scholarly journals Evaluation of the Sustaining Effects of Tai Chi Qigong in the Sixth Month in Promoting Psychosocial Health in COPD Patients: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aileen W. K. Chan ◽  
Albert Lee ◽  
Diana T. F. Lee ◽  
Janet W. H. Sit ◽  
S. Y. Chair

Objectives. To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai Chi Qigong (TCQ) in improving the psychosocial health in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the sixth month.Background. COPD affects both physical and emotional aspects of life. Measures to minimize patients' suffering need to be implemented.Methods. 206 COPD patients were randomly assigned into three groups: TCQ group, exercise group, and control group. The TCQ group completed a three-month TCQ program, the exercise group practiced breathing and walking exercise, and the control group received usual care.Results. Significant group-by-time interactions in quality of life (QOL) using St. George's respiratory questionnaire (P= 0.002) and the perceived social support from friends using multidimensional scale of perceived social support (P= 0.04) were noted. Improvements were observed in the TCQ group only.Conclusions. TCQ has sustaining effects in improving psychosocial health; it is also a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients.

2001 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert T. Verhoeven ◽  
Ingrid M. Garrelds ◽  
Henk C. Hoogsteden ◽  
Freek J. Zijlstra

Background: In smoking COPD patients the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid contains high numbers of inflammatory cells. These cells might produce arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, which contribute to inflammation and an increased bronchomotor tone.Aims: To investigate levels of AA metabolites in BAL fluid, before and after inhaled glucocorticoid therapy: fluticasone propionate (FP) 1mg per day, or placebo.Methods: A double-blind placebo controlled trial lasting six months. COPD patients were selected by clinical criteria and the presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Lung function was recorded and in BAL fluid we counted cell numbers and measured LTB4, LTC4/D4/E4, PGE2, 6kPGF1α , PGF2α and TxB2. A control group consisted of asymptomatic smokers(n=6).Results: Paired data were obtained from 9 FP treated and 11 placebo patients. BAL cells were almost exclusively alveolar macrophages. In patients and controls both cellularity and levels of AA metabolites were equal. Cell numbers did not change after treatment. Statistically significant decreases after FP therapy were noticed for PGE2(30%), 6kPGF1α (41%) and PGF2α (54%).Conclusions: In COPD, the capability of inflammatory cells to produce certain AA metabolites was decreased after inhaled FP treatment. This result is discussed in its relation to clinical effects, the influence of smoking, and the results of an earlier, similar study in asthma patients.


2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Mendoza ◽  
Paula Horta ◽  
José Espinoza ◽  
Miguel Aguilera ◽  
Nicolás Balmaceda ◽  
...  

Physical inactivity is a cardinal feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Pedometers, which have been used in healthy populations, might also increase physical activity in patients with COPD.COPD patients taking part in a 3-month individualised programme to promote an increase in their daily physical activity were randomised to either a standard programme of physical activity encouragement alone, or a pedometer-based programme. Assessments were performed by investigators blinded to treatment allocation. Change in average 1-week daily step count, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council scale, St George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD assessment test (CAT) were compared between groups.102 patients were recruited, of whom 97 completed the programme (pedometer group: n=50; control group: n=47); 60.8% were male with a mean±sd age of 68.7±8.5 years, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 66.1±19.4% and FEV1/forced vital capacity 55.2±9.5%. Both groups had comparable characteristics at baseline. The pedometer group had significantly greater improvements in: physical activity 3080±3254 steps·day−1versus 138.3±1950 steps·day−1 (p<0.001); SGRQ −8.8±12.2 versus −3.8±10.9 (p=0.01); CAT score −3.5±5.5 versus −0.6±6.6 (p=0.001); and 6MWD 12.4±34.6 versus −0.7±24.4 m (p=0.02) than patients receiving activity encouragement only.A simple physical activity enhancement programme using pedometers can effectively improve physical activity level and quality of life in COPD patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weibing Wu ◽  
Xiaodan Liu ◽  
Peijun Li ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
Zhenwei Wang

