scholarly journals Effectiveness of Acupressure on the Taichong Acupoint in Lowering Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gan-Hon Lin ◽  
Wei-Chun Chang ◽  
Kuan-Ju Chen ◽  
Chen-Chen Tsai ◽  
Sung-Yuan Hu ◽  
...  

Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on the Taichong acupoint in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients.Methods. Eighty patients with hypertension attending a cardiology outpatient department in central Taiwan were included in this randomized clinical trial. Acupressure was applied to the Taichong acupoint in the experimental group (n=40) and to the first metatarsal (sham acupoint) in the control group (n=40). Blood pressure was measured by electronic monitoring before and immediately 15 min and 30 min after acupressure.Results. The average age of the experimental and control participants was 59.3 ± 9.2 years and 62.7 ± 8.4 years, respectively. The two groups were similar for demographics and antihypertensive drug use. Mean systolic and diastolic BP in the experimental group decreased at 0, 15, and 30 min after acupressure (165.0/96.3, 150.4/92.7, 145.7/90.8, and 142.9/88.6 mmHg); no significant changes occurred in the control group. There was a significant difference in systolic and diastolic BP between the experimental and control groups immediately and 15 and 30 min after acupressure (p<0.05).Conclusion. Acupressure on the Taichong acupoint can lower BP in hypertensive patients and may be included in the nursing care plan for hypertension. However, additional studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, frequency, and long-term effects of this therapy.

Author(s):  
Masoumeh Bagheri Nesami ◽  
Seyed Afshin Shorofi ◽  
Attieh Nikkhah ◽  
Hossein Roohi Moghaddam ◽  
Ali Mahdavi

  In spite of the improvement of dialysis techniques, hemodialysis patients still experience debilitation. Impaired functioning, well-being, and quality of life are among the factors that are of a great concern in these patients. The current study aimed to examine the effects of lavender essential oil on well-being among hemodialysis patients. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 30 hemodialysis patients. For each patient in the experimental group, five cotton balls were prepared using two drops of lavender essence diluted with sweet almond oil. Lavender was used at five concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, administered through pinning the soaked cotton ball on the patients' collar on the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth weeks of the intervention, respectively. The patients were asked to breathe normally for 20 min. On the other hand, the control group received only routine nursing care. The perceived sense of well-being was measured in both groups at the end of each week using a visual analog scale. The mean ages of patients were obtained as 58.9 ± 14.31 and 53.03 ± 15.84 years for the experimental and control groups, respectively. Hypertension was reported to be the most common underlying disease in both groups. The results showed a significant difference in the mean level of well-being in the experimental group in the fourth and fifth weeks of the intervention, compared to that before the intervention. Inhalation aromatherapy with 40% and 50% lavender essence had a positive effect on the perceived sense of well-being in hemodialysis patients. However, lower concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% did not exert a comparable effect.


2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-451
Author(s):  
Dilek Karaman ◽  
Funda Erol ◽  
Dilek Yılmaz ◽  
Yurdanur Dikmen

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality application on experimental ischemic pain created with a blood pressure instrument in healthy volunteers. METHODS: The research sample consisted of 172 volunteer adult students who conformed to the inclusion criteria. These individuals were assigned into an experimental (n=86) and a control group (n=86) by a simple randomization method. All individuals in the experimental and control groups wereexperimentally subjected to pain for two minutes by applying 260 mmHg of pressure 3-4 cm above the antecubital region of the left arm with an aneroid adult-type blood pressure instrument. During the procedure, the volunteers in the experimental group watched virtual reality images, while those in the control group received no intervention. Immediately after the procedure, the pain levels of the individuals in both groups were assessed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: We found that the mean pain score of the individuals in the experimental group was 2.62±1.82, and that of individuals in the control group was 5.75±1.65. Results of the statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the mean pain scores of the individuals in the experimental and control groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study found that the use of virtual reality was effective in reducing the level of pain in healthy individuals. This method used a smartphone with widespread availability and ease of transportation, which can be used by health professionals as a non-pharmacological method in the management of pain.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenchao Lu ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Zhongnan Yan ◽  
Yuangang Wang ◽  
Hongmin Che

