The role and the quality of science journalism – and particularly health journalism – are often debated in peer-reviewed research, along with their direct and indirect consequences on science, science policy, the public understanding of science and of course public health. Researchers have been trying to apply their methods to a discipline which differs very much from their own, for instance proposing an evaluation grid similar to...
{"title":"The Number Needed to Inform - What we talk about when we talk of science journalism","authors":"F. Turone","doi":"10.2427/8816","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8816","url":null,"abstract":"The role and the quality of science journalism – and particularly health journalism – are often debated in peer-reviewed research, along with their direct and indirect consequences on science, science policy, the public understanding of science and of course public health. Researchers have been trying to apply their methods to a discipline which differs very much from their own, for instance proposing an evaluation grid similar to...","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75568862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francesca Ronzani, M. Scarin, Marco Brusaferro, A. Intenti, Raffaela Marchetto, M. Boldrin, S. Pierotti, A. Marcolongo
Background: antimicrobial resistance is recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are associated with higher incidences of mortality, morbidity, prolonged hospital stay and increase of costs. Surveillance of alert organism/conditions and bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a systematic and dynamic system of data collection that analyses and monitors trends of bacterial resistance. This study was conducted to detect antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in order to inform treatment choices and generate hospital-wide baseline data. Methods: the Local Healtcare Oganization of Rovigo has started a program of surveillance on antimicrobial resistance in hospital and community. In this work some results of the surveillance of microorganism isolated and related antimicrobial resistance are reported, collected in the period 2009-2010 in Rovigo and Trecenta Hospitals, Territorial Nursing Homes (TNH) and community from patients’ blood, urine and respiratory samples. Results: data show a significant difference in the level of antibiotic resistance between the two Hospitals. High rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are detected and carbapenems are the only reliable agents for the treatment of many infections in the Hospital of Trecenta and TNH. Conclusions: because ESBL producing bacteria are emerging pathogens in the community, the rational use of available antibiotics or the appropriate antimicrobial prescribing are imperative. Local surveillance is a powerful tool to detect and monitor hospital and community infections and provides information useful as a guide to medical practice, including therapeutics and disease-control activities.
{"title":"Surveillance of healthcare acquired infections in hospital and community: a retrospective study in Local Healthcare Organization of Rovigo","authors":"Francesca Ronzani, M. Scarin, Marco Brusaferro, A. Intenti, Raffaela Marchetto, M. Boldrin, S. Pierotti, A. Marcolongo","doi":"10.2427/8747","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8747","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Background: antimicrobial resistance is recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are associated with higher incidences of mortality, morbidity, prolonged hospital stay and increase of costs. Surveillance of alert organism/conditions and bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a systematic and dynamic system of data collection that analyses and monitors trends of bacterial resistance. This study was conducted to detect antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in order to inform treatment choices and generate hospital-wide baseline data. \u0000Methods: the Local Healtcare Oganization of Rovigo has started a program of surveillance on antimicrobial resistance in hospital and community. In this work some results of the surveillance of microorganism isolated and related antimicrobial resistance are reported, collected in the period 2009-2010 in Rovigo and Trecenta Hospitals, Territorial Nursing Homes (TNH) and community from patients’ blood, urine and respiratory samples. \u0000Results: data show a significant difference in the level of antibiotic resistance between the two Hospitals. High rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are detected and carbapenems are the only reliable agents for the treatment of many infections in the Hospital of Trecenta and TNH. \u0000Conclusions: because ESBL producing bacteria are emerging pathogens in the community, the rational use of available antibiotics or the appropriate antimicrobial prescribing are imperative. Local surveillance is a powerful tool to detect and monitor hospital and community infections and provides information useful as a guide to medical practice, including therapeutics and disease-control activities. \u0000","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"216 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74713002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Robert Levine: a man capable of intelligent and constructive criticism, who could accept with humility the criticisms of others. A man who left a deep mark in the history of research, both inside and outside the United States. Above all, a great problem solver. A brilliant doctor and refined bioethicist, he was able to deal with the disasters of research on human subjects and to remedy to them. He fought against the application in clinical practice of ethical principles valid only for research, but also against the universalisation of the rules of informed consent, which are applicable only to Western cultures. A researcher who deserves to be known by all, especially by young people.
