The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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Chronic back pain affects a large proportion of both the general population and of military veterans. Although numerous therapies exist for treating chronic back pain, they can be costly and tend to have limited effectiveness. Thus, demonstrating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of additional treatment alternatives is important. The purpose of our study was to examine the benefits of a yoga intervention for Veterans Administration (VA) patients. SUBJECTS/INTERVENTION: VA patients with chronic back pain were referred by their primary care providers to a yoga program as part of clinical care. Before starting yoga, a VA physician trained in yoga evaluated each patient to ensure that they could participate safely. ⋯ Preliminary data suggest that a yoga intervention for VA patients with chronic back pain may improve the health of veterans. However, the limitations of a pre-post study design make conclusions tentative. A larger randomized, controlled trial of the yoga program is planned.
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J Altern Complement Med · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of noninvasive interactive neurostimulation on symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, sham-controlled pilot study.
To explore the effects of noninvasive interactive neurostimulation used as an adjunct to usual care, on pain and other symptoms in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. ⋯ In this pilot study, clinically important reductions in knee pain were maintained at week 12 in the active, but not the sham, noninvasive interactive neurostimulation group. Further study of this noninvasive therapy is warranted.
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J Altern Complement Med · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialReiki for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.
Fibromyalgia is a common, chronic pain condition for which patients frequently use complementary and alternative medicine, including Reiki. Our objective was to determine whether Reiki is beneficial as an adjunctive fibromyalgia treatment. ⋯ Neither Reiki nor touch improved the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Energy medicine modalities such as Reiki should be rigorously studied before being recommended to patients with chronic pain symptoms.
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J Altern Complement Med · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialThe possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed aqueous extract on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests on chemical war victims: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
In previous studies, the relaxant, anticholinergic (functional antagonism), and antihistaminic effects of various extracts and oils of Nigella sativa seed have been demonstrated. In the present study, the prophylactic effect of a boiled aqueous extract of nigella seed on chemical war victims was examined. ⋯ The results of this study suggest a prophylactic effect of N. sativa on chemical war victims and warrant further research regarding this effect.