Beneficial Effects of Kiatsu™ with Ki Training on Episodic Migraine: A Single Arm, Pilot, Exploratory Study

Abstract BackgroundCurrent therapies for migraine have proven partially effective, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. In this report, the authors conducted a single arm pilot exploratory study to evaluate the effect of Kiatsu with Ki training in adult females with episodic migraine.MethodsStudy subjects established a baseline migraine frequency over 4 weeks. During the following 4 weeks, each subject received instruction in Ki training (to improve concentration, balance, and relaxation), accompanied by Kiatsu (a focused touch method that reduces tension, swelling, and pain). Subjects then participated in one session a month for an additional 6 months. The initial session was 1 hour; subsequent sessions averaged 30 minutes. Subjects documented migraine frequency, migraine-specific quality of life scores, and medication use.ResultSixty-nine subjects met the study inclusion criteria and 21 completed the study. Subjects reported a significant reduction in migraine frequency after 1 month (from 7.2 to 3.8 migraines/month; p < 0.05), with an overall 53% reduction at 8 months (p < 0.001). Significant improvements in quality of life (QoL) were reported after 1 month, with continued improvements until study completion (p < 0.0001). A moderate reduction in medication use was also documented (p < 0.03), corresponding with improved QoL scores.ConclusionKiatsu with Ki training may be an effective treatment option for females with migraines, either in combination with medications or as a potential alternative to medications for patients who do not benefit from conventional therapies.

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Beneficial Effects of Kiatsu™ with Ki Training on Episodic Migraine: An Exploratory Study

Pain Research and Management ◽

10.1155/2021/3290879 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Calvin Y. Tabata ◽

Philip F. Copenhaver ◽

Shirley McCartney ◽

Saman Vazinkhoo ◽

Terry Copperman

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Medication Use ◽

Episodic Migraine ◽

Randomized Controlled Study ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Effective Treatment Option ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Migraine Frequency

Objective. To conduct an exploratory study of KiatsuTM with Ki training as a potential therapy for treating episodic migraine in women. Background. Current therapies for migraine have proven partially effective, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. In preparation for development of a randomized controlled study, the authors conducted a single arm pilot exploratory study to evaluate the effect of Kiatsu with Ki training in adult females with episodic migraine. Methods. Study subjects established a baseline migraine frequency over 4 weeks. During the following 4 weeks, each subject received instruction in Ki training (to improve concentration, balance, and relaxation), accompanied by Kiatsu (a focused touch method that reduces tension, swelling, and pain). Subjects then participated in one session a month for additional 6 months. The initial session was 1 hour; subsequent sessions averaged 30 minutes. Subjects documented migraine frequency, migraine-specific quality of life scores, and medication use. Result. Sixty-nine subjects met the study inclusion criteria, and 21 completed the study. Subjects reported a significant reduction in migraine frequency after 1 month (from 7.2 to 3.8 migraines/month; p < 0.05 ), with an overall 53% reduction at 6 months ( p < 0.001 ). Significant improvements in quality of life (QoL) were reported after 1 month, with continued improvements until study completion ( p < 0.0001 ). A moderate reduction in medication use was also documented ( p < 0.03 ), corresponding to improved QoL scores. Conclusion. Kiatsu with Ki training may be an effective treatment option for females with migraines, either in combination with medications or as a potential alternative to medications for patients who do not benefit from conventional therapies. The results of this pilot study justify the development of a randomized controlled study designed to investigate the potential benefits of this novel therapeutic method for treating migraine.

