including June 2023 to identify eligible citations. A total of 12 randomized controlled trials, encompassing 1,761 children under the age of 12, were analyzed. Overall, physical activity as an intervention showed a notable effect on the development of children's perceptions. The meta-analysis indicated that participating in physical activity for 30 minutes around, daily, had a greater impact on children's visual perception and executive functioning than on their motor perception, body perception, and global self-worth (SMD = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.91, p < 0.001). The effects of physical activity on children's perception performance varied by participant characteristics, with physical activity having better effects on body perception and overall self-worth in children who were obese or overweight. Furthermore, physical activity can also enhance executive function and attention in children with developmental coordination disorders. The effects of physical activity on children's perception performance varied according to the intervention time, with different activity durations resulting in different perception performances. Therefore, parents and educators must prioritize an appropriate length of physical activity time for children to ensure their optimal growth and development. Registration and protocol CRD42023441119.
Topics: Humans; Child; Exercise; Perception; Executive Function; Child Development; Visual Perception; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Body Image
PubMed: 38841637
DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2024.289