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Purpose: Depressive symptoms are prevalent among Chinese adolescents. However, there is a lack of effective prevention programs to reduce depressive symptoms. Methods: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was implemented in a sample of senior secondary school adolescents. Participants in the intervention group (N = 148) received a 6-week universal prevention course, whereas the control group (N = 131) received a routine course focusing on career development. Results: The linear mixed models showed that the group × time interaction was significant for depressive symptoms measured by DASS-21 (F (2, 550) = 5.72, p =.003) and marginally significant for that measured by SMFQ (F (2, 549) = 2.41, p =.09). Likewise, the level of anxiety and stress were significantly reduced after the program, but not maintained in the follow-up. Conclusions: This pilot study showed that a universal prevention program is promising in reducing adolescent depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of solution-focused group counseling (SFGC) to reduce depressive symptoms and improve cognitive functions among Chinese rural older adults. Method: In a cluster randomized controlled trial, 290 participants were randomly assigned to a 12-session SFGC intervention or a control group. the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination was adopted to measure depressive symptoms and cognitive functions, respectively, at pretest and posttest. Results: Repeated measure ANOVAs showed a significant group by time effect for both measures. Paired sample t-tests showed that depressive symptoms significantly decreased in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Cognitive functions did not change in the intervention group, but significantly declined in the control group. Conclusions: Our findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of a culturally adapted SFGC for reducing depressive symptoms and protecting cognitive functions among the disadvantaged older adults in a developing country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the long-term effectiveness of case-management rehabilitation intervention on vocational reintegration of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Design: Blinded simple randomization was used to construct an intervention and control groups that were followed up for two years. Subjects and setting: 151 patients, aged 50.3 ± 5.9 years, who experienced uncomplicated MI and were enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program were recruited. Interventions: included an early referral to an occupational physician, tailoring an occupational rehabilitation program, based on individual patient needs, coordination with relevant parties, psychosocial intervention, intensive follow-up sessions during a two-year follow-up. Main measures: Return to work within six months of hospitalization and maintenance of employment at one and two years of follow-up. Results: Return-to-work (RTW) rate in the intervention group was 89% and nearly all maintained employment at one year of follow-up (92%) and two years of follow-up (87%). Moreover, almost all of them returned to and maintained their previous jobs. The corresponding figures were: 98%, 94% and 98%, respectively. The figures for the RTW and employment maintenance for the control group were: 74%, 75%, and 72%, respectively. Only about 75%, in this group kept their previous job. The case-management intervention was associated with increased odds of maintaining employment at follow-up of one year (OR = 5.89, 95% CI 1.42–24.30) and two years (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.01–10.03). Conclusions: The extended case-management rehabilitation intervention had a substantial positive impact on both the RTW of MI patients and their maintenance of employment at one and two years of follow-up. Trial Registration: This trial is registered at US National Institutes of Health #NCT04934735. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia. A randomized controlled trial was performed on 44 women. The intervention included one group session of sleep hygiene education and four individual sessions of counseling. The instruments included the Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and Menopausal quality of life. The data were analyzed using repeated measure MANOVA, followed by repeated measure ANOVA. Repeated measure MANOVA showed that time had a significant main effect on the anthropometric variables (body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressures) and revealed significant main effects of the group and time on the psychosocial variables (sleep quality, insomnia, depressive symptoms, and quality of life) (p <.05). Repeated measure ANOVA results indicated a significant effect of the group on insomnia and sleep quality (p <.05). Overall, the intervention was effective in improving insomnia and poor sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of supervised physical therapy program versus non-supervised on pain, functionality, fear of movement and quality of life in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Design: A randomized double-blind clinical trial. Setting: Clinical outpatient unit; home. Subjects: A total of 64 participants with non-specific chronic low back pain were randomized into either supervised exercise group (n = 32) or non-supervised home exercise group (n = 32). Interventions: The supervised group was treated with therapy exercises (strengthen lumbopelvic musculature), while the non-supervised received an informative session of the exercises, which were performed un-supervised at home. Both groups received three weekly sessions for eight weeks. Main Measures: Pain, disability, fear of movement, quality of life, trunk muscle endurance and trunk anteflexion