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Kim RW, Kim M. Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Blood Pressure in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 38757732 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often experience high levels of anxiety, which can significantly impact their prognosis. However, evidence regarding anxiety reduction by aromatherapy in patients with ACS is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety in patients with ACS. Methods: The literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO from their inception until February 21, 2024. Based on inclusion criteria, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on aromatherapy in patients with ACS aged ≥ 18 years were included. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the final analysis. Aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety among patients with ACS, with a large effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.47 to -0.85). The effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) was -0.65 (95% CI: -1.15 to -0.15), indicating a moderate effect size, whereas there was no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure. Inhalation therapy demonstrated a large effect size (SMD = -1.70, 95% CI: -2.33 to -1.08), whereas massage therapy did not show a significant effect on reducing anxiety. Discussion/Conclusions: The findings show that aromatherapy can effectively reduce anxiety and SBP in patients with ACS. In particular, inhalation therapy showed a significant effect on reducing anxiety levels. Applying aromatherapy in clinical settings to reduce anxiety among patients with ACS should be considered. However, the limited number of studies analyzed hinders a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of massage therapy. Hence, further research is necessary to elucidate its potential role in reducing anxiety among patients with ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri Whaol Kim
- College of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoungsuk Kim
- College of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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Girishan Prabhu V, Stanley L, Morgan R, Shirley B. Designing and developing a nature-based virtual reality with heart rate variability biofeedback for surgical anxiety and pain management: evidence from total knee arthroplasty patients. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:738-753. [PMID: 37850735 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2270442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common joint surgeries, with over a million procedures performed annually in the US. Over 70% of patients report moderate to high pain and anxiety surrounding TKA surgery, and 96% are discharged with an opioid prescription. This population requires special attention as approximately 90% of TKA patients are older adults and one of the riskiest groups prone to misusing opioids. This study aimed to develop and compare the efficacy of nature-based virtual reality (VR) with heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) to mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. METHODS This randomized control trial recruited 30 patients (mean age = 66.3 ± 8.2 years, 23 F, 7 M) undergoing TKA surgery and randomly assigned to a control, 2D video with HRVBF, or VR with HRVBF group. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain levels before and after the intervention. In addition, a second VAS and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure anxiety before and after the intervention. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was used to continuously measure HRV and respiration rate in preoperative and postoperative settings. RESULTS VR and 2D-video with HRVBF decreased pain and anxiety post-intervention compared with the control group, p's <.01. On analyzing physiological signals, both treatment groups showed greater parasympathetic activity levels, and VR with HRVBF reduced pain more than the 2D video, p < .01. CONCLUSIONS Nature-based VR and 2D video with HRVBF can mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. However, VR may be more efficacious than 2D video in reducing pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Stanley
- Gianforte School of Computing, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Robert Morgan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Brayton Shirley
- Department of Orthopaedics, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA
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Castro Ribeiro T, García Pagès E, Ballester L, Vilagut G, García Mieres H, Suárez Aragonès V, Amigo F, Bailón R, Mortier P, Pérez Sola V, Serrano-Blanco A, Alonso J, Aguiló J. Design of a Remote Multiparametric Tool to Assess Mental Well-Being and Distress in Young People (mHealth Methods in Mental Health Research Project): Protocol for an Observational Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e51298. [PMID: 38551647 PMCID: PMC11015365 DOI: 10.2196/51298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health conditions have become a substantial cause of disability worldwide, resulting in economic burden and strain on the public health system. Incorporating cognitive and physiological biomarkers using noninvasive sensors combined with self-reported questionnaires can provide a more accurate characterization of the individual's well-being. Biomarkers such as heart rate variability or those extracted from the electrodermal activity signal are commonly considered as indices of autonomic nervous system functioning, providing objective indicators of stress response. A model combining a set of these biomarkers can constitute a comprehensive tool to remotely assess mental well-being and distress. OBJECTIVE This study aims to design and validate a remote multiparametric tool, including physiological and cognitive variables, to objectively assess mental well-being and distress. METHODS This ongoing observational study pursues to enroll 60 young participants (aged 18-34 years) in 3 groups, including participants with high mental well-being, participants with mild to moderate psychological distress, and participants diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorder. The inclusion and exclusion criteria are being evaluated through a web-based questionnaire, and for those with a mental health condition, the criteria are identified by psychologists. The assessment consists of collecting mental health self-reported measures and physiological data during a baseline state, the Stroop Color and Word Test as a stress-inducing stage, and a final recovery period. Several variables related to heart rate variability, pulse arrival time, breathing, electrodermal activity, and peripheral temperature are collected using medical and wearable devices. A second assessment is carried out after 1 month. The assessment tool will be developed using self-reported questionnaires assessing well-being (short version of Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) as the reference. We will perform correlation and principal component analysis to reduce the number of variables, followed by the calculation of multiple regression models. Test-retest reliability, known-group validity, and predictive validity will be assessed. RESULTS Participant recruitment is being carried out on a university campus and in mental health services. Recruitment commenced in October 2022 and is expected to be completed by June 2024. As of July 2023, we have recruited 41 participants. Most participants correspond to the group with mild to moderate psychological distress (n=20, 49%), followed by the high mental well-being group (n=13, 32%) and those diagnosed with a mental health condition (n=8, 20%). Data preprocessing is currently ongoing, and publication of the first results is expected by September 2024. CONCLUSIONS This study will establish an initial framework for a comprehensive mental health assessment tool, taking measurements from sophisticated devices, with the goal of progressing toward a remotely accessible and objectively measured approach that maintains an acceptable level of accuracy in clinical practice and epidemiological studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION OSF Registries N3GCH; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/N3GCH. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51298.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Castro Ribeiro
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departament of Microelectronics and Electronic Systems, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Esther García Pagès
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departament of Microelectronics and Electronic Systems, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Ballester
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Vilagut
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena García Mieres
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Suárez Aragonès
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Franco Amigo
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Bailón
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Philippe Mortier
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Pérez Sola
- CIBER en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
- Neurosciences Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Serrano-Blanco
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Alonso
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Aguiló
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departament of Microelectronics and Electronic Systems, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Picanço Marchand DL, Rodrigues Carvalho LS, de Souza Leal D, Gonçalves Câmara S, Cassol M. Fear of public speaking: the effects of a communicational improvement training on physiological parameters and the perception of communication. LOGOP PHONIATR VOCO 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38225800 DOI: 10.1080/14015439.2024.2303633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Presentations to audiences are often seen as challenging by university students, causing physiological reactivity on cortisol levels and heart rate, for example. Many students perceive that they have difficulties expressing themselves or do not consider themselves to be good communicators. With the thought that efficient communication is able to bring well-being and more confidence, it is understood that a communication skills training could mitigate adverse effects on the body during public speaking. This study aimed to verify whether a communicational improvement training can improve physiological parameters and perception when speaking in public among university students. This was a prospective, blinded, controlled, and randomized trial. Students from colleges and universities were recruited for this study. Invitations were either in person or via social networks and/or e-mail. There were 39 university students who completed the tasks, ages between 18 and 30. There were two groups: the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The intervention group participated in a communicational improvement program for six weeks to work on breathing, articulation, speech rhythm, pneumophonoarticulatory coordination, expressiveness and non-verbal communication. Data of heart rate measures, salivary cortisol analysis, self-perception of public speaking, and presentation ratings were collected. The intervention group presented with lower heart rates and cortisol levels, better presentation ratings, and higher self-perception of public speaking than the control group after participating in the communication improvement training. In this study it was possible to verify the efficiency of a communicational improvement training, being able to improve cortisol levels, heart rate, and perception when speaking in public in university students. Based on the results presented, new studies are suggested: (a) measuring the individual effect of the workshops demonstrated here and (b) comparing this type of intervention with other types of treatment used in the health area (medication, psychotherapeutic, holistic, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lucas Picanço Marchand
- Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
| | - Lucas Sávio Rodrigues Carvalho
- Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Undergraduate, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
| | - Diego de Souza Leal
- Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Undergraduate, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
| | - Sheila Gonçalves Câmara
- Psychology Department, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
| | - Mauriceia Cassol
- Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
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Johnson E, Corrick S, Isley S, Vandermeer B, Dolgoy N, Bates J, Godfrey E, Soltys C, Muir C, Vohra S, Tandon P. Mind-body internet and mobile-based interventions for depression and anxiety in adults with chronic physical conditions: A systematic review of RCTs. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 3:e0000435. [PMID: 38261600 PMCID: PMC10805319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
This review summarizes the effectiveness of scalable mind-body internet and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) on depression and anxiety symptoms in adults living with chronic physical conditions. Six databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL) were searched for randomized controlled trials published from database inception to March 2023. Mind-body IMIs included cognitive behavioral therapy, breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, yoga or Tai-chi. To focus on interventions with a greater potential for scale, the intervention delivery needed to be online with no or limited facilitation by study personnel. The primary outcome was mean change scores for anxiety and depression (Hedges' g). In subgroup analyses, random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates based on personnel support level, intervention techniques, chronic physical condition, and survey type. Meta-regression was conducted on age and intervention length. Fifty-six studies met inclusion criteria (sample size 7691, mean age of participants 43 years, 58% female): 30% (n = 17) neurological conditions, 12% (n = 7) cardiovascular conditions, 11% cancer (n = 6), 43% other chronic physical conditions (n = 24), and 4% (n = 2) multiple chronic conditions. Mind-body IMIs demonstrated statistically significant pooled reductions in depression (SMD = -0.33 [-0.40, -0.26], p<0.001) and anxiety (SMD = -0.26 [-0.36, -0.17], p<0.001). Heterogeneity was moderate. Scalable mind-body IMIs hold promise as interventions for managing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults with chronic physical conditions without differences seen with age or intervention length. While modest, the effect sizes are comparable to those seen with pharmacological therapy. The field would benefit from detailed reporting of participant demographics including those related to technological proficiency, as well as further evaluation of non-CBT interventions. Registration: The study is registered with PROSPERO ID #CRD42022375606.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Johnson
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Shaina Corrick
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Serena Isley
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Ben Vandermeer
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Naomi Dolgoy
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Science, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Jack Bates
- Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Elana Godfrey
- Faculty of Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Cassidy Soltys
- Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Conall Muir
- Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Sunita Vohra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
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Bentley TGK, D’Andrea-Penna G, Rakic M, Arce N, LaFaille M, Berman R, Cooley K, Sprimont P. Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Conceptual Framework of Implementation Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review of the Published Literature. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1612. [PMID: 38137060 PMCID: PMC10741869 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and stress plague populations worldwide. Voluntary regulated breathing practices offer a tool to address this epidemic. We examined peer-reviewed published literature to understand effective approaches to and implementation of these practices. PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched to identify clinical trials evaluating isolated breathing-based interventions with psychometric stress/anxiety outcomes. Two independent reviewers conducted all screening and data extraction. Of 2904 unique articles, 731 abstracts, and 181 full texts screened, 58 met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-four of the studies' 72 interventions were effective. Components of effective and ineffective interventions were evaluated to develop a conceptual framework of factors associated with stress/anxiety reduction effectiveness. Effective breath practices avoided fast-only breath paces and sessions <5 min, while including human-guided training, multiple sessions, and long-term practice. Population, other breath paces, session duration ≥5 min, and group versus individual or at-home practices were not associated with effectiveness. Analysis of interventions that did not fit this framework revealed that extensive standing, interruptions, involuntary diaphragmatic obstruction, and inadequate training for highly technical practices may render otherwise promising interventions ineffective. Following this evidence-based framework can help maximize the stress/anxiety reduction benefits of breathing practices. Future research is warranted to further refine this easily accessible intervention for stress/anxiety relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya G. K. Bentley
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Gina D’Andrea-Penna
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Marina Rakic
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Nick Arce
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Michelle LaFaille
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Rachel Berman
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Katie Cooley
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Preston Sprimont
- Health and Human Performance Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA (R.B.); (K.C.)
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA
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Martín-Núñez J, Heredia-Ciuró A, López-López L, Calvache-Mateo A, Hernández-Hernández S, Valenza-Peña G, Valenza MC. Effect of Chest Physiotherapy on Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2925. [PMID: 37998418 PMCID: PMC10671629 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most deleterious diseases of the pulmonary fibrosis spectrum. Its clinical presentation includes irreversible loss of lung function, and increasing cough, dyspnea and impaired quality of life. Chest physiotherapy can improve ventilation capacity, gas exchange, dyspnea, exercise capacity and quality of life. The aim of this study was to review the evidence about chest physiotherapy in IPF, specifically meta-analyzing quality of life, exercise capacity and pulmonary function. METHODS A wide search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science for articles included until October 2023. PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022333496. The Downs and Black scale and the Cochrane tool were employed to evaluate quality assessments and to assess the risk of bias. Data were pooled, and a meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS We selected 10 studies in which a chest physiotherapy program was performed with a total of 340 patients; of these, three articles were meta-analyzed. Significant effects in favor of chest physiotherapy were found for quality of life (MD = -8.60, 95% CI = -11.30, -5.90; p < 0.00001; I2 = 24%), exercise capacity (MD = 37.62, 95% CI = 15.10, 60.13; p = 0.001; I2 = 65%) and pulmonary function (MD = 7.86, 95% CI = 2.54, 13.17; p = 0.004; I2 = 80%). CONCLUSIONS The systematic review showed significant results for the application of chest physiotherapy regarding pulmonary capacity, diffusion of gases and quality of life in IPF patients. The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement associated with applying chest physiotherapy in pulmonary function, exercise capacity and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marie Carmen Valenza
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. De la Ilustración, 6018016 Granada, Spain; (J.M.-N.); (A.H.-C.); (L.L.-L.); (A.C.-M.); (G.V.-P.)
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Castro Ribeiro T, Sobregrau Sangrà P, García Pagès E, Badiella L, López-Barbeito B, Aguiló S, Aguiló J. Assessing effectiveness of heart rate variability biofeedback to mitigate mental health symptoms: a pilot study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1147260. [PMID: 37234414 PMCID: PMC10206049 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1147260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The increasing burden on mental health has become a worldwide concern especially due to its substantial negative social and economic impact. The implementation of prevention actions and psychological interventions is crucial to mitigate these consequences, and evidence supporting its effectiveness would facilitate a more assertive response. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) has been proposed as a potential intervention to improve mental wellbeing through mechanisms in autonomic functioning. The aim of this study is to propose and evaluate the validity of an objective procedure to assess the effectiveness of a HRV-BF protocol in mitigating mental health symptoms in a sample of frontline HCWs (healthcare workers) who worked in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A prospective experimental study applying a HRV-BF protocol was conducted with 21 frontline healthcare workers in 5 weekly sessions. For PRE-POST intervention comparisons, two different approaches were used to evaluate mental health status: applying (a) gold-standard psychometric questionnaires and (b) electrophysiological multiparametric models for chronic and acute stress assessment. Results: After HRV-BF intervention, psychometric questionnaires showed a reduction in mental health symptoms and stress perception. The electrophysiological multiparametric also showed a reduction in chronic stress levels, while the acute stress levels were similar in PRE and POST conditions. A significant reduction in respiratory rate and an increase in some heart rate variability parameters, such as SDNN, LFn, and LF/HF ratio, were also observed after intervention. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a 5-session HRV-BF protocol is an effective intervention for reducing stress and other mental health symptoms among frontline HCWs who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The electrophysiological multiparametric models provide relevant information about the current mental health state, being useful for objectively evaluating the effectiveness of stress-reducing interventions. Further research could replicate the proposed procedure to confirm its feasibility for different samples and specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Castro Ribeiro
- Biomedical Research Network Center in Biogineering, Biomaterial and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Microelectronics and Electronic Systems, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Sobregrau Sangrà
- Clínic Foundation for Biomedical Research, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther García Pagès
- Department of Microelectronics and Electronic Systems, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Llorenç Badiella
- Applied Statistics Service, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Sira Aguiló
- Emergency Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Aguiló
- Biomedical Research Network Center in Biogineering, Biomaterial and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Microelectronics and Electronic Systems, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Klasa K, Sobański JA, Dembińska E, Citkowska-Kisielewska A, Mielimąka M, Rutkowski K. Network analysis of body-related complaints in patients with neurotic or personality disorders referred to psychotherapy. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14078. [PMID: 36938406 PMCID: PMC10018473 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychopathology theory and clinical practice require the most complex knowledge about patients' complaints. In patients seeking for psychotherapy, body-related symptoms often complicate treatment. Aim This study aimed at examining connections between body-related symptoms, and identification of symptoms which may be responsible for emergency and sustaining of anxiety, somatoform and personality disorders with the use of network analysis. Methods In our retrospective research we used data from a sample of 4616 patients of the Department of Psychotherapy, University Hospital in Cracow, diagnosed with anxiety, somatoform or personality disorders. We constructed the Triangulated Maximally Filtered Graph (TMFG) networks of 44 somatoform symptoms endorsed in the symptom checklist "O" (SCL-O) and identified the most central symptoms within the network for all patients and in subgroups of women vs. men, older vs. younger, and diagnosed in 1980-2000 vs. 2000-2015. We used bootstrap to determine the accuracy and stability of five networks' parameters: strength, expected influence, eigenvector, bridge strength and hybrid centrality. Results The most central symptoms within the overall network, and in six subnetworks were dyspnea and migratory pains. We identified some gender-related differences, but no differences were observed for the age and time of diagnosis. Conclusions Self-reported dyspnea and migratory pains are potential important targets for treatment procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Klasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
| | - Jerzy A. Sobański
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
| | - Edyta Dembińska
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
| | | | - Michał Mielimąka
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Rutkowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
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Breathwork Interventions for Adults with Clinically Diagnosed Anxiety Disorders: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020256. [PMID: 36831799 PMCID: PMC9954474 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental disorders, but they are often underrecognized and undertreated in primary care. Dysfunctional breathing is a hallmark of anxiety disorders; however, mainstays of treatments do not tackle breathing in patients suffering anxiety. This scoping review aims to identify the nature and extent of the available research literature on the efficacy of breathwork interventions for adults with clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders using the DSM-5 classification system. Using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, a search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted using terms related to anxiety disorders and breathwork interventions. Only clinical studies using breathwork (without the combination of other interventions) and performed on adult patients diagnosed with an anxiety disorder using the DSM-5 classification system were included. From 1081 articles identified across three databases, sixteen were included for the review. A range of breathwork interventions yielded significant improvements in anxiety symptoms in patients clinically diagnosed with anxiety disorders. The results around the role of hyperventilation in treatment of anxiety were contradictory in few of the examined studies. This evidence-based review supports the clinical utility of breathwork interventions and discusses effective treatment options and protocols that are feasible and accessible to patients suffering anxiety. Current gaps in knowledge for future research directions have also been identified.
