Articles tagged with Control Groups
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that pictorial health warnings on cigarette packaging are effective in warning against cigarette smoking. The research, led by James F. Thrasher, PhD, found that graphic imagery is more credible and effective than text-only labels among smokers with low health l...
A dance intervention program improved the self-rated health of Swedish girls with internalizing problems, such as stress and psychosomatic symptoms. The study found that 91% of girls rated the dance intervention as a positive experience.
A study found that women who mastered weight-maintenance skills before embarking on a diet shed the same number of pounds as those who started immediately. These 'maintenance-first' women had regained only 3 pounds on average a year later, compared to the average 7-pound gain for immediate dieters.
A new study by NC State University and Duke University finds that flame retardant Firemaster 550 causes endocrine disruption, leading to rapid weight gain, early onset of puberty, and cardiovascular health problems in lab rats. The researchers also detected high levels of thyroid hormone and glucose regulation issues in exposed offspring.
A study of Jewish women who lived under Nazi control during World War Two found that those with severe hunger were five times more likely to develop breast cancer. Women aged seven or younger at the time had a three times higher risk of developing breast cancer than their older counterparts.
Severely obese patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery experienced significant weight loss and frequent remission from diabetes, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol levels. At 6 years after surgery, the RYGB group had lower incidence of diabetes and improved cardiovascular risk profiles.
Researchers found that 88% of asthmatics had moderate or intense anxiety levels, compared to 46% in the control group. Balance control was also impaired in asthmatic patients, suggesting a link between balance abnormalities and asthma symptoms.
A study published by the University of Notre Dame found that reducing lies in daily interactions is associated with improved physical and mental health. Participants who stopped telling both major and minor lies reported significant improvements in health and relationships.
Researchers found that reducing lies can lead to improved mental and physical health, including fewer complaints about tension, headaches, and sore throats. Participants also reported better relationships and social interactions when they lied less.
A study found that incorporating CT angiography into the initial evaluation of low-risk patients with chest pain reduced hospital stay time by half and decreased costs without increasing the risk of missed diagnosis. The use of CCTA also led to fewer adverse clinical events, but future studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A new study shows that stress management training can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) prevent new disease activity. After participating in the training program, 77% of participants were free of new lesions compared to 55% in the control group.
A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance the outcome of swallowing therapy for post-stroke dysphagia. tDCS improved post-stroke dysphagia in patients with long-lasting effects observed over three months.
Researchers found that adopting a self-distanced perspective can reduce angry feelings and aggressive thoughts in provoked individuals. By viewing the situation from a distant point, people can better regulate their emotions and respond less aggressively.
Researchers found that snacking on raisins significantly lowers postprandial glucose levels compared to common alternative snacks. The study, conducted among 46 participants, showed a 16% decrease in mean post-meal glucose levels with raisin consumption.
A study by the University of Zurich found that practicing character strengths such as curiosity, gratitude, and optimism boosts life satisfaction. Participants who trained these strengths reported increased happiness and better mood regulation.
Research from the University of Washington found that meditation training can help individuals perform better in stressful work settings, showing improved concentration, reduced stress and increased memory. Meditation was shown to be more effective than body relaxation training in enhancing multitasking skills.
Recent studies have shown that alteplase can benefit stroke patients aged over 80 years, confirming the benefits of rapid treatment across age groups. The trials found that earlier treatment with alteplase resulted in more patients being alive and independent at 6 months, with a significant reduction in disability.
A multicomponent intervention that included staff training and supportive materials reduced the rate of physical restraint use in nursing homes. The study found a significant decrease in physical restraint prevalence after 6 months, with results still showing lower restraint use at 3 months.
A study published in the Anesthesia-Analgesia Journal found that Pressure Right's acupressure device enhanced the efficacy of a popular antiemetic drug combination in reducing PONV among high-risk patients. The device resulted in higher patient satisfaction and lower emesis rates compared to a sham device.
Performing targeted swallowing exercises following chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer improves swallowing function in the short term. However, this benefit does not last beyond three months, with no significant difference found at nine or 12 months post-treatment.
