Background. The use of physical activity tracker devices has increased within the general population. However, there is limited medical literature studying the efficacy of such devices in adolescents with obesity. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using wearable activity tracking devices as an adjunct intervention on adolescents with obesity. Methods. Randomized controlled pilot trial evaluated the feasibility (attrition ≤50%) of an activity tracking intervention (ATI) and its effects on weight loss in adolescents with obesity enrolled in an adolescent weight management clinic (AWMC). Outcomes included feasibility (attrition rate) and absolute change in BMI. Differences between groups at 6, 12, and 18 weeks were examined. Results. Forty-eight participants were enrolled in the study. Eighteen subjects were randomly assigned to the ATI group and 30 to control. The average age was 14.5 years. Overall, the majority of participants were Hispanic (56%). Sexes were equally distributed. The average baseline BMI was 37.5 kg/m2. At the study conclusion, the overall attrition rate was 52.1%, 44.4% in the ATI group versus 56.6% in the control group, with a differential attrition of 12.2%. The ATI and control groups each showed an absolute decrease in BMI of −0.25 and −2.77, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion. The attrition rate in our study was >50%. Participation in the AWMC by the ATI and control groups resulted in maintenance of BMI and body weight for the study duration. However, the use of an activity tracking device was not associated with greater weight loss. This trial is registered with NCT03004378.
In mammals, there is an underlying mechanism that dictates the organism’s biological functions and daily activity schedule, known as circadian rhythms, which play a major role in maintaining steady metabolism, homeostasis, and immunity. Limited research has been done investigating the effects of continuous opiate administration on the circadian rhythm activity pattern. A change in circadian activity pattern is suggested as an experimental model to demonstrate long-term effect of the drug. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of morphine treatment on the long term activity (24 hour) of the animal as well as the activity after abrupt removal. Since prescribed medication containing morphine is widely use and abused and its long term effects are not known. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were contained in stable conditions with a standard light/dark cycle recordings were taken before, during and after morphine pellet implantation. Cosinor analysis was used to fit a 24-hour curve to the activity pattern. Results indicate that morphine pellet administration alters the mesor, amplitude, the day-time and night-time activity levels, and during the withdrawal period demonstrates a remarkable change in the maximal circadian rhythm timing. The question whether morphine changes the circadian rhythm or a change in circadian rhythm results in tolerance and withdrawal is discussed.
Key Clinical MessageMuscular dystrophy has been traditionally associated with common gastrointestinal symptoms such as reflux, constipation, and dysphasia. In myotonic dystrophy, there are rare reports of chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIPOS). We herein present a case of CIPOS requiring colectomy and with good results.
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