Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

{"title":"Effect of Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe®) Versus Conventional Physiotherapy on Hand Mobility and Function in Individuals with Postoperative Hand Tendon Injuries: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Aarti Patil, Peeyoosha Gurudut, D U Rajput, Vijay Kage, Aarti Welling, Soumya Hulmani","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Postoperative hand tendon injuries often lead to complications, such as stiffness, limited hand mobility, and impaired function, warranting effective rehabilitation. Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe®) is a novel physiotherapy method used in treating various soft tissue disorders.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This pilot randomized controlled trial comparatively evaluated the impact of MaRhyThe® and conventional physiotherapy on hand mobility and function in individuals recovering from postoperative hand tendon injuries.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Twenty Participants underwent a 2-week intervention program with 4 clinic-based sessions per group. Sessions were conducted every third day, with 2-day home exercise intervals between sessions. Group A (n = 10) received 60 min of MaRhyThe® while Group B (n = 10) received 5 min of conventional physiotherapy (therapeutic ultrasound). The range of motion (ROM) of the wrist and fingers, hand function measured by the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and pain levels using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were assessed: pre-intervention (before session 1) and immediately post-intervention (after session 4).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both MaRhyThe® and therapeutic ultrasound significantly improved hand mobility, function, and pain. Group A showed greater mean improvements and larger effect sizes across most outcomes compared to Group B. Wrist flexion improved by 19.5° (d = 1.23) in Group A versus 7° (d = 1.11) in Group B. ARAT total scores increased by 15.2 points (d = 1.04) in Group A and 12.9 points (d = 0.88) in Group B. Pain (NPRS) decreased by 3.1 points in Group A (d = 2.59) and 3.0 points in Group B (d = 3.18). Between-group comparisons favoured MaRhyThe® with significant gains in wrist and finger ROM and lower post-treatment pain scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MaRhyThe® demonstrated superior post-treatment outcomes across most ROM parameters, with greater pain relief. These pilot findings support further investigation of MaRhyThe® in hand tendon rehabilitation protocols.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Physical Therapy Modalities, Hand Injuries, Tendon Injuries, Rehabilitation, Postoperative Care, Matrix Rhythm Therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147353485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture on Postoperative Pain Control: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Marco Antônio Hélio Silva, Albert Ambram, Lucas Longo, Elaine Cortez, George G A Pujalte","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Managing postoperative pain (POP) effectively is key to improving surgical recovery. Common medications (e.g., opioids) often cause adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, sedation, and respiratory depression. Electroacupuncture (EA) may be an effective alternative or complementary strategy for POP relief.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To systematically examine studies evaluating EA as a neuromodulatory technique for managing POP.</p><p><strong>Methods/design: </strong>We performed a systematic review of studies published within the last 5 years. We searched 7 databases: Scopus, Sage Journals, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Lilacs, and ScienceDirect. Of 1,789 identified articles, 18 met inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped by whether they reported statistically significant effects, additional recovery-related outcomes, or no meaningful findings. Most studies provided Level 2 evidence.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The reviewed research was conducted in various international clinical and academic institutions, although setting details were inconsistently reported.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Participants included patients recovering from different types of surgery. Populations varied by age and surgical procedure and reporting on adverse events or dropouts was not uniform.</p><p><strong>Interventions: </strong>The intervention assessed was EA. Treatment parameters varied among the studies.</p><p><strong>Primary outcome measures: </strong>Pain intensity was the primary outcome, measured using standard scales (e.g., visual analog and numeric rating scales). Secondary outcomes included reductions in pain medication use and other recovery metrics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most studies demonstrated a significant reduction in pain following EA treatment. Overall, EA appeared to enhance pain control and support recovery.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Evidence supports EA as a potential adjunct for POP management. High-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and refine its use.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Electroacupuncture, Postoperative Pain, Systematic Review, Analgesia, Opioid-Sparing, Opioid Consumption, Integrative Medicine, Complementary Therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147353496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analyzing Risk Factors and Hematological Indices Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatric Patients with Peptic Ulcers.","authors":"Caiyan Chen, Huiying Qiu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to identify risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children with peptic ulcers and to examine the associated changes in blood routine indexes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 173 children diagnosed with peptic ulcers in our hospital between January 2017 and January 2022 were included in the study. All participants underwent the 13C rapid urea breath test to detect HP infection. Additionally, routine blood tests were performed to analyze the blood routine indexes. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on hygiene habits and family income, which were then correlated with HP infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed several significant findings. The following risk factors were identified as independent factors for HP infection in children with peptic ulcers: poor economic conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-4.72), small per capita living area (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.12-3.34), the use of family-shared tableware (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.25-3.77), poor parental hygiene habits (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19-3.63), and a family history of ulcer (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08-3.29). HP-positive patients exhibited significant differences in blood routine indexes compared to HP-negative patients. Specifically, they had lower RBC count (mean difference = -0.82, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.19), lower Hb level (mean difference = -0.61, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.10), lower HCT level (mean difference = -1.08, 95% CI: -1.82 to -0.35), and higher platelet count (mean difference = 36.72, 95% CI: 8.21-65.23).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides important insights into the risk factors associated with HP infection in children with peptic ulcers and highlights the changes in blood routine indexes that occur with the infection. The identified risk factors, including poor economic conditions, small living area, family-shared tableware, parental hygiene habits, and family history of ulcer, can guide preventive strategies and interventions for HP infection in children. The findings also emphasize the significance of age as a factor in HP infection rates. Moreover, the observed alterations in blood routine indexes indicate the impact of HP infection on immune function in affected children. This study contributes to the understanding of HP infection in children and offers valuable implications for clinical practice, enabling better prevention and control of HP infection in this vulnerable population.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>children with peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori, blood routine test, risk factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147353432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of the Impact of Psychological Nursing Intervention on Psychological Status and All-Cause Mortality in ICU Patients with High Nutritional Risk.","authors":"Mei Zhang, Yan Lu, Defu Zeng, Tingmei Zeng","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with nutritional risk often face both physical and psychological burden, with anxiety and depression being the most common ones, which may affect their clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To study the influence of psychological nursing intervention on psychological status and all-cause mortality in the ICU.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 100 patients at high nutritional risk, receiving nutrition support in the ICU of our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023, were retrospectively included. Based on whether patients received psychological nursing intervention, they were divided into a control group (n = 50, routine care) and a study group (n = 50, routine care plus psychological nursing intervention). The control group received routine care, and the study group received psychological nursing care, along with routine care. Outcome measures included anxiety and depression, assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS); all-cause mortality was compared between the two groups, time to death was collected, and the relationship between psychological status and all-cause mortality was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The SDS, SAS scores, and all-cause mortality were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P < .05). However, the study group demonstrated greater nursing satisfaction than the control group (P < .05). Psychological status and all-cause mortality were significantly related in univariate analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Psychological nursing intervention can effectively reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression in ICU patients at nutritional risk, improve the psychological state of patients, reduce all-cause mortality, and improve the prognosis of patients.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>psychological nursing intervention, nutritional risk patients in Intensive Care Unit, psychological status, all-cause mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147353448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Celosia argentea Linn. Seeds in Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Mohammad Atik, Mohd Shahid, Iram Naaz, Sabiha Fatima, Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri, K Radhika","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the most rapidly escalating global health crises of the 21st century. Conventional pharmacological management has unnecessary side effects. Therefore, exploring a safe and effective drug to manage T2DM is a foremost priority.</p><p><strong>Primary study objectives: </strong>To evaluate the impact of Survali (Celosia argentea Linn.) seeds as an adjuvant medication in T2DM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty participants with T2DM were randomly assigned to test (n=20) and control (n=20) groups in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>For 8 weeks, the test group received Celosia argentea Linn. seed powder, and the control group received roasted wheat flour; both were administered 4 g/day in two equal divided doses with water as a complement to conventional medicine.</p><p><strong>Primary outcome measures: </strong>HbA1c was assessed at baseline and at the end of the treatment.