1
|
Hammerschlag R, Sprengel ML, Baldwin AL. Biofield therapies: Guidelines for reporting clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2024; 82:103011. [PMID: 38307809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A set of guidelines has been developed to help improve reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies. The need for enhanced transparency when reporting trials of this family of integrative health practices, e.g., External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, has been advocated in systematic reviews of these studies. The guidelines, called Biofield Therapies: Reporting Evidence Guidelines (BiFi REGs), supplement CONSORT 2010 by including details of the intervention protocols relevant to biofield therapy trials. BiFi REGs evolved through a draft document created by a core group, two rounds of a Delphi process with an international group of subject matter experts and two panels, meeting via Zoom, which included editors of complementary and integrative medicine journals. BiFi REGs comprises a 15-item Intervention checklist. Modifications of two other CONSORT topic areas are also proposed to enhance their relevance to trials of biofield therapies. Included for each item are an explanation, and exemplars of reporting from peer-reviewed published reports of biofield therapy trials. When used in conjunction with all other items from CONSORT 2010, we anticipate that BiFi REGs will expedite the peer review process for biofield therapy trials, facilitate attempts at trial replication and help to inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, CA, USA; NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Meredith L Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands; Subtle Energy Collective, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ann L Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hammerschlag R, Sprengel ML, Baldwin AL. Biofield therapies: Guidelines for reporting clinical trials. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:196-205. [PMID: 38307816 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
A set of guidelines has been developed to help improve reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies. The need for enhanced transparency when reporting trials of this family of integrative health practices, e.g., External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, has been advocated in systematic reviews of these studies. The guidelines, called Biofield Therapies: Reporting Evidence Guidelines (BiFi REGs), supplement CONSORT 2010 by including details of the intervention protocols relevant to biofield therapy trials. BiFi REGs evolved through a draft document created by a core group, two rounds of a Delphi process with an international group of subject matter experts and two panels, meeting via Zoom, which included editors of complementary and integrative medicine journals. BiFi REGs comprises a 15-item Intervention checklist. Modifications of two other CONSORT topic areas are also proposed to enhance their relevance to trials of biofield therapies. Included for each item are an explanation, and exemplars of reporting from peer-reviewed published reports of biofield therapy trials. When used in conjunction with all other items from CONSORT 2010, we anticipate that BiFi REGs will expedite the peer review process for biofield therapy trials, facilitate attempts at trial replication and help to inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, CA, USA; NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Meredith L Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands; Subtle Energy Collective, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ann L Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hammerschlag R, Sprengel M, Baldwin AL. Biofield Therapies: Guidelines for Reporting Clinical Trials. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024; 30:133-145. [PMID: 38300148 PMCID: PMC10910875 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2024.29128.rh] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Highlights Guidelines have been created to improve the reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies, e.g. External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch. Appropriate use of these guidelines is likely to strengthen the evidence base for biofield therapies as well as increase their usage as stand-alone practices and as complementary therapies within mainstream healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, California, USA
- NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meredith Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Ann L. Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hammerschlag R, Sprengel M, Baldwin AL. Biofield Therapies: Guidelines for Reporting Clinical Trials. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130231202501. [PMID: 38304734 PMCID: PMC10832441 DOI: 10.1177/27536130231202501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
