ABSTRACT
<p><b>PURPOSE</b>There are some studies which showed neurofeedback therapy (NFT) can be effective in clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) history. However, randomized controlled clinical trials are still needed for evaluation of this treatment as a standard option. This preliminary study was aimed to evaluate the effect of NFT on continuous attention (CA) and short-term memory (STM) of clients with moderate TBI using a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this preliminary RCT, seventeen eligible patients with moderate TBI were randomly allocated in two intervention and control groups. All the patients were evaluated for CA and STM using the visual continuous attention test and Wechsler memory scale-4th edition (WMS-IV) test, respectively, both at the time of inclusion to the project and four weeks later. The intervention group participated in 20 sessions of NFT through the first four weeks. Conversely, the control group participated in the same NF sessions from the fifth week to eighth week of the project.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eight subjects in the intervention group and five subjects in the control group completed the study. The mean and standard deviation of participants' age were (26.75 ± 15.16) years and (27.60 ± 8.17) years in experiment and control groups, respectively. All of the subjects were male. No significant improvement was observed in any variables of the visual continuous attention test and WMS-IV test between two groups (p ≥ 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Based on our literature review, it seems that our study is the only study performed on the effect of NFT on TBI patients with control group. NFT has no effect on CA and STM in patients with moderate TBI. More RCTs with large sample sizes, more sessions of treatment, longer time of follow-up and different protocols are recommended.</p>
ABSTRACT
The veStibular system is important for the development of normal movement reactions, motion tolerance, and motor control for poStural alignment, balance, and vision
A veStibular system that is damaged by disease or injury in childhood can have a major impact on a child's development In addition, the emergence of veStibular lesions may also lead to cognitive deficits, including attention deficit Despite the advances in testing and documentation of veStibular deficits in children, the veStibular problems continue to be an overlooked entity. Many children do not receive treatment that could significantly improve function and address the developmental delays caused by veStibular disorders
VeStibular rehabilitation therapy [VRT] has been defined as an effective modality for moSt individuals with disorders of the veStibular or central balance system disorders. The basis for the success of VRT is the use of existing neural mechanisms in the human brain for adaptation, plasticity, and compensation. The veStibular syStem cannot be considered as a separate entity ignoring other balance subsystems. Hence, a modified VRT program, named pediatric balance therapy with special modifications in exercises, was developed for children with veStibular disorders, in accordance to the whole balance system
ABSTRACT
Objectives: All individuals need to have the ability of appropriate sensory processing for proper functioning in the environment and participation in daily activities. Moreover, behavioral functions can be affected by sensory processing problems
This Study aimed to determine the relationship between behavioral problems and sensory processing in 7 to 10 years old children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]
Methods: This descriptive [cross-sectional] Study included 60 children with ADHD aged 7 to 10 years, who were referred to a comprehensive psychiatric center. Short Sensory Profile [SSP] and Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL] questionnaires were used for assessing the patterns of sensory processing and behavioral problems in the patients
Results: There was a negative correlation between internalizing behavioral problems [r=-0.426] and externalizing behavioral problems [r=-0.465], and the total score of sensory processing in ADHD children [P<0.05]
Discussion: The findings of this Study showed that some behaviors in children with ADHD could be due to certain defects in their sensory processing
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy on event-related potential [EPR] at both behavioral and physiological level in children [7-12 years] with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]
Methods: The current study is a quasi-experimental project whit pre-test and post-test control group. In this study, the subjects [12 patients in the experimental group and 12 patients in the control group] were selected after initial evaluation, according to DSM-IV criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the type of sampling is purposeful. Due to control of intelligence variable, the children with normal range of IQ were selected. Subjects were matched as much as possible with respect to age, IQ, and comorbidity with other disorders. Subjects performed visual continuous performance task VCPT at two time points by two months interval [at the start and end of the program]. Analysis of variance with repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA methods were used respectively for the evolution of neurofeedback effects on EPR and behavioral characteristics [omission error, commission error, and reaction time]. For statistical processing SPSS software version 21 was used
Results: No significant differences were observed between experimental and control groups in event-related potentials of both behavioral and physiological level
Conclusion: Application of neurofeedback is a useful approach in improving performance of patients with ADHD through the normalization of patient's brain waves, especially in the prefrontal area
ABSTRACT
Objective: Recent studies on treating obsessive compulsive disorder [OCD] have investigated noninvasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS] to enhance patients' performance. This study aimed to analyzed the affect of anodal and cathodal tDCS applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC] on higher cognitive process and reduce obsession symptoms in patients with OCD