{"title":"Robert J. Levine: a distinguished problem solver","authors":"Roberto Bucci, S. Traglia","doi":"10.2427/8815","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8815","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Robert Levine: a man capable of intelligent and constructive criticism, who could accept with humility the criticisms of others. A man who left a deep mark in the history of research, both inside and outside the United States. Above all, a great problem solver. \u0000A brilliant doctor and refined bioethicist, he was able to deal with the disasters of research on human subjects and to remedy to them. He fought against the application in clinical practice of ethical principles valid only for research, but also against the universalisation of the rules of informed consent, which are applicable only to Western cultures. A researcher who deserves to be known by all, especially by young people. \u0000","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85904181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper reviews the concept of Reproducibility Probability and makes a brief introduction to RP-testing. The RP-based version of some common parametric tests is provided. Moreover, a particular attention is devoted to the well-known nonparametric Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test. A comparison between the properties of the RP and the p-value is made in order to evaluate the practical utility of these stability indicators. It turns out that the use of the RP to perform the tests and to interpret their results, requires more technical analysis, but it provides more interpretable direct information on the stability of the test results.
{"title":"An Introduction to RP-Testing","authors":"L. De Capitani","doi":"10.2427/8756","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8756","url":null,"abstract":"This paper reviews the concept of Reproducibility Probability and makes a brief introduction to RP-testing. The RP-based version of some common parametric tests is provided. Moreover, a particular attention is devoted to the well-known nonparametric Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test. A comparison between the properties of the RP and the p-value is made in order to evaluate the practical utility of these stability indicators. It turns out that the use of the RP to perform the tests and to interpret their results, requires more technical analysis, but it provides more interpretable direct information on the stability of the test results.","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"144 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80407873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: dyslipidemia and obesity are key independent modifiable risk factors for many non communicable chronic diseases. Patterns of association between these factors may help prevention and control. This study aims to assess the association between lipids profile and obesity among adults in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and identify anthropometric predictors of dyslipidemia. Methods: data were collected and analyzed from a cross-sectional study using WHO STEPwise approach that included 4 990 Saudi adults aged 15- 64 years selected by stratified, multistage, cluster random sampling technique. Lipid profiles (cholesterol categories and triglycerides) were determined spectrophotometrically by colorimetric biochemical methods. Obesity was determined by calculation of body mass index (BMI=Kg/m2), waist and hip circumferences and ratio and waist to height ratio. Results: the overall prevalence of obesity ranged from 33.8 to 44.4 % and the overall dyslipidemia prevalence ranged from about 25 to 44% depending on type of dyslipidemia and anthropometrics used. Prevalence of dyslipidemia and mean concentration of lipids profile were generally significantly higher in obese than non obese. The indicator waist/height ratio was the significant predictor for all types of dyslipidemia and all levels of serum lipids. Conclusions: the prevalence dyslipidemia and obesity are high and they are positively associated. Waist/height ratio was the most important predictor of dyslipidemia among adults.
