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Health Services Research and Managerial... 2024Over the past few years, a growing number of studies have explored massage robots. However, to date, a dedicated systematic review focused solely on robot-assisted... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Over the past few years, a growing number of studies have explored massage robots. However, to date, a dedicated systematic review focused solely on robot-assisted massage has not been conducted.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically identify and summarize evidence from studies concerning robot-assisted massage in healthcare settings.
METHODS
An extensive literature search, involving electronic databases Ovid and Scopus, was conducted from the inception of the databases up to March 2023. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, and relevant papers were chosen based on the predefined inclusion criteria. Given the substantial methodological diversity among the included studies, a qualitative analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 15 preliminary trials, one quasi-experimental study, and one randomized controlled trial. Approximately 29% of the studies focused on the application of robotic massage for patients, 24% targeted both healthy volunteers and patients, and the remaining 47% were preclinical trials assessing the effectiveness of robotic massage solely on healthy volunteers. Primary interventions included robotic massage for oral rehabilitation, scalp massage, low back massage, shoulder massage, and full-body massage. All studies provided evidence that robotic massage interventions can enhance health and well-being, indicating a promising future for the integration of robotics in the field of massage therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, robotic massage interventions offer physical and mental health benefits. Robot-assisted massage may be integrated into care provision as an adjunct to enhance human well-being. Nonetheless, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 38379713
DOI: 10.1177/23333928241230948 -
Heliyon Feb 2024Different approaches to the prevention of postoperative ileus have been evaluated in numerous randomized controlled trials. This network meta-analysis aimed to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Different approaches to the prevention of postoperative ileus have been evaluated in numerous randomized controlled trials. This network meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relative effectiveness of different interventions in preventing postoperative ileus.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) on the prevention of postoperative ileus were screened from Chinese and foreign medical databases and compared. STATA software was used for network meta-analysis using the frequency method. Random-effects network meta-analysis was also used to compare all schemes directly and indirectly.
RESULTS
A total of 105 randomized controlled trials with 18,840 participants were included in this report. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that intravenous analgesia was most effective in preventing the incidence of postoperative ileus, the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) is 90.5. The most effective intervention for reducing the first postoperative exhaust time was postoperative abdominal mechanical massage (SUCRA: 97.3), and the most effective intervention for reducing the first postoperative defecation time was high-dose opioid antagonists (SUCRA: 84.3). Additionally, the most effective intervention for reducing the time to initiate a normal diet after surgery was accelerated rehabilitation (SUCRA: 85.4). A comprehensive analysis demonstrated the effectiveness and prominence of oral opioid antagonists and electroacupuncture (EA) combined with gum.
CONCLUSION
This network meta-analysis determined that oral opioid antagonists and EA combined with chewing gum are the most effective treatments and optimal interventions for reducing the incidence of postoperative ileus. However, methods such as abdominal mechanical massage and coffee require further high-quality research.
PubMed: 38370213
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25412 -
Physical Therapy May 2024The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electrotherapy and manual therapy for the treatment of women with primary dysmenorrhea. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electrotherapy and manual therapy for the treatment of women with primary dysmenorrhea.
METHODS
Systematic searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE. The articles must have been published in the last 10 years, had a sample exclusively of women with primary dysmenorrhea, had a randomized controlled trial design, and used interventions that included some form of manual therapy and/or electrotherapy techniques. Two reviewers independently screened articles for eligibility and extracted data. Difference in mean differences and their 95% CIs were calculated as the between-group difference in means divided by the pooled standard deviation. The I2 statistic was used to determine the degree of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Twelve selected studies evaluated interventions, with 5 evaluating electrotherapy techniques and 7 evaluating manual therapy techniques. All studies analyzed identified improvements in pain intensity and meta-analysis confirmed their strong effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Manual therapy and electrotherapy are effective for the treatment of women with primary dysmenorrhea. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with thermotherapy and effleurage massage stands out for its effects on the intensity and duration of pain with the application of a few sessions and their long-term effects.
IMPACT
Manual therapy techniques and electrotherapy methods reduce the pain intensity of women with primary dysmenorrhea. Quality of life and degree of anxiety improved significantly with manual therapy interventions. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with thermotherapy and effleurage massage are the interventions with which positive effects were achieved with fewer sessions.
