The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Oct 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of interactive neurostimulation therapy on myofascial trigger points associated with mechanical neck pain: a preliminary randomized, sham-controlled trial.
This trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of interactive neurostimulation (INS) therapy on the treatment of pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in adults with mechanical neck pain. ⋯ INS is a new and emerging therapy, which may be efficacious for managing musculoskeletal conditions, such as myofascial pain syndrome. This study demonstrated improvements in function in individuals with MTPs following INS therapy, which may be of clinical significance in certain patients with neck or shoulder pain. Further large-scale clinical trials are required to confirm this effect and to determine if INS also reduces pain and neck disability.
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J Altern Complement Med · Oct 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialYoga Nidra relaxation increases heart rate variability and is unaffected by a prior bout of Hatha yoga.
The measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) is often applied as an index of autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance and, therefore, myocardial stability. Previous studies have suggested that relaxation or mind-body exercise can influence ANS balance positively as measured by HRV but may act via different mechanisms. No studies, to the authors' knowledge, have examined the acute response in HRV to interventions combining relaxation and mind-body exercise. The objective of this study was to compare the acute HRV responses to Yoga Nidra relaxation alone versus Yoga Nidra relaxation preceded by Hatha yoga. ⋯ These changes demonstrate a favorable shift in autonomic balance to the parasympathetic branch of the ANS for both conditions, and that Yoga Nidra relaxation produces favorable changes in measures of HRV whether alone or preceded by a bout of Hatha yoga.