scholarly journals Effect of hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological variables among patients hospitalized in the cardiac care unit: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohre Rahmani ◽  
Nahid Rejeh ◽  
Majideh Heravi-Karimooi ◽  
Seyed Davood Tadrisi ◽  
Mojtaba Vaismoradi

Background and objective: Admission to the cardiac care unit may cause physiological and psychological problems in patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological variables among female patients with acute coronary syndrome hospitalized in the cardiac care unit.Methods: This randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 90 female patients hospitalized in the cardiac care unit in an urban area of Iran. The patients were chosen using a convenient sampling method and then were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 45) and placebo (n = 45) groups. While the intervention group received hand reflexology for 20 minutes, the placebo group received a simple touch of hand without the stimulation of reflexology points.  Demographic data was collected at the beginning of the study using face-to-face interviews with the patients. The anxiety level was assessed using the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) immediately after the intervention and 30 min after the intervention. Also, physiological variables including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were measured before, immediately after the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and placebo groups before the intervention (p > .05). The anxiety level in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group immediately after the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention (p < .05, η = 0.090). However, no statistically significant differences in physiological variables between the groups were observed (p > .05).Conclusions: Hand reflexology influenced the level of anxiety. Therefore, nurses can use hand reflexology as a method for reducing patients’ anxiety along with other nursing interventions.

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e024968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyan Huang ◽  
Guang Chen ◽  
Qingya Guan ◽  
Chao Liu ◽  
Qing Zhao ◽  
...  

IntroductionAs the early stage of coronary heart disease (CHD), borderline coronary lesion (BCL) is defined as a 30%–70% diameter stenosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that BCL may progress to acute coronary syndrome easily. However, routine medications available for the treatments of BCL have some limitations. Xuanbi antong granule (XAG) has been used for the treatment of BCL in China for many years. Previous studies have shown that XAG has effectiveness in improving clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with CHD. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of XAG in patients with BCL.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 300 participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention group and the placebo group. Based on routine medications, the intervention group will be treated with XAG and the placebo group will be treated with XAG placebo. All participants will receive a 6-month treatment and then be followed-up for another 6 months. The primary outcomes are the changes of target plaque characteristics (including target plaque volume, degree of stenosis, CT value and calcification score) measured by dual source CT angiography. The secondary outcomes include blood lipid indicators, efficacy of angina symptoms, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and occurrence of major adverse cardiac events. All the data will be recorded in electronic case report forms and analysed by SPSS V.20.0.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by Research Ethics Committee of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, China (No. 2017–083-KY-01). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results of this study will be disseminated to the public through academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR-IOR-17013189; Pre-results.


