The Effect of Benson Relaxation Technique on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress of Jordanian Patients Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and are highly correlated with poor quality of life. Managing DAS among such patients can improve their quality of life (QoL), empowering them with improved autonomy, self-care, independency, and ability to perform daily activities. This study is aimed at examining the effectiveness of the Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT) on reducing DAS among patients diagnosed with MS in Jordan. This quasiexperimental study of 105 Jordanian patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis tested an intervention group (60 patients) who received BRT and a control group (45 patients) who received normal treatment. Data were collected from January 2021 to April 2021, using the Arabic version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). The intervention group was instructed to perform the BRT two times a day for 10 minutes at home for eight weeks at two specific times, with 7-8-hour intervals between each episode. STROBE guidelines were followed in reporting the review. At the baseline comparison, there was no statistical difference between the interventional and control groups with regard to DAS. The levels of DAS between the two groups after three months of the last sessions of the intervention (postintervention) were compared. The results showed that the intervention group had significantly lower levels of DAS compared to the control group. The levels of the DAS were significantly lower for the intervention group postintervention. Adding relaxation techniques to the therapeutic routine is a cost-effective complementary treatment to decrease DAS among MS patients and improve their QoL. Relevance to Practice. This study provides a baseline of data that could facilitate further investigations in the future to improve the quality of services delivered to such patients and thus their QoL and satisfaction.

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Hippotherapy for patients with multiple sclerosis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial (MS-HIPPO)

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458517721354 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (10) ◽

pp. 1375-1382 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Vanessa Vermöhlen ◽

Petra Schiller ◽

Sabine Schickendantz ◽

Marion Drache ◽

Sabine Hussack ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Standard Care ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Health Score ◽

Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Evidence-based complementary treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited. Objective: To investigate the effect of hippotherapy plus standard care versus standard care alone in MS patients. Methods: A total of 70 adults with MS were recruited in five German centers and randomly allocated to the intervention group (12 weeks of hippotherapy) or the control group. Primary outcome was the change in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) after 12 weeks, and further outcome measures included fatigue, pain, quality of life, and spasticity. Results: Covariance analysis of the primary endpoint resulted in a mean difference in BBS change of 2.33 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–4.63, p = 0.047) between intervention ( n = 32) and control ( n = 38) groups. Benefit on BBS was largest for the subgroup with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ⩾ 5 (5.1, p = 0.001). Fatigue (−6.8, p = 0.02) and spasticity (−0.9, p = 0.03) improved in the intervention group. The mean difference in change between groups was 12.0 ( p < 0.001) in physical health score and 14.4 ( p < 0.001) in mental health score of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54). Conclusion: Hippotherapy plus standard care, while below the threshold of a minimal clinically important difference, significantly improved balance and also fatigue, spasticity, and quality of life in MS patients.

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Impact of an Existential-Spiritual Intervention Compared with a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Quality of Life and Meaning in Life among Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.18502/ijps.v15i4.4298 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marzieh Hajibabaei ◽

Mohammad Bagher Kajbaf ◽

Maryam Esmaeili ◽

Mohammad Hossein Harirchian ◽

Ali Montazeri

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽

Meaning In Life ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Control Group ◽

Spiritual Intervention

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that could aggressively affect patients’ quality of life in most instances. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an existential-spiritual psychotherapy with a cognitive-behavioral therapy on quality of life and meaning in life in women with multiple sclerosis. Method: A convenience sample of 43 women with multiple sclerosis participated in this quasi-experimental study. They were randomly assigned into 3 groups: an existential-spiritual intervention, a cognitive-behavioral intervention, and the control group. Participants were assessed for outcome measures (quality of life and meaning in life) at 3 points in time: pretest, posttest, and 5-months follow-up. The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaires (MLQ) were used as outcome measures. To compare outcomes among the study groups, repeated measures analysis of variance was performed. Results: The results showed that while no difference was observed for the control group, scores for meaning in life improved significantly for existential-spiritual intervention and cognitive-behavioral therapy (p = 0.027, p = 0.039). Also, both mental (p < 0.001, p = 0.014) and physical (p = 0.001, p = 0.013) health dimensions of quality of life increased significantly in the 2 intervention groups. However, the results indicated that women in the existential-spiritual intervention group showed greater improvement in some aspects of meaning in life (search for meaning) and quality of life (role physical and role emotional, pain and energy) compared to women in the cognitive-behavioral intervention group. However, the latter group showed better improvements on 2 subscales (physical function and health distress). Conclusion: Both existential-spiritual and cognitive-behavioral interventions can improve quality of life and meaning in life among women with multiple sclerosis. However, the findings suggest that although both interventions were effective, the existential-spiritual intervention resulted in more positive improvements in some aspects of meaning in life and quality of life.

