A systematic review of mind and body complementary health practices for informal caregivers

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Alysha A. Walter, MS, CTRS ◽  
Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT ◽  
Jasmine Townsend, PhD, CTRS ◽  
Sandra M. Linder, PhD ◽  
Arlene A. Schmid, PhD, OTR
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Progressive Muscle Relaxation ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Mind And Body ◽  
Body Practices

This systematic review examined available literature on mind and body complementary health practices for informal caregivers (ICG). The United States Department of Health and Human Services defines mind and body complementary health practices as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic osteopathic manipulation, healing touch, hypnotherapy, guided imagery, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, Rolfing Structural Integration, Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, and Trager psychophysical integration. Literature related to these mind and body practices were searched using PubMed, Elton B. Stephens Co. (EBSCO), and Google Scholar databases. The screening process resulted in 220 sources that appeared for the search terms “ICG” and each of the mind and body practices. Four yoga manuscripts met the final inclusion criteria. While the level of evidence for ICG is weak generally, examples of improvements after yoga participation included reduced depression levels and state anxiety, and improvement in physical fitness. Implications for recreational therapy practice are discussed.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Etiological Risk Factors Associated With Early Mortality Among National Football League Players

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596711881331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur H. Owora ◽  
Brittany L. Kmush ◽  
Bhavneet Walia ◽  
Shane Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
National Football League ◽  
The United States ◽  
Early Mortality ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Specific Mortality

Background: Multiple risks predispose professional football players to adverse health outcomes and, in extreme cases, early death; however, our understanding of etiological risk factors related to early mortality is limited. Purpose: To identify etiological risk factors associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among National Football League (NFL) players. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Articles examining all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk factors among previous NFL players were identified by systematically searching: PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1990 to 2017. Study eligibility and quality were evaluated using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: A total of 801 nonduplicated studies were identified through our search strategy. Of these, 9 studies examining 11 different risk factors were included in the systematic review. Overall, the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality was lower among NFL players than among the general male population in the United States. Nonwhite athletes, those in power positions, and those with a high playing-time body mass index (≥30 kg/m2) were associated with elevated all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks. Conclusion: Methodological issues associated with the examined all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk factors preclude a definitive conclusion of etiological protective or risk effects. Comparison groups less prone to selection bias (“healthy worker effect”) and a life-course approach to the evaluation of suspected risk factors are warranted to identify etiological factors associated with early mortality among NFL players.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Valgus Offloading Knee Braces in the Treatment of Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 500-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chetan Gohal ◽  
Ajaykumar Shanmugaraj ◽  
Patrick Tate ◽  
Nolan S. Horner ◽  
Asheesh Bedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Medial Compartment ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Knee Braces

Context: Knee osteoarthritis affects 9.3 million adults over age 45 years in the United States. There is significant disability associated with this condition. Given the potential complications and the significant cost to the health care system with the dramatic increase in total knee arthroplasties performed for this condition, assessment of the efficacy of nonoperative modalities, such as offloading knee braces, is essential as part of optimizing nonoperative treatment for this condition. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of valgus offloader braces in improving clinical outcomes for patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Data Sources: Three databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) were searched from database inception through July 28, 2017. Study Selection: Studies reporting outcomes of valgus offloader knee braces in the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis were included. Study Design: Systematic review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: Data pertaining to demographics, descriptive statistics, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the included studies. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated. Results: A total of 31 studies were included, with a total of 619 patients. The majority of studies reported improved pain outcomes using valgus offloader braces. However, variable results were reported as to whether valgus offloader braces significantly improved functional outcomes and stiffness. Offloader bracing was more effective at reducing pain when compared with neutral braces or neoprene sleeves. Conclusion: Valgus offloader bracing is an effective treatment for improving pain secondary to medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. The literature remains unclear on the effectiveness of valgus offloader braces with regard to functional outcomes and stiffness. Larger prospective randomized trials with consistent outcome assessment tools and consideration of patient compliance would be beneficial to more accurately determine treatment effects of valgus offloader bracing.

scholarly journals Measuring and Understanding Food Insecurity in Australia: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona H. McKay ◽  
Bronte C. Haines ◽  
Matthew Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Wide Range

The number of Australians seeking food aid has increased in recent years; however, the current variability in the measurement of food insecurity means that the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in Australia is likely underreported. This is compounded by infrequent national health surveys that measure food insecurity, resulting in outdated population-level food insecurity data. This review sought to investigate the breadth of food insecurity research conducted in Australia to evaluate how this construct is being measured. A systematic review was conducted to collate the available Australian research. Fifty-seven publications were reviewed. Twenty-two used a single-item measure to examine food security status; 11 used the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM); two used the Radimer/Cornell instrument; one used the Household Food and Nutrition Security Survey (HFNSS); while the remainder used a less rigorous or unidentified method. A wide range in prevalence and severity of food insecurity in the community was reported; food insecurity ranged from 2% to 90%, depending on the measurement tool and population under investigation. Based on the findings of this review, the authors suggest that there needs to be greater consistency in measuring food insecurity, and that work is needed to create a measure of food insecurity tailored for the Australian context. Such a tool will allow researchers to gain a clear understanding of the prevalence of food insecurity in Australia to create better policy and practice responses.

scholarly journals Systematic Review of Thoracic Discography as a Diagnostic Test for Chronic Spinal Pain

2008 ◽  
Vol 5;11 (10;5) ◽  
pp. 631-642
Author(s):  
Vijay Singh
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Facet Joints ◽  
Thoracic Pain ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Discogenic Pain ◽  
Weak Recommendation ◽  
Methodologic Quality

