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1.
A Review of the Clinical Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Huntington's Disease.
Yu, M, Bega, D
Tremor and other hyperkinetic movements (New York, N.Y.). 2019
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of published guidelines related to the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for Huntington's disease (HD). We conducted a review of the literature to summarize the available evidence for various mind-body practices and nutraceuticals. METHODS PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched independently from inception to February 2019 by two independent raters. Studies were classified for the level of evidence (Class I, II, III, or IV) according to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) classification scale. RESULTS Randomized controlled trials in HD were reviewed for mind-body interventions (dance therapy, music therapy, and exercise), alternative systems (traditional Chinese medicine [TCM]), and nutraceuticals/diet (aminooxyacetic acid [AOAA], coenzyme q10, creatine, cannabinoids, alpha-tocopherol, eicosapentaenoic acid, idebenone, levocarnitine, and triheptanoin). Few studies met AAN Class I or II level of evidence for benefits, and these are highlighted. DISCUSSION There is a relative paucity of clinical trials examining CAM modalities in HD when compared to other neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, there is no evidence supporting disease modification or symptom improvement with any specific dietary or nutraceutical supplement for HD. Supervised exercise and contemporary dance are safe for people with HD, but more robust studies are warranted to guide specific recommendations for these and other mind-body interventions.
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A Novel Non-invasive Effective Method for Potential Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease: A Hypothesis.
Somasundaram, SG, Muresanu, C, Schield, P, Makhmutovа, A, Bovina, EV, Fisenko, VP, Hasanov, NF, Aliev, G
Central nervous system agents in medicinal chemistry. 2019;(1):8-14
Abstract
The pathophysiology of the intervertebral discs plays a significant role in the people's life quality. There is not adequate research done in the pathogenesis and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Alternately, self-educated physiology offers a novel and noninvasive method to reverse the degenerated discs. In this single case study, report attempts have been made to highlight the effect of the self-educative physiology, on magnetic resonance imaging investigations, of progressive healing, on the degenerated intervertebral discs. Based on this novel method, an effort has been made to review literature on the degeneration of intervertebral discs and available mode of treatments and then to propose a hypothesis for the biochemical mechanisms of healing. The idea is that transforming growth factor-β1 from seminal plasma secretions may contribute to releasing the osteogenic protein- 1 which induces nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells in intervertebral discs for repairs. In addition, the patient's medical history is presented with background information.
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Mind-body medicine and lifestyle modification in supportive cancer care: A cohort study on a day care clinic program for cancer patients.
Jeitler, M, Jaspers, J, von Scheidt, C, Koch, B, Michalsen, A, Steckhan, N, Kessler, CS
Psycho-oncology. 2017;(12):2127-2134
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We developed an integrative day care clinic program for cancer patients focusing on mind-body techniques and health-promoting lifestyle modification (7-hour once-per-week group sessions over 12 weeks). METHODS A cohort study design with a waiting group was implemented. Outcome parameters were assessed at the beginning, at the end of the active program, and at a 6-month follow-up. Patients waiting >4 and <12 weeks before treatment start were allocated to the waiting group and additionally assessed at the start of their day care program. Outcome measures included quality of life (FACT-G, FACT-B/C, WHO-5), fatigue (FACIT-F), depression/anxiety (HADS), and mood states (ASTS). A per protocol analysis using mixed linear models was performed. RESULTS One hundred patients were screened on-site for eligibility. Eighty-six cancer survivors (83% female; mean age 53.7 ± 9.7 years; 49% breast cancer) were included into the study. Sixty-two patients were allocated to the intervention group and 24 patients, to the waiting group (mean waiting time 5 ± 1 weeks). Sixty-six data sets were included in the final analysis. Significant improvements were observed in favor of the intervention group after 12 weeks compared with the waiting group at the end of the waiting period for quality of life, anxiety/depression, and fatigue. Results from the 6-month follow-up for the whole study population showed lasting improvement of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The program can be considered as an effective means to improve quality of life, fatigue, and mental health of cancer patients. Moreover, it appears to have a sustainable effect, which has to be proved in randomized trials.
