1.
Yoga as a Preventive Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases and Associated Comorbidities: Open-Label Single Arm Study.
Sharma, K, Basu-Ray, I, Sayal, N, Vora, A, Bammidi, S, Tyagi, R, Modgil, S, Bali, P, Kaur, P, Goyal, AK, et al
Frontiers in public health. 2022;10:843134
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of mortality, is on the rise. Inactivity and poor dietary habits can contribute to fat accumulation, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Yoga is a cost-effective physical activity that may reduce lipid levels. In addition, the practice of yoga may help manage stress, another contributing factor. In this open-label study, AYUSH yoga for 30 days for one hour per day was assessed to improve dyslipidaemia among healthy, comorbid, and trainer participants. The healthy-naive group's cholesterol profile improved significantly compared to the diseased group. Experienced trainers' lipid profiles differed significantly from those of yoga-naive volunteers. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly lower than baseline. A significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and BMI was observed among yoga-naive and healthy participants. In addition, the trainer group had significantly lower LDL and TC/HDL ratios and higher HDL levels. Compared to the comorbid yoga group, the healthy yoga group showed significant differences in physiological parameters such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and weight after a month of practice, demonstrating that yoga was more effective in healthy participants. These results can help healthcare professionals understand yoga's preventative effects on cardiovascular disease. However, as the current evidence is limited, more robust studies are needed.
Abstract
Aim: Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is a standardized yoga protocol authored by experts from all over the world under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The potential of CYP can be determined as a cost-effective lifestyle modification to prevent the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: In this prospective trial, we compared the effect of CYP at baseline and after 1 month. A total of 374 yoga-naïve participants performed CYP under the supervision of experienced trainers. Physiological [body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, percent oxygen saturation], biochemical (fasting blood glucose and lipid profile), and neurocognitive parameters were measured before and after the intervention. Results: At day 30 of yoga practice, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were found significantly improved as compared to the baseline levels observed at the time of enrollment. Similarly, the lipid profile was also obtained from experienced trainers and found to be significantly different from those of yoga-naïve volunteers. When the intervention was compared between the healthy yoga-naïve participants with yoga-naïve participants suffering from medical issues, it was found that cholesterol profile improved significantly in the healthy-naive group as compared to the diseased group (hypertension, diabetes, underwent surgery, and CVD). Conclusion: These results highlight the need for further research to better understand the effects of yoga on the primary prevention of CVD.
2.
Pilot trial of a group cognitive behavioural therapy program for comorbid depression and obesity.
Lores, T, Musker, M, Collins, K, Burke, A, Perry, SW, Wong, ML, Licinio, J
BMC psychology. 2020;8(1):34
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns. Depression can significantly impact physical health and reduced immune function. The aim of this study was to examine the potential benefits of a novel group psychological intervention program. The study is a preliminary quasi-experimental (single-arm) before-after pilot trial of a newly developed group-based psychological intervention program for people with depression and comorbid obesity. The program consisted of 10 two-hour group sessions held weekly. A total of 24 participants were recruited to the program across two pilot groups. Results indicate that there was a significant reduction in participants’ depression and anxiety scores by program-end. Some evidence also shows improvements in weight-related negative cognitions. Authors conclude that the group therapy program therefore has considerable potential to be effective in helping people enjoy better mental health and improve health outcomes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns that commonly occur together. An integrated group cognitive behavioural therapy program was therefore developed to simultaneously address comorbid depression and obesity. METHODS Twenty-four participants (63% women, mean age 46 years) who screened positively for depression with a body mass index ≥25 were recruited from a self-referred general population sample. The group therapy program (10 two-hour weekly sessions) was examined in a single-arm, before-after pilot trial, conducted in a behavioural health clinic in Adelaide, Australia. Primary outcomes included survey and assessment-based analyses of depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, and weight (kg), assessed at four time-points: baseline, post-intervention, three-months and 12-months post program. Eighteen participants (75%) completed the program and all assessments. RESULTS Significant improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body shape concern scores, several quality of life domains, eating behaviours and total physical activity (among others) - but not weight - were observed over the course of the trial. CONCLUSIONS Results from this pilot trial suggest that combining interventions for depression and obesity may be useful. Further development of the program, particularly regarding the potential for physical health benefits, and a randomised controlled trial, are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617001079336, 13 July 2017. Retrospectively registered after date of the first consent (6 July 2017), but before the date of the first intervention session (20 July 2017).
3.
Effectiveness and safety of citicoline in mild vascular cognitive impairment: the IDEALE study.
Cotroneo, AM, Castagna, A, Putignano, S, Lacava, R, Fantò, F, Monteleone, F, Rocca, F, Malara, A, Gareri, P
Clinical interventions in aging. 2013;8:131-7
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The number of people aged 65 years and over with mild vascular cognitive impairment is continuing to increase. Vascular disease can reduce cerebral perfusion, causing oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Citicoline [pharmaceutical] inhibits apoptosis associated with cerebral ischemia and in several models of neurodegeneration has been able to potentiate neuroplasticity. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral citicoline in elderly people with mild vascular cognitive impairment. A total of 349 patients were included in the study who were assigned to open-label treatment with oral citicoline 500 mg twice a day in a fasting state or to no treatment (controls). Results show that citicoline is effective and safe in the treatment of mild vascular cognitive impairment. The treated group showed improvement in MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) scores, with an increase of 0.5 points shown over the course of the study. Authors conclude that further studies are required in order to confirm the findings of this study, and to further assess the efficacy and safety of long-term administration of a dietary supplement such as Cytidine-5′-diphosphate choline.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The studio di intervento nel decadimento vascolare lieve (IDEALE study) was an open multicenter Italian study, the aim of which was to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral citicoline in elderly people with mild vascular cognitive impairment. METHODS The study was performed in 349 patients. The active or citicoline group was composed of 265 patients and included 122 men and 143 women of mean age 79.9 ± 7.8 years selected from six Italian regions. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 65 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 21, subjective memory complaints but no evidence of deficits on MMSE, and evidence of vascular lesions on neuroradiology. Those with probable Alzheimer's disease were excluded. The control group consisted of 84 patients, including 36 men and 48 women of mean age 78.9 ± 7.01 (range 67-90) years. Patients included in the study underwent brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and plasma dosage of vitamin B12, folate, and thyroid hormones. Functional dependence was investigated by scores on the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales, mood was assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and behavioral disorders using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory scale. Comorbidity was assessed using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. An assessment was made at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1), and after 9 months (T2, ie, 6 months after T1). The main outcomes were an improvement in MMSE, ADL, and IADL scores in the study group compared with the control group. Side effects were also investigated. The study group was administered oral citicoline 500 mg twice a day throughout the study. RESULTS MMSE scores remained unchanged over time (22.4 ± 4 at T0; 22.7 ± 4 at T1; 22.9 ± 4 at T2), whereas a significant difference was found between the study and control groups, both in T1 and in T2. No differences were found in ADL and IADL scores between the two groups. A slight but not statistically significant difference was found in GDS score between the study and control groups (P = 0.06). No adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION In this study, citicoline was effective and well tolerated in patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment. Citicoline activates biosynthesis of phospholipids in neuronal membranes, increases brain metabolism as well as norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the central nervous system, and has neuroprotective effects during hypoxia and ischemia. Therefore, citicoline may be recommended for patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment.