Tai Chi as an Alternative or Complementary Therapy for Patients With Depression

Author(s):  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
Taj Haider

Considering depression ranks high among the contributors to worldwide disease burden and conventional treatments have severe limitations, Tai Chi, due to its holistic approach, is being explored as an alternative therapy. A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of Tai Chi as a treatment option for depression. Inclusion criteria included the following: ( a) studies published in the English language, ( b) studies published between January 2007 and July 2012, ( c) studies that included Tai Chi as a therapy in an intervention, ( d) studies that used any quantitative study design, and ( e) studies that measured depression as an outcome. A total of 11 studies met these criteria. The efficacy of Tai Chi as an alternative and complementary treatment for depression is mixed. Limitations of the reviewed interventions included a mixed usage of instruments, high dropout rates, low sample sizes, and a lack of quality assessment tools for Tai Chi.

Author(s):  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
Taj Haider

Low back pain is not only a leading cause of disability in the United States but also one of the most expensive to treat. Exercise proves to be inconsistent, and surgery often leads to disease reappearance. Yoga offers a holistic approach to overcome the psychological and physical aspects of low back pain. A systematic review was performed to determine the efficacy of yoga for low back pain. Study inclusion criteria were studies ( a) published in the English language, ( b) published between January 2000 and June 2012, ( c) included any form of yoga as an intervention, ( d) used any quantitative study design, and (5) measured low back pain as an outcome. Of the 13 studies included, 9 demonstrated a reduction in low back pain using yoga as part of the intervention. Limitations include lack of theory-based approaches, unclear definitions of low back pain, and multiple instruments used to measure the outcome.


2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (9) ◽  
pp. 754-763
Author(s):  
E Fuccillo ◽  
A M Saibene ◽  
M P Canevini ◽  
G Felisati

AbstractObjectiveRecent scientific literature has widely described a possible major role of smell dysfunction as a specific symptom of coronavirus disease 2019. This systematic review may provide a more holistic approach to current knowledge of the disease.MethodsA systematic review was completed using Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases that considered original articles focused on olfactory evaluation in coronavirus disease 2019 patients, published between March and May 2020, in English language.ResultsFrom the 483 research papers initially identified, 32 original studies were selected, comprising a total of 17 306 subjects with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019. Individual study sample sizes ranged from 6 to 6452 patients. This comprehensive analysis confirmed that olfactory disorders represent an important clinical feature in coronavirus disease 2019, with a prevalence of 11–100 per cent in included patients, although there was heterogeneity in terms of assessment tools and population selection criteria.ConclusionThe results indicate that an accurate clinical evaluation should be carried out using structured questionnaires and tests with olfactory substances.


2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad U. Malik ◽  
David A. Diaz Voss Varela ◽  
Charles M. Stewart ◽  
Kulsoom Laeeq ◽  
Gayane Yenokyan ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) introduced the Outcome Project in July 2001 to improve the quality of resident education through competency-based learning. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine and explore the perceptions of program directors regarding challenges to implementing the ACGME Outcome Project. Methods We used the PubMed and Web of Science databases and bibliographies for English-language articles published between January 1, 2001, and February 17, 2012. Studies were included if they described program directors' opinions on (1) barriers encountered when attempting to implement ACGME competency-based education, and (2) assessment methods that each residency program was using to implement competency-based education. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were screened by 2 researchers. The grading criterion was created by the authors and used to assess the quality of each study. Results The survey-based data reported the opinions of 1076 program directors. Barriers that were encountered include: (1) lack of time; (2) lack of faculty support; (3) resistance of residents to the Outcome Project; (4) insufficient funding; (5) perceived low priority for the Outcome Project; (6) inadequate salary incentive; and (7) inadequate knowledge of the competencies. Of the 6 competencies, those pertaining to patient care and medical knowledge received the most responses from program directors and were given highest priority. Conclusions The reviewed literature revealed that time and financial constraints were the most important barriers encountered when implementing the ACGME Outcome Project.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-214
Author(s):  
Arjuna Arjuna ◽  
Etty Rekawati

