The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2008
ReviewEfficacy and safety of acupuncture for idiopathic Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.
To assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy (monotherapy or adjuvant therapy), compared with placebo, conventional interventions, or no treatment in treating patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). ⋯ There is evidence indicating the potential effectiveness of acupuncture for treating IPD. The results were limited by the methodological flaws, unknowns in concealment of allocation, number of dropouts, and blinding methods in the studies. Large, well-designed, placebo-controlled RCTs with rigorous methods of randomization and adequately concealed allocation, as well as intention-to-treat data analysis are needed.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2008
Integrative medicine research at an academic medical center: patient characteristics and health-related quality-of-life outcomes.
To characterize patients seeking care at a university-based integrative medicine practice, and to assess short-term changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with integrative medical treatment. ⋯ Integrative medical treatment at a university-based center is associated with significant increases in HRQoL for a medically diverse population with substantial comorbidity and functional limitations. Controlled studies that measure HRQoL and additional outcomes related to whole person health--physical, mental, social, and spiritual--are needed to determine the full therapeutic potential of integrative medicine, and to determine efficacy and cost-effectiveness relative to conventional medical care.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of short-term intensive yoga program on pain, functional disability and spinal flexibility in chronic low back pain: a randomized control study.
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a short-term intensive residential yoga program with physical exercise (control) on pain and spinal flexibility in subjects with chronic low-back pain (CLBP). ⋯ Seven (7) days of a residential intensive yoga-based lifestyle program reduced pain-related disability and improved spinal flexibility in patients with CLBP better than a physical exercise regimen.