Forschende Komplementärmedizin = Research in complementary medicine
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Forsch Komplementmed · Feb 2009
Controlled Clinical Trial[Art therapy for cancer patients in outpatient care. Psychological distress and coping of the participants].
Various types of art therapy increasingly gain importance in psycho-oncology. The aim of this article is to determine whether art therapy may help decrease psychological distress and increase coping skills in cancer patients. ⋯ The level of psychological distress among cancer patients in outpatient care is above average. This underlines the need for psycho-oncological aftercare services. Art therapy interventions can make an important contribution to the psychological well-being of cancer patients.
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Forsch Komplementmed · Oct 2008
[Development and implementation of a 'curriculum complementary and alternative medicine' at the Heidelberg Medical School].
The 9th revision of the Medical Training Regulations for Physicians (AAppO) in October 2003 included the new compulsory interdisciplinary subject 'Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)' (QB 12). The present article describes the development of a 'CAM curriculum' for undergraduate education, its implementation in the QB 12 at the Heidelberg Medical School and its evaluation. ⋯ The well-evaluated CAM courses/lectures indicate a successful development and implementation of the 'CAM curriculum' in the QB 12 at the Heidelberg Medical School. Thus, the requirements of the AAppO are met. Moreover, implementation of CAM in undergraduate education allows for the importance CAM has in every-day care of patients in Germany.
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Forsch Komplementmed · Aug 2008
Developing a qigong intervention and an exercise therapy for elderly patients with chronic neck pain and the study protocol.
In the so far published trials on qigong and exercise therapies, the methods and especially the interventions applied are rarely described in detail. Therefore, we report on the development of the interventions, the study design and protocols of a randomised controlled multi-centre trial. ⋯ The results of this study may help clarify, if qigong is a feasible, safe and effective intervention for elderly people with neck pain.
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Forsch Komplementmed · Apr 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on quality of life in nursing home residents: a feasibility study.
With demographic change, the number of elderly people is increasing. The aging process and associated stress diminishes their quality of life. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been claimed to reduce stress and alleviate suffering. It might be a useful approach to improve the condition in the elderly. ⋯ In view of the setting, the completion rate of 60% appears to be acceptable. Significant results suggest that MBSR may help improve health-related quality of life and reduce symptoms of depression. Yet, as participants did not meet the requirement to practice independently, feasibility of conducting MBSR with elderly who live in a nursing home has to be questioned.
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Forsch Komplementmed · Apr 2008
ReviewFunctional chronic pain syndromes and naturopathic treatments: neurobiological foundations.
There is increasing clinical evidence that reflex therapies such as massage, Gua Sha, cupping, wet packs, acupuncture etc. are helpful in reducing symptoms of chronic pain. However, the neurobiological basis of these effects has rarely been investigated even though the increasing knowledge of the pathophysiology of chronic pain syndromes allows for specific hypotheses. Reflex therapies are likely able to influence chronic pain at the level of the nociceptor and the spinal cord. ⋯ A synopsis of the neurobiological foundations of pain perception, from the nociceptor up the spinal cord to brain mechanisms provides the basis for the investigation of the 'way of action' of reflex therapies. Specific hypotheses on their neurobiological bases and methods suitable for their investigation are outlined. Further clarification of the mechanisms of action of reflex therapies will support their clinical evidence and add to our understanding of the neurobiology of complementary medicine.