{"title":"Anthropometric predictors of dyslipidemia among adults in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Abdalla A Saeed","doi":"10.2427/8733","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8733","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Background: dyslipidemia and obesity are key independent modifiable risk factors for many non communicable chronic diseases. Patterns of association between these factors may help prevention and control. This study aims to assess the association between lipids profile and obesity among adults in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and identify anthropometric predictors of dyslipidemia. \u0000Methods: data were collected and analyzed from a cross-sectional study using WHO STEPwise approach that included 4 990 Saudi adults aged 15- 64 years selected by stratified, multistage, cluster random sampling technique. Lipid profiles (cholesterol categories and triglycerides) were determined spectrophotometrically by colorimetric biochemical methods. Obesity was determined by calculation of body mass index (BMI=Kg/m2), waist and hip circumferences and ratio and waist to height ratio. \u0000Results: the overall prevalence of obesity ranged from 33.8 to 44.4 % and the overall dyslipidemia prevalence ranged from about 25 to 44% depending on type of dyslipidemia and anthropometrics used. Prevalence of dyslipidemia and mean concentration of lipids profile were generally significantly higher in obese than non obese. The indicator waist/height ratio was the significant predictor for all types of dyslipidemia and all levels of serum lipids. \u0000Conclusions: the prevalence dyslipidemia and obesity are high and they are positively associated. Waist/height ratio was the most important predictor of dyslipidemia among adults. \u0000","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"72 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86350701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: in advanced ovarian cancer, over the last 10 years no studies have demonstrated more appropriate therapeutic options compared to the current standard Carboplatin-Paclitaxel (Cb-P) regimen. Two phase III randomized studies (GOG-218 36 and ICON-7 37) have recently demonstrated the efficacy of bevacizumab (recombinant monoclonal antibody that binds with a high affinity to VEGF-A) in adjunct to Cb-P, with 12-15 months maintenance treatment. Methods: the quality of evidence provided was assessed by the use of the GRADE method. Each outcome (deemed to be essential for the purpose of evaluation of the intervention) was assessed to express the degree of confidence in the entity of the beneficial and/or harmful effects of the intervention. Thus, limitations in the quality of conducting the studies (risk of bias), direct applicability/relevance of results to the target population, and precision of results were taken into account. Results: the GOG-218 and the ICON7 study (high-risk subgroup) demonstrated with MODERATE confidence an improvement in critical outcomes PFS and OS, with an absolute reduction of 96 (GOG-218) – 103 (ICON-7) episodes of progression, and 40 (GOG-218) – 135 (ICON-7) deaths per 1 000 patients. A marked increase in risk of hypertension of Grade ≥3 was observed, with an absolute increase of 59 episodes per 1 000 patients in the ICON-7 study, and 157 episodes in the GOG-218 study, respectively, the majority of which were controlled by means of appropriate treatment. The increased risk of other adverse events considered was negligible. Conclusions: the positive effects produced should be viewed as taking prevalence over the negative effects (FAVOURABLE benefit/harm ratio).
{"title":"Bevacizumab for advanced ovarian cancer treatment. A GRADE based approach","authors":"G. Pappagallo, V. Torri","doi":"10.2427/8826","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8826","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Background: in advanced ovarian cancer, over the last 10 years no studies have demonstrated more appropriate therapeutic options compared to the current standard Carboplatin-Paclitaxel (Cb-P) regimen. Two phase III randomized studies (GOG-218 36 and ICON-7 37) have recently demonstrated the efficacy of bevacizumab (recombinant monoclonal antibody that binds with a high affinity to VEGF-A) in adjunct to Cb-P, with 12-15 months maintenance treatment. \u0000Methods: the quality of evidence provided was assessed by the use of the GRADE method. Each outcome (deemed to be essential for the purpose of evaluation of the intervention) was assessed to express the degree of confidence in the entity of the beneficial and/or harmful effects of the intervention. Thus, limitations in the quality of conducting the studies (risk of bias), direct applicability/relevance of results to the target population, and precision of results were taken into account. \u0000Results: the GOG-218 and the ICON7 study (high-risk subgroup) demonstrated with MODERATE confidence an improvement in critical outcomes PFS and OS, with an absolute reduction of 96 (GOG-218) – 103 (ICON-7) episodes of progression, and 40 (GOG-218) – 135 (ICON-7) deaths per 1 000 patients. A marked increase in risk of hypertension of Grade ≥3 was observed, with an absolute increase of 59 episodes per 1 000 patients in the ICON-7 study, and 157 episodes in the GOG-218 study, respectively, the majority of which were controlled by means of appropriate treatment. The increased risk of other adverse events considered was negligible. \u0000Conclusions: the positive effects produced should be viewed as taking prevalence over the negative effects (FAVOURABLE benefit/harm ratio). \u0000","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"107 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80928969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The launch of this new journal, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health (EBPH), enables us to embrace new challenges, and renew our commitment to our readers, our authors and fellow editors, and ultimately to the public health community worldwide. EBPH is an open access journal streaming from two previous journals, one focused on public health (The Italian Journal of Public Health, http://ijphjournal.it/) [1-8], ...