motion were assessed at baseline, two, and six months of follow-up. Results: Although analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed statistically significant differences between groups for pain (P = 0.028; supervised: 2.5 ± 2.1; non-supervised: 3.5 ± 1.5) and disability for Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (P = 0.004; supervised: 3.1 ± 2.2; non-supervised: 5.1 ± 3.0) and for Oswestry Disability Index (P = 0.034; supervised: 14.5 ± 7.1; non-supervised: 19.2 ± 10.0) at 8 weeks immediately posttreatment, there were no differences between the groups in patient-rated pain, functionality, fear of movement and quality of life at six months of follow-up. Conclusion: Patients with chronic low back pain who received supervised exercise showed more improvement in both the short and long term in all patient-rated outcomes over the non-supervised group, but the differences were small and not clinically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate, among people with multiple sclerosis, the extent to which a personally tailored exercise programme (MSTEP©) resulted in greater improvements in exercise capacity and related outcomes over 12 months in comparison with general exercise guidelines. Design: Two-group randomized trial. Subjects: Ambulatory and sedentary. Interventions: MSTEP©, a personally adapted exercise regimen done on most days including two days of high intensity exercise; guidelines recommending 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic and strength training two times per week. Main measures: Primary outcome was peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) at 12 months; secondary outcomes were composite measures of physical function, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. Results: In total, 137 people were randomized, 66 were lost over 12 months leaving 71 with outcome data, 34 in MSTEP© group, and 37 in the Guideline group. Exercise enjoyment and confidence and exercise-induced fatigue predicted retention. There were no differences between groups on the proportion making a 10% increase in VO2peak (27.1% MSTEP© vs 29.6% Guidelines; OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.23–3.08) by the 12 month assessment. The effect on fatigue was larger in the MSTEP© group than the Guideline groups (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 0.93–2.74), the effect on physical function was more modest (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 0.80–2.25), and null for health-related quality of life outcomes. Conclusions: The disappointing exercise retention suggests that people with multiple sclerosis may not consider exercise important to their brain health. Either type of exercise resulted in stable exercise capacity over 1 year in those sticking with the programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth is a period in life when the risk of violence victimization is high and association between victimization and ill health is well established. Youth rarely reveal violence victimization to health professionals if not directly asked but favor health professionals asking about victimization. The study's primary aim was to examine health outcomes in young women being routinely asked about violence victimization and offered subsequent support, compared with controls, at 12-month follow-up. Secondary aims were to examine to what extent routine inquiry altered the consultation and re-victimization rates during the study period. A randomized controlled intervention study was conducted at Swedish youth health centers. Participants assigned to the intervention group were asked structured questions about violence. Victimized participants received empowering strategies and were offered further counseling. Participants in the control group completed questionnaires about victimization after the visit. Both groups answered questions about sociodemographics and health, constructed from validated instruments. A questionnaire was administered to all participants 12 months after baseline. Of 1,445 eligible young women, 1,051 (73%) participated, with 54% of the participants completing the 12-month follow-up. Lifetime violence victimization was reported by 53% in the intervention group and 60% in the control group, ns. There were no significant differences in health outcomes, between baseline and 12-month follow-up, within either group or between groups. Re-victimization rates were 16% in the intervention group and 12% in the control group, ns. Of victimized young women in the intervention group, 14% wanted and received further counseling. Routine inquiry about violence victimization and empowering strategies were feasible within ordinary consultations at youth health centers but did not demonstrate improved health outcomes at 12-month follow-up compared with controls. Questions about violence led to a high degree of disclosure, and 14% of victimized young women in the intervention group received further counseling as a result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To test the effectiveness of an educational intervention including "face to face" training, compared to a standard information program, to reduce microstomia in women with systemic sclerosis. Design: Single-blind, two-arm, randomized controlled study with a 12-month follow-up period. Setting: Hospital wards of a large Italian dermatological reference center. Subjects: Female inpatients with diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. Interventions: For both groups an information brochure and an audio-visual DVD were developed specifically for the study. The control group was assigned to educational materials alone (i.e. brochures and DVD), while the experimental group, in addition to the same educational materials, received specific "face-to-face" interventions, repeated at each follow-up visit. Main