This study aims to determine complementary therapies that can be applied to managing anxiety and depression in the elderly in the community. Methods for searching articles through English databases: EBSCO host, Scopus, Pro-Quest, Wiley Online Library, Sage Publications, Science direct, and Springer Link in the last ten years. The search results obtained 282 articles, and six reports identified that met the inclusion criteria. Systematic review analysts use the PRISMA diagram. There are six complementary therapies used: aromatherapy, reiki, laughter therapy, acupressure, religion, aromatherapy, music, and reiki. In conclusion, all of these complementary therapies are effective in the management of anxiety or depression. The complementary treatment suggested in the direction of pressure is aromatherapy, while depression is religious therapy.   Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Parents, Complementary Therapy


Author(s):  
Elisa T. Bushman ◽  
Gabriella Cozzi ◽  
Rachel G. Sinkey ◽  
Catherine H. Smith ◽  
Michael W. Varner ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Headaches affect 88% of reproductive-aged women. Yet data are limited addressing treatment of headache in pregnancy. While many women experience improvement in pregnancy, primary and secondary headaches can develop. Consequently, pregnancy is a time when headache diagnosis can influence maternal and fetal interventions. This study was aimed to summarize existing randomized control trials (RCTs) addressing headache treatment in pregnancy. Study Design We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and SCOPUS from January 1, 1970 through June 31, 2019. Studies were eligible if they were English-language RCTs addressing treatment of headache in pregnancy. Conference abstracts and studies investigating postpartum headache were excluded. Three authors reviewed English-language RCTs addressing treatment of antepartum headache. To be included, all authors agreed each article to meet the following criteria: predefined control group, participants underwent randomization, and treatment of headache occurred in the antepartum period. If inclusion criteria were met no exclusions were made. Our systematic review registration number was CRD42019135874. Results A total of 193 studies were reviewed. Of the three that met inclusion criteria all were small, with follow-up designed to measure pain reduction and showed statistical significance. Conclusion Our systematic review of RCTs evaluating treatment of headache in pregnancy revealed only three studies. This paucity of data limits treatment, puts women at risk for worsening headache disorders, and delays diagnosis placing both the mother and fetus at risk for complications.


Author(s):  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
Taj Haider

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders plaguing the United States. Comorbidities include depression, restless leg syndrome, cancer, and hypertension. The side effects and the high-costs associated with the current pharmacological therapies necessitate exploration of alternative methods of treatment. To determine the efficacy of yoga as a treatment option a systematic review is presented here. The criteria for inclusion in this review were as follows: ( a) published in the English language ( b) published between the period January 2010 and May 2012, ( c) include any form of yoga as a part of or an entire intervention, ( d) use any quantitative study design, and ( e) measure anxiety as an outcome. A total of 27 studies met these criteria. Of these, 19 demonstrated a significant reduction in state and/or trait anxiety. Limitations include a lack of theory-based approaches, subjects experiencing comorbidities, and the use of numerous instruments to measure anxiety outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596712096140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Kai Hong ◽  
Chao-Jui Chang ◽  
Fa-Chuan Kuan ◽  
Kai-Lan Hsu ◽  
Yueh Chen ◽  
...  

Background: Retear of a repaired rotator cuff tendon is a major issue for shoulder surgeons. It is possible that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a greater risk of tendon retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Purpose: To determine whether patients with DM have a higher tendon retear risk after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using the Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases. Inclusion criteria were articles written in the English language that included patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgeries, reported the numbers of patients with and those without DM, and reported the number of rotator cuff retears. Data relevant to this study were extracted and statistically analyzed. Random-effects models were used to generate pooled odds ratio estimates and CIs. Results: A total of 160 studies were identified from the initial search, and 5 of them met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1065 patients (207 patients with DM and 858 patients without DM) were included. The pooled results showed that the patients in the DM group had a significantly higher tendon retear risk than did those in the non-DM group (relative risk, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.14-4.45; P = .02). Conclusion: Patients with DM have a 2.25 times higher risk of tendon retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair compared with patients without DM.


Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 606
Author(s):  
Federico Giuseppe Patanè ◽  
Aldo Liberto ◽  
Andreana Nicoletta Maria Maglitto ◽  
Pasquale Malandrino ◽  
Massimiliano Esposito ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Androgens play a significant role in the development of male reproductive organs. The clinical use of synthetic testosterone derivatives, such as nandrolone, is focused on maximizing the anabolic effects and minimizing the androgenic ones. Class II anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), including nandrolone, are rapidly becoming a widespread group of drugs used both clinically and illicitly. The illicit use of AAS is diffused among adolescent and bodybuilders because of their anabolic proprieties and their capacity to increase tolerance to exercise. This systematic review aims to focus on side effects related to illicit AAS abuse, evaluating the scientific literature in order to underline the most frequent side effects on AAS abusers’ bodies. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed using the PubMed database and the keywords “nandrolone decanoate”. The inclusion criteria for articles or abstracts were English language and the presence of the following words: “abuse” or “adverse effects”. After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, from a total of 766 articles, only 148 were considered eligible for the study. Results: The most reported adverse effects (found in more than 5% of the studies) were endocrine effects (18 studies, 42%), such as virilization, gynecomastia, hormonal disorders, dyslipidemia, genital alterations, and infertility; cardiovascular dysfunctions (six studies, 14%) such as vascular damage, coagulation disorders, and arteriosus hypertension; skin disorders (five studies, 12%) such as pricking, acne, and skin spots; psychiatric and mood disorders (four studies, 9%) such as aggressiveness, sleep disorders and anxiety; musculoskeletal disorders (two studies, 5%), excretory disorders (two studies, 5%), and gastrointestinal disorders (two studies, 5%). Conclusions: Based on the result of our study, the most common adverse effects secondary to the abuse of nandrolone decanoate (ND) involve the endocrine, cardiovascular, skin, and psychiatric systems. These data could prove useful to healthcare professionals in both sports and clinical settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Garas ◽  
Judit Balazs

Background: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders in childhood. Recently, several studies showed the high suicide risk of patients with ADHD; however, most of these studies had a cross-sectional design.Aims: The aim of the current research is to complete a systematic review of published studies which investigate the suicide risk of ADHD patients with longitudinal design.Methods: The systematic search was made on OVID Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search terms were (ADHD OR attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) AND (suicide OR suicidal OR suicidality) AND (follow-up OR longitudinal study OR prospective study). The inclusion criteria were as follows: written in English; the participants were under 18 years at baseline; longitudinal, prospective studies; ADHD population at baseline and at follow-up; and suicide behavior as a primary outcome. The exclusion criteria were as follows: the study did not contain empirical data and reviews/meta-analyses and studies which aimed to investigate the drug treatment efficacy of ADHD.Results: After the screening process, 18 papers were included in the systematic review. Ten articles were altogether published in the last 5 years. The range of follow-up periods varied between 2 and 17 years. Several different assessment tools were used to investigate the symptoms and/or the diagnosis of ADHD and the suicidal risk. Nine studies enrolled children aged under 12 at baseline, and three studies used birth cohort data, where there was no strict age-based inclusion criteria. A total of 17 studies found a positive association between ADHD diagnosis at baseline and the presence of suicidal behavior and/or attempts at the follow-up visits.Limitations: The main limitation of this review is the methodological heterogeneity of the selected studies. A further limitation is the relatively low number of studies that examined a population with balanced gender ratios. Additionally, only one study published data about the treatment of ADHD. Finally, though we carefully chose the keywords, we still may be missing some relevant papers on this topic.Conclusions: In spite of the methodological diversity of the included studies, the results of the current systematic review highlight the importance of screening suicidality in the long term in patients with ADHD. Therefore, further studies that compare the suicidal risk of treated and untreated groups of ADHD patients in the long term are needed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
Taj Haider

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are the third ranking cause of death worldwide. A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of tai chi as a therapy to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma. Inclusion criteria were ( a) published in the English language, ( b) between the period January 2008 and July 2012, ( c) included tai chi or any form of modified tai chi as a therapy in an intervention, ( d) used any quantitative study design, and ( e) measured chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma as an outcome. A total of 5 interventions from 6 studies met these criteria. Tai chi as an effective therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is still difficult to determine, although the result listed here are promising. Limitations include small sample sizes, high attrition rates, and short intervention durations.


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