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Updates in Surgery Dec 2021Surgery is known to be a craft profession requiring individuals with specific innate aptitude for manipulative skills, and visuospatial and psychomotor abilities. The... (Review)
Review
Surgery is known to be a craft profession requiring individuals with specific innate aptitude for manipulative skills, and visuospatial and psychomotor abilities. The present-day selection process of surgical trainees does not include aptitude testing for the psychomotor and manual manipulative skills of candidates for required abilities. We aimed to scrutinize the significance of innate aptitudes in surgical practice and impact of training on skills by systematically reviewing their significance on the surgical task performance. A systematic review was performed in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. An initial search was carried out on PubMed/Medline for English language articles published over 20 years from January 2001 to January 2021. Search strategy and terms to be used included 'aptitude for surgery', 'innate aptitude and surgical skills, 'manipulative abilities and surgery', and 'psychomotor skills and surgery'. MERSQI score was applied to assess the quality of quantitatively researched citations. The results of the present searches provided a total of 1142 studies. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria out of which six citations reached high quality and rejected our three null hypothesis. Consequently, the result specified that all medical students cannot reach proficiency in skills necessary for pursuing a career in surgery; moreover, playing video games and/or musical instruments does not promote skills for surgery, and finally, there may be a valid test with predictive value for novices aspiring for a surgical career. MERSQI mean score was 11.07 (SD = 0.98; range 9.25-12.75). The significant findings indicated that medical students with low innate aptitude cannot reach skills necessary for a competent career in surgery. Training does not compensate for pictorial-skill deficiency, and a skill is needed in laparoscopy. Video-gaming and musical instrument playing did not significantly promote aptitude for microsurgery. The space-relation test has predictive value for a good laparoscopic surgical virtual-reality performance. The selection process for candidates suitable for a career in surgery requests performance in a simulated surgical environment.
Topics: Aptitude; Clinical Competence; Humans; Laparoscopy; Psychomotor Performance; Students, Medical; Video Games
PubMed: 34564821
DOI: 10.1007/s13304-021-01173-6 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Jun 2011This systematic review aims to evaluate the available evidence from randomized clinical trials of the clinical efficacy and safety of ginseng. Systematic literature... (Review)
Review
This systematic review aims to evaluate the available evidence from randomized clinical trials of the clinical efficacy and safety of ginseng. Systematic literature searches were performed in 13 databases up to March 2009 without language restriction. All randomized clinical trials evaluating the clinical effects or safety of the use of ginseng monopreparations (Panax ginseng or P. quinquefolium) were considered for inclusion. A total of 411 potentially relevant studies were identified and 57 randomized clinical trials were included. The main indications included glucose metabolism, physical performance, psychomotor function, sexual function, cardiac function, pulmonary disease, and cerebrovascular disease. We found strong evidence of a positive effect of ginseng on glucose metabolism, psychomotor function, and pulmonary disease, whereas evidence suggests that ginseng is not effective at enhancing physical performance. However, ginseng generally has a good safety profile and the incidence of adverse effects seems to be low. In conclusion, our review compiles the evidence on the use of ginseng, finding a strong positive potential for glucose metabolism, psychomotor function, and pulmonary disease, but not for physical performance enhancement.
Topics: Humans; Panax; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 21704950
DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(11)60013-7 -
NeuroImage Apr 2023Neurofeedback training (NFT) refers to a training where the participants voluntarily aim to manipulate their own brain activity using the sensory feedback abstracted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Neurofeedback training (NFT) refers to a training where the participants voluntarily aim to manipulate their own brain activity using the sensory feedback abstracted from their brain activity. NFT has attracted attention in the field of motor learning due to its potential as an alternative or additional training method for general physical training. In this study, a systematic review of NFT studies for motor performance improvements in healthy adults and a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of NFT were conducted. A computerized search was performed using the databases Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, JDreamIII, and Ichushi-Web to identify relevant studies published between January 1st, 1990, and August 3rd, 2021. Thirty-three studies were identified for the qualitative synthesis and 16 randomized controlled trials (374 subjects) for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis, including all trials found in the search, revealed significant effects of NFT for motor performance improvement examined at the timing after the last NFT session (standardized mean difference = 0.85, 95% CI [0.18-1.51]), but with the existence of publication biases and substantial heterogeneity among the trials. Subsequent meta-regression analysis demonstrated the dose-response gradient between NFTs and motor performance improvements; more than 125 min of cumulative training time may benefit for the subsequent motor performance. For each motor performance measure (e.g., speed, accuracy, and hand dexterity), the effectiveness of NFT remains inconclusive, mainly due to its small sample sizes. More empirical NFT studies for motor performance improvement may be needed to show beneficial effects on motor performance and to safely incorporate NFT into real-world scenarios.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Neurofeedback; Psychomotor Performance
PubMed: 36870431
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120000 -
The American Journal of Occupational... 2012This systematic review examines the effectiveness of occupation- and activity-based interventions on community-dwelling older adults' performance of instrumental... (Review)
Review
