Effects of weight-neutral approaches compared with traditional weight-loss approaches on behavioral, physical, and psychological health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-55
Author(s):  
Jaslyn A Dugmore ◽  
Copeland G Winten ◽  
Hannah E Niven ◽  
Judy Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Abstract Context Weight-neutral approaches for health are emerging therapeutic alternatives to traditional weight-loss approaches. The existing literature base comparing these approaches has not yet been systematically evaluated by a meta-analysis. Objective This review aims to determine if weight-neutral approaches are valid alternatives to weight-loss approaches for improving physical, psychological, and behavioral health outcomes. Data Sources Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and the University of Queensland Library databases were searched. Study Selection Peer-reviewed, experimental, or quasi-experimental studies that included weight-neutral and weight-loss arms and reported physical, psychological, or behavioral outcomes were eligible. A total of 525 studies were identified through initial database searches, with 10 included in the final analysis after exclusion criteria were applied. Data Extraction Screening and eligibility assessment of studies followed the PRISMA protocol. The following outcomes were extracted: weight, body mass index, lipid and glucose variables, blood pressure, eating behavior, self-esteem, depression, quality of life, physical activity, and diet quality. Data Analysis Studies were graded per the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) level-of-evidence tool and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics quality-evaluation tool. Effect sizes were examined as a meta-analysis of standardized and mean differences using a random-effects inverse-variance model with 95%CIs. Practice recommendations for each outcome were graded per NHMRC body-of-evidence guidelines. Conclusions Weight-neutral approaches resulted in greater improvement in bulimia (P = 0.02), but no significant differences were observed for any other outcome. Weight-neutral approaches may be as effective as weight-loss methods for improving physical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes. Limitations include inconsistent definitions of both approaches and variable time frames of follow-up.

scholarly journals Combinations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep and health outcomes in older adults: a systematic review protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Antonio Henrique Germano-Soares ◽  
Ozeas Lima Lins-Filho ◽  
Caroline Ramos de Moura Silva ◽  
José Francisco Silva ◽  
Carla Menêses Hardman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Recent systematic reviews highlighted important relationships between combinations of movement behaviors (ie. sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity) and health outcomes among children and adolescents. However, it is unclear whether similar relationships occur in older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this protocol was to describe the aims and methods for a systematic review to summarize the studies examining the relationships between movement behaviors and health outcomes in older adults. A systematic review will be developed based on searches of articles in seven electronic databases and references of retrieved articles, contact with authors, and study repositories. Eligibility criteria: observational or experimental studies examining the association of at least two movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity) with health outcomes in older adults (≥60 years old). Selection of the studies and extraction of the data will be carried out by two reviewers independently. Characteristics of the study, participants, methods of combinations, and main results will be extracted and described. Risk of bias and level of evidence in the studies will be assessed according to the study quality tool of the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the GRADE guidelines. The data will be synthesized using random effects meta-analysis for results that are sufficiently homogeneous in terms of statistical, clinical, and methodological characteristics. If not, then a narrative synthesis will be conducted. The results of this review may provide insights to improve current guidelines on 24-hour cycle in older adults, as well as guide future studies in this research field. 

scholarly journals Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e022499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collins Zamawe ◽  
Carina King ◽  
Hannah Maria Jennings ◽  
Chrispin Mandiwa ◽  
Edward Fottrell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Induction Of Labour ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Significant Difference

ObjectiveThe use of herbal medicines for induction of labour (IOL) is common globally and yet its effects are not well understood. We assessed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for IOL.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of published literature.Data sourcesWe searched in MEDLINE, AMED and CINAHL in April 2017, updated in June 2018.Eligibility criteriaWe considered experimental and non-experimental studies that compared relevant pregnancy outcomes between users and non-user of herbal medicines for IOL.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted by two reviewers using a standardised form. A random-effects model was used to synthesise effects sizes and heterogeneity was explored through I2statistic. The risk of bias was assessed using ‘John Hopkins Nursing School Critical Appraisal Tool’ and ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool’.ResultsA total of 1421 papers were identified through the searches, but only 10 were retained after eligibility and risk of bias assessments. The users of herbal medicine for IOL were significantly more likely to give birth within 24 hours than non-users (Risk Ratio (RR) 4.48; 95% CI 1.75 to 11.44). No significant difference in the incidence of caesarean section (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.86), assisted vaginal delivery (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.14), haemorrhage (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.60), meconium-stained liquor (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.65 to 2.23) and admission to nursery (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.38) was found between users and non-users of herbal medicines for IOL.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that herbal medicines for IOL are effective, but there is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of herbal medicines for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. More studies are recommended to establish the safety of herbal medicines.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Status of Forest Healing Program in South Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10368
Author(s):  
Sujin Park ◽  
Soojin Kim ◽  
Geonwoo Kim ◽  
Yeji Choi ◽  
Eunsoo Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Certification System ◽  
The Status

Various effects of forest healing on health have been reported, but a certification system to assess the effectiveness of forest healing programs does not exist. In this study, a systematic review (SR) on the “health benefits of forests” and “meta-analysis of forest therapy” was conducted after analyzing the status and level of evidence of 75 forest healing programs that were conducted post-certification in South Korea. The SR for “health benefits of forests” distinguished between activities and time, resulting in 90.9% of walking activities for more than an hour under psychological health, and 100.0% of exercise activities for less than an hour under physiological health. However, the effect of indirect activities performed for more than an hour was unknown. Thus, we confirmed that many indoor activities in the field had low effect size or no established basis regarding the feasibility of its operation. The SR on “meta-analysis of forest therapy” to check whether the program was effective. The highest number of healing effects were obtained for blood pressure (32), followed by psychological depression (24). The findings of this can serve as baseline data to facilitate future development and dissemination of evidence-based forest healing programs.

scholarly journals Effect of mushrooms on obesity in animal models: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Grotto ◽  
Isabella Ferreira Camargo ◽  
Katia Kodaira ◽  
Lauren Giustti Mazzei ◽  
Juliana Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Preclinical Research ◽  
Medicinal Mushrooms ◽  
Aquatic Mammal

Abstract Background Obesity and its consequences are worldwide epidemic problem; therefore, studies with strategies and mechanisms that favor weight loss to improve outcomes in health are necessary. Effects of mushrooms on body weight are uncertain. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the efficacy of mushrooms in weight loss in animal preclinical models. Method This is a systematic review of preclinical studies of animal models of obesity (any type of non-aquatic mammal), which were exposed to edible and medicinal mushrooms orally in comparison with the control. The following databases will be used: MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, BIOSIS, SCOPUS, and gray literature. There will be no restriction of language, date, or publication status. The primary outcome will be body weight loss. And the secondary outcomes include the total amount of food consumed by the animals, analysis of metabolic parameters, inflammatory mediators, mortality for any causes, and any adverse effect reported. A team of reviewers will select, in pairs and independently, the titles and abstracts, extract data from qualifying studies, and assess bias risk (using SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool and the Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADES) checklist). The standardized mean difference (SMD) will be calculated to measure treatment effect, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The heterogeneity between-study will be calculated by I2 inconsistency values and Cochran’s Q statistical test, where I2 > 50% and/or p < 0.10 suggest high heterogeneity meta-analyses of random effects will be conducted as possible. Discussion Although many experimental studies about the effects of mushrooms on obesity have already been published, there is still no consensus in the literature. This study will provide evidences of preclinical research on mushrooms and their relation to body weight loss in animal models of obesity, being non-aquatic mammals. Also, this systematic review will show the limitations and strengths of the studies available in the literature, as well as it will to encourage the financing of new studies by public health managers and governmental entities. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD42019125299).

An updated meta-analysis of the association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk of epilepsy

