BACKGROUND: Over the past 25 years, the development of multiuser applications has seen considerable advancements and challenges. The technological development in this field has emerged from simple chat rooms through videoconferencing tools to the creation of complex, interactive, and often multisensory virtual worlds. These multiuser technologies have gradually found their way into mental health care, where they are used in both dyadic counseling and group interventions. However, some limitations in hardware capabilities, user experience designs, and scalability may have hindered the effectiveness of these applications. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims at summarizing the progress made and the potential future directions in this field while evaluating various factors and perspectives relevant to remote multiuser interventions. METHODS: The systematic review was performed based on a Web of Science and PubMed database search covering articles in English, published from January 1999 to March 2024, related to multiuser mental health interventions. Several inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined before and during the records screening process, which was performed in several steps. RESULTS: We identified 49 records exploring multiuser applications in mental health care, ranging from text-based interventions to interventions set in fully immersive environments. The number of publications exploring this topic has been growing since 2015, with a large increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most digital interventions were delivered in the form of videoconferencing, with only a few implementing immersive environments. The studies used professional or peer-supported group interventions or a combination of both approaches. The research studies targeted diverse groups and topics, from nursing mothers to psychiatric disorders or various minority groups. Most group sessions occurred weekly, or in the case of the peer-support groups, often with a flexible schedule. CONCLUSIONS: We identified many benefits to multiuser digital interventions for mental health care. These approaches provide distributed, always available, and affordable peer support that can be used to deliver necessary help to people living outside of areas where in-person interventions are easily available. While immersive virtual environments have become a common tool in many areas of psychiatric care, such as exposure therapy, our results suggest that this technology in multiuser settings is still in its early stages. Most identified studies investigated mainstream technologies, such as videoconferencing or text-based support, substituting the immersive experience for convenience and ease of use. While many studies discuss useful features of virtual environments in group interventions, such as anonymity or stronger engagement with the group, we discuss persisting issues with these technologies, which currently prevent their full adoption.
- MeSH
- duševní poruchy terapie MeSH
- duševní zdraví MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- služby péče o duševní zdraví * MeSH
- telemedicína MeSH
- videokonferování MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- systematický přehled MeSH
Vytvořili jsme gamifikovanou mobilní aplikaci Limoterapie se záměrem poskytnout hlavně mladším generacím nástroj pro zábavnou edukaci a samoléčbu subsyndromálních až mírných příznaků obsedantně-kompulzivní poruchy. Cílem článku je shrnout zkušenosti z testování této hry v obecné populaci s důrazem na její použitelnost a efektivitu.
We developed a gamified mobile application Limoterapie with the intention to provide younger generations with an entertaining tool for education and self-management of subsyndromal to mild symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This article aims to summarize data from testing the game in the general population, with an emphasis on its usability and effectivity.
- Klíčová slova
- Limoterapie,
- MeSH
- chytrý telefon MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mobilní aplikace * klasifikace statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- obsedantně kompulzivní porucha * diagnóza prevence a kontrola MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- vzdělávání pacientů jako téma MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- hodnotící studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Publikační typ
- abstrakt z konference MeSH
- Publikační typ
- abstrakt z konference MeSH
Due to the fact that driving vehicles can be complicated or impracticable, a computer simulator is usually used for training and professional studies. The advantage of this approach is high safety, repeatability, easier feasibility and, of course, lower price. In this work we describe the extension of the car simulator developed by the Faculty of Transport CTU in Prague with specific scenarios for evaluating the cognitive abilities of probands, software for their management and evaluation of data from simulator software and other measured physiological variables such as ECG and arm movement. From the data it is then possible to evaluate the mental and physical condition of the proband and the progress of training. Preliminary results suggest the possibility of using Poincaré analysis for the purpose of assessing cognitive load during potential collision situations. It uses distance assessment from other objects involved in traffic situations.
Introduction: Deficits in neurocognitive mechanisms such as inhibition control and cognitive flexibility have been suggested to mediate the symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These mechanisms are proposedly controlled by the "affective" and "executive" orbitofronto-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits with well-documented morphological and functional alterations in OCD that are associated with OCD symptoms. The precuneus region has been suggested in OCD as another key structure associated with the mechanism of "thought-action fusion." Our study aimed to elucidate the association of the altered functional coupling of the CSTC nodes (and precuneus), the OCD symptoms, and interference control/cognitive flexibility. Methods: In a group of 36 (17 medicated and 19 drug-free) OCD patients and matched healthy volunteers, we tested functional connectivity (FC) within the constituents of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex "executive" CSTC, the orbitofrontal cortex/anterior cingulate "affective" CSTC, and precuneus. The functional connections showing the strongest effects were subsequently entered as explanatory variables to multiple regression analyses to identify possible associations between observed alterations of functional coupling and cognitive (Stroop test) and clinical measures (obsessions, compulsions, and anxiety level). Results: We observed increased FC (FWE p < 0.05 corr.) between CSTC seeds and regions of the parieto-occipital cortex, and between the precuneus and the angular gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Decreased FC was observed within the CSTC loop (caudate nucleus and thalamus) and between the anterior cingulate cortex and the limbic lobe. Linear regression identified a relationship between the altered functional coupling of thalamus with the right somatomotor parietal cortex and the Stroop color-word score. Similar association of thalamus FC has been identified also for obsessions severity. No association was observed for compulsions and anxiety. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate altered FC in OCD patients with a prevailing increase in FC originating in CSTC regions toward other cortical areas, and a decrease in FC within the constituents of CSTC loops. Moreover, our results support the role of precuneus in OCD. The association of the cognitive and clinical symptoms with the FC between the thalamus and somatomotor cortex indicates that cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control are strongly linked and both mechanisms might contribute to the symptomatology of OCD.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Publikační typ