Abstract Background To evaluate the efficacy of microvascular decompression (MVD) in reducing hypertension (HTN) in hypertensive patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods The clinical data of 58 cases of neurogenic HTN with TN treated in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative MR revealed abnormal blood pressure in the left rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the posterior cranial nerve root entry zone (REZ). The patients were divided into control group: only trigeminal nerve was treated with MVD; experimental group: trigeminal nerve, RVLM and REZ were treated with MVD at the same time. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 1 year to observe the changes of blood pressure. Results There was no significant difference in gender, age, course of TN, course of HTN, grade of HTN and preoperative blood pressure between the two groups. After operation, the effective rate of HTN improvement with MVD was 32.1% in the control group. There was no significant difference in the preoperative and post operative blood pressure. (P△SBP = 0.131; P△BDP = 0.078). In the experimental group, the effective rate was 83.3%. The postoperative blood pressure was significantly lower than preoperative values. (P△SBP < 0.001; P△DBP < 0.001). Conclusions MVD is an effective treatment for neurogenic HTN. However, the criteria for selecting hypertensive patients who need MVD to control their HTN still needs to be further determined. Possible indications may include: left trigeminal neuralgia, neurogenic HTN; abnormal blood pressure compression in the left RVLM and REZ areas on MR; and blood pressure in these patients can not be effectively controlled by drugs.


Introduction: The number of major abdominal surgical procedures is increasing around the world. A large number of the patients complain about postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after abdominal surgery and show symptoms of breathing pattern disorder. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of deep breathing exercise on the oxygenation of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 patients who needed major abdominal surgery in Qom, Iran, in 2014. The participants were divided into two equal experimental (n=20) and control (n=20) groups. The cases in both groups received routine care, however, those in the experimental group exercised repeated deep breathing four times per hour for two consecutive hours after the surgery as well. The condition of the patients in both groups was similar in terms of position, mobility, and oxygen therapy. The patient’s oxygen saturation, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate, and the severity of pain in the surgery site were measured. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (Version. 18) using paired t-test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Multiple regression analyses, Chi-square test, and Fischer’s exact test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Based on the study findings, the deep breathing exercise significantly reduced the surgery site pain and mean blood pressure and increased O2 saturation in the experimental group after the intervention (P<0.05). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups, and a significantly higher O2 saturation was observed in the experimental group after deep breathing exercise post-operation (β=2.01, P<0.001). Conclusion: Deep breathing exercises can reduce the severity of pain in the surgery site and mean arterial blood pressure and increase O2 saturation in patients after major abdominal surgery.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 1112-1116
Author(s):  
A Nishad ◽  
NS Sreesan ◽  
Joseph Joy ◽  
Lakshmi Lakshmanan ◽  
Joyce Thomas ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Aim The study aimed to assess the impact of mouthwashes on antibacterial activity of individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances. Materials and methods A total of 60 individuals were considered in the study. Sixty (20 each group) nonextraction class I individuals were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Group I: Experimental group [chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash], group II: Experimental group (neem mouthwash), group III: Control group (distilled water). All the clinical examinations were done at baseline and 30th day respectively, after the start of orthodontic treatment. The mean differences between the different experimental groups were calculated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results There was no statistical significance at baseline mean plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) scores, and Streptococcus mutans (SM) colony count between groups. The PI and GI scores among CHX and neem mouthwash groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.032 respectively) were significantly reduced after intervention and also the SM colonies count was reduced in CHX and neem mouthwash groups and there was significant difference between the groups. Conclusion As both mouthwashes showed significant effectiveness on antibacterial activity in individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances, neem mouthwash can be used as an alternative to CHX. Clinical significance It is better to have a sound knowledge regarding the use of mouthwash in long term as fixed orthodontics are associated with accumulation of SM, enamel demineralization, and an increased number of carious lesions, predominantly in sites adjacent to bracket. How to cite this article Nishad A, Sreesan NS, Joy J, Lakshmanan L, Thomas J, Anjali VA. Impact of Mouthwashes on Antibacterial Activity of Subjects with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(12):1112-1116.


2020 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Maleki Delarestaghi ◽  
Aslan Ahmadi ◽  
Fatemeh Dehghani Firouzabadi ◽  
Maryam Roomiani ◽  
Mohammad Dehghani Firouzabadi ◽  
...  

Objective: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is one of the most severe multifactorial complications following laryngectomy. The current study aimed at determining the effect of a low-pressure vacuum drain on the incidence of PCF after total laryngectomy. Methods: The current randomized clinical trial was conducted on 35 patients undergoing total laryngectomy in Hazrat Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The subjects were divided into the vacuum drain (n = 15) and control (without vacuum drain) (n = 20) groups. The incidence of PCF and the recovery time were recorded. Results: The rate of PCF formation from the stoma and wound edges was significantly lower in the low-pressure vacuum drain group than in the control group (6.7% vs 40%) ( P < .05). There was no significant difference between the groups in time to recovery from PCF. Conclusion: The low-pressure vacuum drain method is effective in reducing the incidence of PCF after total laryngectomy.