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Mind and body practices for fatigue reduction in patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Duong, N, Davis, H, Robinson, PD, Oberoi, S, Cataudella, D, Culos-Reed, SN, Gibson, F, Götte, M, Hinds, P, Nijhof, SL, et al
Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. 2017;:210-216
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether non-physical activity mind and body practices reduce the severity of fatigue in patients with cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients compared to control interventions. METHODS We included randomized trials which compared non-physical activity mind and body practices compared with control interventions for the management of fatigue in cancer and HSCT patients. RESULTS Among 55 trials (4975 patients), interventions were acupuncture or acupressure (n=12), mindfulness (n=11), relaxation techniques (n=10), massage (n=6), energy therapy (n=5), energizing yogic breathing (n=3) and others (n=8). When combined, all interventions significantly reduced fatigue severity compared to all controls (standardized mean difference -0.51, 95% confidence interval -0.73 to -0.29). More specifically, mindfulness and relaxation significantly reduced fatigue severity. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness and relaxation were effective at reducing fatigue severity in patients with cancer and HSCT recipients. Future studies should evaluate how to translate these findings into clinical practice across different patient groups.
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Long-term benefits by a mind-body medicine skills course on perceived stress and empathy among medical and nursing students.
van Vliet, M, Jong, M, Jong, MC
Medical teacher. 2017;(7):710-719
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant number of medical students suffer from burnout symptoms and reduced empathy. This controlled, quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate whether a mind-body medicine (MBM) skills course could reduce perceived stress and increase empathy and self-reflection in medical and nursing students. METHODS The MBM course (consisting of experiential sessions of mind-body techniques and group reflections) was piloted among Dutch medical students and Swedish nursing students. Main outcome variables were perceived stress (PSS), empathy (IRI subscales perspective taking, fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress), and self-reflection (GRAS). Participating and control students completed questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, at 6 and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS Seventy-four medical and 47 nursing students participated in the course. Participating medical students showed significantly increased empathic concern [1.42 (95% CI 0.05, 2.78), p = 0.042], increased fantasy [3.24 (95% CI 1.58, 4.90), p < 0.001], and decreased personal distress [-1.73 (95% CI -3.04, -0.35), p = 0.010] compared to controls until 12 months follow-up. Participating nursing students showed significantly decreased levels of perceived stress [-5.09 (95% CI -8.37, -1.82), p = 0.002] and decreased personal distress [-5.01 (95% CI -6.97, -3.06), p < 0.001] compared to controls until 12 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated long-term beneficial effects of the MBM course on perceived stress and empathy in medical and nursing students.
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The Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative and Well-Being.
Mills, PJ, Wilson, KL, Pung, MA, Weiss, L, Patel, S, Doraiswamy, PM, Peterson, CT, Porter, V, Schadt, E, Chopra, D, et al
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). 2016;(8):627-34
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of a comprehensive residential mind-body program on well-being. DESIGN The Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative was a quasi-randomized trial comparing the effects of participation in a 6-day Ayurvedic system of medicine-based comprehensive residential program with a 6-day residential vacation at the same retreat location. SETTING Retreat setting. PARTICIPANTS 69 healthy women (n = 58) and men (n = 11) (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.6 ± 12 years). INTERVENTION The Ayurvedic intervention addressed physical and emotional well-being through group meditation and yoga, massage, diet, adaptogenic herbs, lectures, and journaling. OUTCOME MEASURES A battery of standardized questionnaires. RESULTS Participants in the Ayurvedic program showed significant and sustained increases in ratings of spirituality (p < 0.01) and gratitude (p < 0.05) compared with the vacation group, which showed no change. The Ayurvedic participants also showed increased ratings for self-compassion (p < 0.01) as well as less anxiety at the 1-month follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that a short-term intensive program providing holistic instruction and experience in mind-body healing practices can lead to significant and sustained increases in perceived well-being and that relaxation alone is not enough to improve certain aspects of well-being.
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A perspective on complementary/alternative medicine use among survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Benefits and uncertainties.