2022 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Fikrettin Sahin ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Pirouzpanah ◽  
Hossein Bijanpour ◽  
Mohammad Mohammadzadeh ◽  
Reza Eghdam Zamiri ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a side effect of radiation therapy (RT) which is experienced by over 90% of patients being treated for breast cancer. The current clinical trial was conducted to measure the preventative effects of a boron-based gel on several different clinical outcomes (dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation) after 25 radiotherapy sessions. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This research used a double-blind parallel-group design with a placebo control (<i>n</i> = 76) and randomized group (<i>n</i> = 181), with all participants being between 18 and 75 years old. Fifteen minutes before each radiotherapy, participants in the intervention group were given a gel containing 3% sodium pentaborate pentahydrate, while those in the placebo group received a gel with no chemical substance. Dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation were compared between the 2 groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05), except for body mass index. After 14 days of treatment, dermatitis (98.7% vs. 9.9%; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), erythema (96.1% vs. 12.2%; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), dry desquamation (50% vs. 3.9%; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), and moist desquamation (18.4% vs. 0.6%; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) were much more common in the placebo group than the intervention group. To prevent dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation in 1 patient, on average, 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.2), 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1–1.3), 2.2 (95% CI: 1.7–2.9), and 5.6 (95% CI: 3.8–11.0) patients need to be treated, respectively. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The boron-based gel has a significant preventive effect on several categories of RD which might be used by clinicians in breast cancer.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditi Apte ◽  
Mudra Kapoor ◽  
Sadanand Naik ◽  
Himangi Lubree ◽  
Pooja Khamkar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Micronutrient deficiency is a known cause of adverse neurodevelopment and growth. Poor adherence to oral regimes of micronutrient supplements is a known challenge during the implementation of supplementation programs. The present study evaluates the benefits of liposomal encapsulated micronutrient fortified body oils (LMF oil) that can be used for infant body massage in terms of neurodevelopment and prevention of deficiency. Study design Double-blind randomized clinical trial. Methods A total of 444 healthy infants aged 4-7 weeks were randomized to receive either LMF oil (containing iron, vitamin D, folate, and vitamin B12) or placebo oil for gentle body massage till 12 months of age. Blood samples were collected at 6 and 12 months for transferrin saturation (TSAT), hemoglobin, and 25-hydroxy vitamin (25-OH-D) levels. Mental and motor development was assessed at 12 months using developmental assessment for Indian Infants (DASII). Results A total of 391 infants completed the study. There was no significant improvement in the hemoglobin in the intervention group at 12 months of age as compared to the placebo group [− 0.50 vs.-0.54 g%]. There was a marginally significant improvement in 25-OH-D at 12 months in the LMF oil group [+ 1.46vs.-0.18 ng/ml, p = 0.049]. In the subgroup of infants with moderate anemia, the intervention prevented the decline in hemoglobin at 12 months of age [adjusted mean change + 0.11vs.-0.51 g%, p = 0.043]. The mental or motor developmental quotients in the intervention group were not significantly different from those in the placebo group. Conclusion Use of LMF oil for prevention of nutritional deficiency did not offer significant protection against nutritional anemia but prevented vitamin D deficiency to some extent with improvement in 25-OH-D at 12 months. In the subgroup of infants with moderate anemia, the intervention prevented the decline in hemoglobin at 12 months of age. The intervention did not result in significant improvement in mental or motor development. Further evaluation with increased doses needs to be undertaken. Trial registration CTRI no: CTRI/2017/11/010710; dated 30/11/2017.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditi Apte ◽  
Mudra Kapoor ◽  
Sadanand Naik ◽  
Himangi Lubree ◽  
Pooja Khamkar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Micronutrient deficiency is a known cause of adverse neurodevelopment and growth. Poor adherence to oral regimes of micronutrient supplements is a known challenge during the implementation of supplementation programs. The present study evaluates the benefits of liposomal encapsulated micronutrient fortified body oils (LMF oil) that can be used for infant body massage in terms of neurodevelopment and prevention of deficiency. Study design: Double-blind randomized clinical trial Methods: 444 healthy infants aged 4-7weeks were randomized to receive either LMF oil (containing iron, vitamin D, folate, and vitamin B12) or placebo oil for gentle body massage till 12months of age. Blood samples were collected at 6 and 12 months for transferrin saturation (TSAT), hemoglobin, and 25-hydroxy vitamin (25-OH-D) levels. Mental and motor development was assessed at 12 months using developmental assessment for Indian Infants (DASII). Results: A total of 391 infants completed the study. There was no significant improvement in the hemoglobin in the intervention group at 12 months of age as compared to the placebo group [-0.50 vs.-0.54 gm%]. There was a marginally significant improvement in 25-OH-D at 12 months in the LMF oil group [+1.46vs.-0.18ng/ml, p=0.049]. In the subgroup of infants with moderate anemia, the intervention prevented the decline in hemoglobin at 12 months of age [adjusted mean change +0.11vs.-0.51gm%, p=0.043]. The mental or motor developmental quotients in the intervention group were not significantly different from those in the placebo group. Conclusion: Use of LMF oil for prevention of nutritional deficiency did not offer significant protection against nutritional anemia but prevented vitamin D deficiency to some extent with improvement in 25-OH-D at 12 months. In the subgroup of infants with moderate anemia, the intervention prevented the decline in hemoglobin at 12 months of age. The intervention did not result in significant improvement in mental or motor development. Further evaluation with increased doses needs to be undertaken.Trial registration: CTRI no: CTRI/2017/11/010710; dated 30/11/2017 [http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/advancesearchmain.php ]


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-415
Author(s):  
Samaneh Jouya ◽  
Nahid Golmakani

Women experience a high level of anxiety and negative emotional responses during colposcopy, which results in women's' unwillingness to return for follow-up. Transcutaneous auricular stimulation may be useful in reducing anxiety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of transcutaneous auricular stimulation on anxiety before colposcopy. This randomized controlled clinical trial study was performed on 65 female candidates for colposcopy who were referred to Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, in 2017. Women were randomized into one of the two groups. In the intervention group, a pointer Excel device was used for forty minutes before colposcopy; electrical stimulation at 4 points (Shenmen, relaxation, tranquillizer and endocrine) was performed on ears, with the frequency of 2 Hz for 30 seconds at each point. Women received routine care in the control group. The anxiety level was assessed by Spielberger Questionnaire before intervention and also 40 minutes after intervention. Data analysis was performed using the t-test, paired t-test, and MannWhitney test in SPSS software, version16. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. After intervention, the state anxiety score was 43.9 ± 9.19 in the control group and 54.3 ± 9.07 in the intervention group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.00), while there was no significant difference in the level of trait anxiety in the two groups (P = 0.21). Regarding the reduction of state anxiety level after intervention, transcutaneous auricular stimulation is recommended as a suitable method to reduce anxiety of patients who are candidates for colposcopy.