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (8) ◽  
pp. 453-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Sadeghi ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Riahi ◽  
Mona Mohammadi ◽  
Vafa Saber ◽  
Somayeh Aghamolaie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Toxoplasma Infection ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic pathogen with worldwide distribution. To evaluate the association between Toxoplasma infection and the risk of epilepsy by meta-analysis, observational peer-reviewed studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar (up to 10 October 2018) and by reference review. Pooled risk estimates were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane’s Q-test and I2. In total, 16 eligible studies involving 19 data sets were included for the final analysis. A total 7897 participants (3771 epileptic patients, 4026 healthy controls) were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for Toxoplasma infection was increased to 1.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37 to 2.16) among patients with epilepsy. There was moderate heterogeneity among the studies (χ2=39.8, I2=62.3%, p=0.001). The ORs from subgroup analyses showed that both cryptogenic epilepsy (OR 2.65 [95% CI 1.91 to 3.68]) and active convulsive epilepsy (OR 1.37 [95% CI 1.09 to 1.72]) were significantly associated with Toxoplasma infection. Another subgroup analyses according to age showed a significant positive association in children (OR 1.33), adults (OR 1.57) and in all ages (OR 1.89). Our findings support the association between Toxoplasma infection and epilepsy. More prospective studies with larger sample sizes and more experimental studies are recommended to elucidate a causative relationship.

scholarly journals Chinese Herbal Medicine for Acute Mountain Sickness: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Wang ◽  
Xingjiang Xiong ◽  
Yanwei Xing ◽  
Zhen Liu ◽  
Wenrui Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Chinese Herbal Medicine ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Acute Mountain Sickness ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Routine Treatment ◽  
Chinese Herbal

Objectives. We aimed to assess the current clinical evidence of Chinese herbal medicine for AMS.Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched until January 2013. We included randomized clinical trials testing Chinese herbal medicine against placebo, no drugs, Western drugs, or a combination of routine treatment drugs against routine treatment drugs. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to Cochrane standards.Results. Nine randomized trials were included. The methodological quality of the included trials was evaluated as low. Two trials compared prescriptions of Chinese formula used alone with Western drugs. A meta-analysis showed a beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −2.23 [−3.98, −0.49],P=0.01). Only one trial compared prescriptions of Chinese formula used alone with no drugs. A meta-analysis showed a significant beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −6.00 [−6.45, −5.55],P<0.00001). Four trials compared Chinese formula used alone with placebo. A meta-analysis also showed a significant beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −1.10 [−1.64, −0.55],P<0.0001). Two trials compared the combination of Chinese formula plus routine treatment drugs with routine treatment drugs. A meta-analysis showed a beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −5.99 [−11.11, −0.86],P=0.02).Conclusions. No firm conclusion on the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for AMS can be made. More rigorous high-quality trials are required to generate a high level of evidence and to confirm the results.

scholarly journals Acupuncture for Managing Cancer-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae-Young Choi ◽  
Jong In Kim ◽  
Hyun-Ja Lim ◽  
Myeong Soo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
The Other ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Background. Insomnia is a prominent complaint of cancer patients that can significantly affect their quality of life and symptoms related to sleep quality. Conventional drug approaches have a low rate of success in alleviating those suffering insomnia. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of cancer-related insomnia. Methods. A total of 12 databases were searched from their inception through January 2016 without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs were included if acupuncture was used as the sole intervention or as an adjunct to another standard treatment for any cancer-related insomnia. The data extraction and the risk of bias assessments were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Results. Of the 90 studies screened, 6 RCTs were included. The risk of bias was generally unclear or low. Three RCTs showed equivalent effects on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 2 RCTs showed the similar effects on response rate to those of conventional drugs at the end of treatment. The other RCT showed acupuncture was better than hormone therapy in the numbers of hours slept each night and number of times woken up each night. The 3 weeks of follow-up in 2 RCTs showed superior effects of acupuncture compared with conventional drugs, and a meta-analysis showed significant effects of acupuncture. Two RCTs tested the effects of acupuncture on cancer-related insomnia compared with sham acupuncture. One RCT showed favourable effects, while the other trial failed to do so. Conclusion. There is a low level of evidence that acupuncture may be superior to sham acupuncture, drugs or hormones therapy. However, the number of studies and effect size are small for clinical significance. Further clinical trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Moxibustion for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Jianyu You ◽  
Jing Ye ◽  
Haiyan Li ◽  
Wenguo Ye ◽  
Ensi Hong
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Objective. This review aimed at systematically evaluating the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods. Relevant trials were searched in seven digital databases up to January 2021. After literature screening, data extraction, and literature quality evaluation, the included studies were meta-analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. The evidence level was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results. Fifteen studies involving 1030 CFS participants were included. Meta-analyses showed a favorable effect of moxibustion on the total effective rate compared with acupuncture (OR = 4.58, 95%CI = [2.85, 7.35], P < 0.00001 ) and drugs (OR = 6.36, 95%CI = [3.48, 11.59], P < 0.00001 ). Moxibustion also appeared to significantly reduce fatigue severity measured by fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) (WMD = −2.20, 95% CI = [−3.16, −1.24], P < 0.00001 ) and fatigue assessment instrument (FAI) (WMD = −16.36, 95% CI = [−26.58, −6.14], P = 0.002 ) compared with the control group. In addition, among the 15 included studies, only two studies reported adverse events related to moxibustion, and the symptoms were relatively mild. The quality of evidence based on the 15 included trials was assessed as moderate to very low. Conclusions. Based on limited evidence, moxibustion might be an effective and safe complementary therapy for CFS, which can be recommended to manage CFS. Because of the limited level of evidence in this review, further high-quality trials are still needed to confirm these findings.

