scholarly journals Use of oxygen-ozone therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia

Ozone Therapy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossella Balestrero ◽  
Marianno Franzini ◽  
Luigi Valdenassi

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a pathology that is manifested by a spectrum of heterogeneous symptoms that are difficult to frame, from both a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. On one hand, the clinical features are highly variable, and on the other, the pathophysiology has yet to be fully clarified. This paper aims to highlight how oxygen ozone – administered using a precise protocol from the Scientific Society of Oxygen Ozone Therapy – is able to act on several levels of the pathophysiology of FM by virtue of its intrinsic biochemical mechanisms, making it a viable option for treating the disease. The following case study – a 45 year old woman who came to our attention due to diffuse pain and a feeling of general tiredness – responded positively to a standard treatment with oxygen-ozone therapy delivered via bi-weekly sessions, for a total of 12 sessions from September to October 2016. The treatment was followed by a maintenance therapy of about one session a month. One month after the end of the 12 sessions, the patient reported a significant improvement in pain, mood, and a significant reduction in fatigue, a new feeling of well-being and an improved quality of sleep. In the light of these results, oxygen-ozone therapy emerges as a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of FM patients.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniket Gajanan Shinde

Abstract This paper examines the urban challenges, urban policies, sustainable urbanism, and opportunities of sustainable urbanism. Sustainable urbanism is a new term that prevails in urban planning and planning. This paper tries to put forth the need for sustainable urban development in Indian cities such as Delhi and Rajkot. Urbanization in India has led to an unsustainable situation. It offers the proven benefits of economic growth and development, but it also offers brings with it social and ecological challenges. Various challenges related to sustainability, spatial planning, Governance, shortcomings, and execution were discussed in this paper. Specific research questions are: what is sustainable urbanism, what are the challenges to cities such as Delhi and Rajkot, and what are the opportunities of sustainable urbanism in Delhi and Rajkot? People face many challenges that threaten the well-being of the environment, society, and quality of life. All of these challenges are complex and closely related, so one approach can have positive consequences for others. In the case of Delhi, the population growth is an extremely sensitive issue from a social and ethical point of view, has generally become a threat to the entire planet and especially to the metropolitan area, while in the case of Rajkot, increasing industrial, commercial and commercial activities has become threatening to the environment. In this study, I have also explored solutions and other issues that are important elements to discuss.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Lange ◽  
Abigail Kumagai ◽  
Sara Weiss ◽  
Katherine B. Zaffke ◽  
Sherry Day ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures may not be relevant to the full range of functional and vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) concerns of individuals with vision impairment due to severe peripheral field loss (PFL). Measurement of VR-QOL in severe PFL is important in order to determine the effectiveness of vision rehabilitation interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of severe PFL due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma on VR-QOL as the initial phase in the development of a novel PRO measure. Methods Individuals with severe PFL due to RP or glaucoma were recruited from the Kellogg Eye Center and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews, the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire and the RAND 36-Item Health Survey. Interviews were analyzed by two coders using thematic analysis. A matrix analysis was conducted to compare VR-QOL by cause of severe PFL. Sample size was determined by thematic saturation. Results The study included 37 participants (19 RP, 18 glaucoma). Median best-corrected visual acuity for those with RP and glaucoma was 20/40 and 20/27.5, while Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity was 1.2 log contrast sensitivity (logCS) and 1.1 logCS, respectively. Median domain scores on the IVI (reading, mobility, well-being) ranged from a low of − 0.2 to a high of 0.7 logits in those with RP and from 0.5 to 1.2 logits in those with glaucoma. Qualitative interviews identified six VR-QOL themes relevant across participants with both RP and glaucoma, including activity limitations, driving, emotional well-being, reading, mobility, and social function. VR-QOL concerns were largely consistent among those with severe PFL due to RP and glaucoma. These overarching themes contained content relevant to specific challenges related to severe PFL. Conclusions There are commonly occurring VR-QOL concerns among individuals with severe PFL due to RP and glaucoma. The outlined themes will serve as the basis for development of the Low Vision Severely Constricted Peripheral Eyesight (LV-SCOPE) Questionnaire.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110137
Author(s):  
Catherine T. Haring ◽  
Janice L. Farlow ◽  
Marie Leginza ◽  
Kaitlin Vance ◽  
Anna Blakely ◽  
...  