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Liuzijue exercise combined with elastic band resistance exercise on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to provide a convenient, safe, and cost-effective exercise. Methods. Subjects were randomly divided into the control group (CG), the Liuzijue exercise group (LG), and the Liuzijue exercise combined with elastic band resistance exercise group (LEG), with 20 patients in each group. The LG performed Liuzijue exercise six times a week (two exercise sessions in the hospital and four exercise sessions at home). The LEG includes Liuzijue exercise similar to the LG and elastic band resistance exercise three times a week, with elastic band exercise implemented after Liuzijue exercise. Spirometry, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), 30-second sit-to-stand test (30 s SST), handgrip strength test, and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were performed at baseline and at the end of intervention. Results. After six-month intervention, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (% predicted), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), 6MWD%pred, 30 s SST, and SGRQ were significantly improved in the intervention groups (p < 0.01) and handgrip strength was increased significantly in the LG and LEG (p = 0.03 and p = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, improvements in 6MWD and SGRQ were distinguished in the intervention groups compared with the CG (p < 0.01). No difference was significant in all of the outcomes between the LG and the LEG. Conclusions. The intervention program of Liuzijue exercise combined with elastic band resistance exercise and Liuzijue exercise only has beneficial effects on COPD patients especially in the aspect of exercise capacity and quality of life.


Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Yvonne Peng Mei Ng ◽  
Esperanza Debby Ng ◽  
An Ling Siew ◽  
Evalotte Morelius ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Transitioning into parenthood can be stressful for new parents, especially with the lack of continuity of care from health care professionals during the postpartum period. Short hospital stays limit the availability of support and time parents need to be well equipped with parenting and infant care skills. Poor parental adjustment may, in turn, lead to negative parental outcomes and adversely affect the child’s development. For the family’s future well-being, and to facilitate a smoother transition into parenthood, there is a need for easily accessible, technology-based educational programs to support parents during the crucial perinatal period. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a technology-based supportive educational parenting program (SEPP) on parenting outcomes during the perinatal period in couples. METHODS A randomized, single-blinded, parallel-armed, controlled trial was conducted. The study recruited 236 parents (118 couples) from an antenatal clinic of a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Eligible parents were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=118) or the control group (n=118). The SEPP is based on Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Bowlby’s theory of attachment. Components of the intervention include 2 telephone-based educational sessions (1 antenatal and 1 immediately postnatal) and a mobile health app follow-up for 1 month. The control group only received routine perinatal care provided by the hospital. Outcome measures including parenting self-efficacy (PSE), parental bonding, perceived social support, parenting satisfaction, postnatal depression (PND), and anxiety were measured using reliable and valid instruments. Data were collected over 6 months at 4 time points: during pregnancy (third trimester), 2 days postpartum, 1 month postpartum, and 3 months postpartum. Outcomes were standardized using baseline means and SDs. Linear mixed models were used to compare the groups for postpartum changes in the outcome variables. RESULTS The intervention group showed significantly better outcome scores than the control group from baseline to 3 months postpartum for PSE (mean difference, MD, 0.37; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.68; P=.02), parental bonding (MD −1.32; 95% CI −1.89 to −0.75; P<.001), self-perceived social support (MD 0.69; 95% CI 0.18 to 1.19; P=.01), parenting satisfaction (MD 1.40; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.93; P<.001), and PND (MD −0.91; 95% CI −1.34 to −0.49; P<.001). Postnatal anxiety (PNA) scores of the intervention group were only significantly better after adjusting for covariates (MD −0.82; 95% CI −1.15 to −0.49; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The technology-based SEPP is effective in enhancing parental bonding, PSE, perceived social support and parental satisfaction, and in reducing PND and PNA. Health care professionals could incorporate it with existing hands-on infant care classes and routine care to better meet parents’ needs and create positive childbirth experiences, which may in turn encourage parents to have more children. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN48536064; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN48536064 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wMuEysiO).


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shen Menglu ◽  
Liu Ruiwen ◽  
Yang Suyong ◽  
Zhu Dong

Purpose: Exercise improves the health and mental status of drug dependents. The way by which Tai Chi (TC) as a special exercise treatment affects executive functions (EFs) of methamphetamine (MA) dependents is yet to be established. This study aimed to explore the effects of TC on the EFs and physical fitness of MA dependents.Methods: A total of 76 female MA dependents were randomly assigned to the exercise and control groups. The exercise group underwent three 60-min sessions of TC training per week for 12 weeks. The control group was trained with conventional exercises including the 9th Guang Bo Ti Cao and square dance. Physical fitness and EF assessments that evaluated inhibitory control (IC, go/no-go task), working memory (3-back task) and cognitive flexibility (switching task) were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. A repeated-measures ANOVA was applied to analyze the differences of group and time.Results: The exercise group showed decreased response time (RT) with a significant main effect of time on the go/no-go task [F(1, 68) = 9.6, p &lt; 0.05]. The interaction effect between time and group was significant on accuracy [F(1, 61) = 4.73, p &lt; 0.05], and the main effect of time was significant on RT [F(1, 61) = 4.66, p &lt; 0.05] in the 3-back task of the exercise group. Significant changes in BMI [F(1, 68) = 19.57, p &lt; 0.05], vital capacity [F(1, 68) = 6.00, p &lt; 0.05], and systolic blood pressure [F(1, 68) = 6.11, p &lt; 0.05] were observed in the exercise group.Conclusion: These findings showed that 3 months of TC training can improve the IC and maintain the working memory and cognitive flexibility of MA dependents. Other data implied that TC may improve the physical fitness of MA dependents.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR1900022091.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 864-872
Author(s):  
Fernanda Borowsky da Rosa ◽  
Adriane Schmidt Pasqualoto ◽  
Catriona M. Steele ◽  
Renata Mancopes