This systematic review examines the effectiveness of occupation- and activity-based interventions on community-dwelling older adults' performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). It was conducted as part of the American Occupational Therapy Association's Evidence-Based Practice Project. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised and synthesized. Within occupation-based and client-centered interventions, the evidence that multicomponent interventions improve and maintain IADL performance in community-dwelling older adults is strong. The results also indicate that client-centered, occupation-based interventions can be effective in improving and maintaining IADL performance. The evidence is moderate for functional task exercise programs and limited for simulated IADL interventions to improve IADL performance. In the area of performance skills, the evidence related to physical activity and cognitive skills training is mixed, and the evidence that vision rehabilitation interventions improve IADL performance in older adults with low vision is moderate. Implications for practice, education, and research are also discussed.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Humans; Occupational Therapy; Program Evaluation; Residential Facilities; Task Performance and Analysis
PubMed: 22549594
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2012.003053 -
Journal of Neurology Aug 2016We conducted a systematic review of the literature and used meta-analytic techniques to evaluate the impact of shunt surgery on neuropsychological performance in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We conducted a systematic review of the literature and used meta-analytic techniques to evaluate the impact of shunt surgery on neuropsychological performance in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Twenty-three studies with 1059 patients were identified for review using PubMed, Web of Science, Google scholar and manual searching. Inclusion criteria were prospective, within-subject investigations of cognitive outcome using neuropsychological assessment before and after shunt surgery in patients with NPH. There were statistically significant effects of shunt surgery on cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination; MMSE), learning and memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; RAVLT, total and delayed subtests), executive function (backwards digit span, phonemic verbal fluency, trail making test B) and psychomotor speed (trail making test A) all in the direction of improvement following shunt surgery, but with considerable heterogeneity across all measures. A more detailed examination of the data suggested robust evidence for improved MMSE, RAVLT total, RAVLT delayed, phonemic verbal fluency and trail making test A only. Meta-regressions revealed no statistically significant effect of age, sex or follow-up interval on improvement in the MMSE. Our results suggest that shunt surgery is most sensitive for improving global cognition, learning and memory and psychomotor speed in patients with NPH.
Topics: Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; Cognition Disorders; Databases, Bibliographic; Humans; Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure; Neuropsychological Tests
PubMed: 27017344
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8097-0 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2009Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) affects approximately one in 3000 to 4000 infants. CHT is one of the most common preventable causes of learning difficulties. Optimal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) affects approximately one in 3000 to 4000 infants. CHT is one of the most common preventable causes of learning difficulties. Optimal management of CHT requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment to avoid abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. One of the main issues in the management of CHT relates to the initial dose of levothyroxine to be used in order to achieve optimal results in terms of intellectual development. Currently, it remains unclear whether high dose thyroid hormone replacement is more effective than low dose in the treatment of CHT. Further research is required to determine an appropriate dose that improves mental and psychomotor developmental outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effects of high versus low dose of initial thyroid hormone replacement for congenital hypothyroidism.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Randomised controlled trials were identified by searching The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE and reference lists of published papers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled clinical trials investigating the effects of high versus low dose of initial thyroid hormone replacement for congenital hypothyroidism were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Both authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
The initial search identified 1014 records which identified 13 publications for further examination. After screening the full text of the 13 selected papers, only one study evaluating 47 babies finally met the inclusion criteria. Using the same cohort at two different time periods, the study investigated the effects of high versus low dose thyroid hormone replacement in relation to (1) time taken to achieve euthyroid status and (2) neurodevelopmental outcome. The study reported that a high dose is more effective in rising serum thyroxine and free thyroxine concentrations to the target range and earlier normalisation of thyroid stimulating hormone compared to a lower dose. Similarly, full scale intelligence quotient was noted to be significantly higher in children who received the high dose compared to the lower dose. However, the verbal intelligence quotient and performance intelligence quotient were similar in both groups. Growth and adverse effects were not reported in the included trial.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is currently only one randomised controlled trial evaluating the effects of high versus low dose of initial thyroid hormone replacement for CHT. There is inadequate evidence to suggest that a high dose is more beneficial compared to a low dose initial thyroid hormone replacement in the treatment of CHT.
Topics: Congenital Hypothyroidism; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Thyroxine
PubMed: 19160309
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006972.pub2 -
PloS One 2017The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of teamwork interventions that were carried out with the purpose of improving teamwork... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of teamwork interventions that were carried out with the purpose of improving teamwork and team performance, using controlled experimental designs. A literature search returned 16,849 unique articles. The meta-analysis was ultimately conducted on 51 articles, comprising 72 (k) unique interventions, 194 effect sizes, and 8439 participants, using a random effects model. Positive and significant medium-sized effects were found for teamwork interventions on both teamwork and team performance. Moderator analyses were also conducted, which generally revealed positive and significant effects with respect to several sample, intervention, and measurement characteristics. Implications for effective teamwork interventions as well as considerations for future research are discussed.