Objective Surgical procedures that render patients acutely aphonic can cause them to experience significant anxiety and distress. We queried patient perceptions after tracheostomy or laryngectomy and investigated whether introducing augmentative technology was associated with improvement in patient-reported outcomes. Methods Participants included hospitalized patients who acutely lost the ability to speak due to tracheostomy or total laryngectomy from April 2018 to December 2019. We distributed questions regarding the patient communication experience and relevant questions from the validated V-RQOL questionnaire (Voice-Related Quality of Life). Patients were offered a tablet with the electronic communication application Verbally. Pre- and postintervention groups were compared with chi-square analyses. Results Surveys were completed by 35 patients (n = 18, preintervention; n = 17, postintervention). Prior to using augmentative technology, 89% of patients who were aphonic reported difficulty communicating, specifically noting breathing or suctioning (56%), treatment and discharge plans (78%), or immediate needs, such as pain and using the bathroom (39%). Communication difficulties caused anxiety (55%), depression (44%), or frustration (62%), and 92% of patients were interested in using an electronic communication device. Patients reported less trouble communicating after the intervention versus before (53% vs 89%, P = .03), including less difficulty communicating about treatment or discharge plans (35% vs 78%, P < .01). V-RQOL scores were unchanged. Discussion Acute loss of phonation arising from surgery can be highly distressing for patients, and use of augmentative technology may alleviate some of these challenges by improving communication. Further studies are needed to identify what additional strategies may improve overall well-being. Implications for Practice Electronic communication devices may benefit patients with acute aphonia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Salzwedel ◽  
I Koran ◽  
E Langheim ◽  
A Schlitt ◽  
J Nothroff ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs based on the bio-psycho-social approach of the international classification of functioning and disease are carried out to achieve improved prognosis, superior health-related quality of life (HRQL) and social integration. We aimed to identify predictors of returning to work (RTW) and HRQL among cardiovascular risk factors and physical performance as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) modifiable during CR. Methods We designed a prospective observational multi-center study and enrolled 1,586 patients (2017/18) in 12 German rehabilitation centers regardless of their primary allocation diagnoses (e.g. acute myocardial infarction (AMI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular disease). Besides general data (e.g. age, gender, diagnoses), parameters of risk factor management (e.g. smoking, lipid profile, hypertension, lifestyle change motivation), physical performance (e.g. maximum exercise capacity, endurance training load, 6-min walking distance), and PROMs (e.g. depression, heart-focused anxiety, HRQL, subjective well-being, somatic and mental health, pain, general self-efficacy, pension desire as well as self-assessment of occupational prognosis using several questionnaires) were documented at CR admission and discharge. 6 months after discharge, status of RTW and HRQL (SF-12) were captured by a follow-up (FU) survey and analyzed in multivariable regression models with multiple imputation of missing values. Results Out of the study participants, 1,262 patients (54±7 years, 77% men) responded to the follow-up survey and could be analyzed regarding the outcome parameters. Most of them were assigned to CR primarily due to AMI (40%) or CAD without myocardial infarction (18%), followed by heart valve diseases in 12% of patients and CABG (8%). 864 patients (69%) returned to work within the follow-up period. Pension desire, negative self-assessed occupational prognosis, heart-focussed anxiety, major life events, smoking and heart failure were negatively associated with RTW, while higher endurance training load, HRQL and work stress were positively associated (Figure 1). HRQL after 6 months was determined more by PROMs (e.g. pension desire, heart-focused anxiety, physical/mental HRQL in SF-12, physical/mental health in indicators of rehab-status questionnaire (IRES-24), stress, well-being in the World Health Organization well-being index and self-efficacy expectations) than by clinical parameters or physical performance. Conclusions Patient-reported outcome measures predominantly influenced RTW and HRQL in heart-disease patients, whereas patients' pension desire and heart-focussed anxiety had a dominant impact on all investigated endpoints. Therefore, the multi-component CR approach focussing on psychosocial support is crucial for subjective health prognosis and occupational resumption. Figure 1. Predictors of returning to work Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): German pension insurance


Author(s):  
Anna Lipert ◽  
Remigiusz Kozłowski ◽  
Dariusz Timler ◽  
Michał Marczak ◽  
Kamila Musiał ◽  
...  

Background: The coronavirus pandemic and the government restrictions significantly disturbed the daily functioning of people, thereby influencing healthy behaviors, such as physical activity—the core indicator of well-being. This study evaluates the associations between physical activity (PA), the level of stress and quality of sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods: An online survey was distributed during the governmental lockdown in April 2020 and included measures for assessing physical activity, stress and sleep. The surveyed participants included all adults aged 18 years and over. The final data were collected from the 1959 respondents using: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Findings: Almost half of the respondents indicated a low level of PA, performing only 60 min of PA daily. Most of the participants reported a moderate or high level of stress (57% and 29%, respectively) and 64% of them reported poor quality of sleep. People with low levels of stress performed on average 85.1 min/day of walking (WPA), 40.9 min/day of moderate PA (MPA) or 52.6 min/day of vigorous PA (VPA). People with good quality of sleep performed 82.9 min/day of WPA, 43.6 min/day MPA and 40.5 min/day VPA. Interpretation: The results from the study indicate that the volume of daily PA may be a predictor of the level of stress and sleep quality in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To retain a low level of stress and good quality of sleep, a lifestyle that allows to achieve a moderate level of physical activity should be maintained. The optimal daily dose of PA is at least 70 min per day, involving different intensities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 681-693
Author(s):  
Koon Teck Koh ◽  
Marja Kokkonen ◽  
Heng Rang Bryan Law

