Complementary therapies in medicine最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of acupressure for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Xiaohan Yu ,&nbsp;Bohong Liu ,&nbsp;Jiaxin Li ,&nbsp;Yuanjie Gao ,&nbsp;Jianpeng Chen ,&nbsp;Rongming Qi ,&nbsp;Yuxuan Yuan ,&nbsp;Yaru Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This systematic review aimed to evaluate the existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for evidence of the association between using acupressure and reducing pain and related symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea (PD).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Six electronic databases were searched for published reports on RCTs—from database inception until May 2025—that compared the use of acupressure with that of placebo acupressure, oral medication, or usual treatment and measured the intensity of menstrual pain and related symptoms. Two independent reviewers extracted and assessed the data. Risk of bias was assessed for each article; the meta-analysis was conducted according to the type of control. Results are presented as mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 23 RCTs were included in the systematic review and data from 20 RCTs were evaluated in the meta-analysis. Most studies showed a low or unclear risk of bias. We found that using acupressure was more effective in reducing menstrual pain than using placebo acupressure (MD = −1.58; 95 % CI, [−1.96, −1.20]), oral medication (MD = −1.11; 95 % CI, [−1.79, −0.43]), or usual treatment (MD = −1.29; 95 % CI, [−1.77, −0.80]). The adverse events, reported in only two studies, were mild.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupressure can effectively reduce the pain and related symptoms of PD, though the current evidence is of low quality. Future studies with rigorous designs and larger sample sizes are warranted to verify the efficacy and safety of acupressure. Subsequent findings should be incorporated into clinical practice and nursing care to refine the treatment strategies for PD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103272"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145360721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Porcine Placenta Peptide as a Complementary Functional Food for Skin Rejuvenation: A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.","authors":"Ngoc Ha Nguyen, Young In Lee, Nam Hao Chau, Sung Jun Lee, Inah Kim, Jinhak Kim, Kwang-Soo Baek, Ju Hee Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin aging is characterized by the deterioration of collagen and elastin in the dermis, leading to wrinkles, dryness, and pigmentation irregularities. Porcine placenta peptides (PPP), a bioactive ingredient commonly used in complementary functional foods and rich in collagen and growth factors, have demonstrated regenerative properties that may counteract these aging effects. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral PPP supplementation in improving signs of skin aging. Ninety participants aged 35-60 with dry skin and visible periorbital wrinkles were randomly assigned to receive either PPP or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Skin parameters, including wrinkle depth, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, pigmentation, and gloss, were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, the PPP group showed significant reductions in wrinkle depth, melanin index, erythema index, and TEWL, alongside notable improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and gloss. Importantly, no adverse events were reported, and investigator evaluations supported the objective findings. Taken together, PPP may serve as a safe and effective complementary therapy to conventional dermatological treatments, offering a non-invasive strategy to promote skin health and counteract photoaging. Given its origin as a functional food and its role in traditional East Asian medicine, PPP may also be integrated into holistic anti-aging regimens or wellness programs. Further studies in diverse populations are warranted to confirm these benefits and explore underlying mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":" ","pages":"103271"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Yoga Facial Massage on Computer Vision Syndrome and Ocular Motor Function: A Randomised Controlled Trial.","authors":"Hongxiu Chen, Tanapat Ratanapakorn, Manichaya Sukonpatip, Somkiat Asawaphureekorn, Wilaiphorn Thinkhamrop, Xingze Wang, Wichai Eungpinichpong","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103270","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Computer vision syndrome (CVS), resulting from prolonged screen use, is characterised by visual fatigue and may exacerbate pre-existing refractive errors. This randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of Specialised Thai Yoga Facial Massage (STYFM) on visual fatigue, accommodative function, refractive status, and musculoskeletal parameters in 32 young adults with CVS. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Specialised Thai Yoga Facial Massage Group (FMG, n = 16), receiving 10-15minutes of STYFM, or the Control Group (CTG, n = 16), resting with eyes closed for 15minutes. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q), near point of convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AMP), visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent refraction (SE), handgrip strength (HS), and cervical range of motion (CROM) were assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 4. By week 4, the FMG showed significantly greater improvement in CVS-Q (-27.6 points), NPC (-3.6cm), AMP (+1.3 D), and VA (+7.3 points), all p < 0.001. The SE changes were minimal in both groups, with no significant differences observed between them (p = 0.065). Musculoskeletal parameters also improved in the FMG, with significant increases in CROM and HS (p < 0.001). This study provides supportive evidence that STYFM may effectively alleviate visual fatigue symptoms, improve accommodative function, enhance convergence ability, and improve related musculoskeletal health in patients with CVS.</p>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":" ","pages":"103270"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145367646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-term farming lifestyle strongly associated with lower sarcopenia prevalence in older Adults: A cross-sectional study in an urban-rural transition zone","authors":"Yang Zhoujian ,&nbsp;Zhang Haihong ,&nbsp;Zhao Hui ,&nbsp;Zhou Qi ,&nbsp;Wu Zhufeng ,&nbsp;Shen Haihong ,&nbsp;Lv Jun ,&nbsp;Li Aihua ,&nbsp;Zhang Huan ,&nbsp;Li Hong ,&nbsp;Wang Jiachen ,&nbsp;Wang Shanjin","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In the context of rapid urbanization and escalating population aging, lifestyle factors play a critical role in sarcopenia development. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly adults in the urban-rural transition zone of southern Pudong, Shanghai, and explore the association between lifestyle factors (with a focus on long-term farming history) and sarcopenia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and November 2024, recruiting 654 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 60 years (mean age 69.43 ± 3.42 years) via convenience sampling from local health centers. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2023 Chinese Consensus criteria, based on assessments of muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), grip strength, and gait speed. Information on demographics, comorbidities, and pre-retirement primary occupation (categorized as farming vs. other non-farming) was collected through structured interviews. A farming lifestyle was defined as having engaged in agriculture as a primary occupation for at least 20 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with sarcopenia.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 6.42 % (42/654), with no significant difference between sexes (6.21 % in men vs. 6.63 % in women, <em>P</em> = 0.841). In univariate analysis, a history of farming (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and diabetes (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia. After adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate logistic regression model, a long-term farming history emerged as a strong, independent protective factor against sarcopenia (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR = 0.050, 95 % Confidence Interval CI: 0.021–0.119, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). The association between diabetes and sarcopenia was no longer statistically significant in the adjusted model (aOR = 0.749, 95 % CI: 0.293–2.088, <em>P</em> = 0.545).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The prevalence of sarcopenia in this urban-rural transition zone is lower than in highly urbanized centers in China. A long-term farming lifestyle is strongly and independently associated with a reduced risk of sarcopenia in this population. This finding highlights the potential protective effects of traditional agricultural lifestyle patterns and suggests that public health strategies for sarcopenia prevention should prioritize integrated, activity-diverse, and culturally relevant interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103268"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145336480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “The need for increasing pediatric obesity advocacy.” [Volume 80 (2024) 1–2]","authors":"Eric M. Bomberg ,&nbsp;Theodore K. Kyle ,&nbsp;Fatima C. Stanford","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103267","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103267"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145318306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review of the chronic effects of self-myofascial release on athletic performance","authors":"Qi Yang ,&nbsp;Kim Geok Soh ,&nbsp;Mohamad Aris Bin Mohd Moklas ,&nbsp;Mengjiao Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaoyang Pan ,&nbsp;Kui Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Self-myofascial release (SMR) is widely used by athletes and coaches during warm up and recovery to increase joint range of motion. Its long term effects on performance are less clear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the chronic effects, defined as at least 4 weeks, of SMR interventions on athletes physical fitness and sport specific performance, focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, and skill execution.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Systematic review.</div></div><div><h3>Data sources</h3><div>PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched in February 2025 in line with PRISMA.