A growing global cancer epidemic threatens low- and middle-income countries with devastating health consequences. Canada has the capacity to provide leadership and action to tackle this crisis.
A new fractionated dosing regimen of gemtuzumab ozogamicin significantly improves event-free survival and overall survival for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. The regimen reduces toxicity while delivering a high cumulative dose of the drug.
Researchers identified unique subgroups among children with ADHD, highlighting individual variability. The study suggests new methods for characterizing individuals and tailoring treatments to address specific deficits and strengths.
A study by Penn researchers found that peer mentoring significantly improved glucose control in African American veterans with diabetes. The intervention, which included financial incentives, showed a statistically significant effect on improving HbA1c levels. The authors suggest that social support and camaraderie among veteran partic...
A German study found that antibiotic treatment with azithromycin significantly reduced the number of patients carrying E. coli bacteria and the duration of shedding in stool specimens. Long-term carriers were more common among untreated patients.
A telephone-based counseling program using motivational interviewing showed modest improvements in medication adherence for certain subgroups, such as younger patients and those without previous fractures. However, the overall effect was no statistically significant improvement in adherence rates compared to a control group.
A study published in JAMA found that treatment with amoxicillin for acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis did not result in a significant difference in symptoms compared to placebo. Patients who received antibiotics reported similar improvements in quality of life and symptom relief, contradicting the common practice of prescribing antibi...
A UMass Amherst cognitive researcher has developed a systematic approach to enhancing creativity by teaching people to notice obscure features and build solutions around them. The technique, known as the generic parts technique (GPT), was shown to improve problem-solving skills in individuals trained with it.
Two studies by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott Wiltermuth found that synchronized physical activities can foster aggression and obedience, potentially leading to destructive outcomes. Participants who moved in sync with their groups or authority figures performed better in tasks that involved harming others.
Researchers found that combining TCM therapy and intrauterine insemination (IUI) significantly increases fertility success rates to 65.5% compared to 39.4%. The study suggests that Chinese medicine can promote balance and harmony in the womb, affecting ovulation, menstrual cycle, blood flow, and endorphin production.
A study of 2,010 obese participants found that bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular deaths and events. The surgery group had lower rates of fatal heart attack deaths, stroke events, and total cardiovascular events compared to the control group.
A new study found that adding inhaled dry powder mannitol to standard therapy for cystic fibrosis improved lung function over 52 weeks. The treatment showed a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and fewer pulmonary exacerbations compared to the control group.
A new research methodology demonstrates that converting patients from one anti-epileptic drug to another is well-tolerated, effective and safe. The study shows that using historical control groups instead of traditional control groups can address ethical concerns in clinical trials.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that high school football and hockey players showed subtle brain injuries after routine head hits, even without concussions. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to detect changes in white matter, which are similar to axonal injury at the cellular level.
The study found that integrating a coach-led neuromuscular warm-up prior to sports practice significantly reduced the risk of lower extremity injuries in adolescent female athletes. The intervention group experienced 50 lower extremity injuries, compared to 96 in the control group.
A web-based intervention aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity among adolescents was found to have no long-term effects on weight gain, but did show positive short-term changes in dietary behavior. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the FATaintPHAT intervention over two years, finding it ineffective in reducing ...
A University of Alberta study reveals that individuals with low-appearance self-esteem consume more treats when in small packages, especially under favorable conditions. Researchers advise these consumers to regain control and limit package purchases to reduce calorie intake and save money.
Three randomized trials found that structured behavioral programs were more effective than control interventions in improving glycemic control among adults with long-duration poorly controlled diabetes. Individual education also showed better glucose control results compared to group education.
A new trial by the European Society of Cardiology suggests that remote follow-up of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients could be a safe alternative to traditional in-clinic visits. The study found that remote monitoring resulted in fewer inappropriate therapies and similar outcomes compared to conventional follow-up.
Researchers found that telephone counseling supporting exercise significantly increased patient adherence to an exercise program. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that patients who received maintenance counseling exercises for at least 32 minutes more per week than those in the control group o...
