Complementary therapies in clinical practice
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · May 2018
Review Meta AnalysisEffects of Gua Sha therapy on perimenopausal syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
In East Asia, Gua Sha therapy is widely used in patients with perimenopausal syndrome. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Gua Sha therapy for the treatment of patients with perimenopausal syndrome. ⋯ Preliminary evidence supported the hypothesis that Gua Sha therapy effectively improved the treatment efficacy in patients with perimenopausal syndrome. Additional studies will be required to elucidate optimal frequency and dosage of Gua Sha.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · May 2018
ReviewAuricular acupressure is an alternative in treating constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Auricular acupressure (AA) therapy has been widely used in Eastern Asia and Europe to prevent constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. The aim of this systematic review was to review data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of auricular acupressure therapy for preventing constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. ⋯ Taken together, as a potential safety therapy, only weak evidence supported the hypothesis that AA effectively prevented constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · May 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of hand and foot surface stroke massage on anxiety and vital signs in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.
Anxiety affects various body systems, which leads to an increase in respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hand and foot surface stroke massage on the level of anxiety and vital signs in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ⋯ Hand and foot massage can be a useful nursing intervention in attenuating anxiety levels and improving the vital signs in patients.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · May 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialSelf-efficacy and embodiment associated with Alexander Technique lessons or with acupuncture sessions: A longitudinal qualitative sub-study within the ATLAS trial.
A large randomised controlled trial found that the provision of either Alexander Technique lessons or acupuncture, for those with chronic neck pain, resulted in significantly increased self-efficacy when compared with usual care alone. In turn, enhanced self-efficacy was associated with significant reductions in neck pain at 6 and 12 months. In this analysis we explore the perspectives of participants within the trial, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of how these interventions had an impact. ⋯ In-depth interviews revealed a rich array of experiences. They gave insight into the positive impact of the interventions on development of self-care, self-efficacy and embodiment. These findings complement the quantitative trial data, providing a more nuanced understanding of the factors that underpin the previously quantified improvement in self-efficacy and its association with longer-term reductions in pain.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · May 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of a hippotherapy intervention on muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of a 12 weeks hippotherapy intervention protocol on hip adductors spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. ⋯ A hippotherapy based treatment in addition to conventional therapy, in children with cerebral palsy, produces statistically significant changes in hip adductors spasticity after a 12-weeks intervention. Thus, it seems to produce benefits in the short-term.