The effects of lavender aromatherapy on pain following needle insertion into a fistula in hemodialysis patients

ObjectiveThis study sought to determine the effects of lavender aromatherapy on pain following needle insertion into a fistula in patients undergoing hemodialysis.MethodThis is a randomized controlled clinical trial in which 92 patients undergoing hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistulas were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental-group patients inhaled lavender essence with a concentration of 10% for 5 min during 3 hemodialysis sessions, while the control-group patients received aromatherapy free of lavender essence.ResultsThe mean VAS pain intensity score in the experimental and control groups before the intervention was 3.78 ± 0.24 and 4.16 ± 0.32, respectively (p = 0.35). The mean VAS pain intensity score in the experimental and control groups after three aromatherapy sessions was 2.36 ± 0.25 and 3.43 ± 0.31, respectively (p = 0.009).ConclusionLavender aromatherapy may be an effective technique to reduce pain following needle insertion into a fistula in hemodialysis patients.     

The effect of acupressure on pain,anxiety, and the physiological indexes of patients with cancer undergoing bone marrow biopsy

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on pain intensity, anxiety, and physiological indexes of patients with cancer undergoing bone marrow biopsy and aspiration.MethodsThe study was designed as a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.Ninety samples was selected using the convenience sampling method, then for allocation groups random block sampling was used (30 for each group). The three groups were similar by age and gender. LI4 and HT7 (Shen Men) acupressure points were examined for the intervention. Sham pressure was used in the placebo group while no intervention was applied in the control group.ResultsThe results showed that the lowest average anxiety score (1.5 ± 0.5; P = 0.01) and the lowest average pain score (4.9 ± 0.8) after the intervention were related to the acupressure method (P = 0.001).ConclusionCost effectiveness and short-term simple education make acupressure method useful in clinical settings for different illnesses.     

Additional health education and nutrition management cause more weight loss than concurrent training in overweight young females

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effect of concurrent training and the addition of health education and nutrition management on body composition and health-related outcomes.MethodsTwenty-four healthy overweight females (20.42 ± 1.02 years, body mass index [BMI] 25.83 ± 3.63 kg∙m⁻²) were assigned to a concurrent training group (Exe, n = 12) or a concurrent training and health education group (Exe + Edu, n = 12). Both groups completed 8 weeks of concurrent training (6 days/week), whereas the Exe + Edu participants received additional health education and controlled daily energy intake within the basal metabolic rate. Body composition, serum glucose, lipids and related hormones were measured before and after intervention.ResultsAfter intervention, the Exe group lost 2.47 kg (±2.46) of body mass, 2.44 kg (±1.71) of total fat mass (FM), corresponding to a body fat percentage (BF%) of 2.25%. Losses of body mass, total FM and BF% in the Exe + Edu group were −5.19 ± 1.87 kg, −4.42 ± 1.83 kg and −4.33 ± 2.39%, respectively. The Exe + Edu participants had significantly greater reductions of body mass, total FM, and trunk and leg FM relative to the Exe participants (p < 0.05). Serum glucose, lipids, insulin and progesterone levels were improved in both groups without group difference.ConclusionConcurrent training is an effective short-term training strategy for reducing FM and improving fasting glucose, blood lipids and related hormones. Furthermore, the combination of additional health education can achieve greater effects on weight loss and the reduction of total and regional FM, which may be a better obesity treatment method.     

The fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) questionnaire in Taiwanese infertile couples

ObjectiveTo characterize the fertility quality of life (QoL) in Taiwanese infertile couples using an objective measurement tool—the FertiQoL questionnaire, and establish a reference level of QoL for clinical applications and future studies.Materials and MethodsThe FertiQoL tool, a self-report questionnaire, was distributed to seven infertility centers across Taiwan for infertile couples who were undergoing the treatment of in vitro fertilization. The online version of the FertiQoL questionnaire was issued on the website of Taiwan Society for Reproductive Medicine and was opened to the public.ResultsA total of 534 copies of eligible FertiQoL questionnaires were collected. The total scores for the Core FertiQoL and Treatment FertiQoL are 55.12 ± 13.72 and 56.40 ± 10.96, respectively. Both the Core and Treatment FertiQoL were significantly higher in the males of infertile couples than the females (60.63 ± 14.07 vs. 54.39 ± 13.52, p = 0.001, and 59.13 ± 12.44 vs. 56.03 ± 10.71, p = 0.035, respectively). Significantly better QoL was found in infertile patients in the Southern Taiwan, with a Core FertiQoL of 58.21 ± 12.70 and a Treatment FertiQoL of 58.79 ± 10.15.ConclusionThe results of this study provide a baseline QoL in infertile couples in Taiwan, and could potentially be used as a guide for clinical counseling and future works.     

Anxiety reduction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization following massage and guided imagery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage with or without guided imagery in reducing anxiety prior to cardiac catheterization.MethodA total of 55 inpatients and outpatients received massage, guided imagery, or massage with guided imagery prior to cardiac catheterization. Self-reported anxiety levels and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated in participants and a matched comparison group.ResultsMassage with and without guided imagery resulted in significant reductions in self-reported anxiety (p < 0.0001). Patients receiving intervention had lower diastolic BP and HR vs. the comparison group (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05).ConclusionsMassage with or without guided imagery immediately reduced self-reported anxiety. This pilot study has certain limitations: a non-randomized, convenience sample and a matched control group that was created retrospectively. However, the study indicates a benefit to providing massage or massage with guided imagery prior to anxiety-inducing medical procedures such as cardiac catheterization.     

Merging Yoga and self-management Skills (MY-Skills) to influence self-efficacy among individuals with persistent pain: A pilot study

ContextIndividuals with persistent pain-related disability have lower self-efficacy, which impacts daily function and health.AimTo explore self-efficacy among individuals with persistent pain who were part of a dyad (caregiver and care-recipient) who completed the Merging Yoga and self-management Skills intervention (MY-Skills).MethodsParticipants completed MY-Skills, an 8-week group, dyadic-based self-management and yoga program. Self-efficacy outcomes were collected using the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale; PROMIS® Self-Efficacy for Managing Daily Activities; and PROMIS® Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms.ResultsEight participants completed the study (50.23 ± 14.77 years old, 77% female, (69%) with pain >10 years). Self-efficacy improved across all measures and domains, with significant improvement for physical function self-efficacy (38.97 ± 19.45 vs. 59.10 ± 18.60, p = .004).ConclusionsMY-Skills improved self-efficacy to varying degrees, which may contribute to participants’ confidence in performing activities. Further research is needed to examine dyadic outcomes among caregivers and care-recipients.     

Impact of an Educational Pamphlet on Knowledge About Health Risks After Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Randomized Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate patients’ knowledge, risk perception, and anxiety about future health risks after an episode of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP), as well as their satisfaction with an educational pamphlet.MethodsFrom January 2016 to June 2017, participants were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups and asked to complete questionnaire #1 (demographics, knowledge, risk perception, anxiety, and satisfaction) after receiving medical counselling at the HDP postpartum clinic. Participants in the intervention group then received the educational pamphlet. One month later, both groups completed the questionnaire again (questionnaire #2). The primary outcome of this study was improvement in the global knowledge score at 1 month, reflecting improved understanding of the health risks of HDP. Secondary outcomes included retention of information, risk perception, satisfaction, and anxiety level.ResultsOf 137 eligible women, 57 were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 56, to the control group. Participants in both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Thirteen percent of participants did not complete questionnaire #2. The knowledge score was higher in the intervention group than the control group at 1 month, (88.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 26.37–28.32 and 71.3%; 95% CI 20.78–23.45, respectively [P <0.0001]). No difference was seen in anxiety level between the groups (4.0 ± 1.00 vs. 3.8 ± 0.92; P = 0.6746). The intervention group was highly satisfied with the medical counselling they received (5.5 ± 0.84 out 6) and with the pamphlet (5.6 ± 0.66 out 6).ConclusionThe educational pamphlet increased women's knowledge about future health risks of HDP without increasing anxiety and it may be helpful in promoting lifestyle changes necessary to modify these risks.     