</div></div><div><h3>Eligibility criteria</h3><div>Experimental studies in peer reviewed English journals that examined SMR for 4 weeks or longer and reported performance related outcomes in athletes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 1391 records screened, 12 studies met inclusion, totaling 388 athletes aged 12–30 from soccer, tennis, water polo, volleyball, and mixed sports. Most studies reported significant gains in joint mobility, especially hip and shoulder flexibility. Several studies also showed moderate improvements in strength, such as maximal voluntary contraction and jump height, and in dynamic balance measured by the Y-Balance Test. Effects on static balance, isokinetic strength across all planes, and sport specific skills such as serve speed or sprint swimming were variable and often non significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Chronic SMR appears effective for improving flexibility and dynamic balance in athletes and may confer additional benefits for strength and motor control. Heterogeneity in protocols, comparators, and outcome measures, along with modest methodological quality, limits firm conclusions. More high quality, sport specific trials are needed to define optimal SMR parameters across training phases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103263"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145312576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the effects of Echium amoenum and Melissa officinalis on hypertension in stage 1 hypertensive patients: A randomized, triple-blind, three-arm clinical trial","authors":"Melika Jafari Dehnayebi ,&nbsp;Pouya Zeidy ,&nbsp;Soheila Shamsikhani ,&nbsp;Mehdi Salehi ,&nbsp;Mehdi Safarabadi","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and stage 1 hypertension provides a critical window for implementing non-pharmacological interventions. Herbal remedies such as Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum have shown promising effects on cardiovascular health.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized, triple-blind clinical trial, 105 patients with stage 1 hypertension were randomly assigned to three groups: Melissa officinalis (n = 35), Echium amoenum (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Participants received 10 mL of the assigned extract or placebo daily for four weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured weekly. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated that the distribution of blood pressure values was not normal (p &lt; 0.05); therefore, non-parametric tests were used</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant within-group reductions in both SBP and DBP were observed in the Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum groups (p &lt; 0.001). The Melissa officinalis group had the greatest decrease in SBP (8 mmHg) and DBP (4 mmHg). Between-group comparisons showed significant differences favoring Melissa officinalis over both other groups at weeks 2, 3, and 4 (p &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum effectively reduced blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension, with Melissa officinalis demonstrating superior efficacy. These findings support the use of Melissa officinalis as a complementary treatment for hypertension management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103266"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145307197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A narrative review of aromatherapy: Mechanisms and clinical value in physiological and psychological regulation","authors":"Ling Men ,&nbsp;Ling-Ling Liang ,&nbsp;Shang-Wei Wu ,&nbsp;Yi Sun ,&nbsp;Hao Liu ,&nbsp;Qiang Mi ,&nbsp;Maryam Mazhar ,&nbsp;Gang Luo ,&nbsp;Qiu-Yu Liu ,&nbsp;Meng-Nan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This narrative review comprehensively explores the physiological mechanisms, psychological effects, and theoretical hypotheses of aromatherapy, along with its applications in clinical practice.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Aromatherapy, utilizing plant-derived essential oils, is a significant component of complementary medicine widely implemented in clinical practice. Recent research advancements demonstrate its regulatory effects physiologically and psychologically, showing clinical potential for nervous, circulatory, and immune systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Searches were conducted in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies published in recent years. Based on the retrieved literature, the biological effects of aromatherapy on the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems are summarized in this review.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>From a physiological perspective, olfactory molecules can enter the bloodstream either through the olfactory system or via transdermal absorption, subsequently modulating the immune system. They have been shown to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, scavenge free radicals, reduce cellular oxidative stress, and mitigate systemic inflammatory responses. Regarding psychological effects, aromatherapy modulates the secretion of neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby alleviating anxiety. Additionally, it influences emotional states and cognitive functions by stimulating the olfactory system, which interacts with the limbic system and brain regions involved in emotional processing. Specific essential oils like lavender demonstrate substantial evidence for analgesic and anxiolytic effects, while Rosmarinus officinalis shows efficacy in enhancing cognitive function. The review particularly focuses on its mechanisms and clinical applications in pain relief, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidative properties, antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, and adjunctive