Author(s):  
Geórgia Alcântara Alencar Melo ◽  
Andrea Bezerra Rodrigues ◽  
Mariana Alves Firmeza ◽  
Alex Sandro de Moura Grangeiro ◽  
Patrícia Peres de Oliveira ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the therapeutic effect of music on anxiety and vital parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease when compared to patients receiving conventional care in hemodialysis clinics. Method: randomized clinical trial conducted in three renal replacement therapy clinics. Sixty people with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis were randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group, 30 persons per group). State anxiety was evaluated in both groups by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A t-test was used to verify the effect of the experimental manipulation on the variables. Results: we found a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the degree of anxiety experienced during hemodialysis sessions. The experimental group presented a statistically significant reduction of anxiety scores (p = 0.03), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.002), heart rate (p < 0.01) and respiratory rate (p < 0.006) after listening to music. Conclusion: music represents a potential resource for nursing intervention to reduce state anxiety during hemodialysis sessions. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-64b7x7.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Hashemi Shiri ◽  
Esmaeil Raiatdoost ◽  
Hamid Afkhami ◽  
Ruhollah Ravanshad ◽  
Seyed Ehsan Hosseini ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundGiven the COVID-19 pandemic’s, researchers are beseeched for effective treatments. Herbal medicine is also queried for potential supplementary treatments for COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Sugarcane, Black Myrobalan, and Mastic herbal medications for COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial study conducted over three months from May to July 2020 in patients admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in Peymaniyeh Hospital in Jahrom, Iran. The intervention group received the treatment protocol approved by the Ministry of Health of Iran during the period of hospitalization and the herbal supplement obtained from the combination of black myrobalan and mastic and sugarcane, twice a day (3g of herbal supplements). All patients were compared in terms of demographic variables, vital signs, clinical and laboratory variables.Results72 patients with COVID-19, divided into intervention (n=37) and control (n=35) groups. intervention and control groups had not any significant difference in terms of baseline characteristics. The time-to-event analysis revealed a significant difference in 4 symptoms of cough, fever, dyspnea, and myalgia (P<0.05). The Control group had a significantly lower decrease in C-reactive protein during 7 days (P<0.05). Patients in the herbal supplement group were hospitalized for 4.12 days and in the control group were hospitalized for 8.37 days (P=0.001). ICU admission and death only happened in 3 (8.6%) patients of the control group.ConclusionWhile advanced studies with more sample size are needed; the proposed combination seems to be effective in the symptom treatment and reducing the length of hospitalization.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Pereira de Jesus Costa ◽  
Mércia Kelly dos Santos Silva ◽  
Samae Batista de Oliveira ◽  
Luana Leite Silva ◽  
Alessandra Cruz Silva ◽  
...  

The monitoring and combined use of dietary supplements to restore adequate growth are paramount and highly recommended in child malnutrition, an important public health problem. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of cashew nut seed flour in children with moderate malnutrition, treated at primary healthcare services. This is a randomized clinical trial conducted from April to October 2017 in the city of Imperatriz, Brazil. The sample comprised 30 children born at term, aged between 2 and 5 years, and newly diagnosed with malnutrition (60 days or less), randomized into experimental and control groups. The intervention consisted of daily intake of cashew nut seed flour. There was intragroup statistically significant difference in the glucose levels of children who were assigned to the control group (p=0.02) and in the glycated hemoglobin in the experimental group (p<0.01). Intergroup analysis of glycated hemoglobin levels showed statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group (p=0.01). HDL and LDL had, respectively, increased and decreased in the experimental group. The use of cashew nut seed flour in a 24-week period had positive effects on glycated hemoglobin, HDL, and LDL parameters in moderately malnourished children.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-26
Author(s):  
Lilis Lismayanti ◽  
Barkah Hidayatulloh

Hypertension is a condition in blood pressure in the blood vessels chronically elevated. This can happen because the heart work harder to pump blood to meet the body's need for oxygen and nutrients Hypertension prevalence in Indonesia continues to increase every year, so did the prevalence in the city of Tasikmalaya. Management of hypertension require a serious, because if it would not affect other body systems disorders. SEFT is a complementary therapy that can be used for the treatment of hypertension. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of therapy SEFT on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with a given treatment 1 and 3 times round SEFT in two different groups, and find out the effect of the number of rounds SEFT to high blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The research method using the quasy experimental pretest-posttest with control group approach, using purposive sampling technique sampling. The research sample consisted of 30 patients with hypertension aged more thanr 18 years, and are divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The results showed that SEFT effect on reduce of blood pressure in hypertensive patients, but there was no significant difference between treatment 1 rotation with 3 rotations of the number of rotations. The results of this study can be used as a reference by both academics and practitioners to apply nursing SEFT therapy in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, especially for independent nursing practitioners


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