The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialImpact of Yoga Nidra on menstrual abnormalities in females of reproductive age.
The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Yoga Nidra practice on hormone levels in patients who had menstrual irregularities. ⋯ The present study demonstrated the efficacy of Yoga Nidra on hormone profiles in patients with menstrual irregularities. Yoga Nidra practice was helpful in patients with hormone imbalances, such as dysmenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and hypomenorrhea.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialProspective, randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy and acupuncture on motor function and daily activities in patients with ischemic stroke.
To assess the value of acupuncture for promoting the recovery of patients with ischemic stroke and to determine whether the outcomes of combined physiotherapy and acupuncture are superior to those with physiotherapy alone. ⋯ Acupuncture is less effective for the outcome measures studied than is physiotherapy. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of combining acupuncture with physiotherapy was not superior to that of physiotherapy alone. A larger-scale clinical trial is necessary to confirm these findings.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyRandomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: differential effects on blood pressure in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic examination.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhalation of Salvia sclarea (clary sage; clary) or Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil vapors on autonomic nervous system activity in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic assessment. STUDY DESIGN, LOCATION, AND SUBJECTS: This study was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial carried out in 34 female patients with urinary incontinence. ⋯ These results suggest that lavender oil inhalation may be inappropriate in lowering stress during urodynamic examinations, despite its antistress effects, while clary oil inhalation may be useful in inducing relaxation in female urinary incontinence patients undergoing urodynamic assessments.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialMassage therapy for patients with metastatic cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
The study objectives were to determine the feasibility and effects of providing therapeutic massage at home for patients with metastatic cancer. ⋯ The study results showed that it is feasible to provide therapeutic massage at home for patients with advanced cancer, and to randomize patients to a no-touch intervention. Providing therapeutic massage improves the quality of life at the end of life for patients and may be associated with further beneficial effects, such as improvement in pain and sleep quality. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate these findings.
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J Altern Complement Med · May 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of Class IV laser therapy on fibromyalgia impact and function in women with fibromyalgia.
This study evaluated the effects of Class IV laser therapy on pain, Fibromyalgia (FM) impact, and physical function in women diagnosed with FM. ⋯ This study provides evidence that LHT may be a beneficial modality for women with FM in order to improve pain and upper body range of motion, ultimately reducing the impact of FM.