A set of guidelines has been developed to help improve reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies. The need for enhanced transparency when reporting trials of this family of integrative health practices, eg, External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, has been advocated in systematic reviews of these studies. The guidelines, called Biofield Therapies: Reporting Evidence Guidelines (BiFi REGs), supplement CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 by including details of the intervention protocols relevant to biofield therapy trials. BiFi REGs evolved through a draft document created by a core group, two rounds of a Delphi process with an international group of subject matter experts and two panels, meeting via Zoom, which included editors of complementary and integrative medicine journals. BiFi REGs comprises a 15-item Intervention checklist. Modifications of two other CONSORT topic areas are also proposed to enhance their relevance to trials of biofield therapies. Included for each item are an explanation, and exemplars of reporting from peer-reviewed published reports of biofield therapy trials. When used in conjunction with all other items from CONSORT 2010, we anticipate that BiFi REGs will expedite the peer review process for biofield therapy trials, facilitate attempts at trial replication and help to inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
- NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Sprengel
- Human Factors, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, Netherlands
| | - Ann L Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Couck M, Caers R, Musch L, Fliegauf J, Giangreco A, Gidron Y. How breathing can help you make better decisions: Two studies on the effects of breathing patterns on heart rate variability and decision-making in business cases. Int J Psychophysiol 2019; 139:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
6
|
Protective effect of heart rate variability biofeedback on stress-induced lung function impairment in asthma. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2019; 262:49-56. [PMID: 30695733 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Psychological stress can provoke airway constriction in asthmatic patients, which may be because of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in asthma. We investigated the effect of enhancing respiratory sinus arrhythmia using heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) on spirometry performance and HRV indices during stress induced by Stroop Color-Word interference test in asthmatic patients and healthy volunteers. Stress caused decrease in FEV1%, FVC%, and PEF% compared to baseline in asthmatic patients, but not in healthy subjects. A single short duration episode of HRV-BF not only had a protective effect on stress-induced airway constriction, but also significantly augmented the level of FEV1% and FVC% as compared with their own baseline. Also, there was a significant correlation between HRV changes and the augmentation of spirometry performance in asthmatic patients receiving HRV-BF. Our findings indicated that even a single short duration episode of HRV-BF can decrease susceptibility to stress-induced lung function impairment in patients with asthma, which may be through the modulation of respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tabatabaee A, Tafreshi MZ, Rassouli M, Aledavood SA, AlaviMajd H, Farahmand SK. Effect of Therapeutic Touch in Patients with Cancer: a Literature Review. Med Arch 2016; 70:142-7. [PMID: 27194823 PMCID: PMC4860206 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2016.70.142-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques has been growing. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine places therapeutic touch (TT) into the category of bio field energy. This literature review is aimed at critically evaluating the data from clinical trials examining the clinical efficacy of therapeutic touch as a supportive care modality in adult patients with cancer. METHODS Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Scholar Google, and Science Direct) were searched from the year 1990 to 2015 to locate potentially relevant peer-reviewed articles using the key words therapeutic touch, touch therapy, neoplasm, cancer, and CAM. Additionally, relevant journals and references of all the located articles were manually searched for other potentially relevant studies. RESULTS The number of 334 articles was found on the basis of the key words, of which 17 articles related to the clinical trial were examined in accordance with the objectives of the study. A total of 6 articles were in the final dataset in which several examples of the positive effects of healing touch on pain, nausea, anxiety and fatigue, and life quality and also on biochemical parameters were observed. CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, an affirmation can be made regarding the use of TT, as a non-invasive intervention for improving the health status in patients with cancer. Moreover, therapeutic touch was proved to be a useful strategy for adult patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Tabatabaee
- Department of Nursing, International Branch, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Zagheri Tafreshi
- Department of Management, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Amir Aledavood
- Cancer Research Center, Faculty of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid AlaviMajd
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Paramedical, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Kazem Farahmand
- Traditional Medicine Department, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Herzog D, Killianova T, Pauwels S, Germeys F, Gidron Y. Hemispheric Lateralization Moderates the Life Events-Distress Relationship. Stress Health 2016; 32:47-54. [PMID: 24719310 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Past studies show that life events (LE) predict mental distress. This research tested whether hemispheric lateralization (HL) moderated the relationship between LE and mental distress. In studies 1 and 2, different instruments for assessing HL were used (questionnaire and neuropsychological test). In both studies, LE or daily hassles were positively correlated with distress (study 1) and with anxiety and depression (study 2), only in people with right but not left HL, controlling for effects of gender. In study 3, experimentally induced stress led to increased perceived stress, again only in participants with right but not left HL. These results show consistently that left HL may protect against adverse effects of LE, hassles or acute stress on well-being. We propose possible mechanisms and future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Filip Germeys
- Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yori Gidron
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jain S, Hammerschlag R, Mills P, Cohen L, Krieger R, Vieten C, Lutgendorf S. Clinical Studies of Biofield Therapies: Summary, Methodological Challenges, and Recommendations. Glob Adv Health Med 2015; 4:58-66. [PMID: 26665043 PMCID: PMC4654788 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.034.suppl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofield therapies are noninvasive therapies in which the practitioner explicitly works with a client's biofield (interacting fields of energy and information that surround living systems) to stimulate healing responses in patients. While the practice of biofield therapies has existed in Eastern and Western cultures for thousands of years, empirical research on the effectiveness of biofield therapies is still relatively nascent. In this article, we provide a summary of the state of the evidence for biofield therapies for a number of different clinical conditions. We note specific methodological issues for research in biofield therapies that need to be addressed (including practitioner-based, outcomes-based, and research design considerations), as well as provide a list of suggested next steps for biofield researchers to consider.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamini Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; and Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Diego; and Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego (Dr Jain)
| | - Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego; and The Institute for Integrative Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Hammerschlag)
| | - Paul Mills
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; and Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Diego; and Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California, San Diego (Dr Mills)
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (Dr Cohen)
| | - Richard Krieger
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California (Dr Krieger)
| | - Cassandra Vieten
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California; and California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco (Dr Vieten)
| | - Susan Lutgendorf
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California; and Departments of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Dr Lutgendorf)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hammerschlag R, Marx BL, Aickin M. Nontouch biofield therapy: a systematic review of human randomized controlled trials reporting use of only nonphysical contact treatment. J Altern Complement Med 2015; 20:881-92. [PMID: 25181286 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2014.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE AND CONTEXT: This review was designed to assess the quality and review the outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of biofield therapies (external qigong, Healing Touch, Johrei, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch) that report using only nonphysical touch forms of treatment. RCTs of nonphysical contact biofield therapies have the potential to contribute to an evidence base for health-promoting effects mediated through mechanisms outside the present understanding of biomedicine. METHODS Articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified from database and reference list searches and evaluated for a range of reporting and design items. Data were extracted to determine the range of protocol parameters and treatment outcomes. The final set of included RCTs were evaluated via a modified 5-item Jadad scale as well as by a set of 20 criteria that included items relevant to the early-phase nature of the trials and to the examination of nonphysical touch biofield therapy interventions. RESULTS Of 90 RCTs that assessed effectiveness of a biofield therapy in humans, 28 trials involving 1775 participants met additional inclusion criteria (most importantly a clearly reported use of only nonphysical contact treatment). The research designs of these 28 trials revealed marked heterogeneity in regard to condition treated, number and duration of treatments, nature of the control/comparison group, and outcome measures. Finally, 10 trials were excluded on the basis of low quality assessment scores. Twelve of the remaining 18 trials (7 Therapeutic Touch, 3 external qigong, 1 Reiki, and 1 Healing Touch) reported at least one primary outcome with statistically significant beneficial treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The pilot study nature of essentially all the identified nonphysical contact biofield therapy RCTs, as reflected by low sample sizes alone, precludes drawing robust conclusions. Given this perspective, the finding that two thirds of the higher-scoring trials demonstrated at least partial effectiveness favors a continued research effort, especially in light of the translational value of biofield clinical trials for studies exploring the nature and physiologic basis of biofield healing.
