PROTOCOL: The effectiveness of sensory interventions targeted at improving occupational outcomes, quality of life, well-being and behavioural and psychological symptoms for older adults living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: The primary objective is to systematically review the available evidence of the effects of sensory interventions on quality of life, well-being, occupational participation, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of older adults living with dementia.

The Impact of Campus-Based Therapy Dogs on the Mood and Affect of University Students.

University students experience a high level of stress, which could potentially affect how they manage stressful situations beyond university, such as when entering the workforce. Although universities offer counseling services and various health promotion programs, there is reluctance and negative perceptions about utilizing these from students. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of therapy dog interventions in human interactions that is quantifiable and embraces the elements of health promotion. This study aimed to investigate the impact of therapy dog interventions on students' moods across a multi-campus university during a 2-week final examination period. Two hundred and sixty-five students participated in the study involving a multi-campus university. The intervention group and control group completed a questionnaire involving the positive affect negative affect schedule (PANAS), a 20-item scale that measures a person's affect at the time. The intervention group (n = 170) had a higher average of total PANAS scores (mean = 77.63, standard deviation = 10.975) compared to the control group (n = 95) (mean = 69.41, standard deviation = 13.442). The results were statistically significant (mean difference = 8.219, 95% CI = 5.213-11.224, p < 0.05) with a t-score of 5.385. Students who engaged with therapy dogs on campus during the examination period were more likely to have a more positive affect. The results suggest that universities should include therapy dog programs within their health promotion programs for students, as these may help improve their mood and reduce the stress associated with university examinations.

Impact of online learning on sense of belonging among first year clinical health students during COVID-19: student and academic perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The need to belong is a fundamental human desire that provides the basis for relationships and community; it provides a sense of security that enables growth and development. This sense of belonging is pivotal to new University students, indeed, without it, students are at greater risk of failing or withdrawing from their studies. Yet developing a sense of belonging within a new cohort is complex and multi-faceted and further complicated by a sudden shift away from in-person to online learning. Using the situated-learning framework, our study explores first year clinical health students' sense of belonging in the context of the rapid transition to online learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We utilised a current mixed-method approach including a survey incorporating previously validated tools, demographic and open-ended qualitative questions. Data was also gathered from three focus groups: two dedicated student groups and one academic focus group. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis whilst descriptive statistics were used to describe the quantitative data. RESULTS: 179 first year students complete the survey and four students, and five academics were involved in the focus groups. All participants were from clinical health science courses at an Australian university. Our qualitative results indicated a global theme of: Navigating belonging during the COVID-19 crisis: a shared responsibility; with four organising themes describing (1) dimensions of belonging, (2) individual experiences and challenges, (3) reconceptualising teaching and learning, and (4) relationships are central to belonging. CONCLUSION: While the rapid transition to online learning did not greatly impact knowledge acquisition of first-year students in this cohort, the lack of sense of belonging highlights the need for further research into development of this essential aspect of learning in the online domain. Although contextualised in the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that the findings will remain relevant beyond the current situation, as a student's need to belong will always be present in the face of challenges or change.

Perceptions of Participants on Trial Participation and Adherence to Tai Chi: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Trial participation and adherence to interventions can directly influence the evaluation of outcomes in clinical trials for real world applications. The factors that influence trial participation and adherence to Tai Chi interventions in people with cardiovascular diseases remains unknown. This study aimed to explore participants' perceptions of influential factors on their trial participation and adherence to a Tai Chi intervention within a trial setting. Patients and Methods: Participants had coronary heart disease and/or hypertension in a randomized controlled trial comparing Tai Chi with a waitlist control. Data were collected via face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Thirty-four participants from the Tai Chi group who completed the randomized trial were interviewed. Six dominating themes and four sub-themes are discussed under the facilitators of internal and external motivation, positive feelings, benefits of Tai Chi and future practice with an overall internal motivation to improve health. Positive feelings had three sub-themes: positive feelings toward Tai Chi, the project, and the learning experience. The Tai Chi instructor(s) was found to be a crucial element in motivating participants' adherence to Tai Chi. Conclusion: From the perception of participants, the facilitators to their trial participation and adherence to a Tai Chi intervention included internal and external motivation, positive feelings towards Tai Chi, the project and the learning experience, and perceived benefits of Tai Chi. Perceived barriers included concerns about the safety and complexity of Tai Chi practice, lack of group atmosphere outside of class, and scheduling conflicts. Future researchers can address these factors to improve trial recruitment and implementation of Tai Chi and other mind-body interventions in research and for real world applications.