The effect of exploratory computer-based instruction on secondary four students’ learning of exponential and logarithmic curves

This paper was published in the Proceedings of ERAS COnference held in Singapore from 19-21 November 2003The study investigated the effect of exploratory computer-based instruction on pupils’ conceptual and procedural knowledge of graphs. Many previous studies compared the effect of computer-assisted instruction with traditional teacher-directed teaching and any difference in performance might be due to a different pedagogical approach instead of the use of information technology (IT). In this study, both the experimental and control classes were taught using a guided discovery method to explore the characteristics of the exponential and logarithmic curves. One class used an interactive computer algebra system called LiveMath, while the other did not have access to IT. The findings indicated a significant difference in pupils’ conceptual and procedural knowledge. This seemed to suggest that there was an inherent advantage of using IT to explore mathematical concepts.Published versio

Eight weeks of intermittent fasting versus calorie restriction does not alter eating behaviors, mood, sleep quality, quality of life and cognitive performance in women with overweight

Human trials that compare intermittent fasting (IF) to calorie restriction (CR) with psychological, behavioral and cognition outcomes are limited. We hypothesized that there would be no difference between CR and IF on perceived eating behaviors, mood, sleep quality, quality of life (QOL) and cognition in women with overweight and obesity. In this prespecified secondary analysis of an open-label, single center, parallel assignment, randomized controlled trial, healthy women with overweight or obesity (N = 46, mean [SD] age 50 [9] years, BMI 32.9 [4.4] kg/m2), without a diagnosed eating disorder and who were randomized into 2 weight loss groups (prescribed 70% of calculated energy requirements as IF or CR) were included. Measurements were assessed in both IF and CR groups following a 12-hour overnight fast during baseline and week 8 and additionally following a 24-hour fast in the IF group only at week 8. We observed that IF produced greater weight and body fat loss than CR (P .05). IF may be a viable alternative to CR for weight loss, in the short-term, without adversely impacting eating behaviors, mood, sleep quality, QOL or cognition in healthy women with overweight or obesity. However, larger and long term trials are required.Xiao TongTeong, Amy T.Hutchison, Bo Liu, Gary A.Wittert, Kylie Lange, Siobhan Banks, Leonie K.Heilbron

Rationale and protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing daily calorie restriction versus intermittent fasting to improve glycaemia in individuals at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Intermittent fasting (IF) is proposed as a viable alternative to moderate calorie restriction (CR) for weight loss and metabolic health, but few long term randomized trials have been conducted. This protocol paper describes the rationale and detailed protocol for DIRECT study (Daily versus Intermittent Restriction of Energy: Controlled Trial to Reduce Diabetes Risk), comparing long term effectiveness of IF versus CR on metabolic health in individuals who are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Anticipated 260 non-diabetic men and women aged 35-75 years, BMI 25-50 kg/m2 with score ≥12 on the Australian Diabetes Risk (AUSDRISK) calculator will be recruited into this open-label, multi-arm, parallel group sequential randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomized to one of three groups for 18 months: IF (30% of energy needs on fast days), CR (70% of energy needs daily), or standard care (SC) group. All participants will visit the clinic fortnightly for weight assessments during active intervention phase (6 months), followed by a 12-month follow-up phase. IF and CR groups will receive further diet counselling by dietitian. Two primary outcomes are the changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and postprandial glucose area under the curve (AUC) at week 24 post-randomization. Secondary outcomes include changes in weight, body composition via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, gastro-intestinal hormones, cardiovascular risk factors, and dietary record by a smartphone-based application. DISCUSSION: This study will provide substantial evidence as to whether IF is an effective nutrition intervention for glycaemic control in a population at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Xiao Tong Teong, Kai Liu, Amy T. Hutchison, Bo Liu, Christine Feinle-Bisset, Gary A.Wittert ... et al

An update to the study protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing daily calorie restriction versus intermittent fasting to improve glycaemia in individuals at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Xiao Tong Teong, Kai Liu, Amy T. Hutchison, Bo Liu, Christine Feinle-Bisset, Gary A. Wittert ... et al