Complementary therapies in medicine
-
Complement Ther Med · Dec 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyArgentine tango dance compared to mindfulness meditation and a waiting-list control: a randomised trial for treating depression.
To determine whether tango dancing is as effective as mindfulness meditation in reducing symptoms of psychological stress, anxiety and depression, and in promoting well-being. ⋯ Mindfulness-meditation and tango dance could be effective complementary adjuncts for the treatment of depression and/or inclusion in stress management programmes. Subsequent trials are called to explore the therapeutic mechanisms involved.
-
Complement Ther Med · Oct 2012
ReviewCosts and consequences of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain: a systematic review of economic evaluations conducted alongside randomised controlled trials.
The economic burden that chronic pain conditions impose on individuals and society is significant. Acupuncture appears to be a clinically effective treatment for some chronic pain conditions. Given the need for policy decisions to be informed by economic evaluations, the objective of this systematic review was to synthesise data from economic evaluations to determine whether acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain conditions is good value for money. ⋯ The cost per QALY gained in all seven cost-utility studies was found to be below typical thresholds of willingness to pay. Acupuncture appears to be a cost-effective intervention for some chronic pain conditions.
-
Complement Ther Med · Oct 2012
Back pain amongst mid-age Australian women: a longitudinal analysis of provider use and self-prescribed treatments.
To analyse use of conventional and complementary and alternative (CAM) practitioners and self-prescribed CAM amongst mid-age Australian women with back pain. ⋯ Back pain is prevalent amongst mid-age Australian women, although only one third sought help. Women who sought help for their back pack were high users of CAM (practitioners and self-prescribed) and conventional care providers, consulting a CAM practitioner in complement with conventional biomedical consultations rather than as an alternative. Further research is needed to explore the complex contemporary landscapes of back pain negotiation and management.
-
To describe Pilates exercise according to peer-reviewed literature, and compare definitions used in papers with healthy participants and those with low back pain. ⋯ There is a general consensus in the literature of the definition of Pilates exercise. A greater emphasis may be placed on posture in people with low back pain, whilst traditional principles, apart from breathing, may be less relevant.
-
Complement Ther Med · Aug 2012
ReviewSpinal manipulations for tension-type headaches: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of spinal manipulations as treatment option for tension type headaches. ⋯ The evidence that spinal manipulation alleviates tension type headaches is encouraging, but inconclusive. The low quantity of the available data prevent firm conclusion.