measures: Primary outcome was measurement of the opening of the mouth. Secondary outcomes was the self-reported mouth disability. Results: The intention-to-treat analysis included 63 patients. Compared to the baseline measurement, we observed an increase of the mouth opening of 0.31 cm (95% confidence interval: 0.13–0.49), P = 0.003; in the control group, the increase was 0.13 cm (95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.25), P = 0.06. The difference in improvement between the two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.10); however, it reached statistical significance in the per-protocol analysis (39 patients, P = 0.02). Conclusion: Face-to-face nursing rehabilitation training seems to improve microstomia to a greater extent, when compared to a standard intervention based only on written and audio-visual materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to test and compare the effect of (1) a systematic discharge assessment with targeted advice and (2) a motivational interview followed by a home visit. Design: This was a three-armed randomized controlled study. Setting: This study was conducted in the Medical department in a university hospital. Subjects: Patients ⩾65 years of age with health problems at discharge participated in the study. Interventions: Group A (n = 117): patients were informed of health problems and self-care interventions; Group B (n = 116): a motivational conversation targeting activities of daily living with a home care nurse and a home visit. Main measures: The main measures of this study were readmissions, handgrip strength, chair-to-stand test, health-related quality of life, depression signs, mortality, and call on municipality services. Results: Risk of readmission was reduced for intervention groups by 30% (A; P = 0.26) and 22 % (B; P = 0.46). Mean number of days to first readmission was 49.5 (±51.0) days for the control group (n = 116) and 57.9 (±53.6) and 67.2 (±58.1) days for the intervention groups A (P = 0.43) and B (P = 0.10), respectively. Mean loss of handgrip strength was 10.6 (±16.6) kg for men in the control group and 7 (±19.2) and 1.4 (±17.1) kg for the intervention groups A (P = 0.38) and B (P = 0.01), respectively. Health-related quality of life improved with 0.3 (±23.7) points in the control group and 7.4 (±24.4) and 3.2 (±22.3) points in the intervention groups A (P = 0.04) and B (P = 0.37), respectively. In total, 17 (16.3%) in the control group were provided with assistive devices after three months and 8 (7.3%) and 19 (17.6%) in the intervention groups A (P = 0.04) and B (P = 0.81), respectively. Conclusion: The interventions reduced the risk of readmission and improved handgrip strength, quality of life, and use of assistive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Explore qualitative differences between interventions (DVD and booklet (DVDB) versus face-to-face and booklet (F2FB) versus usual care) in the BREATHE (Breathing Retraining for Asthma Trial of Home Exercises) trial of breathing retraining for asthma. Design: Quantitative process analysis exploring group expectancy, experience and practice before and after intervention delivery for the main trial. Setting: Primary care. Subjects: Adults with asthma (DVD and booklet, n = 261; F2FB, n = 132). Main measures: Baseline – expectancy about breathing retraining; follow-up 3, 6 and 12 months – self-efficacy, treatment experience (enjoyment of treatment, perceptions of physiotherapist, perceptions of barriers), amount of practice (weeks, days/week, times/day), continued practice; all time points – anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), AQLQ (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire). Results: No group differences in baseline expectancy. Statistically significant results (P < 0.05) indicated that at follow-up, F2FB participants perceived greater need for a physiotherapist than DVD and booklet participants (3.43 (0.87) versus 2.15 (1.26)). F2FB participants reported greater enjoyment of core techniques (such as stomach breathing: 7.42 (1.67) versus 6.13 (1.99) (DVD and booklet)). Fewer F2FB participants reported problems due to doubts (24 (22.9%) versus 90 (54.2%)). F2FB participants completed more practice sessions (75.01 (46.38) versus 48.56 (44.71)). Amount of practice was not significantly related to quality of life. In the DVD and booklet arm, greater confidence in breathing retraining ability explained 3.9% of variance in quality of life at 12 months. Conclusion: Adults with asthma receiving breathing retraining face-to-face report greater enjoyment and undertaking more practice than those receiving a DVD and booklet. Greater confidence in ability to do breathing retraining is associated with improved QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in patients with vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (VCIND) in comparison with citicoline, an agent for cognitive disturbances associated with chronic cerebral disorders. Design: A randomized controlled multicenter trial. Setting: In three hospitals in Beijing, China. Subjects: A total of 216 patients with VCIND were recruited. Interventions: Patients with VCIND (mean age of 65.4 years) were randomized to receive acupuncture (two sessions per week) or oral citicoline (100 mg three times daily) over three months. Main measures: The primary outcome was the change from baseline to three months in cognitive symptom, measured by Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog). Secondary outcomes included changes from baseline to six months in ADAS-cog, executive function measured by the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), and functional disability measured by the Ability of Daily Living (ADL) scale at three and six months. Results: At three months, the acupuncture group had a greater decrease in mean