Perceived Workplace Gender Discrimination and Employee Consequences: A Meta-Analysis and Complementary Studies Considering Country Context

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 2419-2447 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Triana ◽  
Mevan Jayasinghe ◽  
Jenna R. Pieper ◽  
Dora María Delgado ◽  
Mingxiang Li
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Relative Deprivation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Employee Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
The Relationship

We draw on relative deprivation theory to examine how the context influences the relationship between employees’ perceptions of gender discrimination and outcomes at work using a meta-analysis and two complementary empirical studies. Our meta-analysis includes 85 correlations from published and unpublished studies from around the world to assess correlates of perceived workplace gender discrimination that have significant implications for employees. We extend relative deprivation theory to identify national differences in labor laws and cultural norms as contextual factors that affect the threshold for feeling deprived and moderate the relationship between perceived workplace gender discrimination and employee outcomes. Findings show that perceived gender discrimination is negatively related to job attitudes, physical health outcomes and behaviors, psychological health, and work-related outcomes (job-based and relationship-based). Correlations between perceived workplace gender discrimination and physical health outcomes and behaviors were stronger in countries with more broadly integrated labor policies and stringently enforced labor practices focused on promoting gender equality. Correlations were also stronger in countries with more gender-egalitarian cultural practices across multiple employee outcomes of perceived workplace gender discrimination. Further, results from two complementary studies (one employee survey and one experiment) supported the meta-analytic findings and provided evidence of the relative deprivation rationale central to our theory. Implications for research and practice include the need to consider the influence of the country context in organizational decisions to prevent and address gender discrimination and its consequences for employees and ultimately, for employers.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Contribution of Dance Movement Psychotherapy Towards the Well-Being of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supritha Aithal ◽  
Zoe Moula ◽  
Vicky Karkou ◽  
Themis Karaminis ◽  
Joanne Powell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Dance Movement ◽  
Protocol Registration

Background: The present review provides an original examination of published literature on the use of Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) as an intervention for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).Method: The review was systematically conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A protocol consisting of four phases: identification; screening and selection; data extraction and synthesis; quality assurance was developed and registered with the PROSPERO. A search strategy was developed using population and intervention as the key concepts and ten databases were searched between 6.1.2018 to 4.4.2018 and 10.07.2021 to 20.07.2021. The intervention characteristics were extracted based on the TIDieR template for intervention description and replication checklist. Quality assessment and level of evidence of all the included studies were evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) for treatment criteria.Results: Nine research studies with a total of 133 participants were identified through a systematic search process. There was only one mixed-methods study with the component of randomisation found during the literature search. Collected information was synthesised in relation to (a) ways in which dance movement psychotherapists work with children; (b) data collection methods and findings. Results from the reviewed literature suggest that DMP can potentially promote various aspects of well-being in children with ASD. Eight out of nine studies mentioned the effects of DMP on improving different social and communication skills. However, results from quality assessments and synthesised outcomes indicate that research in DMP is still in its infancy.Conclusions: We conclude that further large-scale, high-quality studies are required to generate further evidence that explains the processes involved in DMP, the effectiveness of DMP, the relationship between therapeutic factors of DMP, and research findings for children on the autism spectrum.Systematic Review Protocol Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42018087912.

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