Journal of Health Science and Alternative Medicine

Reliability of Integrating 2D Image Analysis Software with the Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool in Individuals with Stroke

2024-04-22T16:14:37+07:00

Introduction: The Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (GAIT) is well-regarded for its intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and presents an ideal foundation for integration with 2D image analysis. This innovative combination aims to leverage the strengths of both subjective and objective assessment methods. While the psychometric properties of the GAIT tool, including its concurrent validity, have been previously explored, the potential of augmenting it with 2D image analysis for gait assessment has yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to validate the integration of the GAIT tool with 2D image analysis software, hypothesizing that this combination would provide a comprehensive and nuanced assessment of gait parameters in post-stroke individuals. The primary focus was to evaluate the reliability of gait parameter measurements derived from this integrated approach.

Methods: Nine post-stroke participants were assessed using the GAIT tool, augmented with 2D image analysis, at baseline and follow-up by a single experienced therapist. The study assessed intra-rater reliability using the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC).

Results: The integrated approach of the GAIT tool and 2D image analysis demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability. The total GAIT score exhibited an ICC of 0.99 (SEM = 1.06, MDC = 2.94). Subscores for stance and swing phases, stance phase alone, and swing phase alone showed high reliability with ICC values of 0.95, 1.00, and 0.99, respectively. SEMs ranged from 0.00 to 0.57, and MDCs from 0.00 to 1.58.

Conclusion: The combination of the GAIT tool and 2D image analysis shows promise for providing a reliable and detailed assessment of gait abnormalities in stroke survivors. The excellent intra-rater reliability underscores its potential utility in clinical and research settings, suggesting a significant advancement in gait assessment methodologies.

Potential Effectiveness of Applying Soluble Fiber Supplementation with Medical Nutrition Therapy Intervention for People Living with Chronic HIV with Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review

2024-06-27T10:10:44+07:00

The side effects of antiretroviral drug therapy have been linked to an increase in the prevalence of dyslipidemia among people living with HIV (PLHIV) (ART). Abnormal blood lipid profiles are well known for causing complications such as stroke and ischemic heart failure, which can increase mortality. Soluble fiber has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Furthermore, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) based on the therapeutic lifestyle change diet (TLC diet) effectively improves blood lipid profiles in PLHIV with dyslipidemia. The data could be used to notify dietetics and other healthcare professionals to provide health support for PLHIV with dyslipidemia and to generate future studies using soluble fiber supplementation in MNT based on TLC diet intervention.

Factors Associated with Poor Knowledge and Poor-to-Moderate Attitude of Intestinal Parasitic Infection Prevention and Control Among Hill tribe Schoolchildren in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai, Thailand

2024-07-19T08:57:44+07:00

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the health threats, particularly among the vulnerable population. Hill tribe people who live in northern Thailand are living in poor economic and education and are vulnerable to intestinal parasitic infection. The study aimed to determine the factors associated with poor knowledge and poor-to-moderate attitudes toward intestinal parasite infection prevention and control among the hill tribe school children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was used to collect data among school children in grades 4-6 in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. A simple random was used to select the participants from the lists in 12 schools. A constructed and validated questionnaire and a 5-gram stool were used as the research tools. A formalin ether concentration technique was used for stool examination. Logistic regression was used for the analysis at the significant level a=0.05.

Results: A total of 365 students were recruited; 51.8% were female, 60% were aged between 11-12 years. In the multivariable analysis, males had 1.77 times (95%CI=1.03-2.56); students aged 11-12 years and age ≥13 years had 5.14 times (95%CI=1.99-13.23) and 9.48 times (95%CI=2.90-30.98), students in grade five had 8.93 times (95%CI=1.00-5.74); students with family members with ≥7 had 2.05 times (95%CI=1.18-3.57) having poor knowledge of intestinal parasitic infection prevention and control than students who had different characteristics. In the multivariable analysis, males had 7.67 times (95%CI=3.45-17.03); students who lived with parents had 2.40 times (95%CI=1.00-5.74); and Lahu and Lisu students had 3.32 times (95%CI= 1.53-7.21) and 9.63 times (95%CI= 2.65-34.97), respectively, having poor to moderate attitudes toward intestinal parasitic infection prevention and control than those students who had different characteristics.

Conclusion: The hill tribe students have poor knowledge and attitudes toward intestinal parasitic infection prevention and control. Public health interventions to improve their knowledge and attitudes focusing on upper grades and older students should be urgently considered.

