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Symptom frequency and development of a generic functional disorder symptom scale suitable for use in studies of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome
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To describe the extent to which irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) exhibit symptom overlap, and to validate a patient-derived, generic symptom questionnaire.
Methods
A patient-derived 61-item symptom-frequency questionnaire was completed by participants recruited through IBS, FMS and CFS self-help websites. Principal axis factor analysis with oblimin rotation was performed separately for those reporting an IBS, FMS or CFS diagnosis.
Results
Questionnaires were completed by 1751 participants of whom 851 reported more than one of the three diagnoses. Stomach pain on at least a weekly basis was reported by 79% of IBS, 52% of FMS, and 43% of CFS single diagnosis participants. Pain increasing the day after activity was reported by 32% of IBS, 94% of FMS, and 85% of CFS single diagnosis participants. Waking still tired at least once weekly was reported by 75% of IBS, 97% of FMS, and 95% of CFS single diagnosis participants. Exploratory factor analysis produced consistent results across all three diagnostic groups, the 61 items loading on 12 correlated factors with a single higher order factor on which all items loaded. Frequency analysis led to the rejection of one item (cold sores on or near lips), and freeform reporting by participants of additional symptoms identified an additional five, namely, restless legs, hair loss/brittle hair/thinning, dizziness/balance problems, blurred vision and urination problems.
Conclusions
IBS, FMS and CFS are polysymptomatic spectrum disorders with a wide range of overlapping symptoms, many of which are unrelated to diagnostic criteria. Frequency analysis and factor analysis confirm the validity of using the same questionnaire across different diagnostic categories. The 65-item general symptom questionnaire (GSQ-65) is a valid generic symptom scale suitable for assessing the many different symptoms of people with IBS, FMS and CFS
Tailoring Self-Help Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques for Stroke Survivors: Examining Preferences, Feasibility and Acceptability
Get PDFObjective: Studies on psychological techniques to reduce stroke-related anxiety and/or distress are limited. More scarce is research on tailoring such techniques to suit stroke survivors’ needs, including the needs of those with aphasia. To address this gap, we report two sequential studies. Study 1 explored preferred psychological techniques (i.e., mindfulness and relaxation) and ways to modify them for stroke survivors, including those with communication difficulties. Study 2 examined the feasibility and acceptability of these modified techniques with a new sample of survivors.
Design: Mixed-methods using qualitative and quantitative approach in both studies.
Participants: All participants were stroke survivors living in the community (Study 1: n = 13, median age = 61 years; Study 2: n = 38, median age = 67 years).
Interventions and Procedures: Study 1: seven techniques representing commonly used types of mindfulness and relaxation were filmed on a professionally produced DVD. Participants feedback on how these techniques could be tailored to meet their needs, their preferences for techniques and reasons for likes and dislikes.
Study 2: four favored techniques from study 1 were modified and re-filmed into a new DVD. A new group of participants were asked to practice them twice daily, five times a week for at least 4 weeks. They completed questionnaires at the start of the study (T1), returned approximately 4 weeks later completing the same measures (n = 24 at T2). Focus group discussions/interviews were conducted at the end of T2 exploring the feasibility and acceptability of these techniques.
Results: Four techniques were favored by participants in Study 1. After adaptation, these techniques were generally perceived as acceptable, user-friendly and beneficial to participants who participated in the focus groups /interviews in Study 2. A ‘once a day’ practice frequency could make practicing more feasible. Participants also preferred having choices- multiple techniques could be more useful than single technique.