Author(s):  
Reza Ganji ◽  
Nastaran Majdinasab ◽  
Saeed Hesam ◽  
Nazanin Rostami ◽  
Mehdi Sayyah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Migraine is a painful and disabling nervous disorder which negatively affects the quality of life. Migraineurs may suffer from a generalized vasomotor dysfunction. Statins improve vasomotor and vascular function, with their pleiotropic effects. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of adding Atorvastatin to prophylactic regimen in better control of migraine with aura. Methods This triple-blind controlled clinical trial was on 68 patients with migraine with aura. An interval of at least 1 month was given to evaluate vitamin D3 level and eligibility. In patients with vitamin D3 deficiency, the correction with vitamin D supplementation was provided. The patients were randomly assigned to receive atorvastatin 20 mg plus sodium valproate 500 mg or placebo plus sodium valproate 500 mg once a day for 2 months. The patients were evaluated based for the number of attacks and pain severity based on Visual Analogue Scale. Results There was a significant (p = 0.0001) improvement in severity of pain and number of migraine attacks by adding Atorvastin to the prophylactic regimen of patients with migraine with aura. After controlling for variable parameters, the differences between two arms of the study was yet statistically significant (p = 0.0001). A significant number of participants in intervention group were satisfied by their treatment (p = 0.001) with no remarkable side effects (P = 0.315). Conclusions Adding atorvastatin to migraine with aura preventive regimen may help reduce the number of acute attacks and pain severity without causing considerable side effects and led to a better patient satisfaction. Trial registration IRCT20180106038242N1. Registered: 7 February 2018.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Barati ◽  
Mina Iravani ◽  
Majid Karandish ◽  
Mohammad Hosein Haghighizadeh ◽  
Sara Masihi

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes is the most common medical complication in pregnancy, and it has many side effects for the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oat bran consumption on gestational diabetes. Methods This study is a randomized clinical trial that was performed on 112 women with gestational diabetes treated with diet. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 56. Participants in both groups were given a diet for gestational diabetes. In addition to the diet, the intervention group received 30 g of oat bran daily for 4 weeks at lunch and dinner. Tests of fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose were taken from both groups: before the intervention, and 2 and 4 weeks after the start of the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 22) using independent t-test, as well as Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean blood glucose before the intervention, while 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention, mean fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, the addition of oat bran to the standard diet for pregnant women with gestational diabetes reduced fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose. More detailed studies with higher sample sizes are recommended to prove the effectiveness of this valuable dietary supplement. Trial registration IRCT registration number:IRCT20191220045828N1. Registration date: 2020-04-18. Registered while recruiting.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e041958
Author(s):  
Nirmani Yasara ◽  
Nethmi Wickramarathne ◽  
Chamila Mettananda ◽  
Aresha Manamperi ◽  
Anuja Premawardhena ◽  
...  

IntroductionDespite being one of the first diseases to be genetically characterised, β-thalassaemia remains a disorder without a cure in a majority of patients. Most patients with β-thalassaemia receive only supportive treatment and therefore have a poor quality of life and shorter life spans. Hydroxyurea, which has shown to induce fetal haemoglobin synthesis in human erythroid cells, is currently recommended for the treatment of sickle cell disease. However, its clinical usefulness in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia is unclear. Here, we present a protocol for a randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral hydroxyurea in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia.Methods and analysisThis single-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial is conducted at the Thalassaemia Centre of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Adult and adolescent patients with haematologically and genetically confirmed transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia are enrolled and randomised into the intervention or control group. The intervention group receives oral hydroxyurea 10–20 mg/kg daily for 6 months, while the control group receives a placebo which is identical in size, shape and colour to hydroxyurea without its active ingredient. Transfused blood volume, pretransfusion haemoglobin level, fetal haemoglobin percentage and adverse effects of treatment are monitored during treatment and 6 months post-treatment. Cessation or reduction of blood transfusions during the treatment period will be the primary outcome measure. The statistical analysis will be based on intention to treat.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (P/116/05/2018) and the trial is approved by the National Medicinal Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka. Results of the trial will be disseminated in scientific publications in reputed journals.Trial registration numberSLCTR/2018/024; Pre-results.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Hassan Babamohamadi ◽  
Masoumeh Karkeabadi ◽  
Abbasali Ebrahimian

Background. Moderate-to-severe pain is reported in up to 75% of the patients in the first 48 hours after cardiac surgery. Evidence suggests that distraction is an effective nursing intervention for controlling short-term and transient pain. Distraction can be achieved by various techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and rhythmic breathing (RB). The present research aimed at evaluating the impacts of RB on the severity of sternotomy pain after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). Methods. This randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients after CABG surgery at the open-heart surgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Kowsar Hospital, affiliated to Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Semnan, Iran. The patients were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups, including (1) intervention or RB and (2) control groups. RB was performed in the intervention group every 12 hours (9 a.m. and 9 p.m.) for three consecutive days after the surgery. The control group received only routine care for pain control (opioid analgesics) with no additional interventions. The severity of pain was measured every day in both groups of patients before and after the interventions using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results. The mean postintervention pain scores were significantly different from the mean preintervention scores in the intervention group ( p  < 0.05). The changes in the mean pain score in the intervention group were also significantly different from the corresponding changes in the controls ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion. Based on the results, the severity of pain after the intervention was significantly lower in the RB group compared to the control. RB was found to be an effective technique for reducing the patients’ pain and is therefore recommended as a post-CABG pain control technique. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: this trial is clinically registered with IRCT20120109008665N7, registered 3 September 2018.


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