Topics: Cooperative Behavior; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Task Performance and Analysis; Teaching
PubMed: 28085922
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169604 -
PloS One 2017Young drivers (18-24 years) are over-represented in sleep-related crashes (comprising one in five fatal crashes in developed countries) primarily due to decreased sleep... (Review)
Review
Young drivers (18-24 years) are over-represented in sleep-related crashes (comprising one in five fatal crashes in developed countries) primarily due to decreased sleep opportunity, lower tolerance for sleep loss, and ongoing maturation of brain areas associated with driving-related decision making. Impaired driving performance is the proximal reason for most car crashes. There is still a limited body of evidence examining the effects of sleep loss on young drivers' performance, with discrepancies in the methodologies used, and in the definition of outcomes. This study aimed to identify the direction and magnitude of the effects of sleep loss on young drivers' performance, and to appraise the quality of current evidence via a systematic review. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) approach, 16 eligible studies were selected for review, and their findings summarised. Next, critical elements of these studies were identified, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines augmented to rate those elements. Using those criteria, the quality of individual papers was calculated and the overall body of evidence for each driving outcome were assigned a quality ranking (from 'very low' to 'high-quality'). Two metrics, the standard deviation of lateral position and number of line crossings, were commonly reported outcomes (although in an overall 'low-quality' body of evidence), with significant impairments after sleep loss identified in 50% of studies. While speed-related outcomes and crash events (also with very low- quality evidence) both increased under chronic sleep loss, discrepant findings were reported under conditions of acute total sleep deprivation. It is crucial to obtain more reliable data about the effects of sleep loss on young drivers' performance by using higher quality experimental designs, adopting common protocols, and the use of consistent metrics and reporting of findings based on GRADE criteria and the PRISMA statement. Key words: Young drivers, sleep loss, driving performance, PRISMA, the GRADE, systematic review.
Topics: Accidents, Traffic; Adolescent; Automobile Driving; Bibliometrics; Decision Making; Female; Humans; Male; Psychomotor Performance; Sleep; Sleep Deprivation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 28859144
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184002 -
Brain and Language Jan 2017Does "the motor system" play "a role" in speech perception? If so, where, how, and when? We conducted a systematic review that addresses these questions using both... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Does "the motor system" play "a role" in speech perception? If so, where, how, and when? We conducted a systematic review that addresses these questions using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative review of behavioural, computational modelling, non-human animal, brain damage/disorder, electrical stimulation/recording, and neuroimaging research suggests that distributed brain regions involved in producing speech play specific, dynamic, and contextually determined roles in speech perception. The quantitative review employed region and network based neuroimaging meta-analyses and a novel text mining method to describe relative contributions of nodes in distributed brain networks. Supporting the qualitative review, results show a specific functional correspondence between regions involved in non-linguistic movement of the articulators, covertly and overtly producing speech, and the perception of both nonword and word sounds. This distributed set of cortical and subcortical speech production regions are ubiquitously active and form multiple networks whose topologies dynamically change with listening context. Results are inconsistent with motor and acoustic only models of speech perception and classical and contemporary dual-stream models of the organization of language and the brain. Instead, results are more consistent with complex network models in which multiple speech production related networks and subnetworks dynamically self-organize to constrain interpretation of indeterminant acoustic patterns as listening context requires.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Hearing; Humans; Psychomotor Performance; Speech; Speech Perception; Tongue
PubMed: 27821280
DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2016.10.004 -
International Journal of Occupational... Jan 2016Previous studies have demonstrated that acute poisoning from exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides in agricultural workers causes adverse health effects. However,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have demonstrated that acute poisoning from exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides in agricultural workers causes adverse health effects. However, neuropsychological and cognitive effects of chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides remain controversial.
OBJECTIVE
To identify, evaluate, and systematize existing evidence regarding chronic exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects in farmworkers.
METHODS
Using the PubMed search engine, a systematic review process was implemented and replicated according to the PRISMA statement. Eligibility criteria included workers over 18 years of age exposed to OP pesticides as well as assessment of neuropsychological and cognitive functioning. Search terms were in English and Spanish languages and included organophosphate and workers.
RESULTS
Of the search results, 33 of 1,256 articles meet eligibility criteria. Twenty-four studies found an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and low neuropsychological performance in workers. We classified nine of the studies to have study design limitations. Studies indicated occupational exposure to OP pesticides is linked to difficulties in executive functions, psychomotor speed, verbal, memory, attention, processing speed, visual-spatial functioning, and coordination. Nine studies find no relationship between OP pesticides exposure and neuropsychological performance.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects. However, there is no consensus about the specific cognitive skills affected.
Topics: Agricultural Workers' Diseases; Cognition; Farmers; Humans; Memory; Motor Skills; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Occupational Exposure; Organophosphates; Pesticides
PubMed: 27128815
DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2015.1123848