ADAS-cog score (−2.33 ± 0.31) than the citicoline group (−1.38 ± 0.34) with a mean difference of −0.95 (95% CI, −1.84 to −0.07, P = 0.035). The mean change from baseline to six months in ADAS-cog also significantly favored acupuncture treatments (acupuncture change −2.61 vs citicoline −1.25, difference: −1.36 points; 95% CI, −2.20 to −0.51; P = 0.002). There was no difference between the two groups on CDT and ADL scores at either time point. Conclusion: Compared with citicoline, acupuncture has comparable and even superior efficacy with improved cognitive and daily living performance as a complementary and alternative medicine treatment for VCIND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the treatment effects between unilateral hybrid therapy (UHT; unilateral robot-assisted therapy [RT] + modified constraint-induced movement therapy) and bilateral hybrid therapy (BHT; bilateral RT + bilateral arm training) compared with RT. Thirty patients with chronic stroke were randomized to UHT, BHT, or RT groups. Preliminary efficacy was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), and the goal attainment scaling (GAS). Possible adverse effects of abnormal muscle tone, pain, and fatigue were recorded. All groups showed large improvements in motor recovery and individual goals. Significant between-group differences were found on GAS favoring the hybrid groups but not on FMA and CAHAI. No adverse effects were reported. Hybrid therapies are safe and applicable interventions for chronic stroke and favorable for improving individual functional goals. Treatment effects on motor recovery and functional activity might be similar among the three groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation group, which is founded on an Eastern approach to health care, in improving the quality of life of Chinese people with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI). Method: In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 40 Chinese PwMCI were randomly assigned to either a 10-session psychoeducation group or the control group. Results: A paired sample t test indicated that the treatment group (n = 18) showed significant improvement in their World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure (WHOQOL) score, while the control group (n = 22) did not. Moreover, an independent t test showed that the treatment group was more effective than the control group to improve their WHOQOL score. A reduction in the depressive symptoms was related to the improvement in WHOQOL score. Conclusions: This RCT provides evidence to support the feasibility and effectiveness of psychoeducation groups for improving the overall quality of life of PwMCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This pre-planned secondary analysis of geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation, which was initially found to shorten the postoperative length of stay in hospital for older individuals following hip fracture, investigated whether such rehabilitation reduced the numbers of complications, readmissions, and total days spent in hospital after discharge during a 12-month follow-up period compared with conventional geriatric care and rehabilitation. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Geriatric department, participants' residential care facilities, and ordinary housing. Subjects: Individuals aged ⩾70 years with acute hip fracture (n = 205) were included. Intervention: Geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation was individually designed and aimed at early discharge with the intention to prevent, detect, and treat complications after discharge. Main measures: Complications, readmissions, and days spent in hospital were registered from patients' digital records and interviews conducted during hospitalization and at 3- and 12-month follow-up visits. Results: No significant difference in outcomes was observed. Between discharge and the 12-month follow-up, among participants in the geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation group (n = 106) and control group (n = 93), 57 (53.8%) and 44 (47.3%) had complications (P = 0.443), 46 (43.4%) and 38 (40.9%) fell (P = 0.828), and 38 (35.8%) and 27 (29.0%) were readmitted to hospital (P = 0.383); the median total days spent in hospital were 11.5 and 11.0 (P = 0.353), respectively. Conclusion: Geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation for older individuals following hip fracture resulted in similar proportions of complications, readmissions, and total days spent in hospital after discharge compared with conventional geriatric care and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief and function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis and to determine the feasibility of an eight-week acupuncture intervention. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Three teaching hospitals in China. Subjects: Patients with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren grade II or III). Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to an eight-week (three sessions per week) intervention of either traditional Chinese acupuncture or sham acupuncture. Main measures: The primary outcome was response rate—the proportion of patients achieving score ⩾36% decrease in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function at week 8 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes included pain, function and quality of life. Results: Of 42 patients randomized, 36 (85.7%) completed the study. There was no significant difference in response rate between the traditional Chinese acupuncture and control groups: 61.9% (13 of 21) versus 42.9% (9 of 21) achieved score ⩾36% decrease in WOMAC pain and function at week 8 (P = 0.217). The sum of WOMAC pain and function scores at week 8 was 11.6 (9.1) in the traditional Chinese acupuncture group compared with 16.3 (10.9) in the control group (P = 0.183). There was no significant difference between groups. Three adverse events were recorded and were classified as mild. Conclusion: It showed that three sessions per week acupuncture intervention of knee osteoarthritis was feasible and safe. No difference was observed between groups due to small sample size. Larger (sample size ⩾ 296) randomized controlled trials of this intervention appear justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report on the control group of a trial primarily designed to investigate exercise for improving mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease (pwP). The control group undertook a handwriting intervention to control for attention and time spent practising a specific activity. Design: Secondary analysis of a two-arm parallel phase II randomized controlled trial with blind assessment. Setting: Community. Participants: PwP able to walk ⩾100 m and with no contraindication to exercise were recruited from the Thames Valley, UK, and randomized (1:1) to exercise or handwriting, via a concealed computer-generated list. Intervention: Handwriting was undertaken at home and exercise in community facilities; both were delivered through workbooks with monthly support visits and involved practice for 1 hour, twice weekly, over a period of six months. Main measures: Handwriting was assessed, at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, using a pangram giving writing speed, amplitude (area) and progressive reduction in amplitude (ratio). The Movement Disorder Society (MDS)–Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) item 2.7 measured self-reported handwriting deficits. Results: In all, 105 pwP were recruited (analysed: n = 51 handwriting, n = 54 exercise). A total of 40 pwP adhered to the handwriting programme, most completing ⩾1 session/week. Moderate effects were found for amplitude (total area: d = 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.11 to 0.7; P = 0.13) in favour of handwriting over a period of12 months; effects for writing speed and ratio parameters were small ≤0.11. Self-reported handwriting difficulties also favoured handwriting (UPDRS 2.7: odds ratio (OR) = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.91; P = 0.02). No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: PwP generally adhere to self-directed home handwriting which may provide benefit with minimal risk. Encouraging effects were found in writing amplitude and, moreover, perceived ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the six-month clinical effects of providing ankle-foot orthoses at different moments (early or delayed) in (sub)acute stroke; this is a follow-up to a published trial. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Rehabilitation centre. Subjects: Unilateral hemiparetic stroke subjects maximal six weeks post-stroke with indication for ankle-foot orthosis use. Interventions: Subjects were randomly assigned to early (at inclusion; week 1) or delayed provision (eight weeks later; week 9). Outcome measures: Functional tests assessing balance and mobility were performed bi-weekly for 17 weeks and at week 26. Results: In all, 33 subjects were randomized. No differences at week 26 were found between both groups for any of the outcome measures. However, results suggest that early provision leads to better outcomes in the first 11–13 weeks. Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.006), Functional Ambulation Categories (P = 0.033) and 6-minute walk test (P < 0.001) showed significantly different patterns over time. Clinically relevant but statistically non-significant differences of 4–10 weeks in reaching independent walking with higher balance levels were found, favouring early provision. Conclusion: No six-month differences in functional outcomes of providing ankle-foot orthoses at different moments in the early rehabilitation after stroke were found. Results suggest that there is a period of 11–13 weeks in which early provision may be beneficial, possibly resulting in early independent and safe walking. However, our study was underpowered. Further research including larger numbers of subjects is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of two concurrent randomized controlled interventions based on social cognitive theory to increase walking. A second purpose was to compare the efficacy of the intervention between two distinct groups: dog owners and non-dog owners. Adult dog owners (n = 40) and non-dog owners (n = 65) were randomized into control or intervention groups. Intervention groups received bi-weekly emails for first 4 weeks and then weekly email for the next 8 weeks targeting self-efficacy, social support, goal setting, and benefits/barriers to walking. Dog owner messages focused on dog walking while non-dog owners received general walking messages. Control groups received a 1-time email reviewing current physical activity guidelines. At 6 months, both intervention groups reported greater increases in walking and maintained these increases at 12 months. The greatest increases were seen in the dog owner intervention group. In conclusion, dog owners accumulated more walking, which may be attributed to the dog-owner relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based self-management program for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Four mid-sized towns in southern Norway and two suburbs of Oslo. Subjects: A total of 137 adults with chronic fatigue syndrome. Intervention: A self-management program including eight biweekly meetings of 2.5 hours duration. The control group received usual care. Main measures: Primary outcome measure: Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form-36 physical functioning subscale. Secondary outcome measures: Fatigue severity scale, self-efficacy scale, physical