Conclusion: Tailoring psychological techniques for stroke survivors is beneficial. Tailored techniques in a self-help DVD format seemed feasible and acceptable, however, a less frequent practice would be easier for stroke survivors. Future studies should seek to recruit a more heterogenous sample as well as implementing strategies to increase the retention rate
Mixed methods research: Paradigmatic considerations for outdoor studies
No full textThis chapter outlines common rationales for mixed methods research and identifies the importance of careful planning to undertake it. We argue researchers in outdoor studies must avoid reproduction of celebratory and simplistic rhetoric of mixed methods research as a panacea to shortcomings in any given data collection and analysis process. We support researchers in considering how different research methodologies present different ways of knowing and accompanying evaluation, quality and evidentiary criteria. The limitations of mixed methods designs are discussed in relation to pragmatic and logistic concerns as well as the difficulty of connecting methods that present different underlying philosophical assumptions
Development of 11- to 16-year-olds’ short-term power output determined using both treadmill running and cycle ergometry
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To investigate the development of peak power output (PP) and mean power output (MP) during two different modes of exercise in relation to sex and concurrent changes in age, body mass, fat-free mass (FFM), maturity status and, in the case of MP, peak oxygen uptake ( V˙O2 ).
Methods
PP and MP were determined cycling against a fixed braking force (Wingate anaerobic test) and running on a non-motorized treadmill. Peak V˙O2 was determined using cycle ergometry and treadmill running. 135 (63 girls) students initially aged 11–14 years were tested over 2 days on three annual occasions. The data were analysed using multiplicative allometric modelling which enables the effects of variables to be partitioned concurrently within an allometric framework. Multiplicative models were founded on 301 (138 from girls) determinations of PP and MP on each ergometer.
Results
With body mass controlled for, both PP and MP increased with age but maturity status did not independently contribute to any of the multiplicative allometric models. Boys’ PP and MP were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than girls’ values on both ergometers. On both ergometers in both sexes, the most powerful morphological influence on PP and MP was FFM. Ergometer-specific peak V˙O2 had a significant (p < 0.05), additional effect in explaining the development of MP.
Conclusions
The development of short-term power output is sex specific but within sex multiplicative allometric models of running- and cycling-determined PP and MP were similar, suggesting that either mode of exercise can be used in future studies of short-term power output in youth
All roads lead to Rome but Rome wasn’t built in a day: Advice on QSEP navigation from the ‘Roman Gods’ of assessment!
Get PDFRome was the point of convergence of all the main roads of the Roman Empire. When Roman emperor Caesar Augustus erected the ‘Milliarium Aureum’ (Golden Milestone) in the heart of Ancient Rome, all roads were designed to begin at the monument. Metaphorically, the ancient proverb ‘All roads lead to Rome’ means there are many different ways of reaching the same goal or conclusion. QSEP training is a bit like that, with trainees engaging with so many different types of clients, settings, cultures, approaches and interventions that no two portfolios of work look alike. Yet, the competency demonstration ‘end goal’ is the same. The ancient Romans were also wise; they knew that in building their Roman empire (or for us building relationships and competence as Sport and Exercise Psychologists), doing something important or creating a masterpiece takes the time it takes; ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and, metaphorically, QSEP is not something to rush or smear with impatience either
Implementing a survey for patients to provide safety experience feedback following a care transition: a feasibility study
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The aim was to determine the feasibility of implementing a patient safety survey which measures patients’ experiences of their own safety relating to a care transition. This included limited-efficacy testing, determining acceptability (to patients and staff), and investigating integration with existing systems and practices from the staff perspective.
Methods
Mixed methods study in 16 wards across four hospitals, from two English NHS Trusts and four clinical areas; cardiology, care of older people, orthopaedics, stroke. Limited-efficacy testing of a previously validated survey was conducted through collection of patient reports of safety experiences, and thematic comparison with staff safety incident reports. Patient acceptability was determined through analysis of survey response rates and semi-structured interviews. Staff acceptability and integration were investigated through analysis of survey distribution rates, semi-structured interviews and focus groups.
Results
Patients returned 366 valid surveys (16.4% response rate) from 2824 distributed surveys (25.1% distribution rate). Older age was a contributing factor to lower responses. Delays were the largest safety concern for patients. Staff incident report themes included five not present in the safety survey data (documentation, pressure ulcers, devices or equipment, staffing shortages, and patient actions). Patient interviews (n = 28) identified that providing feedback was acceptable, subject to certain conditions being met; cognitive-cultural (patient understanding and prioritisation of safety), structural-procedural (opportunities, means and ease of providing feedback without fear of reprisals), and learning and change (closure of the feedback loop). Staff (n = 21) valued patient feedback but barriers to collecting and using the feedback included resource limitations, staff turnover and reluctance to over-burden patients.