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Treating Small Bowel Obstruction with a Manual Physical Therapy: A Prospective Efficacy Study

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/7610387 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Amanda D. Rice ◽

Kimberley Patterson ◽

Evette D. Reed ◽

Belinda F. Wurn ◽

Bernhard Klingenberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Small Bowel ◽

Small Bowel Obstruction ◽

Bowel Obstruction ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Effective Treatment Option ◽

Before And After

Small bowel obstructions (SBOs) caused by adhesions are a common, often life-threatening postsurgical complication with few treatment options available for patients. This study examines the efficacy of a manual physical therapy treatment regimen on the pain and quality of life of subjects with a history of bowel obstructions due to adhesions in a prospective, controlled survey based study. Changes in six domains of quality of life were measured via ratings reported before and after treatment using the validated Small Bowel Obstruction Questionnaire (SBO-Q). Improvements in the domains for pain (p=0.0087), overall quality of life (p=0.0016), and pain severity (p=0.0006) were significant when average scores before treatment were compared with scores after treatment. The gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.0258) domain was marginally significant. There was no statistically significant improvement identified in the diet or medication domains in the SBO-Q for this population. Significant improvements in range of motion in the trunk (p≤0.001), often limited by adhesions, were also observed for all measures. This study demonstrates in a small number of subjects that this manual physical therapy protocol is an effective treatment option for patients with adhesive small bowel obstructions as measured by subject reported symptoms and quality of life.

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293 Late beneficial effects of a disease program management on mortality, hospitalisation, and quality of life in heart failure patients

European Journal of Heart Failure Supplements ◽

10.1016/s1567-4215(07)60172-6 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 63-63

Author(s):

E BOCCHI ◽

F CRUZ ◽

G GUIMARAES ◽

F BACAL ◽

G DOUSA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Program Management ◽

Heart Failure Patients ◽

Beneficial Effects

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Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ischaemia - pharmacologic approach and alternative treatment options

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000526 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 201-212 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Birgit Linnemann ◽

Matthias Erbe

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽

Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽

Tissue Loss ◽

Receptor Antagonists ◽

Skin Ulcers ◽

Digital Ischaemia

Abstract. The primary goal of therapy is to reduce the frequency and intensity of Raynaud’s attacks and to minimize the related morbidity rather than to cure the underlying condition. Treatment strategies depend on whether Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is primary or secondary. All patients should be instructed about general measures to maintain body warmth and to avoid triggers of RP attacks. Pharmacologic intervention can be useful for patients with severe and frequent RP episodes that impair the patient’s quality of life. Calcium channel blockers are currently the most prescribed and studied medications for this purpose. There has been limited evidence for the efficacy of alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, angiotensin receptor blockers, topical nitrates or fluoxetine to treat RP. The intravenously administered prostacyclin analogue iloprost can reduce the frequency and severity of RP attacks and is considered a second-line therapy in patients with markedly impaired quality of life, critical digital ischaemia and skin ulcers who are at risk for substantial tissue loss and amputation. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) can also improve RP symptoms and ulcer healing whereas endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (e.g., bosentan) are mainly considered treatment options in secondary prevention for patients with digital skin ulcers related to systemic sclerosis. However, their use in clinical practice has been limited by their high cost. Antiplatelet therapy with low-dose aspirin is recommended for all patients who suffer from secondary RP due to ischaemia caused by structural vessel damage. Anticoagulant therapy can be considered during the acute phase of digital ischaemia in patients with suspected vascular occlusive disease attributed to the occurrence of new thromboses. In patients with critical digital ischaemia, consideration should be given to hospitalisation, optimisation of medical treatment in accordance with the underlying disease and evaluation for a secondary, possibly reversible process that is causing or aggravating the clinical symptoms.

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Pain Assessment: Benefits of Using Pain Scales for Surgical Patients in South Bohemian Hospitals

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9020171 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 171

Author(s):

Vera Olisarova ◽

Valerie Tothova ◽

Martin Cerveny ◽

Vendula Dvorakova ◽

Petr Sadilek

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Pain Management ◽

Pain Assessment ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Surgical Patients ◽

The South ◽

Pain Scales ◽

Emotional Component ◽

Attention To Pain

Pain is a medical and nursing problem that is common in surgical departments. Inadequate pain management can lead to patient distress, as well as extending the period in which the patient’s quality of life is reduced. The standardized SF-MPQ-2 questionnaire provides nurses with the opportunity to assess pain within a broader context. The aim of this descriptive and exploratory study was to describe the state of pain assessment in surgical patients in the South Bohemian Region and to highlight the benefits of using a standardized tool for proper pain assessment. The research was carried out using a quantitative survey within the South Bohemian Region (Czech Republic). The participants in the study were nurses working in surgical departments in hospitals in the region as well as hospitalized patients. The results show that nurses pay slightly more attention to pain assessments than doctors. We know that, generally, pain decreases with time after surgery. Nonetheless, returning pain, as well as continuous pain, can occur, both of which have an emotional component. The results of this study are directed at nurses and include a call for more effective pain management through improved assessment.

