احمد علیپور

The use of technology-based instructions and treatment tools to compensate for deficiencies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is evidently increasing. The present study that performed during 2021-2022 was a systematic review and meta-analysis concerning the efficacy of digital technologies in improving the deficient communication skills in language learners with ASD. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results revealed that the overall effect size (Cohen’s d) was 0.12 for both fixed effect model and random-effect model (z = 1.155, p >0.05). The effect size was statistically non-significant. We also considered Magnitudes of Cohen’s d fixed at 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 which commonly accepted for small, medium and large quantities. Again, the result approached the small magnitude (1.12 > 0.2). Despite estimation of variances of effect sizes across studies (Q index, I2 and T2 values) approved homogeneity in study results, due to small number of studies included in this meta-analysis they\ results may not be generalizable (Q= 8.780, I= 0.00, T= 0.00, p> 0.05). For future comparisons, we therefore recommend use of more evidence-based experimental studies with modifications in their technology devices to secure higher statistical gains. We also recommend considering moderator variables which affected the effect size of included publications consisting age, IQ level, treatment durations and validity rate of technology devices.

Introduction: Painful diabetic neuropathy is a major complication of chronic diabetes with a significant negative impact on the quality of sleep and quality of life in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to determine the single and combined effect of primary motor cortex (M1) and left Dorso lateral prefrontal cortex (L- DLPFC/ F3) anodic transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving sleep quality and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients with neuropathic pain. Method: The current study was a four-group double-blind randomized clinical trial. The statistical population consisted of all patients with type 2 diabetes aged 45 to 65 years, who were members of the Bonab Diabetes Association in 2022 and identified as having neuropathic pain by specialists. The research sample was 48 people selected through the purposeful sampling method and randomly assigned into three experimental groups and one sham control group. Patients in four groups received their respective interventions for 12 sessions, three times a week. The data collection was done using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the 36-Item Short Form quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). Results: According to the findings, only the stimulation of M1 and F3 areas was effective in improving the sleep quality of diabetic patients. In terms of increasing quality of life, the effect of combined treatment (stimulation of both M1 and F3 areas) was significantly higher than the F3 area stimulation and sham stimulation groups. Also, the observed effect remained stable until the 3-month follow-up stage. Conclusion: According to the results of this research, neuropsychological rehabilitation through electrical stimulation of the M1 and F3 areas of the brain was supported to improve the sleep quality and the quality of life of diabetic neuropathy patients.