Coaches are effective providers of social support to their athletes. Although sport-specific measures of social support have been developed to better understand athletes’ perceptions of available support, limited amount of research has addressed how sport coaches implement specific social support strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine university coaches’ implementation strategies in providing various forms of social support to their athletes. A total of eight sport coaches from team and individual sports (four from each sport) were purposefully selected for this study. Coaches were individually interviewed. The interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis. The results revealed that coaches from different sports shared similar strategies across emotional, esteem, informational and tangible dimensions, but with some distinguishable differences in the way these strategies were implemented. In documenting the lived experiences of sport coaches, key strategies valued highly among these coaches were highlighted, providing important implications for coaches to know how to incorporate these strategies into their coaching practice to better support athletes’ well-being and improve the quality of coaching. The findings also provide an implementation framework of social support that emphasizes key strategies for coaches to focus on in their coaching approaches.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Kohansieh ◽  
Amgad N. Makaryus

Sleep plays a vital role in an individual’s mental, emotional, and physiological well-being. Not only does sleep deficiency lead to neurological and psychological disorders, but also the literature has explored the adverse effects of sleep deficiency on the cardiovascular system. Decreased quantity and quality of sleep have been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We explore the literature correlating primary sleep deficiency and deprivation as a cause for cardiovascular disease and cite endothelial dysfunction as a common underlying mechanism.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murni Zainal ◽  
Azhan Abdul Aziz

Tiny homes are defined as a small dwelling in the form of a moveable unit, cabin or detached house which is sized to meet its occupants’ needs. Besides affordability, sustainability and minimalist lifestyle, the occupants’ demand for a cosy environment with a window or porch overlooking a garden. The objectives of the study are to investigate the benefits of utilising nature and serenity in promoting a supportive environment to achieve user well-being. Quantitative methodology was applied in this study using three case studies (CS1 at Urban area: Prototype Model of Microhouse, CS2 at Sub urban area: The Cabin Boutique Resort and SC3 at Outskirts area: Meraki Tiny House). The tool, ``Perceived Sensory Dimensions “(PSDs)” was used for respondents to evaluate the surrounding environment of the case studies by showing photos of two sensory dimension models (PSDs Nature and Serene). Close-ended questionnaires were distributed to the 21 respondents from the millennials group, to rate each perception for each case study. The results have shown that a natural and serene environment for CS3 is most preferred because of the aspirational quality of its PSDs, followed by CS2 and CS1.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Ling Hoon Leh ◽  
Muhammad Shamsul Azdhar Zulkapli ◽  
Kwong Qi Jie ◽  
Nurul Ashikin Mabahwi

Referring to the Malaysian National Security Council, disaster is defined as a catastrophic situation that claimed many lives and caused extensive damage to property and potentially endangers the public peace and security. In Malaysia, there were few natural disaster events that can be said to be among the worst ever in terms of the number of deaths and damages. However, these occurrences were not as severe as overseas. At the end of December 2014, there was a catastrophic flood called as the 'Bah Kuning' was hitting the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It resulted in almost 85% of the total Kuala Krai area inundated by flood water. One of the elements in post-disaster recovery is rebuilding shelter for victims. Regardless, it is important to research on residents’ satisfaction as it will affect the well-being directly or indirectly. Thus, a study was carried out to evaluate the satisfaction of residents (victims) on the “New Permanent Houses” (Rumah Kekal Baharu, RKB) that they received from the redevelopment project. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect and understand respondents’ satisfaction on the redevelopment of their housing area, in specific, the quality of their newly reconstructed houses and the supporting facilities or infrastructure in their area. From the analysis, it was found that majority of the respondents were satisfied with their newly redeveloped houses and the infrastructure. The satisfaction level was associated with the locational and land ownership factors.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260582
Author(s):  
Doug Cary ◽  
Angela Jacques ◽  
Kathy Briffa

Introduction Research with a focus on sleep posture has been conducted in association with sleep pathologies such as insomnia and positional obstructive sleep apnoea. Research examining the potential role sleep posture may have on waking spinal symptoms and quality of sleep is however limited. The aims of this research were to compare sleep posture and sleep quality in participants with and without waking spinal symptoms. Methods Fifty-three participants (36 female) were, based on symptoms, allocated to one of three groups; Control (n = 20, 16 female), Cervical (n = 13, 10 female) and Lumbar (n = 20, 10 female). Participants completed an online survey to collect general information and patient reported outcomes and were videoed over two consecutive nights to determine sleep posture using a validated classification system including intermediate sleep postures. Results Participants in the symptomatic groups also reported a lower sleep quality than the Control group. Compared to Control group participants, those in the Cervical group had more frequent posture changes (mean (SD); 18.3(6.5) versus 23.6(6.6)), spent more time in undesirable/provocative sleep postures (median IQR; 83.8(16.4,105.2) versus 185.1(118.0,251.8)) minutes and had more long periods of immobility in a provocative posture, (median IQR: 0.5(0.0,1.5) versus 2.0 (1.5,4.0)). There were no significant differences between the Control and Lumbar groups in the number of posture changes (18.3(6.5) versus 22.9(9.1)) or the time spent in provocative sleep postures (0.5(0.0,1.5) versus 1.5(1.5,3.4)) minutes. Discussion This is the first study using a validated objective measure of sleep posture to compare symptomatic and Control group participants sleeping in their home environment. In general, participants with waking spinal symptoms spent more time in provocative sleep postures, and experienced poorer sleep quality.


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