Complementary therapies in medicine
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Complement Ther Med · Jun 2006
Clinical TrialEffects of mental relaxation and slow breathing in essential hypertension.
To compare mental relaxation and slow breathing as adjunctive treatment in patients of essential hypertension by observing their effects on blood pressure and other autonomic parameters like heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral skin temperature, electromyographic activity of the frontalis muscle and skin conductance. ⋯ Even a single session of mental relaxation or slow breathing can result in a temporary fall in blood pressure. Both the modalities increase the parasympathetic tone but have effects of different intensity on different autonomic parameters.
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Complement Ther Med · Dec 2005
The effect of combined therapy (spa and physical therapy) on pain in various chronic diseases.
Spa therapy is commonly used in the treatment of daily chronic diseases practice, but its benefits are still the subjects of discussion. This study investigates possible effects of a combined spa and physical therapy program on pain and hemodynamic responses in various chronic diseases. ⋯ To decrease pain and high blood pressure without hemodynamic risk, a combined of spa and physical therapy program may help to decrease pain and improve hemodynamic response in patients with irreversible pathologies.
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Complement Ther Med · Sep 2005
Factors associated with the use of mind body therapies among United States adults with musculoskeletal pain.
To determine the prevalence of mind body therapy use and correlates of use among adults with prolonged musculoskeletal pain, a group for whom mind body therapies are recommended. ⋯ Mind body therapies are not used commonly by adults with prolonged musculoskeletal pain. Understanding barriers to their use may facilitate wider application in this population.
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Both pragmatic and explanatory randomised controlled trials have a useful role to play in the evaluation of health care interventions. In this descriptive article, the key steps in conducting a pragmatic trial are described. ⋯ Comparisons are made between pragmatic and explanatory trials, on the understanding that trials may have aspects to them that make the trial more of a hybrid. A case is made for the appropriate use and relevance of pragmatic trials in the evaluation of alternative and complementary medicine.