</p><p><strong>Secondary outcome measures: </strong>These include changes in fasting and postprandial blood sugar, and the Asian Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire (ADQOL). Subjective parameters (polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, and tiredness) were assessed by an arbitrary scale fortnightly.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This clinical trial was conducted at the National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, India.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All 40 participants completed the study. The test drug showed a statistically significant difference in HbA1c and ADQOL (P < .001). However, the control group demonstrated no significant impact on any of the measures. A significant reduction in fasting blood sugar was observed in the test group, compared to baseline (P = .01), while no such significant changes were observed in the control group. The subjective parameters were non-significant, as both groups showed similar reduction in symptoms (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of safety parameters.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Celosia argentea Linn. seeds demonstrate efficacy as an adjuvant in the management of T2DM; further research is warranted to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Fasting Blood Sugar, Unani Medicine, Postprandial Blood Sugar, HbA1c, Asian Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147353482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case Report on Postpartum Bell's Palsy: Successful Recovery with Integrated Unani, Steroid and Physiotherapy Regimen.","authors":"Rahnuma Anjum, Zya Shireen, Arshiya Sultana, Shahla Anjum","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bell's palsy is a neurological condition that can occur in the general population; however, its incidence is increased during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Its pathophysiology may be linked to pregnancy-induced vascular and hormonal changes, including fluid retention and immune modulation. Due to limited evidence, there is no standardized treatment protocol for Bell's palsy in this population.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A postpartum female presented with sudden-onset unilateral facial weakness consistent with Bell's palsy. An integrative treatment approach was initiated, including a tapering dose of corticosteroids (Wysolone), Unani regimens and supportive care with an eye patch. The patient also underwent physiotherapy, which included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), facial exercises, facial massage, along with supportive eye care using lubricating eye drops and eye patching, and steam therapy.</p><p><strong>Outcome: </strong>Over the course of one month, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in facial muscle function and symmetry, with substantial improvement of symptoms and no recurrence during the short-term follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary management strategy in postpartum Bell's palsy. The patient showed a favourable outcome following integrated pharmacological, physiotherapeutic, and Unani management. However, more robust studies are needed to establish standardized guidelines for the treatment of Bell's palsy during pregnancy and the postpartum period.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Bell's palsy, postpartum, facial nerve palsy, physiotherapy, corticosteroids, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, Unani Medicine, case report.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of Repellent Activity of an Artemisia absinthium L.-Based Topical Formulation Against Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti.","authors":"Fauzia Shahabuddin, Malik Itrat, Tariq Nadeem Khan, Shariq Shamsi, Mohd Riyazuddin","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Vector-borne diseases, such as Malaria and Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes like Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti, are major public health concerns. Although synthetic repellents, particularly DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), are commonly used to prevent mosquito bites. However, growing concerns regarding their safety and environmental impact have increased the interest in natural alternatives. This study investigates the mosquito-repellent activity of a cream formulated with essential oil and methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium L.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The repellent activity of the cream was evaluated using an Artificial Membrane Feeding System simulating human skin. Non-blood-fed female mosquitoes (5-7 days old) from Anopheles and Aedes species, starved for 12 hours, were used. The cream was applied at various concentrations on the membrane, and its efficacy was assessed and compared with DEET. The complete protection time was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The test cream showed a dose-dependent repellent activity against both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti. At a concentration of 12 mg/cm², the cream provided 100% protection for 105 minutes against both species. Whereas DEET, at the same concentration, provided complete protection for 105 minutes against Aedes aegypti and 97.5% protection for 105 minutes against Anopheles stephensi.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Artemisia absinthium-based cream effectively repels both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, indicating its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic repellents. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety on human skin under natural conditions.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, Unani Medicine, Mosquito repellent, Artemisia absinthium.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Russian Current on Healing Parameters of Diabetic Ulcers: A Case Report.","authors":"Vijay Kage, Aarti Welling, Peeyoosha Gurudut, Soumya Hulamani, Smruti Keskar, Rutwika Kale, Shivani Patil","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes, resulting in delayed wound healing due to impaired blood flow. While electrical stimulation is promising in wound management, the efficacy of Russian current in this domain remains unexplored. This case report assesses the effectiveness of the Russian current in managing DFUs.