Introduction The oral cavity and pharynx have a rich sensory system composed of specialized receptors. The integrity of oropharyngeal sensation is thought to be fundamental for safe and efficient swallowing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at risk for oropharyngeal sensory impairment due to frequent use of inhaled medications and comorbidities including gastroesophageal reflux disease. Objective This study aimed to describe and compare oral and oropharyngeal sensory function measured using noninstrumental clinical methods in adults with COPD and healthy controls. Method Participants included 27 adults (18 men, nine women) with a diagnosis of COPD and a mean age of 66.56 years ( SD = 8.68). The control group comprised 11 healthy adults (five men, six women) with a mean age of 60.09 years ( SD = 11.57). Spirometry measures confirmed reduced functional expiratory volumes (% predicted) in the COPD patients compared to the control participants. All participants completed a case history interview and underwent clinical evaluation of oral and oropharyngeal sensation by a speech-language pathologist. The sensory evaluation explored the detection of tactile and temperature stimuli delivered by cotton swab to six locations in the oral cavity and two in the oropharynx as well as identification of the taste of stimuli administered in 5-ml boluses to the mouth. Analyses explored the frequencies of accurate responses regarding stimulus location, temperature and taste between groups, and between age groups (“≤ 65 years” and “> 65 years”) within the COPD cohort. Results We found significantly higher frequencies of reported use of inhaled medications ( p < .001) and xerostomia ( p = .003) in the COPD cohort. Oral cavity thermal sensation ( p = .009) was reduced in the COPD participants, and a significant age-related decline in gustatory sensation was found in the COPD group ( p = .018). Conclusion This study found that most of the measures of oral and oropharyngeal sensation remained intact in the COPD group. Oral thermal sensation was impaired in individuals with COPD, and reduced gustatory sensation was observed in the older COPD participants. Possible links between these results and the use of inhaled medication by individuals with COPD are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-28
Author(s):  
O. M. Polikutina ◽  
Y. S. Slepynina ◽  
E. D. Bazdyrev ◽  
V. N. Karetnikova ◽  
O. L. Barbarach

Aim. To evaluate the structural and functional changes in the lungs of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with absence or presence of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), and the relation with myocardial dysfunction and systemic inflammation.Material and methods. Totally, 189 STEMI patients included: group 1 — STEMI with COPD of moderate and mild grade, 2 — STEMI with no lung pathology. Groups were comparable by clinical and anamnestic parameters. Assessment of lung function and blood collection were done at 10­12 day of STEMI. For comparison of the parameters representing structural and functional changes in the lungs and comparison of C­reactive protein (CRP), N­terminal pro­brain natriuretic peptide (NT­proBNP) concentration, a control group was formed with no pulmonary pathology, comparable by age and sex with the STEMI patients.Results. In COPD patients, higher values revealed of the parameters representing the part of residual volumes in pulmonary structure. Higher residual volume (RV) was found also in STEMI and no COPD comparing to controls, however the relation RV/TLC (total lung capacity) was not higher than normal range. In both groups there were lower values of diffusion lung capacity (DLCO) comparing to controls. The lowest DLCO found in COPD patients. Concentration of NT­proBNP (H=41,6; p<0,001) and CRP (H=38,6; p<0,001) in COPD was significantly higher in STEMI with no COPD patients than in controls. The negative correlations found for NT­proBNP and CRP with forced expiratory volume 1 sec, FEV/FVC1, DLCO, and positive — with the values of thoracic volume, RV/TLC.Conclusion. In STEMI patients the increase revealed of residual lung volumes. Mostly the level of residual volumes is high in STEMI and COPD patients. There are associations of NT­proBNP and CRP with structural and functional parameters of the lungs regardless of COPD.


Author(s):  
Jose L. Gonzalez-Montesinos ◽  
Jorge R. Fernandez-Santos ◽  
Carmen Vaz-Pardal ◽  
Jesus G. Ponce-Gonzalez ◽  
Alberto Marin-Galindo ◽  
...  

