Cardio-Judo in Long-term Cardiac Rehabilitation. A Feasibility Study for Clinical Practice and Heart Support Groups.

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Mastnak
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Learning Abilities ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Heart Patients

Background. Long-term cardiac rehabilitation has become a means of vital importance in national health systems. It enhances the sustainability of benefits of cardiac surgery and acute cardiologic treatment and helps to prevent the recurrence of pathological events. For decades, sports have become a cornerstone of cardiac rehabilitation and Chinese martial arts such as Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong have gained ground. By contrast, Judo is usually not considered a viable means for cardiac rehabilitation. This paper, however, advocates Judo for heart patients and highlights specific advantages as well as necessary risk control. Material and methods. The research was conducted with cardiac patients of the Austrian Heart Association. Methods comprised (i) comparison of exertion and movement patterns of Judo with sports medical guidelines of cardiac rehabilitation; (ii) application of guidelines to prevent risks of harm through physical exercise in heart patients; (iii) qualitative research on psychosomatic self-attribution and motor-learning abilities. Results. Specifically tailored Judo is a feasible and beneficial add-on-intervention in cardiac rehabilitation. It has manifold advantages, can enhance the attractiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation, and helps to improve sustainable adherence. Conclusion. Martial arts and in particular Judo seem to provide a perfect balance between endurance and resistance training, to enhance motor-coordination and metabolic parameters, and to have positive effects on the psyche and behaviour. Further studies are needed to more distinctly draft guidelines for best practice. Cardio-Judo might become a standard option in long-term cardiac rehabilitation.

Chinese Martial Arts: Add-on Therapy and Application in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation. A Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Mastnak
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Heart Rate ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Tai Chi Chuan ◽  
Cultural Traditions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cultural Research

Background. Martial Arts (MA) are complex systems that involve both psycho-motor facets and cultural traditions. Although Western approaches tend to discern between meditative movement for health, competitive sports, and ethnic rites, many martial arts have to be regarded as holistic entities that comprise medical features, physical exercises, and mystical perspectives. Methods. Review, critical comparative analysis. Results. Cardiologic studies upon the martial arts mainly explore the Chinese disciplines of Tai Chi Chuan 太极拳and Qigong 气功and speak about cost-effective and safe ways of treatment. These approaches are applied to reduce hypertension and high heart rate and might have positive effects on endothelial function and heart rate variability. In addition to these cardiac perspectives, Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong proofed to exhibit preventative and therapeutic effects on anxiety and depression, hence their function for controlling psychopathological sequelae of heart conditions. A wealth of studies highlights that these martial arts also improve the patients’ quality of life and enhance their adherence to rehabilitation programmes. For some years, also Karate and Judo have gained ground in cardiology. Conclusion. Chinese Martial Arts are a viable means in cardiac rehabilitation. From the perspective of cross-cultural research in medicine, more studies on the martial arts that involve both Western and Chinese theories of cardiology are required.

Effects of Long-Term Tai Chi Practice on Balance and H-Reflex Characteristics

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (02) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongwei Guan ◽  
David M. Koceja
Keyword(s):  
Tai Chi ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Standing Position ◽  
H Reflex ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Left And Right

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of long-term Tai Chi practice on postural balance and H-reflex. Sixteen healthy volunteers, eight with three or more years of experience in Tai Chi training (Tai Chi Group-TCG), and eight with no experience in Tai Chi training (Control Group-CG) participated in the study. Postural sways were measured under four experimental conditions: (1) Standing still with eyes open (EO); (2) Standing still with eyes closed (EC); (3) Standing and turning head to left and right with eyes open (EOT); and (4) Standing and turning head to left and right with eyes closed (ECT). Paired reflex depression (PRD) of the soleus muscle was measured under two conditions: supine and standing. Less significant postural sway was observed in the TCG than in the CG under four conditions including EO, EC, EOT, and ECT (p < 0.01). The TCG demonstrated 14.1%, 30.6%, 33.3% and 22.7% less postural sway, respectively. Significant PRD change from a supine to standing position was observed between TCG and CG (p < 0.05). A significant correlation between PRD change (from supine to standing) and years of Tai Chi practice was observed (r = 0.80, p < 0.05). The findings of this study support the positive effects of Tai Chi exercise on balance control under different conditions. Long-term Tai Chi exercisers also demonstrated different reflex modulation from a supine to standing position, and long-term Tai Chi practice may lead to a change of PRD modulation as neuroadaptation.

Efficacy of Tai Chi on Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 109980042110479
Author(s):  
Mei Ha ◽  
Yuhui Yang ◽  
Yu Shi ◽  
Ya Lu ◽  
Kun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Gene Profile ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Esrd Patients

Previous systematic reviews elucidate the efficacy of Tai Chi on the rehabilitation and treatment for various chronic diseases. Yet, no consensus has been reached on its efficacy and safety from those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to critically summarize what is already known about the prevailing benefits of Tai Chi for CKD patients. There was no evidence that Tai Chi had adverse effects on CKD patients. Long-term Tai Chi exercises could improve quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical motor function for the end-stage renal disease (ERSD) patients undergoing dialysis. Regular Tai Chi exercises might exert modest influences in delaying CKD progression for mild–moderate CKD patients. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate positive effects of Tai Chi exercises on bone health of the ESRD patients. Accordingly, rigorously designed, longer-term studies of Tai Chi are warranted to identify its efficacy on CKD patients across different stages, especially targeting potential mechanisms in terms of Tai Chi altering biological gene profile expressions.

