Joint Ventures: Helping Those With Rheumatoid Arthritis Live Well

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aggie Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Yoga Therapy ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Stiffness Loss

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, chronic inflammatory disorder that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of joint function, and reduced quality of life. Yoga therapy may help individuals with RA manage stress and increase well-being. This study focused on the identification of therapeutic objectives and a methodology to achieve symptom relief, regain function, and enhance quality of life for individuals with RA. Methods: Four women with RA participated in private yoga therapy sessions for 2.5 months. Assessment based, tailored home practices were developed and modified to address participant - identified goals. Results: Participants reported decreased pain, fatigue, swelling, and flares; increased energy; pain-free range of motion and strength around affected joints; and a heightened sense of well-being. Conclusions: Tailored yoga therapy that emphasizes stress reduction may be beneficial for individuals with RA.

scholarly journals Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Improves Overall Stuttering Experience among Adults Who Stutter: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2187
Author(s):  
Omrit Feldman ◽  
Eran Goldstien ◽  
Benjamin Rolnik ◽  
Ariel B. Ganz ◽  
Shahar Lev-Ari
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Adults Who Stutter

Stuttering is a speech disorder that can cause disturbances in the timing and flow of speech. In addition to being a communication disorder, stuttering is often accompanied by a reduction in the quality of life and has impacts on social status, mental well-being, self-acceptance, and the chances of integration into the labor market. The Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) program, developed in the United States by Byron Katie in 1986, is the clinical application of “The Work” method (Thework.com) and represents an emerging mindfulness and cognitive-reframing method. IBSR has been demonstrated to improve mental health and well-being in adults and may alleviate psychological and psychosocial symptoms of stuttering. The purpose of this trial was to examine the effect of a 12-week IBSR intervention on the overall stuttering experience and indicators of anxiety, psychological flexibility, and well-being among adults who stutter (AWS). This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to IBSR (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups. Validated questionnaires of overall stuttering experience (OASES-A), anxiety (STAI), psychological flexibility (PFQ), and satisfaction with life (SWLS) were completed before, after, and one month after the intervention. An intention-to-treat approach was implemented for analysis. Our results show that participants in the IBSR intervention group exhibited a greater improvement in their overall stuttering experience as compared to the control group, as well as in general information on stuttering awareness and perception, reactions to stuttering, communication in daily situations, and quality of life. In addition, we found a greater reduction in anxiety levels and an increase in satisfaction-with-life scores in the IBSR group. These results indicate that IBSR can improve the overall stuttering experience.

scholarly journals Virtual reality-based relaxation for enhancement of perioperative well-being and quality of life: protocol for a randomised pilot trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e044193
Author(s):  
Matthias Christian Schrempf ◽  
Julian Quirin Petzold ◽  
Hugo Vachon ◽  
Morten Aagaard Petersen ◽  
Johanna Gutschon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Sample Size Calculations

IntroductionPatients with cancer undergoing surgery often suffer from reduced quality of life and various forms of distress. Untreated distress can negatively affect coping resources as well as surgical and oncological outcomes. A virtual reality-based stress reduction intervention may increase quality of life and well-being and reduce distress in the perioperative phase for patients with cancer. This pilot trial aims to explore the feasibility of the proposed intervention, assess patient acceptability and obtain estimates of effect to provide data for sample size calculations.Methods and analysisPatients with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis undergoing elective surgery will be recruited for this single-centre, randomised pilot trial with a three-arm design. A total of 54 participants will be randomised at 1:1:1 ratio to one of two intervention groups or a control receiving standard treatment. Those randomised to an intervention group will either receive perioperative virtual reality-based stress reduction exercises twice daily or listen to classical music twice daily. Primary feasibility outcomes are number and proportions of participants recruited, screened, consented and randomised. Furthermore, adherence to the intervention, compliance with the completion of the quality of life questionnaires and feasibility of implementing the trial procedures will be assessed. Secondary clinical outcomes are measurements of the effectiveness of the interventions to inform sample size calculations.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol, the patient information and the informed consent form have been approved by the ethics committee of the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany (Reference Number: 19–915). Study findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberDRKS00020909.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with chronic diseases

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Merkes
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽  
The Impact