Knowledge and Prevention Behavior on Scrub Typhus Among Akha People, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand: A Pilot Study

2024-04-23T12:47:45+07:00

Introduction: Scrub typhus is a significant life-threatening infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. The Akha people in Chiang Rai, Thailand, who are living in an endemic area, are particularly at risk due to limited access to healthcare, language barriers, lower educational levels, and uncertain legal status. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of scrub typhus and prevention behavior among Akha people in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2022 among Akha individuals aged 40 and above residing in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Data were gathered using a three-part questionnaire: part I, general information; part II, knowledge about scrub typhus disease; and part III, scrub typhus prevention practices. The questionnaire achieved content validity scores over 0.6, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of validity test at 0.75. Descriptive statistics were used to present the findings.

Results: A total of 80 participants working in agriculture (100.0%) had a gross family income of £5,000 baht per month, more than half could not speak Thai (72.5%), almost all of them could not read Thai (96.3%) and writing Thai (95.0%). All of them did not know about scrub typhus disease (100.0%), reported that they never got sick with scrub typhus (100.0%), and had never received information about scrub typhus disease (98.8%). The scrub typhus knowledge was low (96.3%), while scrub typhus prevention practices were good (42.5%) to a very good level (33.8%).

Conclusion: Akha people living in the pandemic area have a low knowledge level of scrub typhus, and their prevention practices levels are relatively good to very good. Public health interventions to improve Akha people’s knowledge and preventive practices on scrub typhus disease should be implemented.

The Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of 3D Motion Analysis for Reactive Balance Assessment Among Older Adults

2024-04-25T20:12:49+07:00

Introduction: Older adults may have poor balance and postural control, leading to falls. Reactive balance is the ability to control balance in response to mechanical disturbances. A reactive balance assessment (RBA) should be performed using 3D motion analysis to evaluate fall-related capacity to back equivalence with accuracy data. Testing is required to ensure that this assessment is reliable. This study aimed to evaluate RBA's test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) in older adults.

Methods: The study was conducted with 20 older adult women (Age mean±SD: 64.60±3.66). 3D motion analysis was applied to evaluate the reliability of RBA. The 29 reflective markers were placed on each participant’s body in accordance with the Helen Hays marker set model, and one marker was attached to the rope by one rater. It was asked to conduct forward-direction compensatory stepping correction on two separate days within the span of one week. The center of mass (COM) displacement and reaction time were collected from the RBA. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (3,1)), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of stability (r), and MDC for COM displacement and reaction time were calculated between sessions.

Results: The ICC (3,1) values for COM displacement and reaction time were 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. They indicated good reliability for both variables (ICC (3,1)=0.75-0.9). The MDC values for COM displacement and reaction time were 50.30 mm and 0.49 seconds, respectively. The coefficient of stability for COM displacement was 0.79, while for reaction time, it measured 0.84. These coefficient values indicated a strong correlation (r=0.70-0.89) within the respective datasets.

Conclusion: RBA had good test-retest reliability for both COM displacement and reaction time, with an acceptable MDC and a strong stability coefficient. Therefore, this technology's capability to deliver accurate assessments can lead to better monitoring of reactive balance impairments in older adults.

Test-Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of The Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest) in Typical Children Aged Five to Seven Years Old

2024-06-27T10:12:30+07:00

Introduction: The brief balance evaluation systems test (Brief-BESTest) is a balance assessment tool consisting of eight items that assess the six components of the postural control development system. It is a valid and reliable test for assessing balance for various physical conditions in different populations; however, it has not been investigated in typical school-aged children. The study aimed to establish the reliability and validity of the Brief-BESTest in children aged five to seven years old.

Methods: A total of 26 children (13 boys, 13 girls, age= 76.65 ± 9.63 months) were included, and their balances were assessed by the Brief-BESTest and pediatric balance scales (PBS). The same rater completed the test-retest of the Brief-BESTtest one week later. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models 3,1 were used to investigate test-retest reliability. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between the Brief-BESTest and PBS. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were also investigated. Differences were considered statistically significant when the p-value was less than 0.05.

Results: The test-retest reliability of the Brief-BESTest results ICC (3,1) values of 0.94 (95%CI = 0.86 - 0.97) with the p-value of < 0.001. The correlation between the Brief-BEST test scores and the PBS scores was the Spearman’s rho values of 0.509 with significance p values of 0.008. The SEM and MDC were 0.72 and 1.9,9, respectively.