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Quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients participating in therapeutic horseback riding

ConScientiae Saúde ◽

10.5585/conssaude.v13n1.4388 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 39-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fabiana Moraes Flores ◽

Luana Santos Sousa ◽

Karla Mendonça Menezes ◽

Fernando Copetti ◽

Cláudia Morais Trevisan

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Horseback Riding ◽

Therapeutic Horseback Riding ◽

Before And After ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

Therapeutic Activities

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes interferences in the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals; for this reason, for this reason, programs of activities that can improve quality of life are crucial. Objective: Investigate whether therapeutic horseback riding (THR) included in the routine activities of people with MS promotes changes in perceived QoL. Methods: Fourteen individuals with MS were divided into intervention group and control group and assessed for perceived QoL by means of the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) instrument, before and after an interval of four months. Results: No significant changes in the QoL of MS subjects were observed, either in intragroup or intergroup assessments. Conclusion: The intervention with THR included in the routine therapeutic activities of individuals with MS was not helpful to promote changes in the perceived QoL of the individuals studied.

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The Effect of Skill-based Sexual Enhancement Counseling Program in Quality of life in Women with Multiple Sclerosis–a quasi-experimental study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42866/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Negin Sayari ◽

Katayon Vakilian ◽

Zohre Khalajinia ◽

Seyyed Amir Hejazi ◽

Mostafa Vahedian

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Medical Procedure ◽

Care Providers ◽

Counseling Program ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Quasi Experimental

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the world’s most common neurologic disorders and the leading cause of neurologic disability in young adults. This study aimed to investigate skill-based sexual enhancement counseling on Quality of Life (QLI) of women with Multiple Sclerosis.Methods: the present study is a quasi-experimental design with two groups. Forty-two patients with multiple sclerosis and their spouses (N=88) voluntarily participated in this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining the written consent forms, the couples were randomly assigned in two groups. The subjects in the intervention group (N=22 couples) received the skill-based sexual enhancement counseling program in six sessions (each for 90 minutes). The control group just received routine medical procedure during this period. Both groups completed three stages of pretest-posttest, and the standard MSQOL54 questionnaire 3 months later. Data were analyzed by SPSS-20 using descriptive and inferential statistics (repeated measures ANOVA, chi-square, Friedman and t-test).Results: The results showed that the participants' overall quality of life in the intervention group in pretest was 55.32±9.140 which increased to 73.89± 13.39 in posttest and to 92.59±20.45, 3 months later. Also, the physical quality of life showed a significant difference between the two groups 3 months after the intervention (P <0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups in psychological quality of life, too. The subscales of physical and mental QLI such as sexual satisfaction, sexual function, emotional wellbeing, social function and energy in post-test and follow-up were significantly different (P<0.05).Conclusions: According to the findings, skill-based sexual enhancement counseling program is effective in quality of life enhancement. Therefore, it is recommended to health care providers to use enhancement program alongside the other rehabilitation and medical services to improve the patients' quality of life.

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Physical Telerehabilitation Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

10.3233/shti210752 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

In cheol Jeong ◽

Herbert Karpatkin ◽

Joseph Finkelstein

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Home Based

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of physical telerehabilitation on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in a randomized controlled trial. PwMS in both groups received home-based individualized exercise plan based on their physical therapy exam. PwMS in the intervention group were guided by a telerehabilitation system in following their exercise program on a daily basis whereas PwMS in the control group received periodic newsletters. Disease-specific QOL was assessed by MSQOL-54 survey at the baseline and the end of 3-month rehabilitation program. Among the MSQOL sub-scales, the mean sub-score values for pain and cognitive function in control and intervention groups were significantly different as demonstrated by one-way ANOVA (pain: F = 4.301, p = 0.044, cognitive function: F = 5.053, p = 0.030). Our results demonstrated positive effects of physical telerehabilitation on MS symptoms and QOL. Development of further approaches promoting continuous participation in telerehabilitation in PwMS is warranted.

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Exercise and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Galen Medical Journal ◽

10.31661/gmj.v2i2.30 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 49-53

Author(s):

Fatemeh Bahramnezhad ◽

Ahmad Ali Asadi Noughabi ◽

Pouya Farokhnezhad Afshar ◽

Simin Marandi

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control ◽

Positive Effect

Background: Guidelines recommend that exercise training can beconsidered for medically stable outpatients with heart failure; thus, this study sought to determine the effect of exercise on quality of life in patients with heart failure.Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study 160 patients were included and divided into 2 groups (n=80). Intervention group performed the exercise (poly striding), 30 minutes three times a week, for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the exercises have not been followed for six months; SF36 Questionnaire was filled to assess the quality of life for the individuals in both groups in three steps: before the intervention, and 3 and 6 months after. After completion of questionnaires, quality of life was compared between the two groups and all the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The mean ages of the intervention and control groups were 61.65±17.5 and 64.116±17.4 years, respectively. Control group had significant decrease in quality of life at different stages of the study. Quality of life was significantly better in the intervention group comparing to the control group three months after the intervention despite the lack of significant difference before the intervention and after 6 months.Conclusion: Results showed a positive effect of exercise on quality of life in patients but the failures and lack of continuity did not improve the overall quality of life of patients as compared with their condition before the exercise. Overall, regular exercise is recommended for these patients.