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 69-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a chronic foot ulcer on the posterior aspect of the right lower leg, just above the heel, underwent a 6-week intervention using Russian current therapy. The patient received Russian current stimulation, thrice weekly for 6 weeks (total 18 sessions), using parameters: 2500 Hz carrier frequency, 50 Hz modulated frequency, 200 millisecond phase duration, with 10-second \"on\" and 50-second \"off\" cycles for 20 minutes. Routine wound care was maintained. The ulcer was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the ImitoMeasure app and Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT).</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Post-treatment, a significant reduction in wound dimensions and BWAT score was observed. The patient tolerated the therapy well, with no adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Russian current stimulation showed positive effects on wound healing parameters in this DFU case, warranting further investigation in larger cohorts.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Diabetic foot, ulcer, Electric Stimulation Therapy, Case Report.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ayurvedic Management of Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report.","authors":"Rajnikant Patel, Leah Grout, Anupama Kizhakkeveettil","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Appendicitis is a common condition typically treated surgically via appendectomy. However, recently there has been increased interest in non-surgical treatment options, such as antibiotics, to avoid risks of surgical complications.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This case report describes a non-surgical, Ayurvedic intervention for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (without perforation).</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 25-year-old male was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Initial management included a single dose of multiple intravenous medications, including antibiotics, an antiemetic, and a proton pump inhibitor. However, he refused laparoscopic appendectomy. The patient sought an Ayurvedic consultation immediately after discharge from the hospital.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>The patient was prescribed an herbal regimen, provided with dietary recommendations, and followed-up closely over the following two weeks.</p><p><strong>Primary outcome measures: </strong>The primary outcome measures were visualization and measurement of the appendix via abdominal ultrasound, and pain score (on a scale of 0-10).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The patient demonstrated rapid and sustained symptom resolution, with his pain score decreasing from 8 to 0 over two weeks. There was also normalization of diagnostic imaging findings, with the patient's appendix decreasing in size from 9 mm to <4 mm.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, this case suggests that Ayurvedic intervention may be useful for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis as an alternative to surgical intervention, with no adverse effects. However, literature lacks data on the incidence and clinical outcomes of Ayurvedic treatment for appendicitis. Hence, further rigorous studies are needed to investigate the incidence and assess the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment protocols for uncomplicated acute appendicitis.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Ayurveda, acute appendicitis, case report, botanical medicine, nutrition therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Protective Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Functional Manipulation Combined with Kinesiology Tape Against Calf Muscle Fatigue: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Chia-Hung Tien, Pei-Chen Chuang, Bo-Chi Hsu, Tsung-Cheng Chen, Lun-Chien Lo, Hen-Hong Chang, Han-Kuei Wu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lower extremity stability is closely related to sports injuries and muscle fatigue, with the calf complex playing a crucial role.</p><p><strong>Primary study objective: </strong>This study aims to investigate the effects of manipulation using traditional Chinese medicine functional manipulation (TCMFM) and maintaining it through the application of kinesiology tape (KT).</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Forty-five participants were recruited and randomized to two groups using a crossover design.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>All research in this study was conducted at the same university. In this randomized crossover trial, participants received either TCMFM with KT (TCMFM-KT) or KT alone, separated by a washout period to minimize carryover effects.</p><p><strong>Primary outcome measures: </strong>Eight positions on the lower limbs were measured using MyotonPRO® to assess soft tissue changes, and the feeling of discomfort was recorded using a visual analog scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TCMFM facilitates the redistribution of mechanical load from the calf muscle to adjacent or synergistic muscle groups, thereby mitigating localized strain. The variation in muscle tone (∆F%), defined as the proportion of muscle tone at a given measurement point compared with the baseline value (day 1, before intervention), was higher in the TCMFM-KT than in the KT session at the lateral leg from day 1 to day 3. The ∆F% at the anterior leg on day 2 and at the medial leg on day 7 were lower in the TCMFM-KT session than in the KT session. The VAS score in the KT session was higher on day 2 and day 3 than on day 1, whereas no significant change was observed in the TCMFM-KT session.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TCMFM has the potential to improve overall muscle activation and coordination in the lower limbs, reducing the impact of muscle fatigue.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Functional manipulation, Kinesiology taping, Muscle fatigue, Traditional Chinese medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}