Opioid crisis in primary care? An audit of high-dose opioid prescribing at Bangholm GP Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711581
Author(s):  
Charlotte Greene ◽  
Alice Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Opioid Prescription ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Best Practice Guidelines

BackgroundOpioids are effective analgesics for acute and palliative pain, but there is no evidence base for long-term pain relief. They also carry considerable risks such as overdose and dependence. Despite this, they are increasingly prescribed for chronic pain. In the UK, opioid prescribing more than doubled between 1998 and 2018.AimAn audit at Bangholm GP Practice to understand the scale of high-strength opioid prescribing. The aim of the audit was to find out if indications, length of prescription, discussion, and documentation at initial consultation and review process were consistent with best-practice guidelines.MethodA search on Scottish Therapeutics Utility for patients prescribed an average daily dose of opioid equivalent ≥50 mg morphine between 1 July 2019 and 1 October 2019, excluding methadone, cancer pain, or palliative prescriptions. The Faculty of Pain Medicine’s best-practice guidelines were used.ResultsDemographics: 60 patients (37 females), average age 62, 28% registered with repeat opioid prescription, 38% comorbid depression. Length of prescription: average 6 years, 57% >5 years, 22% >10 years. Opioid: 52% tramadol, 23% on two opioids. Indications: back pain (42%), osteoarthritis (12%), fibromyalgia (10%). Initial consultation: 7% agreed outcomes, 35% follow-up documented. Review: 56% 4-week, 70% past year.ConclusionOpioid prescribing guidelines are not followed. The significant issues are: long-term prescriptions for chronic pain, especially back pain; new patients registering with repeat prescriptions; and no outcomes of treatment agreed, a crucial message is the goal is pain management rather than relief. Changes have been introduced at the practice: a patient information sheet, compulsory 1-month review for new patients on opioids, and in-surgery pain referrals.

Physical activity and cognitive function in older persons

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Critical Challenge

Strategies to improve cognitive aging are highly needed. Among those, promotion of exercise and physical activity appears as one of the most attractive and beneficial intervention. Indeed, results from basic and clinical studies suggest that exercise and physical activity have positive effects on cognition in older persons without cognitive impairment, as well as in those with dementia. Despite inconsistent results, aerobic exercise appears to have the strongest potential to enhance cognition. However, even limited periods of walking (45 minutes, three times a week, over a 6-month period) have also been shown to enhance cognition, particularly executive functions. Changing long-term lifestyle habits in these older persons remains a critical challenge and attractive programs susceptible to gain adherence are needed to succeed in achieving improved cognitive aging.

Use Of Tai Chi Elements To Increase Respiratory Amplitude

2019 ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
Mihai-Alexandru Citea ◽  
Marius Neculaes
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Sports Club ◽  
Optimal Functioning ◽  
Physiological Adaptations ◽  
Competitive Activity ◽  
Abdominal Breathing ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Different Levels

High performance sport has a major impact on the physiological adaptations of the respiratory system. The importance of the optimal functioning of this system is essential to achieve top results in high performance sport but also in maintaining a long term health status. Science journals present numerous studies that highlight the benefits of practicing Tai Chi on the general population, with effects ranging from improving cardiac function, to influencing the immune system. The purpose of this study is to identify whether by practicing Tai Chi forms a athlete can change their breathing pattern and develop their respiratory amplitude. The subjects of the study were 22 fencing practitioners, accredited at the Iași Municipal Sports Club (C.S.M. Iași), aged between 14 and 18 years, with over 3 years of competitive activity. Materials and method: The study participants were evaluated initially and at the end of 7 months of practice. The frequency was 3 sessions per week, and the duration of each session was 20-30 minutes. The evaluation consisted in measuring the circumference of the thorax at 3 different levels: subaxillary, medial thorax (T6-T7) and lower rib (diaphragmatic) in maximal inspiration and expiration. Conclusions: A constant evolution is observed in most of the exposed cases. In cases where this evolution is not visible, a change in the breathing mode can be noticed, transforming from an upper rib breathing into a thoracic or abdominal breathing. With the exception of one case, all subjects had an improvement of the value in the lower rib level.

Hallucinogen Use in College Students: Current Trends and Consequences of Use

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-127
Author(s):  
Lena S. Jia ◽  
Jessica A. Gold
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Drug Class ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
College Population ◽  
Therapy Studies ◽  
Recreational Use ◽  
Perception Disorder ◽  
Review Current

Hallucinogens are a drug class that is growing in popularity with college students. Recent experimental trends, such as microdosing, have helped promote the use of hallucinogens on campus, and students may be tempted to use these substances due to their beliefs about the drugs’ positive effects on mood. Although hallucinogens are not currently an established form of medical therapy, studies have shown that they have significant benefits as adjunctive treatments for psychological disorders. However, the recreational use of these drugs in college students often occurs in uncontrolled doses or with drug mixing, which is often dangerous. Furthermore, students with mental health disorders may have their symptoms masked by hallucinogenic drug use, which could delay treatment and have serious consequences. Long-term use of these drugs may also result in tolerance or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. This article attempts to review current information regarding hallucinogen use and how it applies to the college population.

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