Conclusion: Brief-BESTest has excellent test-retest reliability and moderate concurrent validity when used in typical children aged five to seven years old.

Efficacy of Fibromyalgia Treatment Using an Online Combined Group Therapy Approach: Preliminary Results

2024-06-13T14:12:25+07:00

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent disease and often presents symptoms of anxiety and depression. The aim was to evaluate the effects of online combined group therapy (OCGT) in FM patients. Six patients with FM were included and prospectively treated and assessed. They were evaluated at pre-intervention and after 10 OCGT sessions that included music therapy, familiar constellation, relaxation therapy, guided imagery, and transpersonal psychotherapy. Interestingly, for FM patients, there was a statistically significant reduction between the VAS pain before and after OCGT [8 (range 5-10) versus 3 (0-7), p-value = 0.0013]. Similarly, the VAS well-being before and after therapy also showed a significant improvement [6 (0-10) versus 9.5 (7-10), p-value = 0.018]. Treatment with OCGT in patients with fibromyalgia seems promising, as it significantly reduces pain and improves well-being sensations.

Comparative Analysis of Phenolic Compounds, Carotenoid, and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf and Stem of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl (Sea Holly)

2024-02-28T17:21:22+07:00

Introduction: In Thailand, Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl (Sea Holly), known locally as ‘Nguak Pla Mo,’ has been used for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic properties. This study aimed to explore Sea Holly’s antioxidant and phytochemical attributes, open avenues for pharmaceutical applications, and emphasize the importance of conserving Thailand's ethnobotanical wisdom and biodiversity. The primary objectives of this study were to characterize the amount of carotenoid, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity in the leaf and stem of Sea Holly, as well as identify the main chemical constituents in plant extracts.

Methods: The plant extracts were analyzed for their carotenoid and total phenolic content. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, and the chemical constituents were characterized using GC-MS and IR spectroscopy.

Results: Sea Holly leaf extract contains higher amounts of both carotenoid (0.2261 mg/g sample) and total phenolic compounds (344.67 mg GAE/g DW) than its stem, which has 0.0103 mg/g sample for carotenoid and 92.75 mg GAE/g DW for total phenolic compounds. Consequently, the extraction from leaves exhibits higher antioxidant activity (%DPPH: 18.73; %ABTS: 81.4 and FRAP: 3.46 mmolFe2+/g sample) than stem extract (%DPPH: 14.48; %ABTS: 69.0 and FRAP: 2.40 mmolFe2+/g sample). The GC-MS and IR analysis reveals that the main phytochemicals contained in both stem and leaf extracts are hexadecenoic acid, triolein, campesterol, stigmasterol, and g-sitosterol.

Conclusion: Sea Holly leaf contains higher total phenolic compounds, carotenoid content, and antioxidant activity than Sea Holly stem, a potential application for treatment in oxidative-stress-related diseases and a promising opportunity to develop alternative healthcare and medicinal products.

Effects of High-Intensity Anaerobic Training on Speed Performance With and Without the Ball in Youth Futsal Players

2024-06-28T12:49:28+07:00

Introduction: In futsal, strength, speed, and agility are essential for success due to the need for swift direction changes and rapid movements. Proficient dribbling is also crucial for maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities. By incorporating strength training, plyometrics, agility drills, and dribbling exercises, athletes can improve their overall performance. This comprehensive training approach ensures athletes develop the skills and physical abilities necessary for the demands of futsal matches.

Methods: The sample consisted of 31 male youth futsal athletes, selected using systematic random sampling based on the known population size to estimate the average. The experimental intervention involved high-intensity anaerobic training sessions conducted three times a week over eight weeks, resulting in an index of item objective congruence of 1.00. To assess speed performance, the instruments used to collect data were the 20-meter and 40-meter speed tests, both with and without the ball. Descriptive statistics included percentages, means, and standard deviations. In contrast, inferential statistics entailed a one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures if the data was normally distributed and the Friedman test if the data was abnormally distributed, both at the 0.05 level.

Results: The results showed that a Friedman test found significant differences between before and after week 4, before and after week 8, and between week four and week 8 of training in the 20-meter speed test, the 20-meter speed with the ball test, the 40-meter speed test, and the 40-meter speed with the ball test.

Conclusion: High-intensity anaerobic training helps futsal players improve quick sprints, rapid direction changes, and explosive movements with and without the ball. This training enhances overall speed, enabling players to react swiftly and outmaneuver opponents effectively.