International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

13 pages, 4130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Process Design for Optimized Respiration Identification Based on Heart Rate Variability for Efficient Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia Biofeedback

by Jung-Nyun Lee, Min-Cheol Whang and Bong-Gu Kang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042087 - 13 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2923

Abstract

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a phenomenon in which the heart rate (HR) changes with respiration, increasing during inspiration and decreasing during expiration. RSA biofeedback training has an effect in relieving negative mental conditions, such as anxiety and stress. Respiration is an important [...] Read more.

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a phenomenon in which the heart rate (HR) changes with respiration, increasing during inspiration and decreasing during expiration. RSA biofeedback training has an effect in relieving negative mental conditions, such as anxiety and stress. Respiration is an important indicator affecting the parasympathetic activation within the body during RSA biofeedback training. Although there are existing studies that consider individual differences when selecting optimized respiration using heart rate variability, the studies that use the high frequency components of HRV, which is an indicator of parasympathetic activation, are insufficient. For this reason, this paper proposes a process to identify optimized respiration for efficient RSA feedback, consisting of three steps: (1) application, (2) optimization, and (3) validation. In the application phase, we measured PPG data against various respiratory cycles based on the HF components of HRV and calculated the proposed heart stabilization indicator (HSI) from the data. Then, we determined the optimized respiration cycle based on the HSI in the optimization step. Finally, we analyzed seven stress-related indices against the optimized respiration cycle. The experimental results show that HSI is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system activation, and the proposed method could help to determine the optimal respiratory cycle for each individual. Lastly, we expect that the proposed design could be used as an alternative to improving the efficiency of RSA biofeedback training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Teaching and Practicing Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Skills in a Web-Based Platform among Older Adults through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

by Stav Shapira, Ella Cohn-Schwartz, Daphna Yeshua-Katz, Limor Aharonson-Daniel, Avram Mark Clarfield and Orly Sarid

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010563 - 9 Oct 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4465

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acceleration in the development of web-based interventions to alleviate related mental health impacts. The current study explored the effects of a short-term digital group intervention aimed at providing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools [...] Read more.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acceleration in the development of web-based interventions to alleviate related mental health impacts. The current study explored the effects of a short-term digital group intervention aimed at providing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools and skills to reduce loneliness and depression and to increase social support among older adults in Israel. This pilot randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older adults (n = 82; aged between 65–90 years; 80% female) who were randomized either to an intervention group (n = 64) or a wait-list control group (n = 18). The intervention included seven online sessions, over 3.5 weeks. Depression, loneliness, and social support measures were administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month follow-up. Loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention; however, this benefit was not maintained at one-month follow-up. Social support slightly increased both post-intervention and 1-month follow-up—but these changes were not statistically significant. There were no overall changes for the wait-list control group. Our intervention provided promising evidence regarding the effectiveness of an online group intervention to alleviate mental health effects and to promote the coping of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants, both during the pandemic and in more routine times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Virtual Reality-Based Self-Help Intervention for Dealing with the Psychological Distress Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Effectiveness Study with a Two-Week Follow-Up

by Giuseppe Riva, Luca Bernardelli, Gianluca Castelnuovo, Daniele Di Lernia, Cosimo Tuena, Alex Clementi, Elisa Pedroli, Clelia Malighetti, Francesca Sforza, Brenda K. Wiederhold and Silvia Serino

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158188 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5708

