Interventions for Grandmothers: Comparative Effectiveness of Resourcefulness Training, HRV Biofeedback, and Journaling

Biofeedback ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaclene A. Zauszniewski ◽  
Carol M. Musil
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Comparative Effectiveness ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Training Group ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Biofeedback Control

In the United States, more than one million grandmothers are raising their grandchildren, and this can be stressful, produce depressive symptoms, and adversely affect their quality of life. The pilot trial of 60 grandmothers reported here examined the effects of a cognitive behavioral intervention (resourcefulness training), biofeedback control training (focused on heart rate variability), and journaling on measures of perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Comparative analysis revealed a decrease in stress with all three conditions; a decrease in depressive symptoms in the resourcefulness training group; and improved quality of life in the resourcefulness training and biofeedback groups.

Yoga for Heart Failure Patients: A Feasibility Pilot Study with a Multiethnic Population

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai Kubo ◽  
Yun-Yi Hung ◽  
Jeffrey Ritterman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
The United States ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Breathing Exercises

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is highly prevalent and the most costly cardiovascular illness in the United States. Yoga is known to be effective in lowering stress, lessening depression, and increasing physical fitness and may be used as an adjuvant management program for CHF patients. Primary Study Objective:To determine the feasibility of a yoga intervention program among a multiethnic CHF population living in underserved neighborhoods. Methods: Uncontrolled intervention trial. Setting: Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers,Richmond and Oakland, California. Participants: 14 CHF patients (7 female), mean age 64 (SD = 6.4) years, and 62% African-American. Intervention: Eight-week, 2x/week, 1-hr yoga classes that included meditation, breathing exercises, gentle yoga poses, and relaxation. Primary outcome measures: The intervention feasibility was measured by recruitment rates, participant retention and adherence. Body weight and self-reported depression and quality of life were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Among the 14 patients enrolled, 13 completed the intervention. Of those who completed the trial, 92% attended at least 50% of the classes. There was a significant reduction in weight (-3.5 lb, p = 0.01) and improvement in the severity of depression (p < 0.05), as well as a trend toward increased quality of life (p = 08). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions: This pilot trial demonstrates that it is feasible for patients with CHF to incorporate yoga into their lifestyle. Yoga may help with routine disease management, prevention of fluid retention, and improvement of depression and quality of life. A larger trial is needed to confirm efficacy and to determine the long-term effects on other important outcomes, such as hospital re-admission rates or prognostic biomarkers.

Modified Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depressive Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: a Pilot Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 446-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sephora H. Rodgers ◽  
Robert Schütze ◽  
Natalie Gasson ◽  
Rebecca A. Anderson ◽  
Robert T. Kane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Group Level ◽  
Change Analysis

Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has evidence of efficacy in a range of populations, but few studies to date have reported on MBCT for treatment of anxious and depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of modified MBCT in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving quality of life in PD. Method: Thirty-six individuals with PD were randomly assigned to either modified MBCT or a waitlist control. Changes in symptoms of anxiety, depression and quality of life were compared at group level using generalized linear mixed models and at individual level using reliable change analysis. Results: At post-treatment, there was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for people undertaking modified MBCT at both group and individual levels compared with controls. There was no significant effect on anxiety or quality of life at the group level, although significantly more people had reliable improvement in anxiety after modified MBCT than after waitlist. Significantly more waitlist participants had reliable deterioration in symptoms of anxiety and depression than those completing modified MBCT. Most participants stayed engaged in modified MBCT, with only three drop-outs. Discussion: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential efficacy of modified MBCT as a treatment for depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease and suggests further research is warranted.

scholarly journals Family Caregiving Subtypes in the Caregiving Transitions Study: A Latent Class Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 798-798
Author(s):  
John Bentley ◽  
Carly Lupton-Smith ◽  
David Roth
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
High Distress ◽  
Positive Aspects Of Caregiving

Abstract Family caregiving requires activities and experiences that have negative and positive features, producing stress but also providing benefits. The Caregiving Transitions Study (CTS) enrolled 283 caregivers from a national epidemiologic study, of which 32 were caregivers prior to enrollment in the parent study, and 251 became caregivers while participating in the parent study. Telephone interviewers were conducted after caregivers provided care for a minimum of 1.6 years (mean=7.7 years). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to detect unobserved groups of caregivers. Number of problems (i.e., ADL, IADL, communication, emotional, disruptive behavior), average burden per problem, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, purpose in life, positive aspects of caregiving, hours of care, and duration providing care were used as indicators. Classes were subsequently compared on several external variables, including demographics, quality of life, leisure activities, and caregiving strain. The best-fitting model consisted of three classes (4.6% long-term, 27.6% high-distress, and 67.8% moderate-distress). Classes were similar with respect to sex, age, race, and primary caregiving status of the caregiver. Long-term caregivers had much longer caregiving durations and commonly provided care to a child. The high-distress class was noteworthy in terms of greater number of experienced patient problems; greater likelihood of caring for a person with dementia; higher levels of caregiving strain, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and perceived burden; and lower levels of quality of life, purpose in life, positive aspects of caregiving, and leisure activities. These findings suggest that caregivers can be classified into distinct subtypes, with one subtype characterized as experiencing high distress.

