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Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine 2024Pain experienced during the insertion of a catheter into the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are prevalent issues among Hemodialysis (HD)... (Review)
Review
The Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender on Pain of Needle Insertion and Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Pain experienced during the insertion of a catheter into the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are prevalent issues among Hemodialysis (HD) patients. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the findings from randomized clinical trial (RCT) studies examining the impact of aromatherapy with lavender on the pain associated with AVF catheter insertion and RLS in HD patients.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar search engine from inception to August 1, 2022, using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings, such as "Aromatherapy", "Lavender", "Arteriovenous fistula", "Pain", "Restless legs syndrome", and "Hemodialysis".
RESULTS
Finally, eleven articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that aromatherapy reduced the average pain of catheter insertion in AVF compared to the control group (Standard Mean Difference: -1.60, 95% Confidence Interval: -2.32 to -0.87, Z=4.32, I:90.3%, P<0.001). Also, aromatherapy massage reduced the average severity of RLS compared to the control group, which was statistically significant (Weighted Mean Difference: -13.21, 95% Confidence Interval: -17.50 to -8.91, Z=6.03, I:93.0%, P<0.001). Also, the subgroup analysis showed that lavender in the intervention group significantly decreased the pain intensity compared to the "no intervention" group (P<0.001), yet it was not significant compared to the placebo group (P=0.12).
CONCLUSION
In summary, the findings indicate a notable reduction in catheter insertion pain in AVF and relief from RLS among HD patients through the use of lavender essential oil. As a result, future research is encouraged to include a comparison of lavender's effects with those of a placebo group.
PubMed: 38022715
DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v12i1.2071 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Evidence from overlapping systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) has yielded conflicting results on the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with fecal...
Evidence from overlapping systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) has yielded conflicting results on the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). To thoroughly gather, assess, and synthesize evidence on FMT for IBS, we carried out the present study. A comprehensive search was conducted in Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase from inception to May 2023. Tools for assessing the methodological quality, reporting quality, and confidence in outcomes, including A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Seven eligible SRs/MAs were finally included in this overview. By AMSTAR-2, the methodological quality of SRs/MAs included five that were very low quality, one that was low quality, and one that was high quality. According to PRISMA, limitations were associated with items 5 (Method: Protocol and Registration), 8 (Method: Search), and 27 (Funding). In GRADE, a total of 19 outcomes were included in the seven reviews, of which 12 outcomes were low quality and seven outcomes were moderate quality. Imprecision due to small sample size was the primary factor leading to evidence downgrading. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether FMT has a more beneficial effect on patient with IBS than placebo treatment. Well-designed, larger trails are needed to provide evidence in this field. In addition, selection of donor, route of administration, dosage, and frequency still need to be determined.
PubMed: 37915416
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1264779 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Feb 2024A Cochrane 2016 review indicated cycled light might benefit neonatal health in hospital. We systematically reviewed chronobiological factors for neonatal health in... (Review)
Review
A Cochrane 2016 review indicated cycled light might benefit neonatal health in hospital. We systematically reviewed chronobiological factors for neonatal health in hospital units, identifying 56 relevant studies on light-dark cycles, feeding, noise, massage therapy, rooming-in, incubators vs. cribs, neonatal units vs. homes, and time-of-day of birth. Empirical evidence for benefits from chronobiology is weaker than expected, including light. Mechanisms of clinical benefits are unclear (e.g., changes to sleep/activity vs. other circadian-regulated processes). Regarding light, studies concerning sleep and circadian-related outcomes predominate; yet, neonatologists may be more interested in weight gain and time spent in hospital. Generalisability of findings is limited as most studies targeted neonates in stable condition and without congenital anomalies. Further research is needed, in particular concerning potential circadian entraining signals such as timing of meals or medications. Longer-term outcomes (regarding e.g., neurodevelopment and infection), and who may be at risk from time-of-day of birth effects and why remain to be explored. Overall, there is promise and ample scope for research into how chronobiological factors affect health in hospitalised neonates.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Circadian Rhythm; Photoperiod; Sleep; Weight Gain
PubMed: 38000120
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101872 -
Journal of Functional Morphology and... Jan 2024Therapists and strength and conditioning specialists use self-myofascial release (SMR) as an intervention tool through foam rollers or massage rollers for soft tissue... (Review)
Review
Therapists and strength and conditioning specialists use self-myofascial release (SMR) as an intervention tool through foam rollers or massage rollers for soft tissue massage, with the purpose of improving mobility in the muscular fascia. Moreover, the use of SMR by professional and amateur athletes during warm-ups, cool downs, and workouts can have significant effects on their physical performance attributes, such as range of motion (ROM) and strength. The purpose of this study was to analyse the literature pertaining to these types of interventions and their effects found in different physical performance attributes for athletes. A systematic search was carried out using the following databases: PUBMED, ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, including articles up to September 2023. A total of 25 articles with 517 athletes were studied in depth. SMR seems to have acute positive effects on flexibility and range of motion, without affecting muscle performance during maximal strength and power actions, but favouring recovery perception and decreasing delayed-onset muscle soreness. Some positive effects on agility and very short-range high-speed actions were identified, as well. In conclusion, although there is little evidence of its method of application due to the heterogeneity in that regard, according to our findings, SMR could be used as an intervention to improve athletes' perceptual recovery parameters, in addition to flexibility and range of motion, without negatively affecting muscle performance.
PubMed: 38249097
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010020 -
Journal of Pharmacopuncture Dec 2023The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess and compare the effectiveness of manual therapy in alleviating infant crying, a common symptom of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess and compare the effectiveness of manual therapy in alleviating infant crying, a common symptom of nocturnal crying (NC) and infantile colic (IC).
METHODS
Total effective rate, crying time and adverse events were used as outcome indicators. To assess the quality, the risk of bias was determined for each study by two authors, using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.0 was used for data analysis. A total of 98 articles were identified from 6 electronic databases.
RESULTS
Among them, twenty-seven studies which included 13 NC and 14 IC were included. Meta-analysis showed favorable effects tuina therapy on total effective rate (TER) of NC (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.37], p = 0.007), chiropractic therapy on crying time change of IC (SMD -0.83 [95% CI -1.61 to -0.06], p = 0.04) and massage on total crying time of IC (SMD -0.86 [95% CI -1.09 to -0.63], p < 0.00001). This systematic review compares different manual therapies for the treatment of NC and IC. While tuina, chiropractic, and massage show results in alleviating symptoms, the overall evidence remains limited due to the low quality and heterogeneity of the included studies.
CONCLUSION
Therefore, further high-quality research with unified control groups is needed to establish manual therapy as a recommended treatment option for NC and IC. Protocol registration number is CRD42022348143 01/08/2022.
PubMed: 38162473
DOI: 10.3831/KPI.2023.26.4.285 -
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Jun 2024Anxiety disorders have a far-reaching impact on society, with profound implications on both mental and physical health. In response, there is growing interest in manual...
CONTEXT
Anxiety disorders have a far-reaching impact on society, with profound implications on both mental and physical health. In response, there is growing interest in manual therapy modalities, with emerging research suggesting their potential to alleviate related symptoms.
OBJECTIVES
To establish a consensus regarding manual therapy modalities for addressing anxiety symptoms, a systematic review of current literature was conducted.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted between May and August 2023, utilizing a systematic search on both PubMed and Google Scholar, adhering to the defined inclusion criteria. In addition, information was gathered utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Both authors (KLW and TH) conducted the literature review. The inclusion criteria include articles written in English, peer-reviewed, anxiety conditions documented, and manual therapy delivered by a respectfully qualified professional. Manual therapy modalities include massage therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), foot reflexology, acupressure, manual therapy, healing touch, therapeutic touch, and gentle touch. After initial data collection, both researchers independently screened articles utilizing two metrics: a level of evidence (LOE) table and a screening criterion incorporating unique elements from the search process. The quality of the included articles was assessed utilizing Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT). When reviewer discrepancies arose, authors reread full-text studies and discussed the inclusion and exclusion criteria to achieve consensus.
RESULTS
The data searches identified 8,979 articles, with 239 articles remaining after duplicates and nonapplicable articles were removed. A total of 42 articles met the inclusion criteria, with only 40 articles able to be obtained for full-article review. After full review and the exclusion of articles with invalid author conclusions, meta-analysis, or systematic reviews, 34 articles were included in the review. All articles received an LOE rating of 2 or better and aligned with our specific screening criteria. Based on SORT, each modality was assigned a "B" rating. Among the included articles, n=27 demonstrated statistical significance in favor of manual therapy modalities as an anxiety treatment. The positive results for the aforementioned manual therapies on anxiety symptom improvement are shown: 15/18 (83 %) massage therapy, 2/6 (33 %) OMT, 5/5 (100 %) foot reflexology, 1/1 (100 %) acupressure, 1/1 (100 %) manual therapy, 0/2 (0 %) healing touch, 1/1 (100 %) therapeutic touch, and 1/1 (100 %) gentle touch.
CONCLUSIONS
A pattern emerged, wherein individuals receiving manual therapy interventions displayed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety intensity. Considering the positive results, manual therapy should be considered an effective strategy for anxiety management.
PubMed: 38905700
DOI: 10.1515/jom-2024-0001 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Oct 2023This study aims to comprehensively summarize and evaluate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly individuals...
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to comprehensively summarize and evaluate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly individuals through a systematic review of pertinent literature. The interventions include acupuncture, massage, ear point pressing, acupoint moxibustion, dietary modifications, and exercise interventions.
METHODS
A thorough literature search spanned 2017 to 2023 across databases like Zhichou, Wanfang, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. It covered pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, emphasising MCI in elderly patients. Independent screening, evaluation, and data extraction were conducted and assessed via the AMSTAR 2 scale and GRADE approach. Outcome measures (e.g., MMSE, MoCA, ADL, CDT, overall efficacy) were analyzed.
RESULTS
Three systematic evaluations were assessed using AMSTAR 2. Two were low quality, one moderate. Limited rigor in two studies led to considering only medium-quality papers for evidence grading. Key indicators in RCTs included MMSE (eight studies), MoCA (seven studies), ADL (two studies), CDT (two studies), and overall efficacy (12 studies). GRADE evaluation revealed moderate, high, and high evidence quality for intervention efficacy at one, two, and three months respectively. MMSE evidence was low, MoCA high, ADL very low, and CDT moderate. Adverse events were reported in one publication, suggesting acupuncture's potential pain and resistance.
CONCLUSIONS
Non-pharmacological interventions, like acupuncture, cognitive exercises, and exercise, show promise in mild cognitive impairment among the elderly. They enhance cognitive function and daily living while maintaining safety. Acupuncture notably improves MoCA scores, supported by robust evidence.
PubMed: 37632951
DOI: No ID Found -
Hand Therapy Jun 2024Dupuytren's Disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the hand, with a heterogenous pathogenesis, ranging from early-stage nodule development to late-stage digital... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Dupuytren's Disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the hand, with a heterogenous pathogenesis, ranging from early-stage nodule development to late-stage digital contractures. Hand therapy intervention is not routinely provided pre-operatively. The objective of this systematic review was to explore the efficacy of hand therapy interventions provided for pre-operative Dupuytren's Disease.
METHODS
A systematic review was undertaken of the databases CENTRAL, CINAHL, OVID Medline and OVID EMBASE, PubMed, BNI, Web of Science, with grey literature and reference searches conducted from database inception to April 2022, and confirmed in August 2023. Included studies required non-surgical intervention and outcome data on individuals with Dupuytren's Disease who have not had surgical intervention. Two reviewers conducted the searches, independently assessed eligibility and completed methodological quality assessments. Data were summarised narratively.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies were selected for final inclusion. Interventions included Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), Corticosteroid Injection (CSI), Splinting, Massage and Stretching, Ultrasound Therapy (US), Temperature Controlled High Energy Adjustable Laser (THEAL). ESWT positively maintained or improved pain, active range of motion (AROM), Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and grip strength. US positively maintained or improved ROM and grip. Splinting positively maintained or improved ROM, CSI positively improved nodule size. Cross Frictional Massage positively impacted AROM and THEAL improved pain and DASH scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Outcomes from therapeutic interventions for pre-operative management of Dupuytren's Disease were largely positive. However, there is a need for further high-quality research into these interventions to understand their full potential for the management of Dupuytren's Disease.
PubMed: 38827652
DOI: 10.1177/17589983241227162 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024The efficacy and safety of different immunosuppressants combined with chemotherapy in treating patients with small-cell lung cancer (extensive-disease small-cell lung... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety of different immunosuppressants combined with chemotherapy in treating patients with small-cell lung cancer (extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer, limited-disease small-cell lung cancer and relapsed small-cell lung cancer) are still unknown, and there are no reports directly comparing the efficacy and safety of other immunotherapies.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of first-line immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with small-cell lung cancer.
METHOD
We searched Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases for relevant articles published from inception to November 11, 2020. The risk of bias of the included studies was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB) tool. Multiple Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed. They conducted data analysis using R Studio and STATA version 15.1. The outcomes comprised overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), stability of response (SOR), duration of response (DOR) and adverse events of grade 3 or higher (AE grade≥3). A 95% confidence interval (CI) was provided for each estimate.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 16 RCT studies with 5898 patients. For OS, relative to chemotherapy (MD=-4.49; 95%CI [-7.97, -1.03]), durvalumab plus tremelimumab (MD=-4.62; 95%CI [-9.08, -0.11]), ipilimumab (MD=-4.26; 95%CI [-8.01, -0.3]) and nivolumab(MD=-5.66; 95%CI [-10.44, -1.11]) and nivolumab plus ipilimumab (MD=-4.56; 95%CI [-8.7, -0.1]), serplulimab can significantly increase the OS of SCLC patients. There was no significant difference between PFS, SOR and DOR. Analysis of AE showed that different immunotherapy combined chemotherapy regimens were similar to single chemotherapy regarding the overall incidence of AE grade≥3. However, after the cumulative ranking of the common symptoms of different adverse reactions, it was found that nivolumab ranked first in the occurrence probability of anemia (99.08%), fatigue (84.78%), and decreased appetite (89.66%). durvalumab was the most likely in nausea (75.4%). Pembrolizumab (76.24%) was most likely to cause pruritus. Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy caused less diarrhea than chemotherapy alone (80.16%).
CONCLUSIONS
According to our analysis, serplulimab combined with chemotherapy is more likely to show better efficacy with a manageable safety profile for small-cell lung cancer. However, the evidence for this comparison shows some limitations due to the number of literature.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023486053.
Topics: Humans; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Lung Neoplasms; Network Meta-Analysis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Immunotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
PubMed: 38694505
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362537 -
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 2023There is no systematic review assessing the effectiveness of interferential current (IC) in patients with low back pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is no systematic review assessing the effectiveness of interferential current (IC) in patients with low back pain.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of IC in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
METHODS
The databases PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and SCIELO were searched. Randomized controlled trials reporting pain intensity and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, in which IC was applied were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.
RESULTS
Thirteen RCTs were considered eligible for this systematic review (pooled n = 1367). Main results showed moderate-quality evidence and moderate effect sizes that IC probably reduces pain intensity and disability compared to placebo immediately post-treatment (Pain: MD = -1.57 points; 95% CI -2.17, -0.98; Disability: MD = -1.51 points; 95% CI -2.57, -0.46), but not at intermediate-term follow-up. Low-quality evidence with small effect size showed that IC may reduce pain intensity (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI -0.61, -0.03, p = 0.03) compared to TENS immediately post-treatment, but not for disability. There is very low-quality evidence that IC combined with other interventions (massage or exercises) may not further reduce pain intensity and disability compared to the other interventions provided in isolation immediately post-treatment.
CONCLUSION
Moderate-quality evidence shows that IC is probably better than placebo for reducing pain intensity and disability immediately post-treatment in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Exercise Therapy; Pain Measurement; Disabled Persons; Chronic Pain
PubMed: 37801776
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100549