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured group program that uses mindfulness meditation to improve well-being and alleviate suffering. This article reviews the impact of MBSR for people with chronic diseases. The review includes original research that was published in English and peer-reviewed and reported outcomes for adults with chronic diseases who had participated in an MBSR program. Fifteen studies were identified. Outcomes related to mental and physical health, well-being, and quality of life. The studies included different research designs, and used self-report and physiological outcome measures. Participants’ clinical diagnoses included fibromyalgia, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, and cardiovascular diagnoses. All 15 studies found that participation in an MBSR program resulted in improvements. No negative change was reported between baseline and follow up. Outcomes in regard to specific variables were difficult to compare and equivocal. Overall, positive change predominated. Chronic diseases are associated with a range of unwelcome psychological and physical consequences. Participation in an MBSR program is likely to result in coping better with symptoms, improved overall well-being and quality of life, and enhanced health outcomes. As an adjunct to standard care, MBSR has potential for much wider application in Australian primary care settings.

scholarly journals Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
silmara Meneguin ◽  
Natalia Godoy ◽  
Camila Fernandes Pollo ◽  
Helio Amante Miot ◽  
Cesar Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Professional Activities

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods: This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS). Results: Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion: The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.

scholarly journals Prevalence and impact of allergic rhinitis in school going children

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 760
Author(s):  
Sucheta Gupta ◽  
Vinod Gupta ◽  
Akhil Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Community Health Center ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
House Dust Mites ◽  
Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Co Morbidity

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the nasal mucosa. There is negative impact of AR on several aspects of day to day living and quality of life (QoL), which include: daily functioning, sleep, absenteeism, school productivity and academic performance. Almost 40% of children are being affected by AR.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> An observational study was conducted on randomly selected 100 parents of school going children aging 2 to 15 years, attending OPD in community health center, Chenani, district Udhampur, J and K, for a period of one year from June 2018 to Nov 2018. Children having frequent episodes of allergic rhinitis were enquired about their history of sneezing, runner itchy nose and eyes, thick mucus, nasal blockage or breathless with associated symptoms were selected.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> 81% of subjects had a worse problem during specific months of the year; and 67% had itchy-watery eyes. In 15% of subjects, AR impacted daily activities. A prevalence of 28% for nasal symptoms and 14% for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis was found. Study also showed significantly higher proportion of blockers (61%) than sneeze runners (39%). 56% children had one or more co morbidity, whereas 44% had ‘nil’ co-morbidities. The most common allergens were: pollens (grass, trees and weeds), house dust mites, pets, molds, fungi and food.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> AR adversely affects quality of life of patients and furthermore studies should be conducted for more clarity on the subject, besides a timely medical intervention and treatment could possibly avoid the rising morbidity associated with the disease.</p>

Physical Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
Włodzisław Kuliński ◽  
Jakub Skuza
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Light Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Magnetic Field Therapy ◽  
Field Therapy ◽  
Global Population

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory process resulting in the destruction of articular and periarticular tissues and leading to the development of functional impairment, permanent deformities and disability. RA affects approximately 1% of the global population and is more common in women than men. Aim: To assess the effects of physical therapy in RA patients. Material and Methods: The study assessed 21 patients with stage III/IV RA. They were managed with physical therapy, including thermotherapy, electrotherapy, laser therapy, magnetic field therapy and light therapy. The data collected in the study were statistically analysed. Results: After treatment, all study patients showed pain reduction, improved well-being, reduced duration of morning joint stiffness, improved ranges of motion in the joints and a better quality of life. Conclusions: 1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a difficult clinical and social problem. 2. The physical therapy used in the study reduced the pain experienced by the patients and the duration of morning joint stiffness and improved the ranges of motion and quality of life. 3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation constitute the main method of treatment of this disorder.

scholarly journals Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silmara Meneguin ◽  
Natália Aparecida de Godoy ◽  
Camila Fernandes Pollo ◽  
Hélio Amante Miot ◽  
Cesar de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Professional Activities

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS). Results Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.

Factors affecting asthma psychomorbidity, control and illness-related quality of life: what is the interaction?