Conclusions
Patients can provide meaningful feedback on their experiences and perceptions of safety in the context of care transitions. Providing this feedback was acceptable to some patients, subject to certain conditions being met. Safety experience feedback from patients was also acceptable to staff; quantitative data was perceived as useful to identify potential risks, and qualitative data informed types of changes required to improve care. However, patient feedback was not integrated into any quality improvement initiatives, suggesting there are still significant challenges to healthcare teams or organisations utilising patient feedback, particularly in relation to care transitions
Nothing about us without us! Utilising experiences of disability in higher education
Get PDFInspired by the famous slogan ‘nothing about us without us’, this paper draws upon the experience of the author to explore the issue of how to navigate a disability studies curriculum in the contemporary University. Experience of university both as a student and as a lecturer has informed the writing of this article. The article begins by exploring the use of autoethnographic/ auto/biographical accounts, before exploring some of the important elements of planning and assessing disability-focused courses in higher education in the UK and concludes by offering some suggestions as to the value of theoretically generated personal observations in higher education provision
Entrepreneurship Education in Nigerian Universities and Its Influence on Graduate Entrepreneurial Intention
No full textIn 2006, the Nigerian Government decided to introduce a
compulsory Entrepreneurship Module into the curriculum of
all universities, the intention being to encourage economic
activity while reducing unemployment, particularly amongst
university graduates (Efi, 2014).
Thirteen years later we revisit six Nigerian universities to see
how they have fared in their objectives and attempt to discern
any weaknesses in their approach to entrepreneurial education.
We use both qualitative and quantitative methods to tease out
answers to our research questions such as the effect that such
education is having on the intention of graduates to pursue
entrepreneurial careers. We examine whether intention waxes
or wanes as a result and the extent to which the attitudes of
friends and family might influence this.
We also examine the methodologies employed by educators and
question whether more innovative approaches might stimulate
the interest of graduate students.
Most essentially we feel that compulsory entrepreneurship
education fits well within developing countries and our
observations may prove useful to policy makers and educators
involved in formulating appropriate study modules
Finding my professional voice: Autobiography as a research method for outdoor studies
No full textThis chapter considers autobiography as a useful method for outdoor studies. It draws on educational texts as well as utilising perspectives from both geography and sociology to argue for its effectiveness. Our sense of becoming as an outdoor person becomes illuminated when we use autobiography. While this critical self-reflection is acknowledged as not the only way of knowing ourselves and our outdoor practice, it is an effective and practical approach in gaining awareness of one’s life as well as the contexts we inhabit. Criticisms of this method are addressed, as well as the related terms of autoethnography and hermeneutic inquiry
Chapter 11: Self-talk and endurance performance
Get PDFAthletes participating at all levels of endurance performance can relate to the impact of psychological factors. Whether it is motivation, self-belief, feeling nervous before a race, exercise-induced pain, sticking to a pacing strategy, or thoughts around what to focus on, there are a vast number of psychological factors which can affect endurance performance.
Bringing together experts in the field from around the world, this is the first text to provide a detailed overview of the psychology of endurance performance where there is a research and an applied focus looking at both main theoretical models as well as how interventions can support an athlete’s efficacy and well-being. The authors look at regulatory processes around pain, decision-making, self-belief, emotions, and meta-cognition, before examining a range of cognitive strategies, including the use of imagery, goals, self-talk, and mindfulness techniques. With a final section of the book outlining issues related to mental health that are relevant to endurance performance, the book shows that the future of research and application of psychological theory in endurance performance in sport is bright and thriving.
Aimed at researchers, students, coaches, and athletes themselves, this is essential reading for anyone wishing to better understand how our minds experience endurance in performance arenas, and what psychological techniques can be used to make us more efficient. (Abstract taken from the edited book