{"title":"Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health, EBPH: a new vision for two old journals","authors":"S. Boccia, C. Vecchia","doi":"10.2427/8813","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8813","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000The launch of this new journal, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health (EBPH), enables us to embrace new challenges, and renew our commitment to our readers, our authors and fellow editors, and ultimately to the public health community worldwide. \u0000EBPH is an open access journal streaming from two previous journals, one focused on public health (The Italian Journal of Public Health, http://ijphjournal.it/) [1-8], ...","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87144929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Masedu, Massimo Angelozzi, R. D. Giminiani, M. Valenti
Background: this study considers the analysis of postural sway by comparing the use of a fractal dimension outcome (DBOX) with the usual sway ellipse area (SEA), calculated by the least squares method. Both the response variables come from centre of pressure (COP) dynamics detected by means of a force platform. Methods: recent literature regarding postural stability assessment in subjects with muscularskeletal disorders, or neuromuscular diseases affecting their motor skills, has suggested, both for practical and theoretical reasons, the use of some fractal dimension as a good outcome measurement for overall postural status. A sample group of 24 male subjects was recruited. The postural stabilogram was recorded both with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) while standing upright. A matched-pair comparison of the sway ellipse area with the COP dynamics box counting dimension was performed. A ROC analysis of the outcome variables was performed. Then, a ROC comparison of the tests, using the area under the curve (AUC) index, was conducted. Results: the comparison of paired groups showed a statistically significant difference between EO and EC status, according to the sway ellipse area and the fractal dimension (p<0.05). The ROC analysis, describing the test performance in terms of AUC difference, was statistically significant (p<0.05). The comparison of the AUCs showed an overall superior performance of the DBOX with respect to SEA (p<0.05). Conclusions: this study showed a statistically significant better overall performance of DBOX with respect to SEA, suggesting possible improvements of clinical practice, as well as theoretical insights into the response patterns.
{"title":"The use of fractal dimension methods in clinical epidemiology: an application for postural assessment","authors":"F. Masedu, Massimo Angelozzi, R. D. Giminiani, M. Valenti","doi":"10.2427/8735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8735","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Background: this study considers the analysis of postural sway by comparing the use of a fractal dimension outcome (DBOX) with the usual sway ellipse area (SEA), calculated by the least squares method. Both the response variables come from centre of pressure (COP) dynamics detected by means of a force platform. \u0000Methods: recent literature regarding postural stability assessment in subjects with muscularskeletal disorders, or neuromuscular diseases affecting their motor skills, has suggested, both for practical and theoretical reasons, the use of some fractal dimension as a good outcome measurement for overall postural status. A sample group of 24 male subjects was recruited. The postural stabilogram was recorded both with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) while standing upright. A matched-pair comparison of the sway ellipse area with the COP dynamics box counting dimension was performed. A ROC analysis of the outcome variables was performed. Then, a ROC comparison of the tests, using the area under the curve (AUC) index, was conducted. \u0000Results: the comparison of paired groups showed a statistically significant difference between EO and EC status, according to the sway ellipse area and the fractal dimension (p<0.05). The ROC analysis, describing the test performance in terms of AUC difference, was statistically significant (p<0.05). The comparison of the AUCs showed an overall superior performance of the DBOX with respect to SEA (p<0.05). \u0000Conclusions: this study showed a statistically significant better overall performance of DBOX with respect to SEA, suggesting possible improvements of clinical practice, as well as theoretical insights into the response patterns. \u0000","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84470386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Vando, B. Unim, S. Cassarino, J. Padulo, D. Masala