- abstrakt z konference MeSH
In this study, samples of soil and particulate matter obtained from the highly industrialized region of Ostrava, Czech Republic, are used for the toxicity evaluation of the selected metal(loid)s (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As). We investigated the samples from sites supposedly affected the most by the local pollution sources using mineralogical techniques (XRD, SEM/EDS) to understand the solid speciation of the contaminants as the crucial factor affecting their release. Although the bulk composition was defined by common silicates and oxides that are rather resistant to leaching, the presence of tiny Ni, Pb, and/or Zn sulfate-like droplets indicated a potential increase of the solubility of these metals. In vitro tests simulating gastric and lung fluids were used to assess the exposure risk for humans, as well as metal(loid) bioaccessibility. Based on the results, the potential risk for the observed age group (3-year-old children) could be recognized, particularly in the cases of As, Pb and Cd for both oral and inhalation exposure. Arsenic exhibits high bioaccessibility (7.13-79.7%, with the median values of 10.6 and 15.6 for SGL and SLF, respectively), high daily intake (1.4- to 8.5-fold higher than the tolerable daily intake) and high concentrations in atmospheric PM10 (2.5 times the tolerable concentration in air). In contrast, Ni exceeded tolerable concentrations in the atmosphere up to 20-fold, but its bioaccessibility remained relatively low (0.1-22%), and Ni did not pose a major threat to human health. Cadmium, Pb and As originating from industrial activities and domestic heating have been suggested to be the most important pollutants (tolerable daily intake was exceeded by up to 74-, 34- and 8-fold for Cd, Pb and As, respectively).
- MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- kovy MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí metody MeSH
- pevné částice MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- půda MeSH
- těžké kovy * MeSH
- vystavení vlivu životního prostředí statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Publikační typ
- abstrakt z konference MeSH
Vědomé dýchání je nedílnou součástí mnoha relaxačních technik, jako je jóga nebo meditace. Pranayama je například druh meditace, při které jednotlivec vědomě řídí trvání svého nádechu a výdechu. Výzkum ukazuje, že i krátké cvičení pranayamy může účinně zvýšit parasympatickou aktivitu a v důsledku toho snížit stres a úzkost. Nástroje pro virtuální realitu (VR) a biofeedback jsou oblíbené v klinickém prostředí, a to díky své schopnosti lépe a interaktivně poskytovat léčebný trénink a činit jej tak příjemnějším. V této studii jsme ověřovali fungování prototypu VR poháněného biofeedbackem během tréninku, při kterém byli účastníci požádáni o synchronizaci vlastního dýchacího rytmu s dýchacím rytmem avatara zobrazeného ve virtuálním prostoru. V případě, že se účastníkovi podařilo synchronizovat vlastní dýchání s dýcháním avatara, byla v prostoru VR zavedena barevná změna, jakožto motivace pro posílení tohoto chování. Cíl: V současné pilotní studii jsme se zaměřili na zkoumání aplikovatelnosti tohoto VR prototypu a posouzení jeho vlivu na hodnocení úzkosti. Metoda: Pilotní studie se uskutečnila během festivalu Czech VR Fest 2018, kde bylo 28 dobrovolníků vyzváno, aby uvedli, jak se cítí před a po krátké 7minutové intervenci s VR prototypem. Za tímto účelem jsme použili krátkou verzi standardizovaného dotazníku STAI (STAL Y-6), který byl přeložen do českého jazyka. Výsledky: Po krátkém cvičení pranayamy ve virtuálním prostředí došlo u participantů k významnému snížení subjektivně vnímané úzkosti. Závěr: Výsledky studie poukazují na pozitivní vyhodnocení VR prototypu a odvozují jeho možnou budoucí využitelnost při opakované aplikaci a také v klinickém prostředí. V budoucnu však musejí být tyto výsledky ověřeny prostřednictvím kontrolované randomizované studie.
Conscious breathing is an integral part of many relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation. For instance, Pranayama is a type of meditation, where individual consciously controls the duration of his in-breath and out-breath. Emerging research shows that short pranayama exercise can effectively boost parasympathetic activity and as a result reduce stress and anxiety. At the same time, virtual reality (VR) and biofeedback driven tools are becoming popular in a clinical setting, thanks to their ability to provide a more immersive and interactive environment which makes therapeutic training more enjoyable. In the current study we aim to verify functionality of biofeedback driven VR game, during which participants were asked to synchronize own breathing pattern with breathing cycle presented by an avatar in a virtual space. In case the participant managed to synchronize own breathing with avatars breathing cycle, a color change was introduced in the VR space in order to reinforce this positive behavior. Objective: In the current pilot study, we aimed to examine the usability of this VR prototype and assess its effect on self-perceived anxiety. Method: The pilot study took place during a Czech VR Fest 2018, where 28 volunteers were asked to indicate how they feel before and after short 7 minutes VR intervention. For this purpose, we used a short version of standardized anxiety questionnaire STAI (STAI: Y-6 item), which was translated into the Czech language. Results: We found a significant reduction in self-perceived anxiety after the short VR exercise. Conclusion: The results assessed by the survey imply a positive evaluation of the presented VR prototype and infer its potential future usability in a clinical setting. However, more controlled randomized studies will be required in order to verify these results.
- MeSH
- biofeedback (psychologie) metody MeSH
- dechová cvičení * metody přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- duševní poruchy terapie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mechanika dýchání MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- relaxační terapie MeSH
- terapie pomocí virtuální reality * metody přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- úzkost prevence a kontrola terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
