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Background: Hypertension is a global health concern that is best managed at the primary care level. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing resource constraints, collaboration between well-prepared entry-level advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physicians (medical doctors [MDs]) can enhance the care of patients with primary hypertension. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of collaborative entry-level APNs in primary hypertension management, including patient knowledge, physiological and behavioral outcomes, consultation length, and patient satisfaction. Methods: Sixty-three eligible patients were randomly assigned to either an entry-level APN intervention group or a control group with MDs. Three master's-prepared nurses, trained in hypertension management, acted as entry-level APNs, following the Joint National Committee guidelines in collaboration with a physician. The control group underwent standard clinic consultations. After 1 month, a mixed analysis of variance was used to assess intervention effectiveness, examining both between-groups and within-groups outcomes. Results: Both groups shared similar sociodemographic and baseline characteristics. Significant improvements in blood pressure, body mass index, knowledge, self-management, and medication adherence were found at the 1-month follow-up, with no significant differences in outcomes or patient satisfaction between the entry-level APN and MD groups. However, clinical consultation time was significantly longer for entry-level APNs than for MDs. Conclusions: Collaborative entry-level APNs managing primary hypertension are comparable with MD care; however, larger, longer trials are essential for a thorough assessment. Strengthening the development of entry-level advanced practice nursing roles in low- and middle-income countries is crucial for addressing service gaps in primary hypertension and other chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of the study are to systematically evaluate the effect of body weight support training on lower extremity motor function(s) in patients with spinal cord injury and to compare the effect differences among three body weight support training methods. Design: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, CBM, China Scientific Journal, and Wan Fang databases were searched until December 31, 2022. Meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were conducted using RevMan 5.4 and ADDIS 1.16.8. Results: Nineteen randomized controlled trials involving 864 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that body weight support training could improve lower extremity motor scores according to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury standard (mean difference = 6.38, 95% confidence interval = 3.96–8.80, P < 0.05), walking speed (standard mean difference = 0.77, 95% confidence interval = 0.52–1.02, P < 0.05), and modified Barthel Index scores (mean difference = 9.85, 95% confidence interval = 8.39–11.30, P < 0.05). The network meta-analysis showed no significant difference among the three body weight support training methods for improving lower extremity motor scores in patients with spinal cord injury. The best probability ranking of the body weight support training methods for improving lower extremity motor scores in patients with spinal cord injury was robot-assisted gait training (P = 0.60), followed by aquatic exercise (P = 0.21) and body weight support training (P = 0.19). Conclusions: Body weight support training can improve lower extremity motor score in patients with spinal cord injury. No significant difference was observed among the three body weight support training methods, but robot-assisted gait training may produce the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semistructured preschool motor program was developed in response to the paucity of evidence-based motor programs for preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to examine the impact of the CHildren in Action: Motor Program for PreschoolerS (CHAMPPS), a 21-week intervention that includes 42 Universal Design for Learning–embedded lessons with suggestions for supporting school readiness skills. Eight intervention and 8 control classrooms across 2 states participated in the RCT. Data on 51 children with disabilities provide initial evidence on how CHAMPPS positively impacted children's active engagement, motor, and social development. The promising results include gains in motor skills, sustained physical activity levels during motor play, increased on-task behavior, and high feasibility and usability ratings by teachers. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) referral and participation are generally found to be underused worldwide. The data in Asian regions suggest significant underutilization compared with western countries. Objectives: To promote the continuity and effects of CR, this study aimed at supporting self-care and improving CR effects in phase II CR with mobile health application for Macao patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted between January 2018 and June 2020 in a nongovernmental Hospital. Social cognitive theory was applied in the intervention for an experimental group. Measurements including anxiety and depression level, medication adherence, exercise capacity, physical activity level, cardiovascular risk modification, self-efficacy, quality of life, use of healthcare resources, mHealth CR utility, and satisfaction were analyzed. Results: One hundred forty eligible patients were recruited, and 110 patients completed the study. Significant interventional effects of the experimental group were found on the reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, sitting time, anxiety level, and total anxiety and depression level (P <.05). In addition, significant improvement on the 6-minute walk test, regular exercise performance, self-efficacy of cardiac exercise and diet, and quality of life were found as interventional effects in the experimental group (P <.05). The feasibility of intervention was achieved in a satisfactory level. Conclusions: This theoretically grounded mobile health CR study was a unique program tailor-made to meet the care needs of patients post percutaneous coronary intervention. It was feasible and effective to support CR effects and adherence and would inform further design of clinical practice and public policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]