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a novel self-administered at-home daily virtual reality (VR)-based intervention (COVID Feel Good) for reducing the psychological burden experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. A total of 40 individuals who had experienced [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a novel self-administered at-home daily virtual reality (VR)-based intervention (COVID Feel Good) for reducing the psychological burden experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. A total of 40 individuals who had experienced at least two months of strict social distancing measures followed COVID Feel Good between June and July 2020 for one week. Primary outcome measures were depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, perceived stress levels, and hopelessness. Secondary outcomes were the experienced social connectedness and the level of fear experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Additionally, we also performed a clinical change analysis on primary outcome measures. As concerning primary outcome measures, participants exhibited improvements from baseline to post-intervention for depression levels, stress levels, general distress, and perceived stress (all p < 0.05) but not for the perceived hopelessness (p = 0.110). Results for the secondary outcomes indicated an increase in social connectedness from T0 to T1 (p = 0.033) but not a significant reduction in the perceived fear of coronavirus (p = 0.412). Among these study variables, these significant improvements were maintained from post-intervention to the 2-week follow-up (p > 0.05). Results indicated that the intervention was associated with good clinical outcomes, low-to-no risks for the treatment, and no adverse effects or risks. Globally, evidence suggests a beneficial effect of the proposed protocol and its current availability in 12 different languages makes COVID Feel Good a free choice for helping individuals worldwide to cope with the psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 crisis, although large scale trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mindfulness Promotes Online Prosocial Behavior via Cognitive Empathy

by Yiqing Lv, Xiuqing Qiao, Jie Leng, Yuanhua Zheng and Qingke Guo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7017; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137017 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4061

Abstract

Mindfulness plays an important role in promoting prosocial behavior and well-being. With the spread of Internet usage, people’s online prosocial behavior (OPB) has garnered great attention. Based on the link between online and offline behaviors, we predict that mindfulness can also facilitate OPB. [...] Read more.

Mindfulness plays an important role in promoting prosocial behavior and well-being. With the spread of Internet usage, people’s online prosocial behavior (OPB) has garnered great attention. Based on the link between online and offline behaviors, we predict that mindfulness can also facilitate OPB. We examined the association of mindfulness and OPB and the mediating effect of empathy. A total of 674 Chinese undergraduate students completed self-report measures of these constructs. The results showed that different dimensions of mindfulness predicted empathy, which in turn predicted OPB. Perspective taking was the main mediator in the mindfulness-OPB link. Mindfulness improves receptiveness to others’ needs and feelings, thereby enhancing the willingness to help them, even in none-face-to-face situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Mind Subtraction Meditation Intervention on Smartphone Addiction and the Psychological Wellbeing among Adolescents

by Eun-Hi Choi, Min Young Chun, Insoo Lee, Yang-Gyeong Yoo and Min-Jae Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3263; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093263 - 7 May 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5562

Abstract

As the smartphone has become an indispensable device in modern lives, consequential psychosocial problems such as smartphone addiction have been getting attention worldwide, especially regarding adolescents. Based on its positive effect on young individuals’ mental health, mind subtraction meditation has been widely applied [...] Read more.

As the smartphone has become an indispensable device in modern lives, consequential psychosocial problems such as smartphone addiction have been getting attention worldwide, especially regarding adolescents. Based on its positive effect on young individuals’ mental health, mind subtraction meditation has been widely applied to many school-based programs in South Korea. This study aims to identify the effects of a school program based on mind subtraction on the smartphone addiction of adolescents. A total of 49 high school sophomores, 24 from the experimental group (mean age = 16), and 25 from the control group (mean age = 16) are included in this case-control study. The experimental group is given the meditation program sessions in the morning, two times a week for 20 min per session, for a total of 12 weeks. The experimental group shows improvements regarding the ‘smartphone addiction’ section (p < 0.001), for instant satisfaction (p < 0.001) and long-term satisfaction (p < 0.001). Concerning the ‘self-control’ section and decreasing stress (p < 0.001), problem focusing (p < 0.001), and social support navigation (p = 0.018), there are improvements in these ‘stress coping strategies’ sections. This study directly shows the positive effect of mind subtraction meditation on smartphone addiction in adolescents and, thus, provides guidance to the future development of smartphone addiction prevention programs for young individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

12 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessReview

Update on Cyber Health Psychology: Virtual Reality and Mobile Health Tools in Psychotherapy, Clinical Rehabilitation, and Addiction Treatment

by Pasquale Caponnetto and Mirko Casu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063516 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5078

Abstract

(1) Background: we investigated and analyzed the most recent implementations of technology in the fields of psychotherapy, clinical rehabilitation, and addiction treatment. (2) Methods: from December 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a review aimed at identifying the recent implementations of [...] Read more.

