Trials
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Nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems treated by orthopaedic physicians and physiotherapists. Posture has emerged as one of the major risk factors associated with NSNP, but most previous studies ignored correct posturing as an effective treatment. Therefore, one of the major challenges faced by clinicians is how to incorporate 3D posture findings into the treatment plane. The present study will evaluate the feasibility of conducting a larger randomized trial. This pilot study is designed to investigate the hypothesis that a multimodal programme supplemented with the addition of a 3D adjustable cervico thoracic posture corrective orthotic (CTPCO) will yield short- and long-term improvement on NSNP management outcomes. ⋯ This randomized controlled pilot trial will inform the design of a future full-scale trial. The outcomes will provide some resources for the incorporation of ambulatory mirror-image functional re-training intervention compared to a control group intervention for neck pain, disability and 3D posture parameters.
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Cancer survivors and their informal caregivers (family members, close friends) often experience significant impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), including disruptions in psychological, physical, social, and spiritual well-being both during and after primary cancer treatment. The purpose of this in-progress pilot trial is to determine acceptability and preliminary efficacy (as reflected by effect sizes) of CBCT® (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training) compared with a cancer health education (CHE) attention control to improve the primary outcome of depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes of other HRQOL domains (e.g., anxiety, fatigue), biomarkers of inflammation and diurnal cortisol rhythm, and healthcare utilization-related outcomes in both cancer survivors and informal caregivers. ⋯ If CBCT shows acceptability, a larger trial will be warranted and appropriately powered to formally test the efficacy of this dyadic intervention. Interventions such as CBCT directed toward both survivors and caregivers may eventually fill a gap in supportive oncology care programs to improve HRQOL and healthcare utilization in both dyad members.
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In routine intensive care unit (ICU) practice, fluids are often administered without a safety limit, which may lead to fluid overload and decreased survival. Recently, B-lines score (BLS) has been validated as a lung ultrasound (LUS) quantification of pulmonary congestion. This suggests that LUS may provide a safety threshold to conduct fluid therapy and to avoid overhydration. However, there is no randomized study to test the utility of LUS in guiding fluid management in ICU patients by using a pre-specified BLS cut-off value as a threshold for fluid removal. ⋯ If study results will show that LUS guided fluid management protocol improves outcome in ICU patients, it will be the base for other studies to refine this protocol or track those categories of critically ill patients to whom it may bring maximum benefits.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to peripheral and respiratory muscle dysfunctions. Nowadays, inspiratory muscle training can be geared toward strength or endurance gains. This study aims to investigate the effects of an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) protocol using different therapeutic modalities to be implemented in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The effects of IMT on exercise capacity were considered as the primary endpoint, and the effects of IMT on inspiratory muscle function, health-related quality of life, and daily physical activity level were considered as the secondary outcomes. ⋯ The different IMT protocols used in our study will be able to guide respiratory therapists to understand and to include in conventional PR programs the most effective respiratory muscle training type in subjects with COPD.
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Multicenter Study
Songling Xuemaikang capsules for patients with low-to-medium risk hypertension: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular disease. Songling Xuemaikang capsules (SXC), a formulation of Chinese herbal patent medicine, has been used as a complementary medicine with conventional western medicine to treat patients with hypertension since 1994 in mainland China. However, the efficacy of treatment with SXC alone against hypertension remains unclear. ⋯ This is the first multicenter trial conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in patients with low-to-medium risk hypertension. Our study will provide evidence-based results of a complementary preventive measure for hypertension.