scholarly journals Preliminary Feasibility Study of a Community-Based Wellness Coaching for Cancer Survivors Program

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole J Berzins ◽  
Michael Mackenzie ◽  
Mary Lou Galantino ◽  
Nicole Pickles ◽  
Sean Hebbel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
Community Based

Abstract Purpose: In the United States, there are almost 17 million cancer survivors who often have poorer health outcomes and an increased risk for developing a second cancer and other chronic illnesses. Evidence suggests substantial cancer burden may be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of health coaching for the improvement of health, fitness, and overall well-being of cancer survivors in a community setting. Methods: Participants were recruited from community-based cancer agency locations. Health coaching was provided to people diagnosed with cancer anywhere along the cancer survivorship continuum. Coaches provided six individual sessions to each participant. Surveys were sent pre- and post-intervention on topics including fitness, eating habits, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Results were analyzed using repeated measures multilevel modeling. Results: 48 participants completed an average of 85% of health coaching sessions. Coaching participants noted significant improvements in weekly physical activity, including moderate-vigorous physical activity. Small significant increases were found in healthy eating behavior. Participants reported moderate change in the quality of their sleep and smaller significant changes in sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Moderate significant reductions were found in perceived stress and anxiety, with small but significant decreases in depression. Importantly, participants reported improved quality of life, particularly in areas of physical and emotional well-being. Smaller increases were found in functional and total well-being. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate real behavior change in the measured outcomes and suggests health coaching may be an important tool for cancer survivorship.

Improved Self-Acceptance, Quality of Life, and Stress Level from Participation in a Worksite Yoga Foundations Program: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori J. Casey ◽  
Kimberly M. Van Rooy ◽  
Stephanie J. Sutherland ◽  
Sarah M. Jenkins ◽  
Jordan K. Rosedahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Worksite Wellness ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Self Acceptance ◽  
Wellness Center

Abstract Yoga is increasing in popularity in the United States and across the globe. However, most yoga programs are provided outside the worksite; although many companies offer worksite wellness programs, at present there is limited documentation regarding the potential benefits of participating in a worksite yoga program. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to examine the potential effect of a worksite yoga program on self-acceptance, quality of life, and perceived stress. A prospective cohort pilot study that examined a structured worksite yoga program was designed and tailored to individuals new to yoga. The 8-week Yoga Foundations program was conducted at an academic medical center's worksite wellness center with 86 subjects. Outcome measures were the 36-item Self-Acceptance Scale; a six-item quality-of-life measure that assesses overall, social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being; and the ten-item Perceived Stress Scale. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in their overall self-acceptance (p < 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), and perceived stress (p < 0.001) levels. They also highly rated the yoga instructors and the weekly format of the program. Participation in a Yoga Foundations program was associated with improvements in self-acceptance, quality of life and stress levels in worksite wellness center members. Future studies should use randomized designs and examine other wellness domains to learn more about the potential benefits of worksite yoga programs.

scholarly journals Association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer survivorship on quality of life in younger breast cancer survivors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Von Ah ◽  
Adele D. Crouch ◽  
Patrick O. Monahan ◽  
Timothy E. Stump ◽  
Frederick W. Unverzagt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being

Abstract Purpose Younger breast cancer survivors (BCS) often report cognitive impairment and poor quality of life (QoL), which could be interrelated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer status (BCS versus healthy control (HC)), with QoL, which included psychological (depressive symptoms, well-being, perceived stress, and personal growth) and physical well-being (physical functioning and fatigue). Methods Four hundred ninety-eight BCS (≤45 years at diagnosis) who were 3 to 8 years post-chemotherapy treatment and 394 HC completed subjective questionnaires and a one-time neuropsychological assessment, including tests of attention, memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. For each test, cognitive impairment was defined as scoring 1.5 and 2.0 standard deviations below the mean of the HC group. Separate linear regression models for each outcome were ran controlling for known covariates. Results BCS reported significantly more memory problems than HC (p < 0.0001), with up to 23% having significant impairment. Cognitive performance did not differ significantly between BCS and HCs. BCS vs. HCs had greater depression and fatigue, yet more personal growth. Objective and subjective cognitive impairment were significantly related to greater depressive symptoms and perceived stress and lower well-being and physical functioning; whereas, objective impairment was related to less personal growth and subjective impairment was related to greater fatigue. Conclusions Younger BCS report significant cognitive impairment years after treatment which may relate to greater decrements in QoL. Implications to Cancer Survivors Assessment and interventions to address cognitive concerns may also influence QoL outcomes in younger BCS.

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