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1745-1745
Author(s):  
N. Pilipenko ◽  
M. Karekla
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
The Impact

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, ounknown etiology and growing prevalence (GINA, 2009). Appropriate asthma management can control the disorder and enable patients to enjoy a good quality of life (WHO, 2007).Yet, many asthma patients are unable to maintain asthma control (Rabe et al., 2003) for various reasons, including psychological ones (Feldman et al., 2005).This study examined the prevalence of psychomorbidity, and its interaction with asthma control difficulties and asthma-related quality of life in a sample of 200 asthma patients in Cyprus. Asthma diagnoses and severity were established by medical chart review.Psychomorbidity was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (Spitzer, 1999). Additionally, the impact of asthma-specific (e.g. asthma knowledge), health-specific (e.g. smoking history) and socio-demographic (e.g. perceived poverty) factors was examined as prior research literature suggests these may significantly impact asthma control and asthma-related quality of life.Currently, the present study is in its final stages of data collection (to conclude 2010). The results will offer valuable insights into the mechanisms and factors which affect asthma control, quality of life, and psychomorbidity. In doing so, the present study will contribute to the improved understanding of asthma patients’ experiences, essential to guide medical and psychological interventions.

scholarly journals Singing as a health-promoting activity in elderly care: a qualitative, longitudinal study in Norway

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 404-418
Author(s):  
Kari Bjerke Batt-Rawden ◽  
Kristi Stedje
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Positive Effects

Background The current standards of care of the older person recommend employing non-pharmacological approaches to challenges, including safe approaches to managing pain and stress, enhancing symptom relief, and fostering independent lifestyles with the highest quality of life possible. More research is needed to enable nurses and other medical staff to use singing and music-based interventions, to access singing-based programmes, and promote a greater use of choirs in nursing homes. A solid basis of positive experiences and feedback through evidence in practice is required to help promote support for such activities. Aims To identify, explore and describe experiences, attitudes, beliefs, issues, processes and changes among nurses, carers and leaders in reference to implementation of the educational programme ‘Singing Nursing Homes’, Norway. To increase knowledge and understanding of how an educational song programme could become an integral part of nursing practice and quality of care in nursing and care homes, and identify why this would be constructive. Since its inception in 2015, ‘Singing Norway’ wanted to offer a professional, evidence-based programme for nursing homes throughout the country. Methods A longitudinal, qualitative and explorative approach. In-depth interviews and focus group interviews of female employees ( n = 19) from three nursing homes in Norway, 2018. Results Nursing home employees perceived singing to have potential benefits for their patients, such as reducing uneasiness, increased comfort, well-being and joy, improved sleep, and believed singing had the potential to reduce the need for medication and prevent accidents among their patients. By facilitating opportunities for learning and practice, staff in nursing homes were able to use singing as part of their ‘art of caring’, enhancing environmental care for the older person. Singing was found to have positive effects for the patients, their relatives and the staff, which improved the psychosocial working climate overall. Conclusions Singing interventions could be a vital component for the enhancement of health, well-being and quality of life for the patients and staff in nursing homes.

Quality of Life after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Biliary Dyskinesia in the Pediatric Population: A Pilot Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian Maxwell ◽  
Stephanie Thompson ◽  
Bryan Richmond ◽  
Jillian McCagg ◽  
Adam Ubert
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Biliary Dyskinesia ◽  
Gallbladder Ejection Fraction

This pilot study examined symptom relief and quality of life in pediatric patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery at our institution for biliary dyskinesia. We used two validated questionnaires: the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-PF28), to assess general well-being, and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), to measure gastrointestinal-related health. After Institutional Review Board approval, all patients under the age of 18 years who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia between November 2006 and May 2010 received mailed questionnaires. Preoperative and postoperative data were retrospectively collected from respondents and included age, race, symptoms, gallbladder ejection fraction values, pathologic findings, and clinical course. Of 89 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 21 responded. Mean age at surgery was 13.08 years (range, 8 to 17 years). The most common preoperative symptoms consisted of nausea (100%), postprandial pain (90.5%), right upper quadrant pain (81.0%), and vomiting (66.7%). Mean long-term follow-up interval was 18.9 months (range, 7 to 40 months; SD 10.37). Patients with long-term symptom relief reported significantly higher GIQLI scores than those with enduring symptoms. Examination of the results from the CHQ-PF28 revealed significantly lower scores than a general U.S. pediatric sample in both the Physical and Psychosocial Summary Measures ( P < 0.05). Children experiencing long-term symptom cessation after laparoscopic cholecystectomy reported higher quality of life than those who had incomplete or only short-term relief. However, regardless of the degree of symptom relief, the degree of quality of life experienced by our study sample of patients with biliary dyskinesia is lower than that of a comparable U.S. pediatric sample.

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