Collapse
|
11
|
Jallo N, Elswick RK, Kinser P, Masho S, Price SK, Svikis DS. Prevalence and Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant African American Women. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2015; 36:860-9. [PMID: 26631857 DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2015.1048014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
African American women may be especially vulnerable to antepartum depression, a major health concern during pregnancy. This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms in a sample of African American women who were between 14-17 weeks pregnant, a timeframe that is typically thought to be a time of general well-being. Two-thirds reported a CES-D score ≥ 16 indicative of depressive symptomatology. Age, perceived stress (as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), and anxiety (as measured by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) predicted depressive symptoms; the interaction between PSS and STAI scores was also a significant predictor. Our study findings suggest that early identification of stress and anxiety, in addition to depressive symptoms, is vital for intervention with this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Jallo
- a Virginia Commonwealth University , School of Nursing , Richmond , Virginia , USA
| | - R K Elswick
- a Virginia Commonwealth University , School of Nursing , Richmond , Virginia , USA
| | - Patricia Kinser
- a Virginia Commonwealth University , School of Nursing , Richmond , Virginia , USA
| | - Saba Masho
- b Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Institute for Women's Health , Richmond , Virginia , USA
| | - Sarah Kye Price
- c Virginia Commonwealth University , School of Social Work , Richmond , Virginia , USA
| | - Dace S Svikis
- d Virginia Commonwealth University, Departments of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Institute for Women's Health , Richmond , Virginia , USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guided imagery for stress and symptom management in pregnant african american women. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:840923. [PMID: 24719646 PMCID: PMC3955623 DOI: 10.1155/2014/840923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a guided imagery (GI) intervention for stress reduction in pregnant African American women beginning early in the second trimester. This prospective longitudinal study of 72 women used a randomized controlled experimental design with two groups conducted over 12 weeks. The intervention was a CD with 4 professionally recorded tracts designed and sequenced to influence study variables. Participants in both GI and usual care (UC) completed measures and donated 5 cc of blood at baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. Participants also completed a daily stress scale. A mixed-effects linear model tested for differences between groups for self-reported measures of stress, anxiety, and fatigue as well as corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), a biologic marker of stress. Significant differences in perceived stress daily scores and at week 8 but not week 12 were found in the GI group compared to UC group. The GI group reported significantly less fatigue and anxiety than the UC group at week 8 but not week 12. There were no significant differences in CRH levels between groups. Results suggest that GI intervention may be effective in reducing perceived stress, anxiety, and fatigue measures among pregnant African American women.
Collapse
|
13
|
Biofield-based therapies: a systematic review of physiological effects on practitioners during healing. Explore (NY) 2014; 10:150-61. [PMID: 24767262 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent reviews have reached guardedly positive conclusions about the effectivenessof biofield therapies in healthcare.(1,2) These studies mainly involved randomized controlled trials to determine changes in condition-related outcome measures, but few addressed the biological basis of these effects. STUDY OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We performed a systematic review of studies designed to examine whether biofield therapists undergo physiological changes as they enter the healing state. If reproducible changes can be identified, they may serve as markers to reveal events that correlate with the healing process. METHODS Databases were searched for controlled or non-controlled studies of biofield therapies in which physiological measurements were made on practitioners in a healing state, with or without a healee present. Design and reporting criteria, developed in part to reflect the pilot nature of the included studies, were applied using a yes (1.0), partial (0.5), or no (0) scoring system. RESULTS Of 67 identified studies, the inclusion criteria were met by 22, 10 of which involved human healees. Overall, the studies were of moderate to poor quality and many omitted information about the training and experience of the healer. The most frequently measured biomarkers were electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV). EEG changes were inconsistent and not specific to biofield therapies. HRV results suggest an aroused physiology for Reconnective Healing, Bruyere healing, and Hawaiian healing but no changes were detected for Reiki or Therapeutic Touch. CONCLUSIONS Despite a decades-long research interest in identifying healing-related biomarkers in biofield healers, little robust evidence of unique physiological changes has emerged to define the healers׳ state.