care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Future research should prioritize elucidating mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and long-term safety to fully uncover its therapeutic potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103261"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145307170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of ginger supplementation on obesity indices and Adipokine profiles in adults: A GRADE-based systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Shrin Rjabi ,&nbsp;Seyed Sina Seyedhatami ,&nbsp;Maede Makhtoomi ,&nbsp;Mohammad Reza Ahmadi ,&nbsp;Saeede Alimohamadi ,&nbsp;Ehsan Aliabadi ,&nbsp;Soroush Talakesh ,&nbsp;Mehran Nouri ,&nbsp;Behzad Zamani ,&nbsp;Moein Askarpour","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Overweight and obesity are major health concerns. The impact of ginger on weight has been studied. In the present systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis we aim to sum up the findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of ginger on various weight measurements/indices.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar) were comprehensively searched. Relevant studies were selected using defined criteria. Outcomes included: body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), adiponectin and leptin. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and confidence interval (CI) were reported. Subgroup analysis was carried out. Linear and non-linear associations, based on dosage and duration of interventions, were investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-six RCTs were included. Ginger supplementation significantly improved WC (WMD: −0.65 cm, 95 % CI: −1.07, −0.24), BFP (WMD: −1.49 %, 95 % CI: −2.65, −0.32), and serum adiponectin levels (WMD = 0.84 μg/mL; 95 % CI: 0.01). Other measurements were not improved by the intervention. An inverse, linear association was found between the duration of intervention and changes in BW (BW: coefficient = -0.471, P = 0.001). Also, a non-linear direct association was observed between ginger dosages and WC (P-nonlinearity = 0.023).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Ginger supplementation does not seem effective in improving major measurements/indices of weight, including body weight and BMI. However, ameliorations in other measurements of local adiposity, findings from subgroup analyses, and investigations of linear and non-linear association on dosage and duration, indicate that further studies with longer intervention periods are needed to make a conclusive decision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103260"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145307186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Short-term effects of arm baths on blood pressure in participants with arterial hypertension - a randomized crossover study","authors":"Elisabeth Reiter ,&nbsp;Roman Huber","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hypertension is the predominant risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, and contributes to heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and stroke. As of recently, scientists began to systematically investigate the vast physiological potential of hydrotherapy in individuals with cardiovascular disease. Hot baths in particular have been shown to transiently reduce arterial stiffness and to exert vasodilatory effects. Potentially beneficial in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, hot arm baths (HAB) have rarely been put to the test in randomized-controlled trials.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Based on the hypothesis that HAB may exert short-term blood pressure-lowering effects, a monocentric, randomized-controlled pilot study was performed in participants with arterial hypertension. In a crossover design, participants received a HAB with a temperature of 45 °C and a thermoneutral arm bath (TAB) with a temperature of 28 °C for five minutes each, with a post-interventional observation period of 90 min. Effects on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as well as on heart rate (HR) and hand and foot temperature (HT, FT) were measured in close intervals (after 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 90 min). The washout period between both interventions was seven days.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>54 participants with uncontrolled hypertension were included to the study, of which four participants had to be excluded from the analysis because they did not show up for the second intervention. The mean age of the remaining 50 participants in group A und in group B were 61 and 62 years, respectively. The participants in both groups were slightly overweight (group A: BMI 25.2 kg/m², group B: BMI 27.1 kg/m²). The majority of participants in both groups took antihypertensive medication. Analysis revealed no carry-over effect. The analyses of treatment effects showed a significant decrease from baseline of DBP 5, 10 and 15 min after the HAB in comparison with the TAB. In addition, we found statistically significant differences of the two interventions in the changes from baseline of the HR after 1 and 5 min and HT after 1, 5, 10, 15 and 30. No major side effects were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>HAB could be used as rapid-acting add-on tool in conjunction with pharmacotherapy to manage uncontrolled hypertension in various contexts at home.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103257"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}