Healthcare最新文献

{"title":"Inequities in Forgone Medical Care and Health Insurance in a Key Geopolitical Area Along the US-Mexico Border.","authors":"Samuel D C Towne, Wei Li, Chanam Lee, Minjie Xu, Jiahe Bian, Leah D Whigham, Marcia G Ory","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182295","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Residents of the US-Mexico border face cost-related barriers in accessing necessary medical care. Given the potential for individualized or broader tailoring of solutions to reflect community needs, we sought to identify risk factors for being uninsured and forgoing necessary medical care due to cost among a largely Hispanic adult population residing along the US-Mexico border.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Surveys among adults in a major US-Mexico border area were used to investigate cost-related forgone medical care and lack of insurance. Binary Logit models were employed to model multiple binary outcomes informed by our theoretical frameworks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Lower education, Hispanic ethnicity, being younger, lacking underlying illness and/or having obesity, forgoing medical care due to cost, and having lower income were associated with a higher likelihood of being uninsured; while being female, being younger, having underlying illness and/or having obesity (potential increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19), lacking insurance, and having a lower income were risk factors for forgone medical care due to cost.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study adds novel insight into existing health inequities facing those residing along the US-Mexico border region, thereby holding timely public health implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469860/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping the Scientific Landscape Between Respiratory Conditions and Costs: A Bibliometric Analysis.","authors":"Ioannis Ch Lampropoulos, Foteini Malli, Eleftherios Aggelopoulos, Angeliki Tsameti, Erasmia Rouka, Zoe Daniil, Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182293","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> The objective of the present study was to systematically explore the scientific literature to examine the relationship between respiratory diseases and economic cost. The research question focused on identifying the thematic, methodological, and temporal trends that link these two scientific fields. <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed database using the terms \"Pulmonology OR respiratory\" AND \"Cost\", which returned 30,274 publications from 1921 up to April 2025. For the bibliometric review, VOSviewer software was used to create bibliometric maps through the tools of network, overlay, and density visualization. <b>Results:</b> The analysis revealed six clusters, which include clinical prognosis, pandemics, pharmacoeconomics, epidemiology, chronic conditions, and health services research. After 2010, there was a particularly important increase in academic research related to pulmonology and cost, with this rise being especially evident during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent studies have increasingly focused on cost-effectiveness, quality of life, hospitalization, and multimorbidity. <b>Discussion:</b> The scientific field of respiratory conditions is undergoing a substantial transformation, shifting from traditional clinical descriptions to an interdisciplinary framework that incorporates economic evaluation. This evolution highlights the need for strategies based on economically informed decisions and effective public health policy making. The term \"economic cost\" in this study refers to both direct costs (e.g., hospitalization and treatment) and indirect economic impacts, such as resource allocation and healthcare burden. <b>Conclusions:</b> The findings demonstrate that research linking respiratory diseases and economic cost is expanding rapidly, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, and is characterized by interdisciplinary approaches that combine clinical, epidemiological, and economic perspectives. This trend underlines the importance of integrating cost-effectiveness considerations into respiratory healthcare policies and highlights the need for collaborative strategies to ensure sustainable and efficient health systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469475/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supporting Meaningful Choices: A Decision Aid for Individuals Facing Existential Distress and Considering Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy.","authors":"Ariane Bélanger, Sue-Ling Chang, Jean-François Stephan, Florence Moureaux, Diane Tapp, Robert Foxman, Pierre Gagnon, Johanne Hébert, Houman Farzin, Michel Dorval","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182290","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Given the limitations of traditional approaches to treating existential distress in seriously ill patients, psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has emerged as a promising treatment option. However, weighing up the potential risks and benefits of this approach can be challenging for both healthcare professionals and patients. Decision aids can play a key role in supporting shared decision making by clarifying options, improving knowledge, and enhancing decision quality. To date, there is no decision aid specific to PAT. This descriptive study aimed to develop a decision aid for individuals considering this therapy. <b>Methods</b>: A paper-based/electronic decision aid was developed with a multidisciplinary steering committee following the International Patient Decision Aids Standards Collaboration (IPDAS). Development included conducting a literature review and prototype design, evaluating acceptability and usability by potential users (i.e., patients and healthcare professionals), and producing a final version. Questionnaires, direct feedback, and semi-structured interviews with potential users allowed for evaluation and refinement of design and content. <b>Results</b>: The final version of the decision aid is presented as a booklet, covering areas such as PAT education, comparison of treatment options, and personal reflection. Feedback from patients (<i>n</i> = 5) and healthcare professionals (<i>n</i> = 5) guided improvements, helping clarify content, ensuring balanced information, optimizing its length for usability, and providing decision-making support. <b>Conclusions</b>: The decision aid developed in this study demonstrated satisfactory acceptability and usability, meeting IPDAS criteria. By providing balanced and accessible information, it may facilitate shared decision-making for individuals considering PAT, representing a significant step forward in this emerging area of palliative care.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469295/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating Multimorbidity Assessment into Rheumatology Care: Prognostic Role of the Charlson Comorbidity Index in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.","authors":"Ryuichi Ohta, Yoshinori Ryu, Chiaki Sano, Kunihiro Ichinose","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182285","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant morbidity and premature mortality. As patients with SLE often suffer from multiple comorbid conditions, evaluating the overall health burden is critical for improving risk stratification and long-term outcomes. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is a widely used tool for quantifying the burden of comorbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic value of the CCI for all-cause mortality in adult patients with SLE. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched up to May 2025. Three studies (n = 1175 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Eligible studies included adult SLE populations that evaluated the comorbidity burden using the CCI and reported all-cause mortality. Study characteristics and effect sizes were extracted, and a fixed-effects model (after considering both random- and fixed-effects approaches) was applied to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. <b>Results:</b> Three observational studies (n = 1175 participants) met the inclusion criteria. All demonstrated a significant association between higher CCI scores and increased all-cause mortality. The pooled OR for mortality in patients with a high comorbidity burden was 3.92 (95% CI: 2.74-5.60), with no observed heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The risk of bias was moderate to high across all studies. <b>Conclusions:</b> Multimorbidity, as measured by the CCI, is a strong independent predictor of mortality in SLE. Integrating comorbidity assessment into rheumatology care may enhance prognostic evaluation, guide personalized treatment, and support interdisciplinary management strategies for patients with complex disease profiles.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of a Multicomponent Occupational Therapy Intervention on Balance, Functional Mobility, and Proprioception in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.","authors":"Alejandro Caña-Pino, Alba Marín-Rubio","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182287","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: With the progressive aging of the in institutionalized settings population, functional decline-manifested as reduced proprioception, joint stiffness, and muscle loss-poses a growing threat to the autonomy and quality of life of older adults. Occupational therapy plays a central role in addressing these challenges through targeted, evidence-based interventions. <b>Objectives:</b> This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a multicomponent occupational therapy intervention that integrates balance and postural stability exercises, proprioceptive stimulation, and lower-limb strengthening with conventional gerontogymnastics. The program was designed to improve gait performance, reduce fall risk, and promote independence in institutionalized older adults. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 35 community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to three groups: gerontogymnastics intervention (n = 13), multicomponent intervention (n = 13), and control (n = 9). Participants underwent a 6-week intervention comprising two 45 min sessions per week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments focused on postural stability and balance-related functional outcomes. <b>Results:</b> The multicomponent group exhibited trends toward improvement in balance, proprioception, and functional mobility, although these did not reach statistical significance. Clinically meaningful improvements were defined using minimally clinically important differences (MCIDs) for functional measures such as Timed UP and Go (TUG) (>1.3 s) and Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) (≥3 points). The multicomponent group showed a 22.1% improvement in proprioceptive accuracy and a 13.9% improvement in mobility (TUG). Additionally, this trend may indicate a potential protective effect against age-related functional decline. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that a multicomponent occupational therapy intervention may help maintain mobility and reduce functional decline in institutionalized older adults. Statistically significant gains were observed in lower-limb strength, while other improvements-such as proprioception and balance-did not reach significance but approached clinical relevance. These preliminary results support further investigation into balance-specific training within occupational therapy to promote independence and reduce fall risk. Interpretation should remain cautious due to the small sample size (n = 35) and short intervention duration, which limit statistical power and generalizability.