Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

{"title":"Complete Resolution of Plantar Psoriasis With Ayurveda, A Case Report.","authors":"Sayali Borse, Renu Rathi, Arun Naphe Khatri","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Palmoplantar psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that primarily affects the palms and soles, characterized by erythematous plaques, scaling, and fissuring. These features can significantly impair the quality of life, varying in severity. Skin disorders often result from lifestyle changes, such as consuming an incompatible diet (Viruddha Ahaar Sewan refers to eating foods in a contradictory order or that vitiate the body's Doshas), unhealthy food habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, genetics, stress, exposure to radiation or UV light, and other environmental influences can contribute to skin problems. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and psychosocial impact of palmoplantar psoriasis in a 12-year-old male with a high recurrence rate, and highlights successful Ayurvedic management.</p><p><strong>Aim and objectives: </strong>This case study aimed to document the Ayurvedic management and outcomes in a chronic inflammatory skin condition.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 12-year-old male presented to the Ayurvedic hospital with thick scaling, cracks/fissures, severe itching, and severe pain on both soles, along with a two-year history of recurrent plaques. Thorough analysis was conducted using Ayurvedic examinations, including Dashavidha (10-fold) and Ashtavidha (8-fold), to diagnose the root causes. The condition was managed with Ayurvedic Shaman Chikitsa, involving internal medicine (herbal formulations and dietary modifications) and external applications (therapeutic oils, pastes, and other topical treatments) to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.</p><p><strong>Observation: </strong>Assessment through scores based on clinical features and grading, which was 13 at the time of admission, 2 on day 15, and 0 on day 30. (higher the score higher is the severity of disease).</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Major improvements in scaling, itching, cracks, and pain on the soles were observed after 15 days of treatment. After 15 days, internal medicines were discontinued, but external applications continued until complete relief, around the 25th day. The patient was reassessed on the 30th day, showing complete resolution of all signs and symptoms with no recurrence.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates that Vipadika (plantar psoriasis) in children can be treated using an Ayurvedic approach, which includes Abhyantar Chikitsa (internal medicines) and Bahya Chikitsa (external or local treatments). The detailed descriptions of all the medicines used, their contents, their applications, and the procedures followed are provided in the main text. This information will be beneficial for physicians, aiding them in effectively treating similar cases of psoriasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142279056","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":"Humor and Laughter in Health Promotion Interventions and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Disciplinary Narrative Review.","authors":"Bryn Carr, Sonya Becker, Gloria Donnelly, Basil H Aboul-Enein","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The evolution and purpose of humor have long been of interest to the scientific community. Humor and laughter play an important role in social, emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore perspectives and research findings of studies on the role of humor and laughter in health promotion and direct care interventions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Also discussed is the cross-disciplinary context of studies during the global pandemic, which illustrates the complexity of humor in human behavior and its manifestation in healthcare environments and public health outcomes. This review of studies on humor and laughter behaviors employed during the COVID-19 pandemic points to the need for further work on the potential of humor and laughter for use in direct care interventions, health messaging, health education, and in improving the social bonds and connections among health professionals, patients, and students.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142279057","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 Effects of Fisetin on Reducing Biological Aging: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Edwin Lee, Morgan Burns","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fisetin, a natural flavonoid compound, is a senolytic agent that has shown promise in extending the lifespan of aging mice. Our goal was to determine whether Fisetin can reduce human biological aging, as verified by the TruAge test. This would be the first study in healthy human adults over the age of 50 years old to determine if Fisetin can reduce their biological age. Fisetin 500 mg daily was administered for one week per month for six months. The results showed that four out of ten healthy adults experienced a reduction in biological aging, five out of ten saw an increase, and one out of ten had no change. No adverse effects were noted among the ten subjects. Telomere lengths did not statistically change with the use of Fisetin. Because five of ten had an increase in biological age, taking Fisetin as an anti- aging agent is not recommended until more extensive studies are done.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142279059","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":"Low Concentrations of Wyethia Helenioides-derived Flavonoids as Anti-Inflammatory Against Allergic Rhinitis.","authors":"Sneha Pawar, Priyagauri Ajay Chaphekar, Sargam Singh, Aditya Dilipkumar Patil","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common immune disease of the nasal mucosa, and anti-allergenic medications provide only momentary relief. Multiple factors, such as rising pollution, especially in urban areas; dust particles, such as from air conditioners; house mites; and the use of chemicals and aromatic products can stimulate AR.