A new study published in Clinical Rehabilitation found that robot-assisted therapy, combined with functional task training, significantly improved functional arm use and bimanual arm activity in daily life among stroke patients. The study used accelerometers to measure real-world arm activity and showed that this type of therapy can pr...
A new study found that multivitamin users smoke more than non-users due to the licensing effect. Smokers who believe vitamins protect against cancer are more likely to experience a 'boost in perceived invulnerability'. This can lead to an increased health risk and decreased motivation to quit smoking.
Two studies found that transitional care programs can significantly reduce hospital readmissions, with one program showing a 48% lower 30-day readmission rate. The findings suggest the potential of these programs to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
A study found that long-term meditators have stronger connections between brain regions and show less age-related brain atrophy. The effects are evident throughout the entire brain, not just in specific areas.
A phase II clinical trial found that injections of adult patients' own CD34+ stem cells reduced angina episodes and improved exercise tolerance time. The treatment showed significant improvements in chest pain and exercise duration at six months after treatment.
A study found that integrating clinical decision support tools into Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) improved radiologists' use of the tools, with a 52% increase in usage when access was removed. The integrated approach led to a threefold increase in sessions compared to non-integrated access.
A study published in The Lancet shows that smokers are twice as likely to quit when receiving motivational text messages compared to placebo texts. Biochemical testing confirms the effectiveness of the txt2stop intervention, which doubled smoking quit rates.
Patients who received motivational interviews early after a stroke had normal mood, fewer instances of depression, and greater survival rates compared to those receiving standard care. After one year, 48% of patients with the intervention had normal mood, while the death rate was 6.5%, significantly lower than the control group.
A study published in Panminerva Medica reveals that Pycnogenol and CoQ10 taken as an adjunct to medication strengthens the heart, improving blood volume output, physical fitness, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. The combination also showed significant improvements in patients' quality of life, including reduced symptoms and increa...
A study from the University of California, Berkeley, shows that two-parent families, regardless of gender or marital status, are crucial to children's social and academic success. The researchers found that couples who participated in a 16-week program reported higher satisfaction in their marriages and kids were doing better in school.
Researchers have found that shingles may be associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, particularly in the year following a shingles attack. The study suggests that this risk is still relatively low and varies by geographical location and income.
A study by Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that acupuncture significantly improved the overall health status of patients with unexplained symptoms. The treatment also led to reduced medication use and improved wellbeing, without affecting GP visits or clinical outcomes. Patients reported positive experiences with the ...
A new study suggests that lipofilling is a safe procedure for women with breast cancer, with no significant difference in local recurrence rates between the treatment group and controls. However, longer follow-up and more research are needed to confirm these findings.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people from different cultures respond differently to thoughts of death. European-Americans tend to focus on protecting their sense of self, leading to harsher judgments towards those perceived as threats. In contrast, Asian-Americans are more likely to reach out to others an...
Researchers analyzed 119 clinical trials to determine the magnitude of placebo effect and no treatment effect on headache recovery rate. The study found a high overall recovery rate of 36% in 'no treatment' control groups.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that structured exercise training, including aerobic and resistance exercises, significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Longer weekly exercise duration is also linked to greater HbA1c decreases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully transformed 'bad' white fat into 'good' brown fat in rats, reducing their calorie intake and weight. This breakthrough finding could lead to new obesity treatments for humans by targeting the transformation of white fat into brown fat.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that excessive alcohol consumption the previous day can affect surgical skills performed on a virtual reality simulator. The researchers discovered persistent detrimental performance effects, highlighting the importance of abstinence for practicing surgeons.
A randomized trial found that older workers who received personalized coaching alongside a web-based risk assessment reported improved physical activity and reduced dietary fat intake. In contrast, those in a control group experienced a decline in waist circumference at six months that was maintained at 12 months.
A new study from the University of Oregon found that even brief skills training can enhance supportive responses to disclosures of mistreatment. The training focused on verbal and nonverbal ways of conveying support, and listeners who received this training demonstrated significantly fewer unsupportive behaviors.