Effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet on reported pain, blood biomarkers and quality of life in patients with chronic pain: A pilot randomised clinical trial rationale, study design and protocol.

2021 ◽  
pp. 101346
Author(s):  
Rowena Fielda ◽  
Fereshteh Pourkazemi ◽  
Kieron Rooney
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Ketogenic Diet ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Low Carbohydrate

Effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet on reported pain, blood biomarkers and quality of life in patients with chronic pain: A pilot randomised clinical trial

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowena Field ◽  
Fereshteh Pourkazemi ◽  
Kieron Rooney
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Ketogenic Diet ◽  
Pain Reduction ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Low Carbohydrate ◽  
Average Pain

Abstract Background A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has been reported to improve chronic pain by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and sensitivity within the nervous system. The main aim of this trial is to evaluate the effects of a ketogenic diet on reported pain, blood biomarkers and quality of life in patients with chronic pain. Methods Participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain were recruited for a 12-week diet intervention that commenced with a 3-week run-in diet removing ultra-processed foods, followed by randomisation to either a whole-food/well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) or to continue with the minimally processed whole-food diet (WFD). Outcome measures included: average pain (visual analogue scale VAS), blood biomarkers, anthropometrics, adherence, depression, anxiety, sleep, ketones, quality of life, diet satisfaction and macronutrient intake. Results Average weekly pain improved for both groups. WFKD group VAS reduced by 17.9 ± 5.2 mm (p = 0.004) and the WFD group VAS reduced 11.0 ± 9.0 mm (p = 0.006). Both groups also reported improved quality of life (WFKD = 11.5 ± 2.8%, p = 0.001 and WFD = 11.0 ± 3.5%, p = 0.014). The WFKD group also demonstrated significant improvements in pain interference (p = 0.013), weight (p < 0.005), depression (p = 0.015), anxiety (p = 0.013), and inflammation (hsCRP) (p = 0.009). Significant average pain reduction remained at three-month follow-up for both groups (WFKD p = 0.031, WFD p = 0.011). Conclusion The implementation of a whole-food diet that restricts ultra-processed foods is a valid pain management tool, however a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets may have potentially greater pain reduction, weight loss and mood improvements.

The effects of animal-assisted interactions on quality of life in children with life-threatening conditions and their parents

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 524-530
Author(s):  
Haley Walker ◽  
Mary Chapman Miller ◽  
Brittany Cowfer ◽  
Terrah Akard ◽  
Mary Jo Gilmer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Severe Stress ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

Background: Children with advanced cancer and their primary caregivers may experience severe stress and anxiety in coping with their life-threatening condition. As a way to help reduce these stressors and increase overall quality of life, research suggests that animal-assisted interactions may be beneficial when integrated into palliative care. Aims: This pilot study aims to provide evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of a randomised clinical trial using animal-assisted interactions to help improve the quality of life for children with an advanced life-threatening condition and their primary caregivers. This protocol paper outlines the basis of the research, goals, experimental design and methodology.

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