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470052/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Palliative Care-Insights from an International Workshop.","authors":"Anna Schuldt, Ian C Clark, Yasmin Schmid, Michael Ljuslin, Christopher Boehlke, Sivan Schipper, Megan B Sands, David Blum","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182275","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182275","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Evidence is growing that psychedelic substances have positive effects in the setting of Palliative Care (PC), focusing on special needs in this patient population. After a scoping review of the literature, no published expert recommendations guiding best practice for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) towards the end of life were identified. <b>Objective:</b> To draw conclusions from first-hand experienced professionals on PAT in PC (PATPC). <b>Setting, Design, Participants:</b> An international workshop with experts was held in Wasserfallen, Switzerland. A thematic analysis of a semi-structured, questionnaire-based qualitative study with 13 experts in PC, oncology, psychiatry/psychology, and PAT from Europe, the United States, and Oceania was made. <b>Measurements:</b> The questionnaire was designed to elicit the participant's perspectives on (A) special considerations on PATPC, (B) specific characteristics of PATPC (versus mental illness), and (C) the relevance of these differences during preparation, substance dosing session, and integration in PATPC. <b>Results:</b> (A) Special Considerations included (non-medicalized) setting, potential need, and possibility to reduce preparation time. (B) Distinguishing characteristics included the patient's intrinsic motivation for treatment success, the importance of anxiety, depression, and spiritual distress as indications for PATPC, and the importance of sufficient integration of the psychedelic experience into life in the face of limited time due to the life-limiting illness. (C) Flexibility in setting and timing of preparation, choosing the appropriate dosage of the psychedelic substance depending on the patient's intended focus, low/medium (relational issues), higher for transcendental experiences, considering mental capacity and vulnerability for the individual. In addition, respondents noted that for therapists, knowledge about transcendental states, such as mystical experiences, existential aspects of life-threatening illness, and the role of therapists' own self-experience/inner work, as well as good knowledge of the theoretical basis for treatment, was highlighted. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights special considerations for PAT PC and could be a first step towards specific treatment recommendations (guidelines) for PATPC.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469609/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Wearables in Healthcare Organizations: Implications for Occupational Health, Organizational Performance, and Economic Outcomes.","authors":"Daniele Virgillito, Pierluigi Catalfo, Caterina Ledda","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182289","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Healthcare organizations face major challenges in protecting staff health and ensuring business continuity, particularly in high-risk settings. Wearable technologies are emerging tools to monitor occupational health indicators, improve staff safety, and strengthen organizational resilience. <b>Objectives</b>: This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on wearable technologies in healthcare, focusing on their impact on occupational health, staff safety, and economic outcomes, as well as barriers and facilitators to their adoption. <b>Methods</b>: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, sources from inception to July 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated wearable technologies used by healthcare workers and assessed outcomes related to occupational health, organizational resilience, absenteeism, presenteeism, or cost-effectiveness. The review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. <b>Results</b>: 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were pilot or feasibility studies; only two randomized controlled trials were identified. The wearable technologies evaluated included continuous physiological monitoring devices, real-time location systems, hands-free communication tools, and consumer-grade devices. Evidence suggests potential benefits in improving staff safety, reducing stress and burnout, and enhancing workflow efficiency. However, economic evidence was limited and outcomes varied considerably. Barriers included alert fatigue, privacy concerns, interoperability challenges, and limited staff engagement. Facilitators included leadership support, user-centered design, and adequate infrastructure. <b>Conclusions</b>: Wearable technologies show promise for supporting occupational health and organizational resilience in healthcare, but evidence remains fragmented.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470153/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Which Infectious Diseases Drive the Highest Absenteeism Costs-An Analysis Based on National Data Covering the Entire Polish Population in the Period of 2018-2023.","authors":"Michał Seweryn, Grzegorz Juszczyk, Marcin Czech","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182284","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182284","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Infectious diseases pose a serious epidemiological and economic challenge for all healthcare systems. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analyses assessing the cost of absenteeism attributable to all infectious diseases. Our objective was to evaluate the burden of absenteeism-related costs due to infectious diseases in comparison with other major public health challenges. <b>Methods:</b> We applied the human capital approach to estimate the indirect costs of absenteeism caused by infectious diseases in Poland between 2018 and 2023. In particular, we assessed the relative contribution of different groups of infectious diseases to the overall economic burden. Data were obtained from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). <b>Results:</b> The total cost of absenteeism due to infectious diseases in Poland during the six-year period was EUR 5.3 billion. Over 78% of these costs were attributed to pneumonia and other acute lower respiratory tract infections (ICD-10: J12-J22): EUR 1.89 billion, COVID-19 (ICD-10: U07-U09): EUR 1.82 billion, and influenza (ICD-10: J09-J11): EUR 444.5 million. Infectious diseases imposed a greater economic burden in terms of absenteeism than each of the three conditions used as comparators: malignant neoplasms, depression, and ischemic heart disease. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our six-year analysis of sickness absence in Poland indicates that infectious diseases-particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic-are major drivers of productivity loss. When compared with other leading public health challenges, their economic burden is substantial. These findings underscore the importance of investing in preventive measures, particularly vaccination programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Burnout and Moral Injury in Healthcare Workers: An Observational Study in a Romanian Chronic Care Hospital.","authors":"Enășoni Sorina, Szekely Diana, Raluca Mioara Cosoroabă, Flavia Zara, Dorin Novacescu, Cristina Stefania Dumitru, Raul Patrascu, Alexandra Enache","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182278","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Healthcare workers in chronic care hospitals are vulnerable to psychosocial risks such as burnout and moral injury due to prolonged patient exposure and limited institutional support. This study assessed the prevalence of burnout and moral injury among staff at the Chronic Diseases Hospital of Sebiș, Romania, and examined their associations with perceived stress and managerial support.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2022 and October 2024, including 62 healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, and auxiliary staff). Participants completed a sociodemographic survey, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Moral Injury Symptom Scale-Health Professional (MISS-HP), and additional items on perceived stress and institutional support. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation matrices, and logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>High emotional exhaustion (MBI-EE ≥ 27) was reported by 45.2% of participants, with the highest rates among nurses (50%) and auxiliary staff (45.5%). Mean moral injury scores were moderate (mean = 5.3), with elevated levels observed in nurses and auxiliary staff. Pearson correlation analysis revealed no strong linear associations between burnout dimensions and moral injury. Logistic regression did not identify emotional exhaustion, perceived stress, or support as significant predictors of high moral injury.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Burnout and moral injury are prevalent but appear to be partially dissociated in this Romanian chronic care setting. Moral injury may arise from contextual ethical pressures beyond general occupational strain. Interventions should focus on ethical climate, institutional responsiveness, and peer-based moral support to enhance staff resilience.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469754/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New Generation Automatic Massage Chairs for Enhancing Daytime Naps: A Crossover Placebo-Controlled Trial.","authors":"Ilias Ntoumas, Nikolas Antoniou, Christoforos D Giannaki, Fotini Papanikolaou, Aggelos Pappas, Efthimios Dardiotis, Christina Karatzaferi, Giorgos K Sakkas","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13182291","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13182291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Modern technology is transforming the field of massage, enhancing relaxation and wellness through innovative devices. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of various massage protocols available using an automatic electric massage chair (AEMC) prior to daytime napping on relaxation and indices of sleep quality. <b>Methods</b>: This study is a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, four arm, interventional clinical trial. A total of 12 healthy individuals (21.8 ± 2.2 years, 6 F/6 M) were randomly assigned to four different groups: (1) the control (CON) session involving a 30 min rest on an automatic switch-off massage chair, (2) the easy-sleep (ES) massage session designed to promote sleep, (3) the fatigue-recovery (FR) massage session designed to reduce muscle fatigue, and (4) the worker-mode (WM) massage session designed to promote muscle relaxation. During the four sessions, participants sat in the massage chair for 30 min, followed immediately by an additional 30 min period of lying down on a standard double bed. Brain activity was monitored using a polysomnography EEG system, while validated tests and questionnaires assessed vitals and the state of relaxation. <b>Results</b>: The ES massage significantly reduced muscle tone by 12% and heart rate by 22% (<i>p</i> = 0.008 and <i>p</i> = 0.007, respectively). Additionally, it increased subjective sleepiness by 4.5% and sleep efficiency by 5.7% compared to the results for the control condition (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.005). <b>Conclusions</b>: It is evident that the use of an AEMC can reduce tension and improve feelings of relaxation. The easy-sleep program seems to be a promising non-pharmacological approach for enhancing relaxation and promoting daytime sleep, acting as a non-pharmacological tool to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and promote workplace well-being. The trial was registered as NCT06784700.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469339/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}