The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of short-term intensive yoga program on pain, functional disability and spinal flexibility in chronic low back pain: a randomized control study.
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a short-term intensive residential yoga program with physical exercise (control) on pain and spinal flexibility in subjects with chronic low-back pain (CLBP). ⋯ Seven (7) days of a residential intensive yoga-based lifestyle program reduced pain-related disability and improved spinal flexibility in patients with CLBP better than a physical exercise regimen.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jun 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialA pilot whole systems clinical trial of traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.
To assess the feasibility and acceptability of studying whole systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Naturopathic medicine (NM) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and to determine whether there is indication to support further research. ⋯ These alternative medicine approaches each resulted in significantly greater reduction of pain and psychosocial interference than SC. Further research on the potential benefits of traditional whole systems of medicine for TMD appears warranted.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jun 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialA comparison between chiropractic management and pain clinic management for chronic low-back pain in a national health service outpatient clinic.
To compare outcomes in perception of pain and disability for a group of patients suffering with chronic low-back pain (CLBP) when managed in a hospital by either a regional pain clinic or a chiropractor. ⋯ This study suggests that chiropractic management administered in an NHS setting may be effective for reducing levels of disability and perceived pain during the period of treatment for a subpopulation of patients with CLBP.
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J Altern Complement Med · Mar 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial"Playing their parts": the experiences of participants in a randomized sham-controlled acupuncture trial.
Qualitative research has an important part to play in investigating how complex interventions are implemented within randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and what impact the RCT context has on participants, their behavior, and their outcomes. We explored these issues within a randomized sham-acupuncture controlled trial of traditional Chinese acupuncture for people with migraine. ⋯ We conclude that treatment in the trial differed from that described in studies of "real life" traditional acupuncture. These differences affected the needling-the characteristic or specific intervention-as well as contextual factors. This trial design limitation appears to be inevitable when a sham-controlled design is used to research an intervention that is based on a holistic and participative treatment strategy. These findings should be taken into account in the design and interpretation of RCTs of complex interventions such as acupuncture.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialGuided imagery for women with interstitial cystitis: results of a prospective, randomized controlled pilot study.
In the United States, more than 1 million women and men are affected with interstitial cystititis (IC), which is a clinical syndrome involving urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain. A review of the literature revealed that there are no studies showing the effect of guided imagery in women with IC. The purpose of this clinical investigation was to explore the effect of guided imagery on pelvic pain and urinary symptoms in women with IC symptoms. ⋯ This is the first study providing preliminary data supporting the use of guided imagery as a potential therapy for IC. Guided imagery may be a useful tool to offer women with IC for pain and IC symptom management. It is an intervention without negative side-effects, is readily available, and shows a trend toward improvement of IC symptoms.