Topics: Humans; Dysmenorrhea; Female; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Massage; Pain Measurement; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 38366860
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzae019 -
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences 2024To review published clinical trials which assessed the effects of deep transverse friction massage on pain and range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To review published clinical trials which assessed the effects of deep transverse friction massage on pain and range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Literature search was performed in MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, HMIC, CINAHL, PEDRO, and SPORTDiscus. Two independent reviewers performed screening of the articles retrieved from different databases. Clinical trials published in English language from the earliest record to March 2022 that reported effects of deep transverse friction massage/Cyriax's friction massage on pain and/or range of motion in patients with diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis were included. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used for quality assessment of the included studies.
RESULTS
A total of six studies reporting on 226 adhesive capsulitis patients were included in the systematic review. All the six studies were randomized controlled clinical trials. On the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool, four of the six studies had a score of 8/11, while the other two studies received a score of 7/11 and 6/11. Out of these six trials, four reported that pain was significantly (P<0.05) improved in the deep transverse friction massage group as compared to the control group. Regarding range of motion outcome, five studies showed that range of motion was significantly (P<0.05) improved in the deep transverse friction massage group while only one study showed non-significant results.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that deep transverse friction massage significantly relieves pain and improves the range of motion in individuals with adhesive capsulitis.
PubMed: 38356832
DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.3.7218 -
Respiratory Medicine Apr 2024Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience pain as both symptom and comorbidity. There has been no evaluation of the recommendations for pain... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience pain as both symptom and comorbidity. There has been no evaluation of the recommendations for pain management in updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).
OBJECTIVES
Update the evidence on pain management, determine alignment of pain management recommendations with best-practice, and advocate for optimal pain management in patients with COPD.
METHODS
PubMed, Guideline International Network, Guideline Portal, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Institute for Healthcare Excellence, Scottish International Guidelines Network, Institute of Medicine, grey literature, national websites, and bibliographies were searched. CPGs available online for stable COPD produced by organizations representing reputable knowledge of COPD management were included. CPGs unavailable online, not translatable into English, or not including techniques within the defined scope were excluded. Researchers performed frequency counts for the verbatim terms "pain," "physical activity," "exercise," "rehabilitation," "physical therap(ist)/(y), "physiotherap(ist)/(y)," recorded context, and collected recommendations for pain management/treatment when present.
RESULTS
Of 32 CPGs, 24 included "pain" verbatim. Of these, 13 included recommendations for pain treatment/management. Common recommendations included opioids, pharmacological management, further medical assessment, and surgical intervention. Two CPGs referred to palliative care, one CPG discussed treating cough, and one discussed massage, relaxation, and breathing.
CONCLUSIONS
Pain management recommendations vary and are not aligned with evidence. Pain should be addressed in patients with COPD, whether directly or indirectly related to the disease. Reduction of variability in pain management and the disease burden is necessary. Pain management should include referrals to providers who can maximize benefit of their services.
Topics: Humans; Pain Management; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Comorbidity; Exercise; Pain
PubMed: 38350512
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107553 -
Pain Management Nursing : Official... Apr 2024To search for studies that address the efficacy of nonpharmacologic methods for pain relief in adults undergoing cardiac surgeries. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To search for studies that address the efficacy of nonpharmacologic methods for pain relief in adults undergoing cardiac surgeries.
DESIGN
A systematic review registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42020168681.
DATA SOURCE
PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, the Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
REVIEW/ANALYSIS METHODS
The review used a PRISMA guideline that selected primary randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of nonpharmacologic pain relief therapies in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with no time or language restrictions. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Clinical Trials was used to assess methodological rigor.