Hydrodistention plus bladder training versus hydrodistention for the treatment of interstitial cystitis

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of hydrodistention (HD) followed by bladder training (BT) versus HD alone in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC).MethodsA total of 70 patients with IC were included and randomly assigned to two groups: one treated with HD (HD group) and the other treated with HD plus BT (HD plus BT group). Each patient was followed up using a weekly diary for 8 weeks after HD and monthly thereafter for 6 months after HD. Evaluation parameters included age, duration of IC in years, how many doctors visited before treatment, urgency, bladder pain, daytime voided volume per void, nocturnal volume per void, daytime voids per day, and nocturia per day.ResultsAge, duration of IC in years, doctors visited before treatment, and voiding profiles of patients before treatments between the two groups did not show statistical significance. However, at 24 weeks after HD, the proportions of urgency, and bladder pain of the HD group versus the HD plus BT group were 43.48% versus 10.71% (p = 0.008), and 34.78% versus 14.29% (p = 0.086), respectively. Concurrently, the mean ± standard deviation of daytime voided volume per void, nocturnal volume per void, daytime voids per day, and nocturia per day of the HD group and HD plus BT group are 212.2 ± 114.2 mL and 300.1 ± 90.2 mL (p = 0.005), 276.8 ± 113.0 mL and 360.0 ± 129.6 mL (p = 0.018), 8.2 ± 3.2 and 6.2 ± 1.4 (p = 0.010), and 2.2 ± 1.2 and 1.5 ± 0.7 (p = 0.019), respectively.ConclusionHD followed by BT produced a statistically significantly better effect than HD alone in the treatment of patients with IC.     

Effects of yoga on depression and anxiety of women

Yoga has often been perceived as a method of stress management tool that can assist in alleviating depression and anxiety disorders.This study sought to evaluate the influence of yoga in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety in women who were referred to a yoga clinic.MethodsThe study involved a convenience sample of women who were referred to a yoga clinic from July 2006 to July 2007.All new cases were evaluated on admission using a personal information questionnaire well as Beck and Spielberger tests. Participants were randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group.The experimental group (n = 34) participated in twice weekly yoga classes of 90 min duration for two months. The control group (n = 31) was assigned to a waiting list and did not receive yoga. Both groups were evaluated again after the two-month study period.ResultsThe average prevalence of depression in the experimental group pre and post Yoga intervention was 12.82 ± 7.9 and 10.79 ± 6.04 respectively, a statistically insignificant decrease (p = 0.13). However, when the experimental group was compared to the control group, women who participated in yoga classes showed a significant decrease in state anxiety (p = 0.03) and trait anxiety (p < 0.001).ConclusionsParticipation in a two-month yoga class can lead to significant reduction in perceived levels of anxiety in women who suffer from anxiety disorders. This study suggests that yoga can be considered as a complementary therapy or an alternative method for medical therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders.     

A randomized controlled trial of a web-based education intervention for women with gestational diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate changes in maternal body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and glycemic level and infant birthweight using an online educational program compared to standard clinic-based GDM education.DesignA preliminary randomized controlled trial of the online intervention was conducted in Melbourne, Australia between 2014 and 2015. A total of 110 women were randomized to (1) the control group and received standard clinic-based GDM education; or (2) the intervention group and received standard care plus the web-based education program. Data were collected at two time points: baseline and 12 weeks postpartum. Infant birthweight was also recorded. Chi-squared test, independent t-test and paired t-test were used to compare outcomes.ParticipantsPregnant women with newly diagnosed GDM, in the Western region of Melbourne, Australia.FindingsStatistically significant differences were reported between intervention and control groups in maternal weight and glycemia post-intervention (p < 0.05). More women in the intervention group than in the control group reported weight loss post-intervention (90.4% vs 48.3%, p < 0.001), and were considered a healthy weight (BMI = 18.5, 24.9kg/m²) at 12 weeks postpartum (44.2% vs 31%). More women in the intervention group had attended for follow up OGTT at 12 weeks postpartum (96.2% vs 70.7%, p < 0.001). Comparing measures pre- and post-intervention in the intervention group, maternal BMI was lower [(28.60 ± 7.93) vs (29.60 ± 8.32); p = 0.000], maternal systolic blood pressure was increased but within normal range [(108.19 ± 11.80) vs (107.29 ± 12.13); p = 0.001], and maternal glycemic level returned to within normal limits [(4.86 ± 0.42) vs (8.80 ± 2.50); p = 0.026]. Most women in both groups gave birth to normal birthweight infants (92.3% and 94.8%). These findings are offset by differences in the groups at baseline.Key conclusionsFindings suggest that the education intervention had a positive impact on women’s postpartum weight and attendance at OGTT by 12 weeks postpartum. No effect was found on maternal blood pressure or infant birthweight. Further studies with matched intervention and control groups are needed to achieve more definitive conclusions.     

Pre-eclampsia Educational Tool Impact on Knowledge,Anxiety, and Satisfaction in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of educational tools concerning pre-eclampsia on knowledge, anxiety, and women's satisfaction.MethodsThe investigators conducted a randomized controlled trial from March to July 2014 at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, QC) by comparing ambulatory pregnant women (20–32 weeks of gestation) who were receiving educational tools on pre-eclampsia with control patients who received routine care. Tools consisted of an informative pamphlet, a video, and a pictographic magnet, all validated by a multidisciplinary team. The primary outcome was global knowledge (number of correct answers on 35 items) about the disease after 1 month, as assessed by questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included anxiety regarding pre-eclampsia and satisfaction concerning the different tools (a 1–6 Likert scale was used).ResultsAmong 362 pregnant women approached for the research, 269 were randomized. After 1 month, 247 questionnaires (92%) were filled and analyzed: 122 from the control group and 125 from the intervention group. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Patients who received the tools scored significantly higher on global knowledge (70.1% ± 19.2% compared with 51.1% ± 23.4%; mean difference of 19.0%; P < 0.001). Anxiety scores regarding pre-eclampsia were similar between the groups, with a mean of 2.40 out of 6 for the control group and 2.53 out of 6 for the intervention group (equivalence test, P < 0.001). High score levels of satisfaction for the pamphlet and video were found: 5.1 out of 6 and 5.2 out of 6, respectively.ConclusionThese well-received educational tools for pregnant women increased their knowledge about pre-eclampsia without increasing their anxiety about it. Women reported the highest satisfaction for the tools.     

Efficacy of growth hormone supplementation with ultrashort GnRH antagonist in IVF/ICSI for poor responders; randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo compare the ICSI-ET outcomes in poor responders who underwent ovarian stimulation by the ultrashort GnRH antagonist protocol with or without adjuvant GH injection.Material and methodsThis randomized controlled study was conducted at Al-Azhar University from December-2018 to June-2019 upon 156 participants. All patients received the same preparations. After randomization, in the study group, women have received GH 4 IU/day subcutaneous injection from the second day of the cycle stopped one day before ovum pickup. While in the control group, women have received subcutaneous saline in the same dosing as in the study group. After intervention, all procedures were the same in both groups. The main outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate. Statistical analysis was based on the intention-to-treat population.ResultsBoth groups were comparable with regard their baseline characteristics (p-values > 0.05). Ovulation characteristics were comparable (p-values > 0.05). The level of E2 is significantly (p-value = 0.003) higher in the GH group. The oocyte retrieved number was significantly (p-value < 0.001) higher in the GH group 4.94 ± 1.77 than in the control group 3.74 ± 1.82. The mean number of MII oocytes was significantly (p-value < 0.001) higher in the GH group 3.3 ± 1.36 than in the control group 2.29 ± 1.24. Fertilization characteristics, implantation rate, pregnancy rate were comparable (p-values > 0.05).ConclusionDespite the fact that this study showed no significant increase in the clinical and chemical pregnancy rates by the addition of GH to the ultrashort antagonist protocol in poor responders, the number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in the GH group.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03759301.     