Collapse
|
14
|
Physiological changes in energy healers during self-practice. Complement Ther Med 2012; 20:299-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
15
|
Díaz-Rodríguez L, Arroyo-Morales M, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, García-Lafuente F, García-Royo C, Tomás-Rojas I. Immediate Effects of Reiki on Heart Rate Variability, Cortisol Levels, and Body Temperature in Health Care Professionals With Burnout. Biol Res Nurs 2011; 13:376-82. [PMID: 21821642 DOI: 10.1177/1099800410389166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Burnout is a work-related mental health impairment comprising three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Reiki aims to help replenish and rebalance the body’s energetic system, thus stimulating the healing process. The objective of this placebo-controlled, repeated measures, crossover, single-blind, randomized trial was to analyze the immediate effects of Reiki on heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, and salivary flow rate and cortisol level in health care professionals with burnout syndrome (BS). Participants included 21 health care professionals with BS, who were asked to complete two visits to the laboratory with a 1-week interval between sessions. They were randomly assigned the order in which they would receive a Reiki session applied by an experienced therapist and a placebo treatment applied by a therapist with no knowledge of Reiki, who mimicked the Reiki treatment. Temperature, Holter ECG recordings (standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval [SDNN], square root of mean squared differences of successive NN intervals [RMSSD], HRV index, low frequency component [LF], and high frequency component [HF]), salivary flow rate and cortisol levels were measured at baseline and postintervention by an assessor blinded to allocation group. SDNN and body temperature were significantly higher after the Reiki treatment than after the placebo. LF was significantly lower after the Reiki treatment. The decrease in the LF domain was associated with the increase in body temperature. These results suggest that Reiki has an effect on the parasympathetic nervous system when applied to health care professionals with BS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cesar Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Esthesiology Laboratory of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | | | - Carmen García-Royo
- Andalusian Health Service—Emergency, University Hospital San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tang R, Tegeler C, Larrimore D, Cowgill S, Kemper KJ. Improving the well-being of nursing leaders through healing touch training. J Altern Complement Med 2010; 16:837-41. [PMID: 20624103 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.0558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic stress adversely affects performance. We evaluated the effect of Healing Touch training on subjective and objective measures of stress in nursing leaders in an academic health center. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this quasi-experimental single group pretest-post-test study, we recruited nursing leaders at an academic health center and provided 17.5 hours of Healing Touch training over 2 days. We measured subjective measures of stress using visual analog scales as well as heart rate variability 1-2 weeks before and 4 weeks after the training. RESULTS Target enrollment was exceeded within 2 weeks; all participants were women and the mean age was 47 years. Of the 26 enrollees, 24 completed training, and 20 (77%) completed all pre- and post-training measures. There was significant improvement in self-reported stress, depression, anxiety, relaxation, well-being, and sleep. Heart rate variability changes were also significant for total power, high- and low-frequency power, and coherence, suggesting improved autonomic function consistent with greater well-being. CONCLUSIONS Training nurse leaders in an academic health center in Healing Touch is associated with significant improvements in subjective and objective measures of stress. Additional studies are needed to compare the impact of this training versus stress management training on the nurses themselves and on the quality of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Tang
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard,Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Madrid MM, Barrett EAM, Winstead-Fry P. A Study of the Feasibility of Introducing Therapeutic Touch Into the Operative Environment With Patients Undergoing Cerebral Angiography. J Holist Nurs 2010; 28:168-74. [DOI: 10.1177/0898010110369173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether Therapeutic Touch (TT) can be effectively used in the operative setting and whether it could produce positive outcomes in the period from cerebral angiography to discharge. The specific outcomes to be assessed were blood pressure, pulse, and respirations. TT is an intervention that involves the intentional direction of energy for the purpose of healing. The present study was developed within the conceptual framework of Rogers’s model of unitary human beings. Data were collected at a center for endovascular surgery. The participants were 40 men and women aged between 18 and 80 years who were referred to the center for cerebral angiograms. The participants were English-speaking, ambulatory patients, with no history of prior cerebral angiograms and no psychiatric diagnosis. The design was a randomized, single-blind experiment. The research data were collected in the normal