(1) Background: we investigated and analyzed the most recent implementations of technology in the fields of psychotherapy, clinical rehabilitation, and addiction treatment. (2) Methods: from December 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a review aimed at identifying the recent implementations of technology in cyber health psychology, with particular reference to Virtual Reality in psychotherapy, mHealth tools in clinical rehabilitation, and smartphone applications in the treatment of addiction to substances of abuse, searching for relevant studies in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Health & Medical Collection, and APA PsycArticles. (3) Results: the tools analyzed are in constant development and are increasingly used, with good results, and further technological progress could lead to even better treatment outcomes; as far as mHealth tools and smartphone applications are concerned, anti-smoking Apps are the most widespread, followed by those for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, and there is no presence of Apps for the treatment of heroin, cocaine, or crack addiction. (4) Conclusions: the results of the review indicate that these technological tools are increasingly used and are, in principle, effective and have numerous advantages, including low cost and versatility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 500 KiB

Open AccessReview

Technological Solutions for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Symptoms: A Structured Review of the Recent Scientific Literature

by Davide Maria Cammisuli, Gabriele Cipriani and Gianluca Castelnuovo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053122 - 7 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4137

Abstract

In people with Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD), there is a need for specific tools for the timely diagnosis, management, and treatment of symptoms. New technological solutions, including digital devices, application programs (apps), sensors and virtual reality, represent promising possibilities for objective and reliable assessment, [...] Read more.

In people with Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD), there is a need for specific tools for the timely diagnosis, management, and treatment of symptoms. New technological solutions, including digital devices, application programs (apps), sensors and virtual reality, represent promising possibilities for objective and reliable assessment, monitoring and intervention strategies in this field. Our structured review presents an up-to-date summary of the technological solutions for the (i) diagnosis, (ii) management and (iii) treatment of AD-related symptoms. To this end, we searched electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for studies published over the last 10 years. Two authors of the review extracted data of interest. A total of eight manuscripts were included. In the last decade, a series of technological solutions across AD stages have been proposed. These include: (i) innovative strategies for the early detection of deficits in finger dexterity, visuo-spatial abilities (including spatial navigation), divided attention and instrumental autonomy; (ii) tools to activate the patient’s responsiveness in terms of alertness and mood improvement; and (iii) useful interventions for retrieving memories, increasing body movements and improving spatial cognition. Methodological limitations, mainly pertaining to the paucity of randomized controlled trials and comprehensive assessments, were observed. Advances in technology currently provide the potential for designing innovative methods for evaluating, controlling and handling AD-related symptoms. The co-creation of technological solutions with all stakeholders represents the best way to design effective strategies for PwAD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 1411 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anorexia Nervosa, Body Image Perception and Virtual Reality Therapeutic Applications: State of the Art and Operational Proposal

by Massimo Magrini, Olivia Curzio, Marco Tampucci, Gabriele Donzelli, Liliana Cori, Maria Cristina Imiotti, Sandra Maestro and Davide Moroni

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052533 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5886

Abstract

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) patients exhibit distorted body representation. The purpose of this study was to explore studies that analyze virtual reality (VR) applications, related to body image issues, to propose a new tool in this field. We conducted a systematic review in accordance [...] Read more.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) patients exhibit distorted body representation. The purpose of this study was to explore studies that analyze virtual reality (VR) applications, related to body image issues, to propose a new tool in this field. We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were explored; the review included 25 studies. Research has increased over the last five years. The selected studies, clinical observational studies (n = 16), mostly concerning patients’ population with AN (n = 14) or eating disorders (EDs) diagnosis, presented multiple designs, populations involved, and procedures. Some of these studies included healthy control groups (n = 7). Studies on community sample populations were also selected if oriented toward clinical applications (n = 9). The VR technologies in the examined period (about 20 years) have evolved significantly, going from very complex and bulky systems, requiring very powerful computers, to agile systems. The advent of low-cost VR devices has given a big boost to research works. Moreover, the operational proposal that emerges from this work supports the use of biofeedback techniques aimed at evaluating the results of therapeutic interventions in the treatment of adolescent patients diagnosed with AN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6899 KiB