The effect of aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil on anxiety of cardiac patients in emergency department: A placebo-controlled study

IntroductionAnxiety is an unpleasant feeling that increases the myocardial oxygen demand in acute coronary syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of peppermint aromatherapy on anxiety in patients with acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department.Materials and methodsIn this clinical trial study, 64 patients with acute coronary syndrome were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, a cotton ball was soaked in 100% peppermint essential oil and placed about 20 cm from the patient's nose for 1 h while in the control group, the cotton ball was soaked in water. Anxiety was measured before and after the intervention with The Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory. The data were analyzed in SPSS ver.23 software.ResultsNo significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of patients’ demographic data. The mean score of trait and state anxiety before the intervention was not significantly different between the two groups. After the intervention, anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group (37.72 ± 10.41) compared to the control group (42.62 ± 5.99) (P = 0.021). Results indicated a significant decrease in anxiety after the intervention (P < 0.001) in the intervention group. Such a difference was not significant in the control group.ConclusionPeppermint essential oil inhalation significantly reduces anxiety of patients with acute coronary syndrome in emergency department.     

Effectiveness of art-based distraction on reducing pediatric patients' pain and anxiety during venipuncture: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundVenipuncture is a common procedure resulting in intense discomfort, anxiety, and pain in children. In this regard, we examined the effectiveness of a simple and practical art-based intervention on pain and anxiety in children who underwent venipuncture procedures.MethodIn this parallel randomized control trial, children aged 6–12 years were randomly allocated to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group (n = 73) received an art-based intervention called Trace Image and Coloring for Kids-Book (TICK-B) during the venipuncture procedure compared to no intervention in the control group (n = 71). The children, their parents, and an observer nurse rated the outcomes 1–2 min after the venipuncture procedure was finished.FindingsThe patients in the intervention group had a substantially lower mean value of pain and anxiety—as rated by children, their parents, and an observer nurse—compared to the control patients. The average values of pain reported by the children, parents, and observer nurse were 3.50, 3.52, and 3.49 in the intervention group in contrast to 6.53, 6.59, and 6.45 in the control group (a large effect). Similarly, the patients in the intervention group had significantly lower mean values of anxiety compared to the control group: 0.88, 1.43, and 1.42 vs. 3.09, 2.52, and 2.52, respectively.ConclusionsThis study showed that TICK-B is an effective technique to reduce the levels of pain and anxiety in children undergoing venipuncture procedures.Practice implicationsThe TICK-B can be used easily by nurses to relieve the pain of children during venipuncture procedures.Trial registrationClinical Trial Registry, NCT04690257. Registered on December 30, 2020.     