Chakraborty, R, Savani, BN, Litzow, M, Mohty, M, Hashmi, S
Cancer. 2015;(14):2303-13
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Abstract
The widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer survivors is well known despite a paucity of scientific evidence to support its use. The number of survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) is growing rapidly and HCT clinicians are aware that many of their patients use CAM therapies consistently. However, due to a paucity of data regarding the benefits and harms of CAM therapies in these survivors, clinicians are reluctant to provide specific recommendations for or against particular CAM therapies. A systematic literature review was conducted with a search using PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Ovid online for each CAM therapy as defined by the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The search generated 462 references, of which 26 articles were deemed to be relevant for the review. Due to extensive heterogeneity in data and limited randomized trials, a meta-analysis could not be performed but a comprehensive systematic review was conducted with specified outcomes for each CAM therapy. In randomized controlled trials, certain mind and body interventions such as relaxation were observed to be effective in alleviating psychological symptoms in patients undergoing HCT, whereas the majority of the other CAM treatments were found to have mixed results. CAM use is an understudied area in HCT survivorship and clinicians should convey the benefits and uncertainties concerning the role of CAM therapies to their patients.
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Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on psychological distress, well-being, and maternal self-efficacy in breast-feeding mothers: results of a pilot study.
Perez-Blasco, J, Viguer, P, Rodrigo, MF
Archives of women's mental health. 2013;(3):227-36
Abstract
Several pilot studies have provided evidence that mindfulness-based intervention is beneficial during pregnancy, yet its effects in mothers during the early parenting period are unknown. The purpose of the present pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention in breast-feeding mothers. We developed and tested an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention aimed at improving maternal self-efficacy, mindfulness, self-compassion, satisfaction with life, and subjective happiness, and at reducing psychological distress. A randomized controlled, between-groups design was used with treatment and control groups (n = 26) and pretest and posttest measures. ANCOVA results indicated that, compared to the control group, mothers in the treatment group scored significantly higher on maternal self-efficacy, some dimensions of mindfulness (observing, acting with awareness, non-judging, and non-reactivity), and self-compassion (self-kindness, mindfulness, over-identification, and total self-compassion). In addition, mothers who received the treatment exhibited significantly less anxiety, stress, and psychological distress. The results supported previous research findings about the benefits of mindfulness-based intervention in women from the perinatal and postpartum periods through the early parenting period. Additional research is needed to validate our findings in non-breast-feeding mothers and to examine the intervention's indirect benefits in terms of family relationships and child development.
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Complementary and alternative medicine and mind-body therapies for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women.
Magge, SS, Wolf, JL
Women's health (London, England). 2013;(6):557-67
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Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain with constipation, diarrhea and/or an alternation of the two, and often bloating. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consists of a group of medical treatments that are not commonly considered to be a part of traditional medicine. CAM is commonly used for difficult-to-treat chronic medical conditions. Many patients choose CAM because there are only a limited number of treatments available for IBS or because they would like to have a 'natural therapy'. Mind-body therapies for IBS have proven efficacy, but have not been well accepted by patients or practitioners for treatment. This article reviews the use of CAM and mind-body therapies in IBS, with a focus on probiotics, acupuncture, herbal medicines and psychological therapies.
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An oncology mind-body medicine day care clinic: concept and case presentation.
Paul, A, Cramer, H, Lauche, R, Altner, N, Langhorst, J, Dobos, GJ
Integrative cancer therapies. 2013;(6):503-7
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer diagnosis and treatment are often associated with physical and psychosocial impairments. Many cancer patients request complementary and alternative therapies such as mind-body medicine. CONCEPT The department of internal and integrative medicine at the Essen-Mitte Clinics offer a mind-body medicine day care clinic for cancer patients that is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program and the mind-body medicine cancer program of the Harvard Mind/Body Medical Institute. The program encompasses mindfulness training, yoga, mindful exercise, nutrition, naturopathic self-help strategies, and cognitive restructuring. CASES Two patients who had participated in the day care clinic program are presented here. One patient presented with anxiety and depression after recently diagnosed breast cancer and the other with psychological impairments as a result of multiple nevi excision after malignant melanoma surgery. Both patients improved in terms of anxiety and further psychological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The Essen-Mitte Clinics mind-body medicine day care clinic appears to alleviate psychological consequences of cancer and its treatment. Further studies and randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these results.