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Fincham GW, Strauss C, Montero-Marin J, Cavanagh K. Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Sci Rep 2023; 13:432. [PMID: 36624160 PMCID: PMC9828383 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Deliberate control of the breath (breathwork) has recently received an unprecedented surge in public interest and breathing techniques have therapeutic potential to improve mental health. Our meta-analysis primarily aimed to evaluate the efficacy of breathwork through examining whether, and to what extent, breathwork interventions were associated with lower levels of self-reported/subjective stress compared to non-breathwork controls. We searched PsycInfo, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and ISRCTN up to February 2022, initially identifying 1325 results. The primary outcome self-reported/subjective stress included 12 randomised-controlled trials (k = 12) with a total of 785 adult participants. Most studies were deemed as being at moderate risk of bias. The random-effects analysis yielded a significant small-to-medium mean effect size, g = - 0.35 [95% CI - 0.55, - 0.14], z = 3.32, p = 0.0009, showing breathwork was associated with lower levels of stress than control conditions. Heterogeneity was intermediate and approaching significance, χ211 = 19, p = 0.06, I2 = 42%. Meta-analyses for secondary outcomes of self-reported/subjective anxiety (k = 20) and depressive symptoms (k = 18) showed similar significant effect sizes: g = - 0.32, p < 0.0001, and g = - 0.40, p < 0.0001, respectively. Heterogeneity was moderate and significant for both. Overall, results showed that breathwork may be effective for improving stress and mental health. However, we urge caution and advocate for nuanced research approaches with low risk-of-bias study designs to avoid a miscalibration between hype and evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara Strauss
- grid.12082.390000 0004 1936 7590Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK ,grid.451317.50000 0004 0489 3918Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Teaching, Research and Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain. .,Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health-CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Kate Cavanagh
- grid.12082.390000 0004 1936 7590Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK ,grid.451317.50000 0004 0489 3918Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
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Complaints of dyspnea and their associations with personality traits in patients referred to psychotherapy in a day hospital. J Psychosom Res 2022; 157:110786. [PMID: 35364372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breathing difficulties are present in different medical conditions, yet seem to be underresearched in psychiatric patients. AIM Assessment of prevalence of dyspnea complaints and their associations with personality traits in patients with neurotic or personality disorders referred to psychotherapy. METHODS Retrospective chart review of medical records of 2450 patients with diagnoses F4-F6 (ICD-10). Analyses of associations between dyspnea reported in a symptom checklist SCL-O and pathological scores in the Neurotic Personality Questionnaire were carried out using univariate and multivariate regression analyses with ORs and 95%CI estimated with licensed STATISTICA 13 (StatSoftPL) software, and R version 4.1.0, RStudio version 1.4.1717 software. RESULTS Dyspnea was reported by 46.3% women and 36.6% men (14.5% and 10.1% respectively assessed it as severely burdensome). Univariate regression analysis revealed several significant associations between reporting dyspnea or its extreme intensity and pathological scores in the NPQ. Multivariate regression analyses in women confirmed the importance of impulsiveness and exaltation for dyspnea occurrence, and feeling of being dependent on the environment, demobilization, and narcissistic attitude for its extreme intensity. In men impulsiveness, sense of being in danger, irrationality, and ponderings were associated with the presence of dyspnea, and sense of being in danger and envy with its extreme intensity. CONCLUSIONS Complaints of dyspnea were pretty frequent. Several personality traits measured by the NPQ questionnaire were predictors of their occurrence and feeling of extreme burden.
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Abstract
This paper reviews the published work of me along with my students and close colleagues on the topic of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB). It includes early research by Vaschillo documenting resonance characteristics of the baroreflex system that causes large oscillations in heart rate when breathing at resonance frequency, research on heart rate variability as a marker of parasympathetic stress response in asthma, and HRVB as a treatment for asthma and depression. Many questions about HRVB remain unresolved, and important questions for future research are listed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Lehrer
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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