Methods: the current study is analysis of variance. In this regard, 20 patients with obsessive compulsive disorder [n=20] were randomly assigned to receive either experimental [active] or control [sham] tDCS. Measuring cognitive functions, the participants done a set of decision making neuropsychological tasks; and for obsession symptoms, the Yale-brown obsessive compulsive and Beck anxiety scale [BAI] were used. we applied anode electrode over the right DLPFC [F4], and cathode electrode over the left DLPFC [F3] region in 15 sessions within 20 minutes
Results: After 15 sessions of applying tDCS, patients showed significant improvement in decision making tasks. Similar results were determined obsession symptoms
Conclusion: The data were analyzed by SPSS 18.0.0 software, using analysis of variance methods.This study demonstrated that anodal tDCS over left DLPFC, concurrent with cathodal tDCS over right DLPFC, improved cognitive impairment and reduced obsession symptoms in patients with OCD
ABSTRACT
In this study, the authors reported a case of woman with severe compulsion who became pregnant during the Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. We carried out Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and behavior therapy simultaneously after repeated medications' refraction. The patient received 20 sessions 1 Hz Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and behavior therapy at the same time in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation room. We asked the patient to exposure her fear and without permission of doing usual behavior [washing], she was receiving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and Behavior Therapy could reduce her symptoms significantly. Although her baby was healthy physically but some areas of Age and Stage Questionnaire were below than the average. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with an additional psychotherapy as behavior therapy could accelerate the improvement of Obsessive compulsive disorder's symptoms. Furthermore, using Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation during the first of trimester probably couldn't be safe for pregnant woman
ABSTRACT
Background: Noise is one of the most important hazardous physical factors in industrial environments. This study aimed to determine the effects of noise exposure on serum cortisol level and some blood parameters among male workers of a steel production company
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 male workers in a steel production company. In order to assess the changes in blood parameters, such as serum cortisol level, lipid profile, and blood sugar, blood samples were taken from the participants before and after the work shift. Besides, CEL 440 sound level meter was used to measure the equivalent sound pressure level [L[Aeq]] and analyze the noise in octave band frequencies. Analyses of data were performed by SPSS software [version 16] using the Paired sample t-test
Results: The laboratory findings indicated an increase in serum cortisol at all exposure levels. However, the changes were not statistically significant. An increase was observed in blood sugar levels at all the three noise levels and the increment was statistically significant at 95 dB noise level
Conclusion: The present study showed that exposure to high sound levels leads to changes in biological parameters, although under the scenario explained in this study these changes did not reach statistical significant
ABSTRACT
Coronary heart disease is the universal principal cause for decreased quality of life, morbidity, and mortality in adulthood. This study seeks to indicate the psychological and socio-demographical determinants of the health related quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease in Iran. In this cross-sectional descriptive design, 205 patients with coronary heart disease among the patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease in Shahid Rajayee heart hospital were selected by compliance sampling and were completed the demographical questionnaire, The WHOQOL-BREF, Tehran-Stockholm marital stress scale [TSMSS] and Mental Health Inventory [MHI-38]. Then, data analyzed by stepwise multiple regression analysis by using of the PASW-18. Findings revealed that psychological wellbeing and socio-economic status had significantly positive predictive role on health related quality of life and marital stress, psychological distress, and gender had negatively significant predictive role on health related quality of life [p< 0.001]. There was no significant role at prediction of health related quality of life in terms of patient's age. It concluded that adverse socio-economic status, female gender, decreased psychological well-being, higher psychological distress and higher marital stress might make patients with coronary heart disease more prone to decreased health related quality of life. Thus, it is important to emphasize the worth of tailored intervention for addressing these issues in therapeutic and rehabilitation agendas. Likewise, the identification and treatment of psycho-social correlates in these patients could be very important
ABSTRACT
Rehabilitation strategies play a pivotal role in reliving the inappropriate behaviors and improving children's performance during school. Concentration and visual and auditory comprehension in children are crucial to effective learning and have drawn interest from researchers and clinicians. Vestibular function deficits usually cause high level of alertness and vigilance, and problems in maintaining focus, paying selective attention, and altering in precision and attention to the stimulus. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between vestibular stimulation and auditory perception in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Totally 30 children aged from 7 to 12 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder participated in this study. They were assessed based on the criteria of diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. After obtaining guardian and parental consent, they were enrolled and randomly matched on age to two groups of intervention and control. Integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test was carried out as a pre-test. Those in the intervention group received vestibular stimulation during the therapy sessions, twice a week for 10 weeks. At the end the test was done to both groups as post-test. The pre-and post-test scores were measured and compared the differences between means for two subject groups. Statistical analyses found a significant difference for the mean differences regarding auditory comprehension improvement. The findings suggest that vestibular training is a reliable and powerful option treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder especially along with other trainings, meaning that stimulating the sense of balance highlights the importance of interaction between inhabitation and cognition