course of the angiogram procedure and recovery room. The blood pressure, pulse, and respirations were routinely noted before, during, and after the procedure. The study was significant in three aspects: (a) it was the first study to develop a protocol for delivering TT in the preoperative course of neurological patients, (b) the study is conceptualized within Rogers’s conceptual model of unitary human beings, and (c) the study explored the impact of TT on selected outcomes in endovascular patients. A protocol for delivering TT in the operative setting was successfully developed and implemented. The efficacy of TT on the blood pressure, respirations, and pulse of the experimental group was not statistically significant. The reasons for this finding are explored, and suggestions are made for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary M. Madrid
- Center for Endovascular Surgery at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kuo SH, Yang YH, Wang RH, Chan TF, Chou FH. Relationships Between Leptin, hCG, Cortisol, and Psychosocial Stress and Nausea and Vomiting Throughout Pregnancy. Biol Res Nurs 2010; 12:20-7. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800410361534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purposes of this prospective, longitudinal study were to examine the relationships between leptin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), cortisol, and psychosocial stress and nausea and vomiting (NV) in women with mild-to-moderate NV throughout pregnancy. Participants comprised 91 pregnant women recruited from prenatal clinics in southern Taiwan. Data analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that leptin, hCG, cortisol levels, and Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR) scores, but not stress (measured with the Visual Analog Scale, VAS) scores, were significantly different among the three trimesters. The average INVR score and hCG level decreased from the first to third trimesters (p < .0001 for both). The average leptin and cortisol levels increased from the first to third trimesters (p = .001 and p < .0001, respectively). Analysis using mixed models indicated that the INVR scores decreased significantly in a progressive manner through the stages of pregnancy and were significantly lower in the second and third trimesters. Findings reveal that stress/VAS and hCG may both be significantly and independently associated with INVR scores. Future research should examine psychosocial reactions in addition to exploring other biochemical markers related to NV and stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsien Kuo
- College of Medical and Health Science, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Yang
- College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Hsia Wang
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Te-Fu Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Hao Chou
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jain S, Mills PJ. Biofield therapies: helpful or full of hype? A best evidence synthesis. Int J Behav Med 2010; 17:1-16. [PMID: 19856109 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-009-9062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofield therapies (such as Reiki, therapeutic touch, and healing touch) are complementary medicine modalities that remain controversial and are utilized by a significant number of patients, with little information regarding their efficacy. PURPOSE This systematic review examines 66 clinical studies with a variety of biofield therapies in different patient populations. METHOD We conducted a quality assessment as well as a best evidence synthesis approach to examine evidence for biofield therapies in relevant outcomes for different clinical populations. RESULTS Studies overall are of medium quality, and generally meet minimum standards for validity of inferences. Biofield therapies show strong evidence for reducing pain intensity in pain populations, and moderate evidence for reducing pain intensity hospitalized and cancer populations. There is moderate evidence for decreasing negative behavioral symptoms in dementia and moderate evidence for decreasing anxiety for hospitalized populations. There is equivocal evidence for biofield therapies' effects on fatigue and quality of life for cancer patients, as well as for comprehensive pain outcomes and affect in pain patients, and for decreasing anxiety in cardiovascular patients. CONCLUSION There is a need for further high-quality studies in this area. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamini Jain
- UCLA Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Toro-Velasco C, Arroyo-Morales M, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Cleland JA, Barrero-Hernández FJ. Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Heart Rate Variability, Mood State, and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Pilot Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2009; 32:527-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
21
|
Arroyo-Morales M, Olea N, Martinez M, Moreno-Lorenzo C, Daz-Rodrguez L, Hidalgo-Lozano A. Effects of Myofascial Release After High-Intensity Exercise: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2008; 31:217-23. [PMID: 18394499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2007] [Revised: 07/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
22
|