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Physical Activity and Sport for Acquired Brain Injury (PASABI): A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57020122 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (2) ◽

pp. 122

Author(s):

Marta Pérez-Rodríguez ◽

Saleky García-Gómez ◽

Javier Coterón ◽

Juan José García-Hernández ◽

Javier Pérez-Tejero

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Control Group ◽

Wide Range

Background and objectives: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the first cause of disability and physical activity (PA) is a key element in functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the subacute and chronic phases. However, it is necessary to develop PA programs that respond to the heterogeneity and needs of this population. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a PA program on the HRQoL in this population. Materials and Methods: With regard to recruitment, after baseline evaluations, participants were assigned to either the intervention group (IG, n = 38) or the control group (CG, n = 35). Functional capacity, mood, quality of life and depression were measured pre- and post-intervention. The IG underwent the “Physical Activity and Sport for Acquired Brain Injury” (PASABI) program, which was designed to improve HRQoL (1-h sessions, two to four sessions/week for 18 weeks). The CG underwent a standard rehabilitation program without PA. Results: Results for the IG indicated significant differences and large effect sizes for the physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, as well as mood and functional capacity, indicating an increase in HRQoL. No significant differences were found for the CG across any variables. Conclusions: The PASABI program was feasible and beneficial for improving physiological and functionality variables in the IG. The wide range of the activities of the PASABI program allow its application to a large number of people with ABI, promoting health through PA, especially in the chronic phase.

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Adherence to Therapy, Physical and Mental Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11070672 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 672

Author(s):

Alessandra Buja ◽

Guendalina Graffigna ◽

Simona F. Mafrici ◽

Tatjana Baldovin ◽

Carlo Pinato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Behavioral Interventions ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Index ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adherence To Therapy

Ensuring multiple sclerosis (MS) patients’ adherence to therapy is often challenging, but it is crucial to their survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the present study was to outline connections between adherence, physical and mental HRQoL, levels of psychological readiness to engage in a treatment, levels of social support, anthropometric, socio-demographic and clinical factors in patients suffering from MS. This cross-sectional study involved a sample of 237 Italian MS patients. A survey was conducted with a structured self-administered online questionnaire using validated measures of quality of life, adherence to therapy and anthropometric, socio-demographic, psychological and clinical variables. A path analysis was used to test the overall structure of the associations between the variables. The pathway indicates a positive association between mental health index and a stronger degree of engagement and being or having been in a long-term relationship. Physical health index was positively associated with age, having an occupation, and having a specific form of MS. Having had relapses in the previous year raised the odds of better adherence to therapy, while an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) reduced them. Our findings could help in the management of MS patients, promoting behavioral interventions that take the psychological and socio-demographic peculiarities of each patient into account with a view to improving their adherence to therapy.

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Implementation and effectiveness of a multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment at neighborhood senior centres

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83408-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pei Ern Mary Ng ◽

Sean Olivia Nicholas ◽

Shiou Liang Wee ◽

Teng Yan Yau ◽

Alvin Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Attrition Rate ◽

Control Group

AbstractTo address the paucity of research investigating the implementation of multi-domain dementia prevention interventions, we implemented and evaluated a 24-week, bi-weekly multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment at neighborhood senior centres (SCs). It comprised dual-task exercises, cognitive training, and mobile application-based nutritional guidance. An RCT design informed by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance framework was adopted. Outcome measures include cognition, quality of life, blood parameters, and physical performance. Implementation was evaluated through questionnaires administered to participants, implementers, SC managers, attendance lists, and observations. The program reached almost 50% of eligible participants, had an attrition rate of 22%, and was adopted by 8.7% of the SCs approached. It was implemented as intended; only the nutritional component was re-designed due to participants’ unfamiliarity with the mobile application. While there were no between-group differences in cognition, quality of life, and blood parameters, quality of life reduced in the control group and physical function improved in the intervention group after 24 weeks. The program was well-received by participants and SCs. Our findings show that a multi-domain program for at-risk older adults has benefits and can be implemented through neighborhood SCs. Areas of improvement are discussed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04440969 retrospectively registered on 22 June 2020.

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A randomized trial of the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1515/jcim-2019-0204 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Ali Abbasi ◽

Hossein Ebrahimi ◽

Hossein Bagheri ◽

Mohammad Hasan Basirinezhad ◽

Seyedmohammad Mirhosseini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Peer Education ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Sexual Quality Of Life ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractBackgroundOne of the factors associated with readmission is inappropriate sexual activity after myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to assess the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life (SQOL) in patients with MI.MethodsIn this randomized controlled clinical trial, 70 patients with MI meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to experimental or control groups using block randomization. Peer education for the intervention group was provided on the third day after MI. Education sessions lasted from 90 to 120 minutes. Data were collected using demographic, sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F), and sexual quality of life-male (SQOL-M) questionnaires during the fourth week after MI.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in terms of demographic and SQOL. The mean of SQOL in the peer education group was significantly higher than the control group at the 4-week follow-up.ConclusionsAccording to the results, using peer education is recommended for the sexual health care professionals.

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