Open AccessReview

Immersive Virtual Reality Applications in Schizophrenia Spectrum Therapy: A Systematic Review

by Emanuele Bisso, Maria Salvina Signorelli, Michele Milazzo, Marilena Maglia, Riccardo Polosa, Eugenio Aguglia and Pasquale Caponnetto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176111 - 22 Aug 2020

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 7380

Abstract

(1) Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is a fully immersive computer simulated experience consisting of a three-dimensional interactive virtual environment, through a head-mounted display (HMD) and controller. The use of virtual reality has recently been proposed for the treatment of various psychiatric conditions, [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is a fully immersive computer simulated experience consisting of a three-dimensional interactive virtual environment, through a head-mounted display (HMD) and controller. The use of virtual reality has recently been proposed for the treatment of various psychiatric conditions, including the spectrum of schizophrenia. Our review aims to investigate the current available evidence regarding the use of immersive virtual reality in the treatment of psychotic symptoms. (2) Methods: From April 2019 to June 2020, we conducted a systematic review aimed at identifying therapeutic applications in immersive virtual reality for the spectrum of schizophrenia, searching for relevant studies on Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINHAL. (3) Results: We identified a total of 2601 unique records. Of these, 64 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and six out of these met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final systematic review. (4) Conclusions: The available data on immersive virtual reality are currently limited due to the few studies carried out on the topic; however, it has demonstrated its effectiveness and versatility in successfully treating various psychotic symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, or cognitive and social skills. Existing literature agrees on safe, tolerable, and long-term persistence of the therapeutic effects obtained by immersive VR. No serious side effects have been reported. In some specific cases, VR therapy was found to be very effective compared to usual treatment, allowing effective drug free interventions, and therefore without side effects for patients, even in those resistant to normal drug therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 880 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

A Report on Smoking Detection and Quitting Technologies

by Alessandro Ortis, Pasquale Caponnetto, Riccardo Polosa, Salvatore Urso and Sebastiano Battiato

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072614 - 10 Apr 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8366

Abstract

Mobile health technologies are being developed for personal lifestyle and medical healthcare support, of which a growing number are designed to assist smokers to quit. The potential impact of these technologies in the fight against smoking addiction and on improving quitting rates must [...] Read more.

Mobile health technologies are being developed for personal lifestyle and medical healthcare support, of which a growing number are designed to assist smokers to quit. The potential impact of these technologies in the fight against smoking addiction and on improving quitting rates must be systematically evaluated. The aim of this report is to identify and appraise the most promising smoking detection and quitting technologies (e.g., smartphone apps, wearable devices) supporting smoking reduction or quitting programs. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases (2008-2019) for studies on mobile health technologies developed to assist smokers to quit using a combination of Medical Subject Headings topics and free text terms. A Google search was also performed to retrieve the most relevant smartphone apps for quitting smoking, considering the average user’s rating and the ranking computed by the search engine algorithms. All included studies were evaluated using consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research, such as applied methodologies and the performed evaluation protocol. Main outcome measures were usability and effectiveness of smoking detection and quitting technologies supporting smoking reduction or quitting programs. Our search identified 32 smoking detection and quitting technologies (12 smoking detection systems and 20 smoking quitting smartphone apps). Most of the existing apps for quitting smoking require the users to register every smoking event. Moreover, only a restricted group of them have been scientifically evaluated. The works supported by documented experimental evaluation show very high detection scores, however the experimental protocols usually lack in variability (e.g., only right-hand patients, not natural sequence of gestures) and have been conducted with limited numbers of patients as well as under constrained settings quite far from real-life use scenarios. Several recent scientific works show very promising results but, at the same time, present obstacles for the application on real-life daily scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 858 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Simulation Game—Virtual Reality Therapy for the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review

by Pasquale Caponnetto, Sergio Triscari, Marilena Maglia and Maria C. Quattropani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413209 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 10806

