Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Feb 2006
Comparative Study[The German Medical Association support initiative on health care research].
The 108th German Medical Assembly adopted a 6-year support initiative for health care research in order to contribute to the further development of this young scientific discipline which has not yet been sufficiently established in Germany. The program is focussed on the following subjects: (1) influence of economic changes on outpatient and inpatient medical care, (2) implementation of medical guidelines in medical routine and (3) the physician factor. Setting methodical standards in this new field and opening up access to medical data should provide a relevant impulse to health care research in Germany. The promoting strategy of the German Medical Association will be completed by initiating a network of scientists, research promoters and health care players.
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Jan 2006
[Aspects of economic evaluation in health care].
Health economists use models to estimate comparative costs and usage of interventions in health care. However the concepts and methods used have inherent weaknesses, especially in the determination of relevant and exact effect sizes. Health economic methodologies do not replace sociopolitical decision making, but they can play an important role in rational decision making about necessary changes to our social and health system if the instruments themselves are neither over- nor underestimated.
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Aug 2005
[Exercise therapy as a therapeutic concept].
Lack of exercise is a primary cause for today's level of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Thus, exercise as a therapeutic modality has an important role. Beneficial effects of exercise have been extensively documented, specifically in primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, disorders of fat metabolism, heart insufficiency, cancer, etc. ⋯ Endurance strength training in the form of sequential training involving approx. 8-10 different exercises for the most important muscle groups 2 x per week is a suitable exercise therapy. One to three sets with 8-12 repetitions per exercise should be performed until volitional exhaustion of the trained muscle groups among healthy adults and 15-20 repetitions among older and cardiac patients. Apart from a positive effect on the locomotor system, this type of strength training has positive effects on CHD, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.