BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE PRESENTER ABSTRACTS
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE PRESENTER ABSTRACTS
Westridge School
Effect of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall Roots on the Pain Alleviation in Primary Dysmenorrhea
Paeonia Lactiflora Pall (white peony) roots are a traditional herbal remedy with multiple medicinal benefits, for example: treating ailments and suppressing inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of white peony roots on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea. This study was a double-blind randomized trial. The sample size included 100 subjects with primary dysmenorrhea. Subjects were randomly assigned to two equal groups, one for the Paeonia Lactiflora Pall root tea and the other for the placebo. The white peony root tea or placebo was given on the second and third day of the subjects’ menstrual cycle. The severity of pain was assessed with a Visual Analog scale before and after the intake of the placebo or tea. The white peony root tea included 1 gram of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall root powder tea bag infused with 236 grams of water and a tablespoon of honey for 5 minutes. The placebo was 1 tablespoon of honey infused with 236 grams of water. Both the placebo and tea were premeasured beforehand. The study's results demonstrated statistically significant differences in the severity of pain between the two groups. T-test P-value: <0.05. Therefore, this study proves my hypothesis that the treatment of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall roots for females with Primary Dysmenorrhea had a significant effect on relieving the intensity of pain.
Archer School for Girls
Treble Hearing? The Effects of Musical Training on the Effort and Improvement Rates in Speech-in-Noise Detection
Speech-in-noise (SIN) is the ability to identify certain words or phrases within background noise. Auditory Processing Disorders (APDs) can affect one’s ability to detect SIN, causing difficulty in comprehending these words or phrases. Ear training treatment for APDs has shown to improve processing abilities as it enhances SIN detection and distinction between competing speakers. Previous research indicates that those with musical training have a higher baseline ability in SIN detection than non-musicians. This study seeks to explore the effects of musical training on the SIN detection effort levels and improvement rates as measured by an EEG. To investigate this, 29 participants from the Archer School for Girls were split into four groups as follows: non-musician (control), musician for the past 1-3 years, past 4-7 years, and 8+ years. Within these groups the participants were subdivided by the following age groups: middle school (6th-8th), upper school (9th-12th), and faculty. In total, there were 8 groups. Each participant took an initial SIN test while wearing an EEG, and the number of correct answers and brain oscillations were recorded. The participants then used ear training twice a week for four weeks. Lastly, they took a final SIN test while wearing an EEG, and results were recorded. Data analysis is not yet complete but will be finalized by the STEM Symposium. This study can provide new insight into the effects of musical training on processing ability, leading to a possible new APD treatment that combines ear training with musical training.