RESULTS
After screening, 23 of the 140 studies found in the databases were selected. The studies examined the efficacy of 13 different nonpharmacologic therapies, as well as a combination of therapies, with massage therapy being the most commonly examined, followed by musical intervention and hypnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Some interventions, when combined with pharmacologic therapy, were effective in relieving postoperative pain after cardiac surgeries, according to the studies analyzed. However, most studies had significant methodological flaws, and further studies with high methodological quality are needed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Pain, Postoperative; Cardiac Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38336527
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2023.12.007 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... May 2024and purpose: Aromatherapy offers a low-risk solution for effectively managing common nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
and purpose: Aromatherapy offers a low-risk solution for effectively managing common nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess its impact on these symptoms to facilitate practical guidelines establishment.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase were searched for articles published until April 30, 2023. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer (age ≥18 years). The effect size was calculated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a random effects model. Subgroup analyses, meta-analysis of variance, and meta-regression were performed using the "meta" package in R version 4.0.2. Heterogeneity was assessed using I statistics. Sensitivity and publication bias analyses were performed; two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias using Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool 2.0.
RESULTS
Twenty-five RCTs across 10 articles revealed that aromatherapy reduced overall nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer with significant efficacy (SMD = -0.81, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -1.11 to -0.52). Furthermore, aromatherapy reduced nausea (SMD = -0.85, 95 % CI: -1.23 to -0.46) and combined nausea and vomiting (SMD = -1.08, 95 % CI: -1.68 to -0.47), but not vomiting alone (SMD = -0.24, 95 % CI: -1.03 to 0.55). Inhalation and massage yielded positive results, especially in chemotherapy-induced cases; peppermint oil was particularly successful.
CONCLUSION
Our findings underscore aromatherapy's value in managing cancer treatment-associated nausea and vomiting. Conclusive evidence on aromatherapy-led nausea reduction is lacking due to limited RCTs; research is warranted for robust conclusions.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Aromatherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vomiting; Nausea; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38330531
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101838 -
Clinical Rehabilitation Jun 2024To review the effectiveness of different physical therapies for acute and sub-acute low back pain supported by evidence, and create clinical recommendations and expert... (Review)
Review Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To review the effectiveness of different physical therapies for acute and sub-acute low back pain supported by evidence, and create clinical recommendations and expert consensus for physiotherapists on clinical prescriptions.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library for studies published within the previous 15 years.
REVIEW METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials assessing patients with acute and sub-acute low back pain were included. Two reviewers independently screened relevant studies using the same inclusion criteria. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database and the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews tool were used to grade the quality assessment of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, respectively. The final recommendation grades were based on the consensus discussion results of the Delphi of 22 international experts.
RESULTS
Twenty-one systematic reviews and 21 randomized controlled trials were included. Spinal manipulative therapy and low-level laser therapy are recommended for acute low back pain. Core stability exercise/motor control, spinal manipulative therapy, and massage can be used to treat sub-acute low back pain.
CONCLUSIONS
The consensus statements provided medical staff with appliable recommendations of physical therapy for acute and sub-acute low back pain. This consensus statement will require regular updates after 5-10 years.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Consensus; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Female; Acute Pain; Male
PubMed: 38317586
DOI: 10.1177/02692155241229398 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2024Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common underlying cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD leads to pathological alteration of the composition or quantity of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common underlying cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD leads to pathological alteration of the composition or quantity of meibum, or both, which subsequently results in tear evaporation and the typical signs and symptoms associated with DED. The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System (LipiFlow) is a medical device used to treat MGD in office; however, it is unclear if LipiFlow can outperform other DED treatments.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of LipiFlow for treating DED signs and symptoms and the safety of LipiFlow compared with sham or other available treatments for MGD in adults.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Eyes and Vision Information Specialist searched the electronic databases for randomized controlled trials. There were no restrictions on language or date of publication. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, including the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2022, Issue 6), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase.com, PubMed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database), ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) electronic databases. We also examined the reference lists of identified trials, review articles, and guidelines for information about relevant trials that may not have been identified by our search strategy. We contacted investigators regarding ongoing trials. The last database search was performed on 24 October 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included studies conducted in adults (over 18 years of age) with DED or MGD as defined by the primary trial investigators. We imposed no restrictions on race, ethnicity, or sex. We considered trials involving contact lens wearers if they were equally represented between groups.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We applied standard Cochrane methodology.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 13 trials that randomized a total of 1155 participants (28 to 236 participants randomized per study). Six trials were conducted in the USA, three in China, two in Thailand, one in France, and one in Italy. Eight trials were of single-center design, while four trials were of multicenter design; one trial did not report the number of participating centers. Study characteristics The study population of the included trials was 66% female (range 48% to 80%), with an age range of 19 to 86 years. LipiFlow, used as a stand-alone intervention, was compared with basic warm compresses in five studies, thermostatic device in five studies, oral intervention in one trial, and topical dry eye medications in one trial. LipiFlow was also evaluated together with eyelid hygiene product versus eyelid hygiene products alone in one trial. Findings Five trials compared LipiFlow with a basic warm compress applied for varying durations and frequencies during the trial period; only one of these trials combined a warm compress with eyelid massage. Analyzing symptom scores by different questionnaires (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness [SPEED]) yielded conflicting evidence of a difference in symptoms between LipiFlow and basic warm compresses after four weeks. There was no evidence of a difference in meibomian gland expression, meibum quality, or tear breakup time when comparing LipiFlow with basic warm compresses. Another five trials compared LipiFlow with thermostatic devices. Analysis of symptom scores at four weeks showed that thermostatic devices had reduced OSDI scores by a mean difference (MD) of 4.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23 to 7.95; I = 0, P = 0.007; 553 participants; very low certainty evidence) as compared with LipiFlow. When we compared LipiFlow plus eyelid hygiene with eyelid hygiene alone, there was no evidence of difference in signs or symptoms at any time point evaluated. Only one trial compared LipiFlow with a topical DED medication (lifitegrast 5%). The single-trial estimate suggested that 5% lifitegrast may increase meibomian gland expression scores compared with LipiFlow at day 42 (MD -1.21, 95% CI -2.37 to -0.05; 50 participants; low certainty evidence) by using a meibomian gland expression scale of 0 to 8. One trial compared LipiFlow with an oral intervention (doxycycline), finding that LipiFlow may result in significantly better SPEED scores than doxycycline at three months (MD -4.00, 95% CI -7.33 to -0.67; 24 participants; very low certainty evidence). No other significant differences in signs or symptoms were found between LipiFlow and doxycycline at three months. We did not find any other statistically significant differences in symptoms or signs for any other analysis performed in this review at the one- to four-week time point. Adverse events No trial reported any intervention-related, vision-threatening adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
LipiFlow performs similarly to other commonly used DED treatments with regard to DED signs and symptoms. The best available evidence was deemed to have a high level of bias, leading to low or very low certainty evidence. Additional research with adequate masking, a standardized testing methodology, and a sample representative of the MGD population is therefore needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn regarding comparative benefits and harms.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Doxycycline; Dry Eye Syndromes; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; China; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Phenylalanine; Sulfones
PubMed: 38314898
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015448.pub2 -
Role of Alternate Therapies to Improve the Quality of Life in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.Journal of Mid-life Health 2023Middle aged women in majority undergoing menopausal symptoms are unaware of the physiological changes happening in their body, necessary lifestyle changes and alternate... (Review)
Review
Middle aged women in majority undergoing menopausal symptoms are unaware of the physiological changes happening in their body, necessary lifestyle changes and alternate therapies to overcome the symptoms. All major electronic sources of relevant information were systematically searched and collected data were pooled under specific subheadings. From the reviewed papers, the awareness on symptoms and related complications of menopause in the middle aged women were consolidated. Studies helped to identify alternative therapies replacing or in parallel with the Hormone Replacement Therapy to overcome the menopausal symptoms. Reduced oestrogen and progesterone level causes physiological, psychological, and genitourinary symptoms. Prolonged consequences cause libido, osteoporosis, and cardio vascular diseases. Hypo-estrogenic status is well managed with alternative therapies including dietary intervention, acupuncture, aromatherapy, exercise, and yoga. Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Non-Hormonal and Non-Pharmacological impact behind acupuncture treatment was well accepted. Various studies proved inhaling and massaging with Lavender, Neroli oil, Fennel, Rose, and Geranium essential oils balance cortisol hormone and reduce stress and anxiety. Impact of yoga therapy on neurohormonal pathways reduce both psychological and physiological symptoms. Reviews summarizes various symptoms and complications during menopausal transition and alternate ways of better management with dietary intervention, yoga, exercise, aromatherapy, and acupuncture to improve the quality of menopausal women's life.
PubMed: 38312763
DOI: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_222_22