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The literature review intended to examine the effectiveness of homoeopathic remedies in immune- and inflammatory-model systems based on the basic homoeopathic principle-the law of similarity of pharmacological action at the cellular level-and to evaluate the effects of dilution or dynamization on the drug activity of Wyethia tested under controlled settings, interpreting data based on similarity.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>The research team performeda narrative review by searching Google scholar & Pubmed databases. The search usedthe keywords \"Wyethia Helenioides\", \"Allergic Rhinitis\", \"Homoeopathy\", \"Homeopathy\", \"Anti-inflammatory\", \"Invitro\", \"Invivo\", \"Clinical Trial\", \"Case report\" & \"Flavanoids\".</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study took place at Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica, Dr. D Y Patil Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Institute, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Clinical observations indicated that the homoeopathic preparations of Wyethia in low concentrations, even beyond Avogadro's number, may have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The hormesis concept-a biphasic dose response with a low-dose stimulation or beneficial effect and a high dose inhibitory or toxic effect-may explain the effects against human mast cells(HMC-1s).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Clinical observations indicate that the homoeopathic preparations of Wyethia in low concentrations, even beyond Avogadro's number, might show anti-inflammatory properties that the hormesis concept against HMC-1 can explain. The current research team thus anticipates that the analysis of this little-known material will provide a novel and insightful look at the state-of-the-art of homoeopathy without drawing any firm judgments for or against this treatment. Although it could be challenging to accept, it's currently the most receptive stance.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142279058","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":"Therapeutic Evaluation of Unani Medicine, Including Single Drugs and Polyherbal Formulations with Special Reference to Neurodegenerative Disorders.","authors":"Saba Imran, Wasim Ahmad, Sabba Saltanat","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Unani remedies are considered safe and can be utilized as a healthcare resource due to the adverse effects of conventional pharmaceuticals. For instance, Donepezil, used to treat alzhemier's disease exerts many adverse effects such as dizziness, vertigo, dryness of mouth. Similarly, Memantine used to slow the neurotoxicity involved in alzhemier's disease also exerts adverse effects like vomiting, tremors and sleep disturbance. Over sixty percent of drugs are derived from synthetic basis, highlighting the potential benefits of natural Unani treatments as a safer alternative. Neurodegenerative disorders are illnesses characterized by structural and functional deterioration due to abnormal protein aggregation, resulting in inflammation and oxidative stress in the central nervous system. In unani system of medicine all current brain ailments, including alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, mania, anxiety, melancholia and others are classified under the general category of neurodegenerative disorders Their pathogenic variables and soociated symptoms and therapeutic modalities are similar. This study focuses on evidence-based Unani herbs and polyherbal formulations for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders. It reveals that 43 ethnomedicinal plants can be employed to treat the symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders. The material was gathered from several sources that tabulated the specific details of individual herbs and polyherbal formulations and highlighted the importance of various phytoconstituents on neuroprotective action. The research provides in vivo and scientific evidence to support the use of ethnomedicine in treating neurodegenerative disorders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim of the study: &lt;/strong&gt;This study aims to validate the efficacy of Unani medicines, traditionally used for neurodegenerative diorders through evidence-based research.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;To scan single and polyherbal formulations for neurodegenerative disorders, a literature review of traditional Unani medicine texts was conducted. To collect evidence on the efficacy of these indicated medications in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, electronic resources such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were searched. The current study is a systematic review that applies inclusion and exclusion criteria rooted in the classical symptoms of neurological disorders. It evaluates the efficacy of individual herbs and polyherbal formulations recommended by Unani scholars for treatment perspectives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The researchers have so far discovered 43 single drugs and 38 polyherbal formulations in Unani classical literature for treating various neurodegenerative disorders. These herbs have antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-Parkinsonism, anti-convulsant, cognitive enhancer, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, and anti-depressant properties, with clinical in","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142103520","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":"Comparative Efficacy of Deep Brain Stimulation to the Globus Pallidus Internus Versus the Subthalamic Nucleus in Parkinson's Disease.","authors":"Su Mingming, Zheng Zhaohui, Qu Lihong, Wang Xin, Wang Bao, Li Nan, Wang Xuelian","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;In recent years, the incidence of Parkinson's disease has gradually increased, and the application of dopamine drugs has been limited, so there is an urgent need to explore a more effective treatment method to treat Parkinson's disease effectively treated. Subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation and globus pallidus internus-deep brain Subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation and globus pallidus internus-deep brain stimulation are the two treatments for Parkinson's disease. However, there is no clear conclusion as to which of these two methods is more effective.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Primary study objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To compare the effects of deep brain stimulation in the globus pallidus internus and deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus combined with drugs for Parkinson's disease, respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;In order to compare the motor function, neurological function, and activities of daily living scores, the incidence of fluctuations in isokinetic and motor symptoms, changes in medication doses, and the incidence of complications between the two groups, 52 patients treated with globus pallidus internus-deep brain stimulation and 52 patients treated with subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation were included.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Primary outcome measures: &lt;/strong&gt;Using the Motor Function Examination scale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, patients' motor function was evaluated prior to surgery, one month after surgery, three months after surgery, and six months following surgery. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Mini-mental State Examination, and the Activity of Daily Living scale were used to evaluate patients' cognitive function before and three months after surgery. The patient's dose of medication and complications were also counted, among other things.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Ⅲ scores decreased, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-mental State Examination, and Activity of Daily Living scales increased in both groups after surgery, with no difference between the two groups (P &gt; .05). Between the two groups, there was no difference in the frequency of allodynia and motor symptom variations (P &gt; .05). Postoperatively, the Group globus pallidus internus experienced lower medication doses and a reduced incidence of complications than the Group subthalamic nucleus (P &lt; .05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The effects of GPi-DBS and STN-DBS in treating PD are both more significant and there is no difference between them, but GPi-DBS reduces complications and medication dose, and has a higher safety profile, indicating that GPi-DBS is more suitable for clinical application and promotion. Future studies need to further explore the mechanism behind the reduction of complications and medication dose of GPi-DBS in Parkinson's disease, in order to provide better support for the clinical application of GPi-DBS.&lt;/p","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142103500","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":"Pharmacopuncture Improves the Lipid Profile in Patients under Statins: Retrospective Study at a Korean Medicine Clinic.","authors":"Ju-Young Lee, Youngeun Yoo, Sanghun Lee","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the efficacy of pharmacopuncture (PA) in improving lipid profiles of patients under statin therapy.</p><p><strong>Design and setting: </strong>Single-center retrospective study.</p><p><strong>Interventions: </strong>Fifty-nine patients who were previously under statins were retrospectively analyzed. We injected 10 cc of PA twice or thrice a week for 12 to 16 weeks at the acupoint (CV5). The PA solution was based on aqueous extracts of various herbs: Taraxaci Herba, Artemisiae Annuae Herba, Elsholtziae Herba, Acanthopanacis Cortex, and Rumecis Radix.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels, were compared before and after PA treatment within patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 59.03 ± 19.82 years, and 50.8% were women (n=30). TC and LDL-C levels decreased from 233.6 ± 54.6 mg/dL to 202.0 ± 26.4 mg/dL (P = 1.27×10-6) and from 175.1 ± 46.2 mg/dL to 133.1 ± 21.6 mg/dL (P = 1.37×10-10), respectively. Interestingly, HDL-C level increased from 30.4 ± 14.6 mg/dL to 43.1 ± 12.1 mg/dL (P = 4.39×10-10), where men demonstrated better improvement than women (P = 1.73×10-3).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings highlight the adjuvant effects of PA treatment on the lipid profile in patients under statins and the sex interaction in HDL-C improvement, which provides a clinical foundation for future clinical trials with personalized treatment strategies to establish the clinical benefits of PA treatment with statins.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142103517","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":"Investigating the Effects of Percussion Therapy on Ultrasonography-Diagnosed Thoracolumbar Fascia on Trigger Points and Hyperlordosis in Low Back Pain: A Placebo-Controlled Trial.","authors":"Aarti Welling, Vijay Kage, Peeyoosha Gurudut, Chandana Patil, Wivianne Diniz, Lawrence Fernandes, Pradeep Patil","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is crucial for stabilization and load distribution. Individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) and hyperlordosis present with trigger points (TrPs) and tight TLF. Instrument-assisted percussion therapy (IAPT) is a form of vibration therapy used for the release of fascia. However, the effect of IAPT has not been well understood on TrPs in TLF and its effect on posture.</p><p><strong>Primary study objective: </strong>To determine the effect of IAPT on hyperlordotic posture, pelvic inclination, TrPs, and disability in NSLBP. Another aim was to evaluate the tangible effect of IAPT on TrPs.</p><p><strong>Methods/design: </strong>Double-blinded placebo-controlled trial conducted on NSLBP patients with lumbar hyperlordosis.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Thirty-two participants with NSLBP were randomly allocated into IAPT and placebo groups.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>The Interventional group (n = 16) underwent IAPT and the placebo group (n = 16) underwent sham IAPT along with interferential therapy (IFT) and cryotherapy for alternate days over two weeks.</p><p><strong>Primary outcome measures: </strong>Pre- and post-intervention (2 weeks) both the groups were evaluated for TrPs using a pressure algometer, diagnostic USG to assess dimensions of TrPs on TLF, Index of lumbar lordosis (ILL), Lumbar lordosis curve (LLC) using flexicurve, pelvic tilt (PT) angle using bubble inclinometer, and Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Upon between-group comparison, for PT (P = .0009), ILL (P = .0001), LLC (P = .0033), length (P = .0007), and breadth of TrPs (P = .0004), the improvements were significantly better in IAPT group than the control group except for PPT (P = .2834) and MODI (P = .0135) where both the groups were equally effective.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IAPT is an effective method of releasing TrPs and correcting hyperlordotic lumbar and pelvic posture in individuals with NSLBP. Further, the study created confirmatory evidence that IAPT is effective for treating TrPs and is not merely a placebo effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142103516","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 Improvement of Cognitive-Motor Function Scores Using the NIH-Toolbox in Adults Subjects After Biofield Energy Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Double-blind Trial.","authors":"Dahryn Trivedi, Mahendra Kumar Trivedi, Alice Branton, Sambhu Mondal, Snehasis Jana","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a growing interest for the use of an alternative treatment approach like biofield energy therapy for managing various diseases. However, the effectiveness of distance mode of biofield energy therapy on neuropsychological function has not been examined so far.</p><p><strong>Primary study objective: </strong>The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of biofield energy therapy via distant mode for the benefits of neuropsychological functions in adult subjects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>It comprised of three parallel groups (control, sham control, and biofield intervention). The cognitive-motor functioning scores were monitored using NIH-Toolbox in 119 adult subjects on day 0, day 90, and day 180.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Double-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT).</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Adult human subjects (male and female) with one or more psychological symptoms.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Biofield energy therapy through distant/remote (virtual) mode.</p><p><strong>Primary outcome measures: </strong>The cognitive-motor functioning scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cognitive-motor functioning scores were significantly improved in the biofield intervention group compared to the control and sham control groups: cognition- language (P < .0057 to P < .0001), working memory (P < .0001), episodic memory function (P < .0369 to P < .0001), and executive function (P < .0386 to P < .0029); motor- locomotion P < .0001), standing balance (P = .0144 to P = .0019), dexterity (P = .0474 to P < .0001), grip strength (P = .0132 to P = .0078) and endurance (P = .0041 to P = .0004). No adverse effects were observed throughout the study. Physical vital signs and blood parameters were within the normal ranges during the entire study period.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, cognitive and motor functions significantly improved in the blessing intervention group compared to the naïve control and sham control groups, which ultimately improved the neuropsychological function and quality of life in adult subjects.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142103519","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":"Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Scale.","authors":"Elif Dağlı, Feyza Aktaş Reyhan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the numerous benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding for mother, infant and society, breastfeeding rates are not at the desired level in the world. One of the factors affecting the ability of an infant to receive breast milk for the recommended duration is the attitudes and beliefs of the mother and the environment towards breastfeeding. In this study, it was aimed to develop the Attitudes and Beliefs about Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Scale to determine women's current levels of wrong beliefs and attitudes about breast milk and breastfeeding.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this study, a methodological research design was used. The research sample consisted of 200 women who had experienced breastfeeding. Reliability was tested using the Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient, item discrimination, item-total score correlations, and test-retest method. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted for construct validity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Attitudes and Beliefs about Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Scale developed in the study consists of 23 items and 4 factors. These are: (1) maternal nutrition and breast milk characteristics, (2) maternal factors, (3) breastfeeding behavior, (4) infant factors. It has been observed that this scale is 0.88 the Cronbach Alpha coefficients of the factors vary between 0.81 and 0.88 and that the scale has high reliability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The scale shows that it is a useful tool in identifying false attitudes and beliefs about breast milk and breastfeeding. It is thought that future research and health professionals, educators and researchers providing services related to breastfeeding can benefit from the scale.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142103501","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}