Comparison of the effect of electronic learning and blended learning on the empowerment of the caregivers of cancer patients under chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer is a chronic disease that affects individuals as well as their families. E-learning is a common method of education for patients and caregivers. The present study aimed to compare the impact of E-learning and blended learning on the empowerment of caregivers of cancer patients under chemotherapy. METHODS: This clinical trial was performed in the main chemotherapy center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during October 2018-December 2020. A total of 123 caregivers of cancer patients who were under chemotherapy were selected through simple random sampling and were divided into two intervention groups and one control group. The empowerment of the caregivers was evaluated using the caregivers' empowerment questionnaire in all three groups at the beginning of the study, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month after the intervention. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and statistical tests using the SPSS software, version 22. RESULTS: The results revealed no significant difference between the two groups regarding the knowledge score (p = 0.3). However, the first intervention group had a better attitude compared to the two other groups after the intervention (p = 0.003). Moreover, the mean score of performance increased significantly in both intervention groups (p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of the demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and performance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that both electronic and blended learning affected the attitude and performance of the patients' caregivers. Therefore, blended learning can be applied for enhancing the empowerment of caregivers.

Effects of Pilates training VS. Suspension training on quality of life in women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is the most common synovial joint disease and is characterized by progressive destruction of the articular cartilage. This study aimed to compare the effect of Pilates and suspension training in patients with knee Osteoarthritis. METHODS: The participants in this randomized trial study were patients with knee Osteoarthritis. In this study, 30 females (61.40 ± 4.85 years) were divided into three groups of suspension training, Pilates, and control group. Participants were randomly assigned to 8-week (3x/week, 1 h/session) Pilates and suspension training program groups. The static and dynamic balance, range of motion, and knee function were respectively measured by The Stork stand balance test, Y balance test, Goniometers, and The WOMAC performance disability questionnaire. To analyze the findings, a dependent sample t-test, covariance test, and Bonferroni's post hoc test were used (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Dynamic and static balance in the suspension training and Pilates training caused a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. Also, the range of motion and motor performance in the suspension training and Pilates training showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. The suspension training compared to the Pilates training was more effective on dynamic and static balance (P ≤ 0.05). Also, the suspension training compared to the Pilates training had more effect on Range of motion and Motor performance (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that Pilates and suspension training can be used in medical centers as a complementary rehabilitation method among female patients with knee Osteoarthritis to improve the dynamic and static balance, range of motion, and performance.