Abstract

(1) Background: With the term Virtual reality (VR) we refer to a three-dimensional environment generated by the computer, in which subjects interact with the environment as if they were really inside it. The most used VR tools are the so-called HMD (head-mounted display) [...] Read more.

(1) Background: With the term Virtual reality (VR) we refer to a three-dimensional environment generated by the computer, in which subjects interact with the environment as if they were really inside it. The most used VR tools are the so-called HMD (head-mounted display) which make it possible to achieve what theorists define “direct mediated action”. The aim of our systematic review is specifically to investigate the applications of virtual reality therapy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia. The most common treatment for social anxiety disorder is represented by “in vivo exposure therapy” (iVET). This method consists of exposing the participant, in a gradual and controlled way, to anxious stimuli, with the goal to change the subject’s response to the object or situation that is causing the fear. However, the main flaw of “in Vivo therapies” is represented by both the huge costs involved and the possible disturbance variables that can hinder the execution of the therapeutic treatment. Virtual reality exposure therapy could therefore, if confirmed in its effectiveness, constitute a solution to eliminate these two defects demonstrated by “in vivo exposure therapy”. The goal is to use VR as a means for the clinician to build a tailor-made path for the participant in order to make him acquire “in virtual” those skills necessary for a good adaptation in the “real” world. (2) Methods: From February 2021 until the date of submission of the article (September 2021), we conducted a systematic review aiming to verify the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for the treatment of SAD. (3) Results: We identified a total of 205 unique articles. Among these, 20 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 5 of these met the eligibility criteria and were, therefore, included in the final systematic review. (4) Conclusions: Virtual reality therapies proved to be a valid alternative to the acquisition of social skills suitable for improving the symptoms of SAD. Although there has not been a significant difference between VRET and iVET, the low costs and flexibility of VRET open up new scenarios for achieving greater psychophysical well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3022 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

ECOCAPTURE@HOME: Protocol for the Remote Assessment of Apathy and Its Everyday-Life Consequences

by Valérie Godefroy, Richard Levy, Arabella Bouzigues, Armelle Rametti-Lacroux, Raffaella Migliaccio and Bénédicte Batrancourt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7824; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157824 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3447

Abstract

Apathy, a common neuropsychiatric symptom associated with dementia, has a strong impact on patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. However, it is still poorly understood and hard to define. The main objective of the ECOCAPTURE programme is to define a behavioural signature of [...] Read more.

Apathy, a common neuropsychiatric symptom associated with dementia, has a strong impact on patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. However, it is still poorly understood and hard to define. The main objective of the ECOCAPTURE programme is to define a behavioural signature of apathy using an ecological approach. Within this program, ECOCAPTURE@HOME is an observational study which aims to validate a method based on new technologies for the remote monitoring of apathy in real life. For this study, we plan to recruit 60 couples: 20 patient-caregiver dyads in which patients suffer from behavioral variant Fronto-Temporal Dementia, 20 patient-caregiver dyads in which patients suffer from Alzheimer Disease and 20 healthy control couples. These dyads will be followed for 28 consecutive days via multi-sensor bracelets collecting passive data (acceleration, electrodermal activity, blood volume pulse). Active data will also be collected by questionnaires on a smartphone application. Using a pool of metrics extracted from these passive and active data, we will validate a measurement model for three behavioural markers of apathy (i.e., daytime activity, quality of sleep, and emotional arousal). The final purpose is to facilitate the follow-up and precise diagnosis of apathy, towards a personalised treatment of this condition within everyday life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Cyber Health Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Use of New Technologies in the Service of Mental Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI