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Cureus Mar 2022Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are the current standard of care when it comes to improving post-surgical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Compliance... (Review)
Review
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are the current standard of care when it comes to improving post-surgical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Compliance with all protocol items is required in order for patients to experience significant benefits. Given that the ERAS protocols involve numerous medications which each have unique side effect profiles and medication interactions, this is often difficult to accomplish. Additionally, breast cancer patients are often left with a large psychological burden, which ERAS protocols fail to address. This review aims to determine the role that alternative therapies can play in improving both the emotional and physical strains patients experience during the post-operative stage of recovery. A PubMed search was conducted using the following search terms ("alternative medicine" or "complementary medicine" or "integrative medicine" or "holistic medicine" or "natural medicine" or "mediation" or "aromatherapy" or "music" or "art" or "reiki" or "massage") and ("surgery") and ("pain"). Studies selected for this review include articles published or translated in English that addressed alternative medical interventions affecting pre-, peri-, or post-operative outcomes in breast biopsies, surgeries, or breast-related procedures. Eighteen articles fit the inclusion criteria, with seven addressing music, five addressing meditation, yoga, and guided imagery, five addressing massage, one addressing myofascial release, four addressing aromatherapy, two addressing acupuncture, and three addressing hypnosis. Most forms of alternative therapies offered some benefit to patients following breast-related procedures, many resulting in improvements in post-operative outcomes including pain, fatigue, energy, stress, anxiety, mood, and depression. The reviewed studies demonstrated numerous benefits to integrating alternative medicine into standardized therapy to improve postoperative outcomes. Most studies analyzed did not include placebo controls as including proper placebos was often not feasible. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better quantify the benefits patients receive from these noninvasive, low-risk complementary therapies.
PubMed: 35481320
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23443 -
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 -
European Journal of Cancer Prevention :... May 2021Colonoscopy is integral in the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC), be it for screening, diagnostic or therapeutic intentions. Despite the presence of multiple...
OBJECTIVES
Colonoscopy is integral in the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC), be it for screening, diagnostic or therapeutic intentions. Despite the presence of multiple screening modalities, colonoscopy remains integral in providing a definitive CRC diagnosis. However, uptake rates remain low worldwide with minimal understanding towards stakeholders' perspectives. This systematic review is the first to outline the barriers and facilitators faced by providers and patients in receiving colonoscopy specifically.
METHODS
Using PRISMA guidelines, our systematic review consolidates findings from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science Core collection. All perceptions of healthcare providers and screening participants aged 45 and above towards colonoscopy were included.
RESULTS
Forty-five articles were included in our review. Five major analytical themes were identified - procedural perceptions, personal experiences, thoughts and concerns, societal influences, doctor-patient relationship and healthcare system. The discrepancies in knowledge between patients and providers have evidently reduced in the present decade, potentially attributable to the rising influence of social media. The sharing of providers' personal experiences, involvement of patients' family in colonoscopy recommendations and propagation of patients' positive recounts were also more apparent in the past compared to the present decade, highlighting the need to reevaluate the balance between medical confidentiality and personal touch. Additionally, Asian patients were reportedly more apathetic towards CRC diagnosis due to their strong belief in destiny, a crucial association consistent with present studies.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights pertinent gaps in our healthcare system, providing crucial groundwork for interventions to be enacted in engendering higher colonoscopy uptake rates.
Topics: Colonoscopy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Health Personnel; Humans; Mass Screening; Physician-Patient Relations
PubMed: 32694277
DOI: 10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000615 -
International Journal of Dermatology Mar 2023Solar erythema is a kind of radiation burn that strikes living tissue, such as skin, that arises from overexposure to UV radiation often from the sun. Ordinary symptoms... (Review)
Review
Solar erythema is a kind of radiation burn that strikes living tissue, such as skin, that arises from overexposure to UV radiation often from the sun. Ordinary symptoms of solar erythema include reddish skin, specifically warm to touch, overall tiredness, hurting, and mild whirl. Sunscreen contains SPF value, which measures how much ultraviolet radiation is needed to cause sunburn on sunscreen-applied skin, which is proportional to the quantity of solar energy needed to cause sunburn on unprotected skin. Between 30 and 50 SPF value is sufficient to protect from sunburn, especially for the people who are more sensitive to sunburn. Sunscreen also protects from sun damage including dark spots and discoloration and helps to keep skin smooth, spotless, and more even. Chemical-based sunscreen is widely used because it effectively protects the skin from sun damage, but it clogs pores and can be problematic for sensitive skin as it can cause itching or stinging of the skin and pus in the hair follicles. On the other hand, herbal sunscreen absorbs light preferentially over the range of 280-320 mm without causing any harm to the skin and eyes. Ayurveda rejuvenates dull skin by regaining the skin's natural glow and radiance. This review concludes the damaging and harmful effects of UV rays, along with various traditional, ayurvedic, and herbal approaches to treat solar erythema naturally.
Topics: Humans; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays; Sunlight; Erythema
PubMed: 35643834
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16231 -
Journal of Pain Research 2024This study aims to investigate the current evidence for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in fibromyalgia (FM). A systematic review was conducted... (Review)
Review
This study aims to investigate the current evidence for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in fibromyalgia (FM). A systematic review was conducted searching for PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials published up to December 2023 in peer-reviewed journals were included. Methodological quality was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Controlled Intervention Studies tool. A total of 216 articles were identified and 15 constituted the final sample. The type of CAM most used was traditional Chinese medicine (60%), and the most common instrument used was the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (60%). Our review was grouped into four themes based on the origin of the therapies: 1) Traditional Chinese Medicine; 2) Japanese natural harmonization (eg, Reiki); 3) Ayurvedic Medicine; and 4) Other non-drug therapies. Our systematic review showed that there is a wide range of CAMs used to treat FM. Most of the clinical trials have shown significant results for the effectiveness of these interventions in both physical and mental health outcomes of FM as compared to control groups. However, the heterogeneity of the interventions and outcomes warrants further studies on this topic.
PubMed: 38746536
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S450735 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Jun 2023Bioenergy therapies are among the popular alternative treatment options for many diseases, including cancer. Many studies deal with the advantages and disadvantages of... (Review)
Review
Bioenergy therapies as a complementary treatment: a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of bioenergy therapies in relieving treatment toxicities in patients with cancer.
PURPOSE
Bioenergy therapies are among the popular alternative treatment options for many diseases, including cancer. Many studies deal with the advantages and disadvantages of bioenergy therapies as an addition to established treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation in the treatment of cancer. However, a systematic overview of this evidence is thus far lacking. For this reason, the available evidence should be reviewed and critically examined to determine what benefits the treatments have for patients.
METHODS
In June 2022, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of bioenergy therapies including Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch and Polarity Therapy on cancer patients.
RESULTS
From all 2477 search results, 21 publications with 1375 patients were included in this systematic review. The patients treated with bioenergy therapies were mainly diagnosed with breast cancer. The main outcomes measured were anxiety, depression, mood, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), comfort, well-being, neurotoxicity, pain, and nausea. The studies were predominantly of moderate quality and for the most part found no effect. In terms of QoL, pain and nausea, there were improved short-term effects of the interventions, but no long-term differences were detectable. The risk of side effects from bioenergy therapies appears to be relatively small.
CONCLUSION
Considering the methodical limitations of the included studies, studies with high study quality could not find any difference between bioenergy therapies and active (placebo, massage, RRT, yoga, meditation, relaxation training, companionship, friendly visit) and passive control groups (usual care, resting, education). Only studies with a low study quality were able to show significant effects.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Breast Neoplasms; Mind-Body Therapies; Pain; Nausea
PubMed: 36166091
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04362-x -
Nature Human Behaviour Jun 2024Receiving touch is of critical importance, as many studies have shown that touch promotes mental and physical well-being. We conducted a pre-registered (PROSPERO:... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Receiving touch is of critical importance, as many studies have shown that touch promotes mental and physical well-being. We conducted a pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022304281) systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis encompassing 137 studies in the meta-analysis and 75 additional studies in the systematic review (n = 12,966 individuals, search via Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science until 1 October 2022) to identify critical factors moderating touch intervention efficacy. Included studies always featured a touch versus no touch control intervention with diverse health outcomes as dependent variables. Risk of bias was assessed via small study, randomization, sequencing, performance and attrition bias. Touch interventions were especially effective in regulating cortisol levels (Hedges' g = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 1.31) and increasing weight (0.65, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.94) in newborns as well as in reducing pain (0.69, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.89), feelings of depression (0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.78) and state (0.64, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.84) or trait anxiety (0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.77) for adults. Comparing touch interventions involving objects or robots resulted in similar physical (0.56, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.88 versus 0.51, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.64) but lower mental health benefits (0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.49 versus 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.73). Adult clinical cohorts profited more strongly in mental health domains compared with healthy individuals (0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.80 versus 0.37, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.55). We found no difference in health benefits in adults when comparing touch applied by a familiar person or a health care professional (0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.73 versus 0.50, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.61), but parental touch was more beneficial in newborns (0.69, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.88 versus 0.39, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.61). Small but significant small study bias and the impossibility to blind experimental conditions need to be considered. Leveraging factors that influence touch intervention efficacy will help maximize the benefits of future interventions and focus research in this field.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Touch; Therapeutic Touch; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38589702
DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8 -
Holistic Nursing PracticeThis systematic review aimed to identify the benefits of Reiki in mental health care. Eleven studies were included. Although the number of studies is limited, the...
This systematic review aimed to identify the benefits of Reiki in mental health care. Eleven studies were included. Although the number of studies is limited, the results contribute to the potential beneficial role of Reiki in mental health care. Persistent studies using Reiki with broad samples, consistent randomized controlled trials, and patterned protocols are recommended.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health Services; Therapeutic Touch
PubMed: 34115737
DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000456 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery Apr 2023Indications for surgical treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are controversial. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes reported in the literature...
PURPOSE
Indications for surgical treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are controversial. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes reported in the literature of carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS.
METHODS
A systematic review of the outcomes of carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures included change in symptoms, sensation (2-point discrimination, light touch), thenar atrophy, strength (power and pinch grip), electrophysiology, median nerve morphology, and patient-reported outcome measures. Outcomes are reported by ranges of the percentage of patients/hands improved in the included studies.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight papers were selected, representing 2,531 patients and 2,712 hands. Demographic information on age and sex were available for a total of 1,542 patients. Mean age ranged from 49.8 to 83 years and 72% were female. All studies that assessed patient-reported outcome measures before and after surgery reported significant improvements. Complete resolution of paresthesia occurred in 55%-98% of hands across different studies. Resolution of numbness occurred in between 39% and 94% of hands. Pain completely resolved in 64%-100% and weakness in 60%-75% of hands. Two-point discrimination and light touch improved postoperatively. Power grip, key, tripod, index-thumb pulp pinch, and thumb opposition increased. Motor and sensory amplitudes, distal motor latencies, and sensory conduction velocities improved. Patient-reported outcomes indicated symptomatic improvement and reduced disability.
CONCLUSIONS
Symptomatic improvement following carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS can occur. Patients should be counseled about the unpredictability of the outcomes and factors that might affect outcomes.
TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic IV.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Treatment Outcome; Hand; Median Nerve; Ligaments
PubMed: 35058091
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.11.015 -
Cells Apr 2022The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoVCOVID-19) belongs to the Beta coronavirus family, which contains MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) and SARS-CoV...
The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoVCOVID-19) belongs to the Beta coronavirus family, which contains MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) and SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus). SARS-CoV-2 activates the innate immune system, thereby activating the inflammatory mechanism, causing the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, it has been suggested that COVID-19 may penetrate the central nervous system, and release inflammatory cytokines in the brains, inducing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Several links connect COVID-19 with Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as elevated oxidative stress, uncontrolled release of the inflammatory cytokines, and mitochondrial apoptosis. There are severe concerns that excessive immune cell activation in COVID-19 may aggravate the neurodegeneration and amyloid-beta pathology of AD. Here, we have collected the evidence, showing the links between the two diseases. The focus has been made to collect the information on the activation of the inflammation, its contributors, and shared therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we have given future perspectives, research gaps, and overlapping pathological bases of the two diseases. Lastly, we have given the short touch to the drugs that have equally shown rescuing effects against both diseases. Although there is limited information available regarding the exact links between COVID-19 and neuroinflammation, we have insight into the pathological contributors of the diseases. Based on the shared pathological features and therapeutic targets, we hypothesize that the activation of the immune system may induce neurological disorders by triggering oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Antioxidants; COVID-19; Cytokines; Humans; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Oxidative Stress; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35455977
DOI: 10.3390/cells11081298