Background: Even though the prevalence of thoracic pain has been reported to be 15% of the general population and up to 22% of the population in interventional pain management settings, the role of thoracic discs as a cause of chronic thoracic and extrathoracic pain has not been well researched. The intervertebral discs, zygapophysial or facet joints, and other structures including the costovertebral and costotransverse joints have been identified as a source of thoracic pain. Objective: To systematically assess the quality of clinical studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of provocation thoracic discography. Study Design: A systematic review of provocation thoracic discography. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of thoracic discography with respect to chronic, function limiting, thoracic or extrathoracic pain. Studies meeting the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodologic quality criteria with scores of 50 or higher were included for the assessment of the level of evidence. Level of evidence was based on the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria for the assessment of accuracy of diagnostic studies. Based on the level of evidence, recommendations were made according to Guyatt et al’s criteria. Results: The clinical value of thoracic provocation discography is limited (Level II-3) with 2C/weak recommendation derived from low quality or very low quality evidence indicating that other alternatives may be equally reasonable. Conclusion: Based on the available evidence for this systematic review, thoracic provocation discography is provided with a weak recommendation for the diagnosis of discogenic pain in the thoracic spine, if conservative management has failed. This is qualified by the need to appropriately evaluate and diagnose other causes of chronic thoracic pain including pain originating from thoracic facet joints. Key words: Thoracic pain, chest wall pain, intervertebral disc, thoracic intervertebral disc, facet joint, thoracic disc herniation, discogenic pain, lumbar provocation discography, cervical provocation discography, thoracic provocation discography, false-positive response, diagnostic accuracy

scholarly journals Learning health systems using data to drive healthcare improvement and impact: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Enticott ◽  
Alison Johnson ◽  
Helena Teede
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health System ◽  
English Language ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Translation ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Learning Health System ◽  
Healthcare Improvement

Abstract Background The transition to electronic health records offers the potential for big data to drive the next frontier in healthcare improvement. Yet there are multiple barriers to harnessing the power of data. The Learning Health System (LHS) has emerged as a model to overcome these barriers, yet there remains limited evidence of impact on delivery or outcomes of healthcare. Objective To gather evidence on the effects of LHS data hubs or aligned models that use data to deliver healthcare improvement and impact. Any reported impact on the process, delivery or outcomes of healthcare was captured. Methods Systematic review from CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Medline in-process and Web of Science PubMed databases, using learning health system, data hub, data-driven, ehealth, informatics, collaborations, partnerships, and translation terms. English-language, peer-reviewed literature published between January 2014 and Sept 2019 was captured, supplemented by a grey literature search. Eligibility criteria included studies of LHS data hubs that reported research translation leading to health impact. Results Overall, 1076 titles were identified, with 43 eligible studies, across 23 LHS environments. Most LHS environments were in the United States (n = 18) with others in Canada, UK, Sweden and Australia/NZ. Five (21.7%) produced medium-high level of evidence, which were peer-reviewed publications. Conclusions LHS environments are producing impact across multiple continents and settings.

Demonstrating Nutrient Cost Gradients: A Brooklyn Case Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 244-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Karp ◽  
Gary Wong ◽  
Marguerite Orsi
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
The United States ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Caloric Density ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Introduction: Foods dense in micronutrients are generally more expensive than those with higher energy content. These cost-differentials may put low-income families at risk of diminished micronutrient intake. Objectives: We sought to determine differences in the cost for iron, folate, and choline in foods available for purchase in a low-income community when assessed for energy content and serving size. Methods: Sixty-nine foods listed in the menu plans provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for low-income families were considered, in 10 domains. The cost and micronutrient content for-energy and per-serving of these foods were determined for the three micronutrients. Exact Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons of energy costs; Spearman rho tests for comparisons of micronutrient content. Ninety families were interviewed in a pediatric clinic to assess the impact of food cost on food selection. Results: Significant differences between domains were shown for energy density with both cost-for-energy (p < 0.001) and cost-per-serving (p < 0.05) comparisons. All three micronutrient contents were significantly correlated with cost-for-energy (p < 0.01). Both iron and choline contents were significantly correlated with cost-per-serving (p < 0.05). Of the 90 families, 38 (42 %) worried about food costs; 40 (44 %) had chosen foods of high caloric density in response to that fear, and 29 of 40 families experiencing both worry and making such food selection. Conclusion: Adjustments to USDA meal plans using cost-for-energy analysis showed differentials for both energy and micronutrients. These differentials were reduced using cost-per-serving analysis, but were not eliminated. A substantial proportion of low-income families are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.

Unifying Calibration Parameters for Dielectric Moisture Meter

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Péter Mészáros ◽  
David B. Funk
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Temperature Correction ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Correction Coefficient ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Very High Frequency ◽  
Grain Moisture ◽  
University Of Budapest ◽  
Improved Accuracy

The Unified Grain Moisture Algorithm is capable of improved accuracy and allows the combination of many grain types into a single “unified calibration”. The purposes of this research were to establish processes for determining unifying parameters from the chemical and physical properties of grains. The data used in this research were obtained as part of the United States Department of Agriculture-Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration's Annual Moisture Calibration Study. More than 5,000 grain samples were tested with a Hewlett-Packard 4291A Material/Impedance Analyzer. Temperature tests were done with a Very High Frequency prototype system at Corvinus University of Budapest. Typical chemical and physical parameters for each of the major grain types were obtained from the literature. Data were analyzed by multivariate chemometric methods. One of the most important unifying parameters (Slope) and the temperature correction coefficient were successfully modeled. The Offset and Translation unifying parameters were not modeled successfully, but these parameters can be estimated relatively easily through limited grain tests.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document