ABSTRACT
It is considered that agrobiodiversity as a vital component for human food security is increasingly eroding and so making more attention to this section of biodiversity is necessary. This study was conducted in a protected area located in Kermanshah, Iran, in order to infer biodiversity characteristics and the effect of biophysical and ecological factors on it. Ten villages were selected randomly and the information was gathered through interviewing 25 to 30 percent of the household heads and visiting the area too. The mean Species richness for agricultural species of the villages was 2.31. Shannon-Weiner Index was in the range of 1.06 to 2.56 and it was associated with other biodiversity indices, calculated in this study. Comparing the biodiversity indices indicated that generally being in a protected area can be useful to protect agricultural biodiversity. Cultivated land area, annual precipitation and altitude were some factors having significant effects on Species richness of agricultural plants in this study.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to assess the psychological health status of dentists in Shiraz city. In this cross-sectional study, subjects consisted of 106 dentists and 94 general practitioners [comparison group] from private and public clinics in Shiraz city. Subjects were requested to complete the standard general health questionnaire and a questionnaire on demographic variables. The data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. Chi-Square test and independent sample t-test were used to compare demographic and occupational variables of both groups. The questionnaires were scored and the overall score of each individual determined his/her psychological health status. Means of GHQ scores of both groups were compared using statistical tests. Both groups were similar in all demographic variables, except for age. The mean total score of GHQ-28 for both dentists [17.9] and physicians [16.34] groups were significantly lower than the cut-off point value of 23 [P <0.01]. The means of scores for somatic problems, depression, anxiety and insomnia as well as unusual social performance scales were significantly different between both groups [P<0.05]. A significant positive association was found between GHQ total score and job tenure. Our findings revealed that psychological health status of dentists was poorer than that of physicians. Additionally, dentists' scores were significantly different from those of their counterparts in all GHQ sub-scales
Subject(s)
Humans , Health Status , Psychology , Physicians , Surveys and Questionnaires , Cross-Sectional Studies , General PractitionersABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare the Persian version of the wechsler intelligence scale for children - fourth edition [WISC-IV] and cognitive assessment system [GAS] tests, to determine the correlation between their scales and to evaluate the probable concurrent validity of these tests in patients with learning disorders. One-hundered-sixty-two children with learning disorder who were presented at Atieh Comprehensive Psychiatry Center were selected in a consecutive non-randomized order. All of the patients were assessed based on WISC-IV and CAS scores questionnaires. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between the data and to assess the concurrent validity of the two tests. Linear regression was used for statistical modeling. The type one error was considered 5% in maximum. There was a strong correlation between total score of WISC-IV test and total score of CAS test in the patients [r=0.75, P<0.001]. The correlations among the other scales were mostly high and all of them were statistically significant [P<0.001]. A linear regression model was obtained [alpha=0.51, [beta=0.81 and P<0.001]. There is an acceptable correlation between the WISC-IV scales and CAS test in children with learning disorders. A concurrent validity is established between the two tests and their scales
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Wechsler Scales , Child , Cognition , Surveys and Questionnaires , Linear Models , Intelligence TestsABSTRACT
Mirror therapy as a neural based rehabilitation technique, produces illusion of two healthy limbs for the brain. The aim of the present study was to determine effects of mirror therapy in restoring hand function in patients with active Range of Motion [ROM] impairments following orthopaedic injuries. In a randomised controlled trial, 30 patients with active ROM impairment [8 men, 22 women; mean age: 38 years] were measured. Intervention group received mirror therapy, 30-minute a day, 5 days a week for 3-week, as well, half an hour conventional rehabilitation after each mirror therapy session. Patients in the control group received the same treatment program, but instead of mirror, they directly observed the affected hand. Outcome measures including Total Active Motion [TAM], and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] questionnaire were given pre, and post treatment, and 3 weeks later. Trial is registered as a randomised controlled trial in Iranian Clinical Trial Registry, number NCT01503762 in http:/clinicaltrials.gov/. Final analysis was performed on 23 patients. The TAM and DASH scores significantly improved in the post-test in both groups, and improvement continued during the follow-up period; however, mirror therapy group exhibited significantly greater changes in the TAM and DASH scores than control [p<0.01], either at the post-test [154° vs. 62°; 34 vs. 15], or follow-up session [181° vs. 88°; 39 vs. 26]. Mirror therapy in combination to a conventional rehabilitation program produced more improvement in hand function compared with a control group which might be through activating neural networks inhibited after injury
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Range of Motion, Articular , Orthopedics , Wounds and Injuries , Mirror NeuronsABSTRACT
Background/Objective: This study was undertaken to address psychological health effects of dentists' exposure to low ambient levels of mercury
Methods: One hundred and six dentists and 94 general practitioners were randomly selected from clinics in Shiraz city, Iran. Subjects were asked to complete the Persian version of General Health Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using ?2 test, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney's U test
Results: Both groups were similar as far as all demographic variables, except age, were concerned. No significant difference was noted between the dentists' mean total score of GHQ-28 [17.9] and that of referent subjects [16.34]. These scores were significantly lower than the cut-off point of 23 [P<0.01]. The mean scores for somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and depression were significantly higher in dentists than in the referent subjects. The results also showed a significant association between GHQ-28 total scores and length of exposure to mercury [P=0.034]; with increase in the job tenure, GHQ-28 total score also increased, indicating a decrement in psychological health status
Conclusion: The current findings revealed that, in general, the dentists' psychological health status was poorer than the referent subjects. Additionally, in all GHQ subscales, the dentists' scores were significantly different from those of their counterparts. Given the fact that exposure to mercury is the most important differentiating variable between both groups, and that neuropsychological disorders are the most common toxic effect of mercury, the difference between psychological health status of the two groups is likely to be related to exposure to mercury
ABSTRACT
The aim of this research is study of theta burst stimulation on left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in remission of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. In a placebo, double blind and randomized study, 10 patients with schizophrenia assigned in experimental and control group. The experimental group received 20 sessions of TBS with 50 Hz frequency, but control group were treated just with sham coil. All the patients were appraised before, the 10th sessions and after the treatment. The treatment efficacy was calculated with ANOVA. The results indicated that the experimental group had statistical difference to control group in negative symptoms [p>0.007] and social functioning [p>0.01]. But there weren't any significant difference in quality of life and depression between two groups. Theta burst stimulation can be mentioned as an efficacious treatment for people with schizophrenia.
ABSTRACT
There are many physiological and psychological factors, which affect sensitivity to pain in children afflicted with ALL. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between salivary cortisol and sensitivity to pain, and also study the role of age and gender. Seventy eight children [33 girls and 45 boys, aged 3 to 12 years] with ALL participated in this study. Morning salivary cortisol was measured and Behavior Scales of Sensitivity to Pain for Children [BSSPC] and Pre-Linguistic Behavioral Pain Reactivity Scale [PL-BPRS] were applied. The results showed a high significant correlation between cortisol levels and pain sensitivity. Cortisol suppression was observed in some participants. The roles of gender and age in relation between cortisol levels and sensitivity to pain were assessed by using moderated regression. Gender and age moderated the relation between sensitivity to pain and cortisol level. Conditional fear can explain for high sensitivity to pain amongst the participants; chemotherapy drugs might play a role in cortisol suppression and parenthood style perhaps determines sex difference in reaction to pain
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Male , Pain Threshold , Child , Pain , HydrocortisoneABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to compare the attention-deficit/ hyperactivity, and substance abuse disorders background in the parents of children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], and the parents of normal children. The available sampling method was used to choose 400 parents of children [200 parents of children with ADHD and 200 parents of normal children], the ages of children were 6-18 years old. The data were collected through the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia [SADS] for parents and the Kiddy Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version [K-SADS-PL], Connors Adult ADHD Rating Scale [CAARS] and the Wender Utah Rating Scale [WURS] for adult ADHD. The results were analyzed by using SPSS-17 software, based on two-variable Chi-Square and t-tests.and P value in all disorders were equals to P<0.05. The results indicated that substance abuse in parents of children with ADHD is 21% more prevalent, and parents of children with ADHD compared to parents of normal children have 2% ADHD, 9% attention deficit disorder, and 1% hyperactivity disorder more in their background. Therefore, we conclude that there exists a significant difference between the above mentioned disorders in the parents of children with ADHD, and parents of normal children. The high prevalence rate of disorders and background of ADHD in families of individuals with ADHD shows the probability of effect of inheritance in the disorder. Also, it shows that parents of children with ADHD have more substance abuse and history of ADHD in their background
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Substance-Related Disorders , Parents , Child , Adolescent , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Balance is defined as the process that maintains the center of gravity within the body's base of support and requires constant adjustments that are provided by muscular activity and joint positioning. The aim of the present study was to determine the best clinical measuring tools of balance in comparison to laboratory tools. In a cross-sectional study, 60 persons [one half in 20-40 and the other in 60-75 year old group] with the ability of standing and walking at least 7 meters and without any chronic diseases were evaluated by Biodex system, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Lunge Test. Data analysis was indicative of significant and high correlation between Functional Reach and Biodex System in 20- 40 year old group and between Berg balances Scale and Biodex System in 60-75 years old group [P<0.001]. Also, there was a significant relation between increase in age and decrease in balance capability [P<0.001]. According to our results, the best clinical measuring tool that could replace the expensive aboratory tools of balance assessment is Functional Reach in young people and Berg Balance Scale for old people