The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Apr 2008
Clinical TrialA pilot study comparing the effects of mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral stress reduction.
The objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of two mind-body interventions: mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive-behavioral stress reduction (CBSR). ⋯ While MBSR and CBSR may both be effective in reducing perceived stress and depression, MBSR may be more effective in increasing mindfulness and energy and reducing pain. Future studies should continue to examine the differential effects of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions and attempt to explain the reasons for the differences.
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J Altern Complement Med · Apr 2008
Use of complementary and alternative medicine by physicians in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide, although relatively little is known of physician use of CAM, and there are no quantitative reports of CAM use by Russian physicians. ⋯ Physician use of CAM in Russia appears very high. The high prevalence of CAM may complicate adoption of Western evidence-based practices. Predictors and effects of CAM usage in Russian society warrant further study.
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J Altern Complement Med · Mar 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial"Playing their parts": the experiences of participants in a randomized sham-controlled acupuncture trial.
Qualitative research has an important part to play in investigating how complex interventions are implemented within randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and what impact the RCT context has on participants, their behavior, and their outcomes. We explored these issues within a randomized sham-acupuncture controlled trial of traditional Chinese acupuncture for people with migraine. ⋯ We conclude that treatment in the trial differed from that described in studies of "real life" traditional acupuncture. These differences affected the needling-the characteristic or specific intervention-as well as contextual factors. This trial design limitation appears to be inevitable when a sham-controlled design is used to research an intervention that is based on a holistic and participative treatment strategy. These findings should be taken into account in the design and interpretation of RCTs of complex interventions such as acupuncture.
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J Altern Complement Med · Mar 2008
The effect of deep-tissue massage therapy on blood pressure and heart rate.
In the present study, we describe the effects of deep tissue massage on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure. ⋯ Additional scientific research in this area is warranted.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialGuided imagery for women with interstitial cystitis: results of a prospective, randomized controlled pilot study.
In the United States, more than 1 million women and men are affected with interstitial cystititis (IC), which is a clinical syndrome involving urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain. A review of the literature revealed that there are no studies showing the effect of guided imagery in women with IC. The purpose of this clinical investigation was to explore the effect of guided imagery on pelvic pain and urinary symptoms in women with IC symptoms. ⋯ This is the first study providing preliminary data supporting the use of guided imagery as a potential therapy for IC. Guided imagery may be a useful tool to offer women with IC for pain and IC symptom management. It is an intervention without negative side-effects, is readily available, and shows a trend toward improvement of IC symptoms.