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are characterised for presenting dyspnea, which reduces their physical capacity and tolerance to physical exercise. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of adding a Feel-Breathe (FB) device for inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Twenty patients were randomised into three groups: breathing with FB (FBG), oronasal breathing without FB (ONBG) and control group (CG). FBG and ONBG carried out the same training programme with resistance, strength and respiratory exercises for 8 weeks. CG did not perform any pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Regarding intra group differences in the value obtained in the post-training test at the time when the maximum value in the pre-training test was obtained (PostPRE), FBG obtained lower values in oxygen consumption (VO2, mean = −435.6 mL/min, Bayes Factor (BF10) > 100), minute ventilation (VE, −8.5 L/min, BF10 = 25), respiratory rate (RR, −3.3 breaths/min, BF10 = 2), heart rate (HR, −13.7 beats/min, BF10 > 100) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2, −183.0 L/min, BF10 = 50), and a greater value in expiratory time (Tex, 0.22 s, BF10 = 12.5). At the maximum value recorded in the post-training test (PostFINAL), FBG showed higher values in the total time of the test (Tt, 4.3 min, BF10 = 50) and respiratory exchange rate (RER, 0.05, BF10 = 1.3). Regarding inter group differences at PrePOST, FBG obtained a greater negative increment than ONBG in the ventilatory equivalent of CO2 (EqCO2, −3.8 L/min, BF10 = 1.1) and compared to CG in VE (−8.3 L/min, BF10 = 3.6), VCO2 (−215.9 L/min, BF10 = 3.0), EqCO2 (−3.7 L/min, BF10 = 1.1) and HR (−12.9 beats/min, BF10 = 3.4). FBG also showed a greater PrePOST positive increment in Tex (0.21 s, BF10 = 1.4) with respect to CG. At PreFINAL, FBG presented a greater positive increment compared to CG in Tt (4.4 min, BF10 = 3.2) and negative in VE/VCO2 intercept (−4.7, BF10 = 1.1). The use of FB added to a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in COPD patients could improve tolerance in the incremental exercise test and energy efficiency. However, there is only a statically significant difference between FBG and ONBG in EqCO2. Therefore, more studies are necessary to reach a definitive conclusion about including FB in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme.


Author(s):  
Dorien Vanden Bossche ◽  
Susan Lagaert ◽  
Sara Willems ◽  
Peter Decat

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many primary care professionals were overburdened and experienced difficulties reaching vulnerable patients and meeting the increased need for psychosocial support. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) tested whether a primary healthcare (PHC) based community health worker (CHW) intervention could tackle psychosocial suffering due to physical distancing measures in patients with limited social networks. Methods: CHWs provided 8 weeks of tailored psychosocial support to the intervention group. Control group patients received ‘care as usual’. The impact on feelings of emotional support, social isolation, social participation, anxiety and fear of COVID-19 were measured longitudinally using a face-to-face survey to determine their mean change from baseline. Self-rated change in psychosocial health at 8 weeks was determined. Results: We failed to find a significant effect of the intervention on the prespecified psychosocial health measures. However, the intervention did lead to significant improvement in self-rated change in psychosocial health. Conclusions: This study confirms partially the existing evidence on the effectiveness of CHW interventions as a strategy to address mental health in PHC in a COVID context. Further research is needed to elaborate the implementation of CHWs in PHC to reach vulnerable populations during and after health crises.


Author(s):  
Ali Kandeğer ◽  
Memduha Aydın ◽  
Kürşat Altınbaş ◽  
Alparslan Cansız ◽  
Özge Tan ◽  
...  

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between perceived social support, coping strategies, anxiety, and depression symptoms among hospitalized COVID-19 patients by comparing them with a matched control group in terms of age, gender, and education level. Method The patient group (n = 84) and the healthy controls (HCs, n = 92) filled in the questionnaire including the socio-demographic form, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced through the online survey link. Results The COVID-19 patients had higher perceived social support and coping strategies scores than the HCs. However, anxiety and depression scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. In logistic regression analysis performed in COVID-19 patients, the presence of chest CT finding (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.04–17.95) was a risk factor for anxiety and the use of adaptive coping strategies (OR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.73–0.99) had a negative association with anxiety. In addition, the use of adaptive coping strategies (OR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.79–0.98) and high perceived social support (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.93– 0,99) had a negative association with depression symptoms. Conclusions Longitudinal studies involving the return to normality phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are needed to investigate the effects of factors such as coping strategies and perceived social support that could increase the psychological adjustment and resilience of individuals on anxiety and depression.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document