Bucks RS, Gidron Y, Harris P, Teeling J, Wesnes KA, Perry VH. Selective effects of upper respiratory tract infection on cognition, mood and emotion processing: a prospective study. Brain Behav Immun 2008; 22:399-407. [PMID: 17967526 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2007.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2007] [Revised: 08/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Observational and experimentally induced infection studies show that upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) affect mood and cognition. This study tested the effects of naturally occurring URTI on cognition, mood and emotional processing, using a prospective design, with a broader array of tests than previous research, and with well matched control participants. Eighty participants (42 younger, M age 20.3 years; 38 older, M age 64.3 years) underwent neuropsychological assessment at baseline. Once a participant had URTI symptoms, s/he and a healthy, matched participant were retested. The Cognitive Drug Research computerised assessment battery was used to assess Power and Continuity of Attention, Quality of Episodic and Working Memory, Speed of Memory, and mood. Additionally, emotional processing was measured on matching of emotionally-negative faces with faces and faces with labels. Forty-two of 80 participants were matched (21 well, 21 ill). Well participants improved in Speed of Memory and face-label reaction time. Despite a lack of fever, ill participants demonstrated significantly smaller improvements. Older participants reported feeling less alert if ill, and less stressed if well, than at baseline. All ill participants reported less contentment than at baseline than well participants. Severity of URTI symptoms correlated with changes in Speed of Memory and mood. Even without fever, infectious disease produces large disturbances in speed of cognitive processing, particularly that reflecting retrieval from memory, and these effects are more marked in older participants. URTIs also affect mood. Future studies need to examine the role of inflammatory molecules and the brain regions implicated in mediating these findings.
Collapse
|
23
|
Bobyleva OV, Glazachev OS. Changes in autonomic response and resistance to acute graded hypoxia during intermittent hypoxic training. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1134/s0362119707020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
24
|
Ritvanen T, Louhevaara V, Helin P, Halonen T, Hänninen O. Effect of Aerobic Fitness on the Physiological Stress Responses at Work. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2007; 20:1-8. [PMID: 17708014 DOI: 10.2478/v10001-007-0005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of aerobic fitness on physiological stress responses experienced by teachers during working hours. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-six healthy female and male teachers aged 33-62 years participated in the study. The ratings of perceived stress visual analogue scale (VAS), and the measurement of physiological responses (norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and trapezius muscle activity by electromyography (EMG), were determined. Predicted maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) was measured using the submaximal bicycle ergometer test. The predicted VO(2)max was standardized for age using residuals of linear regression analyses. RESULTS Static EMG activity, HR and VAS were associated with aerobic fitness in teachers. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a higher level of aerobic fitness may reduce muscle tension, HR and perceived work stress in teachers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Ritvanen
- Department of Physiology, University of Kuopio, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Terathongkum S, Pickler RH. Relationships among heart rate variability, hypertension, and relaxation techniques. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR NURSING 2004; 22:78-82; quiz 83-4. [PMID: 15371972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2004.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a simple noninvasive measurement for investigating autonomic influence on the cardiovascular system. HRV, the beat-to-beat alterations in heart rate, may be evaluated by time domain and frequency domain methods. HRV can be used as a predictor of risk or warning sign of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have shown that a reduced HRV can also be used as a predictor of hypertension, development of diabetic neuropathy, cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and lethal arrhythmic complications after an acute myocardial infarction. A few studies have also revealed that relaxation techniques can increase HRV. This article reviews the literature about HRV measurement and the relationships among HRV, hypertension, and relaxation techniques. Limitations of the review literature have also been considered to identify areas for future research.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
HT and TT are unique touch techniques with origins in the nursing profession. They are widely available in pediatric hospitals and often are used as adjunct therapies to decrease stress, anxiety, and pain. Practitioners, as well as patients, may notice improved sense of well-being during and after treatments. Additional research is needed to determine the mechanisms by which these effects occur, the optimal duration and frequency of treatments, factors predictive of treatment response, and the overall costs and benefits of including TT and HT in treatment in addition to traditional therapies. These therapies are safe and readily available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathi J Kemper
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|