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MP-AzeFlu in Moderate-to-Severe Allergic Rhinitis: A Literature Review

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology ◽

10.1159/000516417 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Ludger Klimek ◽

William E. Berger ◽

Jean Bousquet ◽

Paul K. Keith ◽

Peter Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Fluticasone Propionate ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Symptomatic Disease ◽

Intranasal Corticosteroids ◽

Need For Treatment ◽

Ocular Symptoms ◽

Symptom Complex

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is prevalent, and many patients present with moderate-to-severe symptomatic disease. The majority of patients are not satisfied with their AR treatment, despite the use of concurrent medications. These gaps underscore the need for treatment with more effective options for moderate-to-severe AR. The authors’ objective was to review systematically the efficacy and safety of MP-AzeFlu for the treatment of AR. The primary outcomes studied were nasal, ocular, and total symptoms. Other outcomes included time to onset and of AR control, quality of life, and safety. Searches of PubMed and Cochrane databases were conducted on May 14, 2020, with no date restrictions, to identify publications reporting data on MP-AzeFlu. Clinical studies of any phase were included. Studies were excluded if they were not in English, were review articles, did not discuss the safety and efficacy of MP-AzeFlu for AR symptoms. Treatment of AR with MP-AzeFlu results in effective, sustained relief of nasal and ocular symptoms, and faster onset and time to control compared with intranasal azelastine or fluticasone propionate. Long-term use of MP-AzeFlu was safe, with benefits in children, adults, and adults aged ≥65 years. Other treatment options, including fluticasone propionate and azelastine alone or the combination of intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamine, do not provide the same level of efficacy as MP-AzeFlu in terms of rapid and sustained relief of the entire AR symptom complex. Furthermore, MP-AzeFlu significantly improves patient quality of life. MP-AzeFlu is a currently available combination that may satisfy all these patient needs and expectations.

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Health-related quality of life in tension-type headache: a population-based study

Scandinavian Journal of Pain ◽

10.1515/sjpain-2020-0166 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sait Ashina ◽

Dawn C. Buse ◽

Jakob B. Bjorner ◽

Lars Bendtsen ◽

Ann C. Lyngberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Episodic Migraine ◽

Tension Type Headache ◽

Eysenck Personality Questionnaire ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Type Headache

Abstract Objectives Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache disorder. We assessed the cross-sectional impact of TTH on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a general population. We also examined the association of HRQoL scores with headache frequency, disability, medication overuse, poor self-rated health, psychiatric comorbidity, and pain sensitivity in individuals with TTH. Methods A sample of 547 subjects completed a headache diagnostic interview, the SF-12 to calculate physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component scores, depression (major depression inventory [MDI]) and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) measures. We defined the following headache diagnosis categories: pure TTH, pure migraine, and coexistent headache (TTH + migraine). Cases were further classified into chronic (≥15) or episodic (<15 headache days/month). Results Using generalized linear models (GLM) adjusted for age, sex and education, both PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores varied in groups distinguished by migraine and TTH status; scores were lower for individuals with coexistent headache (TTH + migraine; n=83), followed by pure TTH (n=97) and pure migraine (n=43) compared to the no headache group (n=324) (p≤0.001). In analyses considering chronicity, PCS-12 scores were lower in chronic coexistent headache followed by pure chronic TTH (CTTH), episodic migraine +/− episodic TTH (ETTH) and pure ETTH than in the no headache group (p≤0.001). MCS-12 scores were lower in pure CTTH, followed by chronic coexistent headache, episodic migraine +/− ETTH and pure ETTH compared to the no headache group (p≤0.001). Multiple regression models showed that in TTH, lower PCS-12 scores were associated with age (p=0.04), female sex (p=0.02), and poor self-rated health (p≤0.001). Lower MCS-12 scores in TTH were associated with depression (p≤0.001). Conclusions In a population sample, TTH, and to higher degree CTTH, are associated with decreased HRQoL.

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Glatiramer Acetate Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Fatigue—Beneficial Effects on Self-Assessment Scales But Not on Molecular Markers

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11030393 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 393

Author(s):

Oliver Neuhaus ◽

Wolfgang Köhler ◽

Florian Then Bergh ◽

Wolfgang Kristoferitsch ◽

Jürgen Faiss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Glatiramer Acetate ◽

Neurotrophic Factors ◽

Common Symptom ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Open Label ◽

Immunological Parameters ◽

Beneficial Effects

Although fatigue is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), its pathomechanisms are incompletely understood. Glatiramer acetate (GA), an immunomodulatory agent approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), possesses unique mechanisms of action and has been shown to exhibit beneficial effects on MS fatigue. The objective of this study was to correlate clinical, neuropsychological, and immunological parameters in RRMS patients with fatigue before and during treatment with GA. In a prospective, open-label, multicenter trial, 30 patients with RRMS and fatigue were treated with GA for 12 months. Inclusion criterion was the presence of fatigue as one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms. Before and during treatment, fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the MS-FSS, and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). In addition, fatigue and quality of life were assessed using the Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Laboratory assessments included screening of 188 parameters using real-time PCR microarrays followed by further analysis of several cytokines, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors. Fatigue self-assessments were completed in 25 patients. After 12 months of treatment with GA, 13 of these patients improved in all three scales (with the most prominent effects on the MFIS), whereas 5 patients had deteriorated. The remaining 7 patients exhibited inconsistent effects within the three scales. Fatigue and overall quality of life had improved, as assessed via VAS. Laboratory assessments revealed heterogeneous mRNA levels of cytokines, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors. In conclusion, we were not able to correlate clinical and molecular effects of GA in patients with RRMS and fatigue.

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Quality of Life in Opioid Replacement Therapy: A Naturalistic Cross-Sectional Comparison of Methadone/Levomethadone, Buprenorphine, and Diamorphine Patients

European Addiction Research ◽

10.1159/000514192 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Stephanie Paula Elisabeth Guillery ◽

Rainer Hellweg ◽

Golo Kronenberg ◽

Ulrich Bohr ◽

Hagen Kunte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Replacement Therapy ◽

Psychological Functioning ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Chronically Ill ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Life Improvement ◽

Methadone Patients ◽

Opioid Replacement Therapy

Background: Research on quality of life (QoL) of chronically ill patients provides an opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of long-term treatments. Although it is established that opioid replacement therapy is an effective treatment for opioid-dependent patients, there is little knowledge about physical and psychological functioning of QoL for different treatment options. Objectives: Altogether, 248 opioid-dependent patients receiving substitution treatment with either methadone/levomethadone (n = 126), diamorphine (n = 85), or buprenorphine (n = 37) were recruited in 6 German therapy centers. Methods: Sociodemographic data were collected. QoL – physical and psychological functioning – for different substitutes was assessed using the Profile of the Quality of Life in the Chronically Ill (PLC) questionnaire. Results: Patient groups were similar regarding age and duration of opioid dependence. Employment rate was significantly higher (p < 0.005, φ = 0.22) in the buprenorphine group (46%) compared to methadone (18%). Dosage adjustments were more frequent (p < 0.001, φ = 0.29) in diamorphine (55%) than in methadone (30%) or buprenorphine (19%) patients. Buprenorphine and diamorphine patients rated their physical functioning substantially higher than methadone patients (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.141). Diamorphine patients reported a higher psychological functioning (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.078) and overall life improvement (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.060) compared to methadone, but not compared to buprenorphine patients (both p > 0.25). Conclusion: Measurement of important QoL aspects indicates significant differences for physical and psychological functioning in patients receiving the substitutes methadone/levomethadone, diamorphine, and buprenorphine. This could be relevant for the differential therapy of opioid addiction.

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