Examining clinical trial results with single-subject analysis: an example involving behavioral and nutrition treatment for young children with cystic fibrosis.
Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
non randomized trial
Participants
young children with cystic fibrosis
Interventions
The 5-week treatment included nutrition counseling and child behavioral management training for parents
Outcome measures
energy intake measured by diet diaries
Main results
Energy intake changed at each meal, only when treatment was introduced (week 1: snacks, 420 to 691; week 2: breakfast, 325 to 443; week 4: lunch, 350 to 443; and week 5: dinner, 373 to 460 calories per day). Total daily intake increased in a systematic fashion that exceeded the criterion set each week during treatment.
Authors' conclusions
Toddlers and preschoolers with CF meet energy intake recommendations as a result of behavioral intervention. Single-subject research designs are important methodologies for advancing clinical investigation in pediatric psychology.
Keywords: Food; non pharmacological intervention - diet; non pharmacological intervention - psyco-soc-edu-org; Supplementation; Behavioural interventions;