and mental component summary of the Short Form-36, and the illness cognition questionnaire (acceptance subscale). Assessments were performed at baseline, and at six-month and one-year follow-ups. Results: At the six-month follow-up, a significant difference between the two groups was found concerning fatigue severity (p = 0.039) in favor of the control group, and concerning self-efficacy in favor of the intervention group (p = 0.039). These significant differences were not sustained at the one-year follow-up. No significant differences were found between the groups concerning physical functioning, acceptance, and health status at any of the measure points. The drop-out rate was 13.9% and the median number of sessions attended was seven (out of eight). Conclusions: The evaluated self-management program did not have any sustained effect, as compared with receiving usual care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated a cognitive behaviour therapy–based programme to improve glycaemic control and psychosocial wellbeing in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. A total of 147 adolescents aged 13–16 years were randomized to the intervention (n = 73) or standard care (n = 74). The primary outcome was glycaemic control at 3 and 12 months post randomization, and secondary measures were stress, self-efficacy and quality of life. Mixed-effects regression models were used to assess differences in means between groups at each time point. There was little evidence of differences in glycaemic control between groups. However, psychosocial wellbeing improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. Recommendations for future programmes are discussed. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12608000368336). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the early intervention program Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting adapted to Autism (VIPP-AUTI) with 78 primary caregivers and their child (16–61 months) with Autism Spectrum Disorder. VIPP-AUTI is a brief attachment-based intervention program, focusing on improving parent–child interaction and reducing the child’s individual Autism Spectrum Disorder–related symptomatology in five home visits. VIPP-AUTI, as compared with usual care, demonstrated efficacy in reducing parental intrusiveness. Moreover, parents who received VIPP-AUTI showed increased feelings of self-efficacy in child rearing. No significant group differences were found on other aspects of parent–child interaction or on child play behavior. At 3-months follow-up, intervention effects were found on child-initiated joint attention skills, not mediated by intervention effects on parenting. Implementation of VIPP-AUTI in clinical practice is facilitated by the use of a detailed manual and a relatively brief training of interveners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study which aims to compare the effectiveness of a 12-month home-based exercise programme with a usual health care on patient who underwent into a rotator cuff repair. The study assessed the improvements in the patients' quality of life using the randomized controlled trial method. Results show that patients who underwent into home-based exercise programme has no significant difference in terms of the quality of life as compared with those in the usual care group (UCG).

The article presents a randomized controlled trial on mirror therapy and its impact on the gait of patients suffering from stroke. It mentions the application of the therapy towards their lower limbs while under comprehensive rehabilitation. It notes the assessment on the temporospatial characteristics of the patients' movement including velocity, cadence and strides. It also emphasizes the benefit of the mirror therapy in improving the effects of stroke on the patients' gait ability.

The article presents a study which analyzed treatment effects of eccentric vs. concentric graded exercise in chronic tennis elbow. Randnomized controlled trial was carried out for the study. The eccentric exercise group showed faster regression of pain, with an average of 10% higher responder rate at all levels of pain reduction, both during muscle contraction and elongation.

Although adults with autism spectrum disorder are an increasingly identified patient population, few treatment options are available. This preliminary randomized controlled open trial with a parallel design developed two group interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorders and intelligence within the normal range: cognitive behavioural therapy and recreational activity. Both interventions comprised 36 weekly 3-h sessions led by two therapists in groups of 6–8 patients. A total of 68 psychiatric patients with autism spectrum disorders participated in the study. Outcome measures were Quality of Life Inventory, Sense of Coherence Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and an exploratory analysis on measures of psychiatric health. Participants in both treatment conditions reported an increased quality of life at post-treatment (d = 0.39, p < 0.001), with no difference between interventions. No amelioration of psychiatric symptoms was observed. The dropout rate was lower with cognitive behavioural therapy than with recreational activity, and participants in cognitive behavioural therapy rated themselves as more generally improved, as well as more improved regarding expression of needs and understanding of difficulties. Both interventions appear to be promising treatment options for adults with autism spectrum disorder. The interventions’ similar efficacy may be due to the common elements, structure and group setting. Cognitive behavioural therapy may be additionally beneficial in terms of increasing specific skills and minimizing dropout. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]