The Effect of Zumba Exercise on Reducing Menstrual Pain in Young Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of performing Zumba exercise on the severity and duration of pain in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingCairo University gynecology Hospital and Bahgat gym and fitness center.ParticipantsNinety-eight women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea.InterventionsStudy participants were divided randomly into 2 equal groups: group I included women who engaged in Zumba exercise for 60 minutes twice weekly for 8 weeks, and group II was a control group with no intervention.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was the menstrual pain intensity measured using the visual analogue scale scores at 4 and 8 weeks after starting Zumba exercise. The secondary outcome was the difference in the duration of pain in both groups.ResultsBoth groups were homogeneous regarding the baseline demographic characteristics. The severity of primary dysmenorrhea at the beginning of the study was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Menstrual pain intensity was significantly decreased in the Zumba group after 4 and 8 weeks of Zumba compared with the control group (mean difference, −2.94 [95% confidence interval, −3.39 to −2.48] and −3.79 [95% confidence interval, −4.16 to −3.43], respectively; P = .001). Also, the duration of pain was shorter in the Zumba group compared with the control group at 8 weeks (4.92 ± 1.90 vs 9.10 ± 2.92 hours, respectively; P = .001).ConclusionThe Zumba intervention can reduce the severity and duration of menstrual pain thus suggesting that regularly performing Zumba might be a possible complementary treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.     

Reflexology has an acute (immediate) haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: A double-blind randomised controlled trial

Reflexologists claim that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to internal organs. This study measured changes in cardiovascular parameters in subjects receiving reflexology to areas of their feet thought to correspond to the heart (intervention) compared with other areas which are not (control).Method16 reflexology-naive healthy volunteers received an active and control reflexology treatment in an RCT, double-blind repeated measures study.Main outcome measures‘Beat-to-beat’ continuous measurement of selected cardiovascular parameters, State Anxiety Inventory.ResultsCardiac index decreased significantly in the intervention group during left foot treatment (LFT) (baseline mean 2.6; standard deviation (SD) 0.75; 95% CI ± 0.38 vs. LFT mean 2.45; SD 0.68; CI 0.35), effect size (p = 0.035, omega squared effect (w2) = 0.002; w = 0.045).ConclusionReflexology massage applied to the upper part of the left foot may have a modest specific effect on the cardiac index of healthy volunteers.     

Physiotherapeutic approach in early and late post-menopausal Brazilian women

Abstract

To evaluate changes in joints after physiotherapy in post-menopausal women, specifically to identify clinical responses to the measurements of flexibility, functional capacity and joint pain in early and late post-menopausal women at a multi-disciplinary health education programme. A total of 69 women participated in the Integral Program for the Attention to Climacteric Women at the Department of Gynecology – Federal University of Sao Paulo and were sorted into two groups of early (n?=?32) and late (n?=?37) post-menopause. The average age of menopause was 47.9?±?5.6 years. The Blatt Kupperman Menopausal Index scores for the early (baseline?=?12.8?±?6.1) and late (baseline?=?14.1?±?7.7) post-menopausal groups after the programme were 8.4?±?7.1 and 9.4?±?8.1, respectively. Both groups presented improvements regarding functional capacity (p?<?0.01) and complaints of pain (p?<?0.001) after the intervention. The group of early post-menopausal women had better flexibility for hip flexion (p?<?0.001), and the late post-menopausal group showed greater improvement in shoulder flexion (p?<?0.001), extension (p?<?0.001) and elbow flexion (p?<?0.001). After multi-disciplinary approach, both early and late post-menopausal groups experienced decrease in intensity of climacteric symptoms, reduction in pain intensity and improvement in functional capacity, but the flexibility was different between both the groups.     

Effects of a structured dance program in Parkinson’s disease. A Greek pilot study

IntroductionDance for Parkinson's Disease® (DfPD®) is a structured dance program that has never been evaluated in Greek PD population. This study assesses for the first time the efficacy, safety and feasibility of DfPD® program in Greek PD patients.Material and methodsA total of 16 early-to-mid-stage PD patients (50% men, aged 56 ± 12) underwent a total of 16 60-min classes of adjusted to Greek music and dance culture DfPD®, twice weekly, over 8 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the study period and included quality of life (PDQ-8), depressive symptoms (BDI-II), fatigue (PFS-16), cognitive functions (MoCA), balance (BBS) and body mass index (BMI). Safety (possible falls, injuries, muscle soreness or excessive fatigue) and feasibility (technical and financial parameters, willingness for participation and continuation, recruitment rates) were also assessed.ResultsStatistically significant improvements were found in quality of life (29 ± 47%, p = 0,020), depressive symptoms (26 ± 52%, p = 0,046), fatigue (13 ± 20%, p = 0,021), cognitive functions (17 ± 23%, p = 0,010), balance (5 ± 4%, p = 0,003) and BMI (2 ± 2%, p = 0,010). No adverse events, high adherence (93,75%) and low attrition (12,5%) rates were reported.ConclusionA twice weekly 60-min DfPD® class for 8 weeks is a safe and feasible non-pharmacological complementary therapeutic intervention for Greek PD patients and may improve their quality of life, depressive symptoms, fatigue, cognitive functions, balance, and BMI. Further research on this intervention is warranted.     

Efficacy and safety of oral Nigella sativa oil for symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind,randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background and purposeThe oil of Nigella sativa (NS) seeds has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of NS oil in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis were evaluated.Materials and methodsOne hundred and sixteen patients aged 50–70 years were randomly assigned to take 2.5 mL NS oil (N = 58) or placebo (N = 58) orally every 8 h for 1 month. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) was the primary outcome measure and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, number of 500 mg acetaminophen tablets taken per day during the trial, patients’ satisfaction with the interventions, complete blood count and the blood levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were the secondary outcome measures.ResultsFifty two and 54 patients respectively in the NS oil and placebo groups completed the study. The VAS scores were decreased by 33.96 ± 17.04% (NS oil group) and 9.21 ± 0.32% (placebo group) (p < 0.001), and WOMAC total scores were decreased by 27.72 ± 18.61% (NS oil group) and 1.34 ± 2.31% (placebo group) (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. The NS oil reduced the dose of acetaminophen significantly compared with the placebo (p = 0.001). The patients were significantly more satisfied with the NS oil than the placebo (p < 0.001). The NS oil had no significant effect on the other variables. There was no side effect.ConclusionOral NS oil safely reduces the osteoarthritis symptoms and analgesic dose in the knee osteoarthritis patients.     

A randomized,non-inferiority trial on the DuoStim strategy in PGT-A cycles

Research questionIs the DuoStim strategy an effective alternative to two conventional ovarian stimulation cycles in poor-prognosis patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) to improve euploidy rates and obtain the first euploid embryo in less time?DesignThis randomized controlled trial was performed at IVI Madrid between June 2017 and December 2020 and included 80 patients with a suboptimal profile aged 38 or older undergoing PGT-A cycles. Patients were blindly randomized into two groups: 39 women underwent two ovarian stimulations in consecutive cycles (control group), whereas the double stimulation strategy was applied to 41 women (DuoStim group). The main outcome was the euploidy rate in each group. The secondary outcomes were the time it took to obtain a euploid embryo and the main cycle outcomes.ResultsThe baseline characteristics of the patients were similar. No differences were found between the control group and the DuoStim group in the mean days of stimulation (21.3 ± 1.6 versus 23.0 ± 1.4, P = 0.10), total gonadotrophins (4005 ± 450 versus 4245 ± 430, P = 0.43), metaphase II oocytes (8.7 ± 1.8 versus 6.8 ± 1.7, P = 0.15) or euploid embryos obtained (0.8 ± 0.4 versus 0.6 ± 0.4, P = 0.45). The euploid rate per randomized patient (ITT) was 16.1% in the control group versus 22.7% in the DuoStim group, with P-values of 0.371, and the euploidy rate per patient treated was 39.0% versus 45.7% in the control versus DuoStim groups. However, there was a significant difference in the average number of days it took to obtain a euploid blastocyst, favouring the DuoStim group (44.1 ± 2.0 versus 23.3 ± 2.8, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe use of the DuoStim strategy in poor-prognosis patients undergoing PGT-A cycles maintains a similar euploidy rate while reducing the time required to obtain a euploid blastocyst.