Background: the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether proprioceptive-motor training using the Wii Balance Board (WBB) might improve postural sway in healthy subjects. Methods: twenty-five healthy subjects were trained for six weeks (two sessions per week) with 5 “video games”: Wii Fit Plus (WFP) program. Before and after training: Basic Balance, Single-leg Balance, Agility, Stability and Motion (lower limb: right-left and both leg) were measured using the Wii Balance Board. Results: the Wilcoxon Test showed improvements at the end of the training program compared to the baseline conditions. Basic Balance increased during the WFP (33.33%) and was associated with a 19.92% decrease in center of pressure (COP) lenght. The Single-leg Balance results incremented after the WFP (left 29.09% vs. right 47.92%) and accompanied by a decrement in COP (left 28.71% vs. right 30.45%). The values for the Agility test increased both in WFP and COP (28.57% and 58.57%, respectively). The Stability test scores increased in the WFP (66.67%) along with a consequent decrease in COP (10.53%). Finally, the Motion test values increased in the WFP (73.17%), whilst COP for this test decreased (12.02%). These results indicate that 6 weeks of virtual training produced a good adaptability. Younger participants (<20 years) demonstrated to be more responsive to dynamic stimulation with respect to those >20 years. Conclusions: significant improvements in all participants were observed, indicating that virtual training can influence posture and balance in healthy people. Because of its characteristics of low cost and easy availability, a portable system for balance training for everyone offers the possibility to more readily measure motor skill and to gauge improvement.
背景:本初步研究的目的是评估使用Wii平衡板(WBB)进行本体感觉运动训练是否可以改善健康受试者的姿势摇摆。方法:对25名健康受试者进行为期6周(每周2次)的5种“视频游戏”:Wii Fit Plus (WFP)程序。训练前后:使用Wii平衡板测量基本平衡，单腿平衡，敏捷性，稳定性和运动性(下肢:左右腿和双腿)。结果:与基线条件相比，Wilcoxon测试显示在训练计划结束时有所改善。在WFP期间，基本平衡增加(33.33%)，与压力中心(COP)长度减少19.92%相关。单腿平衡结果在WFP之后增加(左侧29.09%对右侧47.92%)，并伴随着COP的减少(左侧28.71%对右侧30.45%)。敏捷性测试值在WFP和COP中都增加了(分别为28.57%和58.57%)。WFP的稳定性测试分数增加了(66.67%)，随之而来的是COP的下降(10.53%)。最后，运动测试值在WFP中增加(73.17%)，而COP在该测试中下降(12.02%)。这些结果表明，6周的虚拟训练产生了良好的适应性。年轻参与者(20岁)。结论:所有参与者都观察到显著的改善，表明虚拟训练可以影响健康人的姿势和平衡。由于其低成本和易于获得的特点，为每个人的平衡训练便携式系统提供了更容易测量运动技能和衡量改进的可能性。
{"title":"Effectiveness of a perceptual - proprioceptive training with virtual visual feedback in healthy subjects: a pilot study","authors":"S. Vando, B. Unim, S. Cassarino, J. Padulo, D. Masala","doi":"10.2427/8844","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8844","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Background: the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether proprioceptive-motor training using the Wii Balance Board (WBB) might improve postural sway in healthy subjects. \u0000Methods: twenty-five healthy subjects were trained for six weeks (two sessions per week) with 5 “video games”: Wii Fit Plus (WFP) program. Before and after training: Basic Balance, Single-leg Balance, Agility, Stability and Motion (lower limb: right-left and both leg) were measured using the Wii Balance Board. \u0000Results: the Wilcoxon Test showed improvements at the end of the training program compared to the baseline conditions. Basic Balance increased during the WFP (33.33%) and was associated with a 19.92% decrease in center of pressure (COP) lenght. The Single-leg Balance results incremented after the WFP (left 29.09% vs. right 47.92%) and accompanied by a decrement in COP (left 28.71% vs. right 30.45%). The values for the Agility test increased both in WFP and COP (28.57% and 58.57%, respectively). The Stability test scores increased in the WFP (66.67%) along with a consequent decrease in COP (10.53%). Finally, the Motion test values increased in the WFP (73.17%), whilst COP for this test decreased (12.02%). These results indicate that 6 weeks of virtual training produced a good adaptability. Younger participants (<20 years) demonstrated to be more responsive to dynamic stimulation with respect to those >20 years. \u0000Conclusions: significant improvements in all participants were observed, indicating that virtual training can influence posture and balance in healthy people. Because of its characteristics of low cost and easy availability, a portable system for balance training for everyone offers the possibility to more readily measure motor skill and to gauge improvement. \u0000","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87298529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: in the Greek population, the association between obesity and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has not been examined so far. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to explore obesity-related predictors of HRQoL in a sample of Greek healthy adults. Methods: a cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of three hundred twenty seven healthy men (N=105) and women (N=222), between the ages of 30 and 50 years (mean age=39.57 ± 6.68) who lived in Athens. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and body fat (BF) were assessed. HRQoL was evaluated using the short-form 36 (SF-36) health survey, which consists of eight subscales and two health factors (physical and psychological health). Socio-demographic variables and health-related behaviours were assessed by questionnaires. Separate hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between BMI, WHR, BF and SF-36 health survey subscales and factors. Results: socio-demographic and health-related variables were moderately associated with the HRQoL subscales and factors. Furthermore, after controlling the socio-demographic variables and health-related behaviours, (a) BMI negatively predicted the physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, and social functioning subscales, as well as the physical health factor and (b) WHR and BF negatively predicted the physical functioning subscale. However, the obesity indexes did not predict other psychological health subscales. Conclusions: the results indicated negative associations of BMI, WHR, BF with physical functioning and health in a sample of Greek healthy adults. Such data relating total and abdominal obesity to HRQoL, as assessed by BMI, WHR, and BF, have not been reported until now in the literature. One limitation of this study was that the sample size was relatively small and the results could not be generalized to the entire Greek population.
{"title":"he association of total and abdominal obesity with Health-Related Quality of Life in a sample of Greek healthy adults","authors":"E. Theodoropoulou","doi":"10.2427/8842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2427/8842","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Background: in the Greek population, the association between obesity and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has not been examined so far. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to explore obesity-related predictors of HRQoL in a sample of Greek healthy adults. \u0000Methods: a cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of three hundred twenty seven healthy men (N=105) and women (N=222), between the ages of 30 and 50 years (mean age=39.57 ± 6.68) who lived in Athens. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and body fat (BF) were assessed. HRQoL was evaluated using the short-form 36 (SF-36) health survey, which consists of eight subscales and two health factors (physical and psychological health). Socio-demographic variables and health-related behaviours were assessed by questionnaires. Separate hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between BMI, WHR, BF and SF-36 health survey subscales and factors. \u0000Results: socio-demographic and health-related variables were moderately associated with the HRQoL subscales and factors. Furthermore, after controlling the socio-demographic variables and health-related behaviours, (a) BMI negatively predicted the physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, and social functioning subscales, as well as the physical health factor and (b) WHR and BF negatively predicted the physical functioning subscale. However, the obesity indexes did not predict other psychological health subscales. \u0000Conclusions: the results indicated negative associations of BMI, WHR, BF with physical functioning and health in a sample of Greek healthy adults. Such data relating total and abdominal obesity to HRQoL, as assessed by BMI, WHR, and BF, have not been reported until now in the literature. One limitation of this study was that the sample size was relatively small and the results could not be generalized to the entire Greek population. \u0000","PeriodicalId":45811,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80050249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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