ABSTRACT
Background: To evaluate the learning outcomes, objective methods of assessment play an important role.With limited resources in medical colleges, it is difficult to implement objective methods like objectivelystructured practical examination (OSPE). This study is an effort to amalgamate objectivity in conventionaltype of assessment.Methods: 33 students of first MBBS were assessed independently by 3 examiners during practical examination.One examiner awarded marks in conventional manner while two other examiners used semi-structuredassessment taking into consideration the affective, cognitive and psychomotor domain of the students.Linear mixed effects analysis of the relationship between the outcome score and methods of assessmentwere performed using statistical software R. Two models were constructed: first, a null-model without anypredictor and examiners as random effect and second, a full-model with method of assessment as fixedeffects and examiners as random effects.Results: Intra-class-correlation (ICC) was 0.24 in null model and 0.01 in full model. The decrease in variancedue to examiners between the models can be accounted to different methods of assessment. Pearson’scorrelation coefficient between the two semi-structured assessments was 0.754 as compared betweenconventional and semi-structured assessment, which was 0.488 and 0.466.Conclusion: Linear mixed effects analysis of the relationship between the outcome score and methods ofassessment shows the significant effect of types of assessment on the outcome score of the students.Semi-structured assessment is better in terms of validity, reliability, feasibility and applicability.
ABSTRACT
Visual reaction time is time required to response to visual stimuli. The present study was conducted to measure visual reaction time in 209 subjects, 50 table tennis (TT) players and 159 healthy controls. Methods: The visual reaction time was measured by the direct RT computerized software in healthy controls and table tennis players. Simple visual reaction time was measured. During the reaction time testing, visual stimuli were given for eighteen times and average reaction time was taken as the final reaction time. Results: The study shows that table tennis players had faster reaction time than healthy controls. On multivariate analysis, it was found that TT players had 74.121 sec (95% CI 98.8 and 49.4 sec) faster reaction time compared to non-TT players of same age and BMI. Also playing TT has a profound influence on visual reaction time than BMI. Conclusion: Our study concluded that persons involved in sports are having good reaction time as compared to controls. These results support the view that playing of table tennis is beneficial to eye-hand reaction time, improve the concentration and alertness
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: The respiratory system changes with age and understanding these changes helps detect and prevent respiratory dysfunctions in the elderly. Pulmonary function, as measured by spirometry is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality of elderly persons. The aim of the present study was to see the effects of aging on pulmonary functions. Methods : The study included 150 subjects of different ages from 20 years and above. Subjects were divided in six groups depending on their age. (1) 20-29 yrs (2) 30-39 yrs (3) 40-49 yrs (4) 50-59 yrs (5) 60-69 yrs (6) 70 yrs and above. 25 subjects were included in each group. FVC , FEV1, FEV1 /FVC%, PEFR, FEF25%-75%, MVV were measured. Results: Comparing 20-29 yrs with 70 yrs and above show mean FVC (4.33 vs 1.68 litre, p<0.001) ,FEV1(3.91 vs 1.19 litre p<0.001), FEV1 /FVC%(90.30 vs 70.0 p<0.001), PEFR(9.81 vs 3.31 lit/sec p<0.001), FEF25%-75%(6.65 vs 1.89 lit/sec p<0.001), MVV(93.94 vs 55.96 lit/min p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study concluded that FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25- 75% and MVV decrease with age. It is probably a result of decreased strength of expiratory muscles, decreased chest wall compliance and increased tendency of airways to close during forced expiratory effort causing air trapping in the lungs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension is known to be risk factor for the development of proteinuria in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type2, leads to progression of end stage renal disease Aims & Objective: To study the effect of hypertension on diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Material and Methods: We investigated, progression of diabetic nephropathy by measuring arterial blood pressure , serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate(GFR) level in 60 (35 men and 25 women) type 2 uncontrolled diabetes mellitus patients on antihypertensive treatment. Results: The survey was done for 6 months during which 30 (group 1) -uncontrolled diabetes mellitus patients with normal blood pressure were compared with 30 (group 2) -Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus patients with hypertension who had mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 148.86 ± 5.12 mmHg. In group 2 the mean level of serum creatinine (1.71 ± 0.46 mg/dl) was significantly higher and mean GFR (54.57 ± 35.26 ml/min) was significantly lower than group 1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Uncontrolled hypertension leads to progression of diabetic nephropathy with decline in GFR earlier than normotensive uncontrolled diabetic patients.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Cyclical changes in the hormonal levels determine different phases of menstrual cycle. These variations in hormonal levels are also responsible for variations in functional parameters of many systems in the body. Many studies have highlighted the changes in respiratory parameters in different phases of menstrual cycle. In this study, we have explored the factors that influence lung function in adolescent girls focusing on the hormonal factors related to the menstrual cycle. Methods: 36 adolescent girls with normal menstrual cycle consented for the study. Pulmonary functions and serum progesterone were measured during follicular and secretory phase of menstrual cycle after a detailed menstrual history and screening for medical illness. Results : show a significantly higher serum progesterone and FVC, FEV1 and PEFR during secretory phase. There was a strong positive correlation of Serum progesterone in secretory phase with FVC and negative correlation with FEV1%. Interpretation & conclusion: This improvement of pulmonary function during secretory phase is due to increase in serum progesterone levels which have a dual effect of overall smooth muscle relaxation and hyperventilation. Supplement of progesterone may be useful to avert premenstrual asthma and enhance the performance.
ABSTRACT
Stress is inevitable in today’s world however people are different in the way they cope with stress. This study investigated the variable response to stress by the 1ST M.B.B.S. students during their 1ST credit examination. Thirty three male students participated in the study. They were divided into 2 groups, Group I- having less than 6 hours sleep, Group II-having more than 6 hours sleep before exam. Pulse rate was significantly higher in both the groups pre- examination (88±8.4 vs.78±4.47/min and 83.26± 9.96 vs 75.26±9.21/ min) Pre examination Systolic (118±7.27 vs 110±7.37mmHg) as well as Diastolic Blood Pressure (77.89±5.47 vs 72.1±5.05 mmHg) was significantly higher in group II. However the same was not significantly different in group I. On comparing the two groups pre exam none of parameters were significantly different while post exam only systolic BP was significantly higher in group I. Marks obtained in 3 subjects by two groups were not significantly different. Students vary in their response to stress as reflected in the sleep hours, reading habits & cardiac responses. Students having an abnormal sympathetic nerve activity at rest & in response to stressor, may be more susceptible to hypertension in future. The students should be screened and those showing sustained BP response should be followed up periodically.