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Multi-Sensory Stimuli Improve Relaxation and Sleep Quality in Rotating Shift Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial [Letter]
Authors Kalra R, Goyal K, Popli A
Received 18 April 2024
Accepted for publication 23 April 2024
Published 2 May 2024 Volume 2024:17 Pages 2039—2040
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S474460
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Editor who approved publication: Dr Scott Fraser
Riya Kalra,* Kanu Goyal, Aditi Popli*
Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana, Haryana, 133207, India
*These authors contributed equally to this work
Correspondence: Aditi Popli, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Haryana, 133207, India, Email [email protected]
View the original paper by Dr Thepsatitporn and colleagues
Dear editor
A well-documented study with intriguing results, “Multi-Sensory Stimuli Improve Relaxation and Sleep Quality in Rotating Shift Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, was just published by Thepsatitporn et al.1 The study suggests that for rotating shift workers, multisensory stimuli improve the quality of sleep and relaxation. We do, however, would like to bring your gracious attention to a few points that require clarification.
First off, the trial registration number for this randomized control trial is not provided by the author, contrary to the publication under journal guidelines, and the institutional review board number is the only one provided. This raises questions regarding the reported findings’ transparency.2 Secondly, the article’s keywords do not correspond to the Medical Subject Headings specified in the journal’s requirements.3
Thirdly, there is insufficient information provided about sample size estimation. The referenced work does not provide a clear description of the effect size of the outcome measure that was being used, nor does it specify which statistical test is used to estimate the sample size in the F-Test family.4
Fourthly, it is unclear from the Methodology section why a wide age range of 20 to 60 years was selected, given that the baseline values of the outcome measures should raise concerns and that the quality of sleep may vary with age.5
Last but not least, the results section fails to specify the normality of the data, regardless of whether the Shapiro–Wilk or Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests were employed for analysis. If the data is not significant, it should also be stated in terms of the median and interquartile rather than the mean and standard deviation.6
I respectfully request that authors acknowledge the concerns, and I have faith that their feedback and comments will be taken into account in order to enhance the integrity and clarity of the results that are published.
Disclosure
The authors disclose no conflicts of Interest in this communication.
References
1. Thepsatitporn S, Rujiganjanarat K, Makmee P. Multi-sensory stimuli improve relaxation and sleep quality in rotating shift workers: a randomized controlled trial. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:1435–1445. PMID: 38572471; PMCID: PMC10987787. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S456800
2. Dove Medical Press. Author Guidelines. Available from: https://www.dovepress.com/author-guidelines.
3. National Library of Medicine. MeSH on Demand. Available from: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/oet/ed/mesh/meshondemand.html.
4. Makmee P. Increasing attention and working memory in elementary students using mindfulness training programs. FWU J Soc Sci. 2022;16(3):107–119.
5. Casagrande M, Forte G, Favieri F, Corbo I. Sleep quality and aging: a systematic review on healthy older people, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(14):8457. PMID: 35886309; PMCID: PMC9325170. doi:10.3390/ijerph19148457
6. Habibzadeh F. Statistical data editing in scientific articles. J Korean Med Sci. 2017;32(7):1072. doi:10.3346/jkms.2017.32.7.1072
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