Despite evidence from a few studies, electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BFB) plus standard physiotherapy does not produce improvements compared to physiotherapy alone, according to this Cochrane Review. Continue reading Assessing the value of biofeedback following stroke
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Risk factors for regaining weight after weight loss
Maybe if we knew the risks for weight regain after weight loss we could avoid the latter.
Well, here they are. Continue reading Risk factors for regaining weight after weight loss
Psychological treatments reduce back pain
When psychologists began developing treatments for chronic pain several decades ago, the goal was to help patients live with their pain more successfully.
Now we find it can reduce their level of pain.
Qigong benefits in elderly people with depression
The results of this study show that regular qigong practice could relieve depression and improve self-efficacy and personal well being among elderly persons with chronic physical illness and depression.
The real message is that active seniors have better quality of life than their sedentary neighbors. Continue reading Qigong benefits in elderly people with depression
Caution: neck rolls and stretches during yoga
Writing in Yoga Journal, Julie Gudmestad says, “There are 2 concerns to keep in mind when working with neck positioning in yoga.”
Here’s the “what” and “why” of it. Continue reading Caution: neck rolls and stretches during yoga
Marijuana use increases the risk of schizophrenia
According to a study in The Lancet, “There is now sufficient evidence to warn young people that using cannabis could increase their risk of developing a psychotic illness later in life.” Continue reading Marijuana use increases the risk of schizophrenia
Pharmacologists rate CAM for fibromyalgia
Three physicians and high-ranking officials of Cypress Bioscience, Inc. — a company focused on the pharmacotherapy of fibromyalgia — have written a detailed review of fibromyalgia (FMS).
Here’s a summary of their view of non-pharmacological therapy and future challenges. Continue reading Pharmacologists rate CAM for fibromyalgia
Debating the effects of vitamin E on cancer risk
In a recent study of more than 77,000 adults, there was no evidence that vitamin E could protect from getting cancer. The details were summarized here.
But the food industry takes a different view. Continue reading Debating the effects of vitamin E on cancer risk
Fatty acids and behavior in adolescents with ADHD
This study shows that there are metabolic differences in the way that adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) handle dietary fatty acids compared to young people without ADHD. Continue reading Fatty acids and behavior in adolescents with ADHD
Is there a reliable way to prevent or treat alcohol hangover?
Yes, but you might be disappointed.
Continue reading Is there a reliable way to prevent or treat alcohol hangover?
The potential of green tea extract as a fat burner
Known as Polyphenon E, green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea, and contains catechins (antioxidants). It’s approved by the FDA to treat genital warts and is being studied to treat prostate cancer.
In healthy people, might it be used to help burn fat? Continue reading The potential of green tea extract as a fat burner
Flaxseed for menopausal symptoms and more
One study reports on flax and flaxseed oil in menopausal women, the second conducts a general review of the literature.
One study is positive; the other is not. Continue reading Flaxseed for menopausal symptoms and more
Reducing the risk of falls in people with diabetes
Older adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to fall, but little is known about the factors that predict an increased risk of falls in this population.
The results from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study complement the recent CDC publication on preventing falls in the elderly. Continue reading Reducing the risk of falls in people with diabetes
Hazards of marijuana in heart attack survivors
OK, you survived your first heart attack.
Smoke pot and you’ll lower your chances of surviving the second “big one.” Continue reading Hazards of marijuana in heart attack survivors
Benefits of hawthorn to treat heart failure
Professor Ernst and colleagues from the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth in the UK report significant benefit in symptom control and physiologic outcomes from hawthorn extract when included in the treatment for chronic heart failure. Continue reading Benefits of hawthorn to treat heart failure
The pros and cons of folic acid fortification of foods
Fortifying food, such as wheat and corn flour, with folic acid reduces the risk of spina bifida in babies.
This public health practice was introduced 10 years ago in North America. Now, that practice is being debated in the UK and worldwide. “Are the benefits to the few outweighed by possible harm to some of the many exposed? Continue reading The pros and cons of folic acid fortification of foods
Preventing Falls: What Works
That’s the title of a new CDC book, which presents “specific interventions that have rigorous scientific evidence of effectiveness” in lowering the risk of falls among the elderly. Continue reading Preventing Falls: What Works
The value of hypnosis for breast cancer surgery
Is it possible that brief hypnosis might decrease anesthesia and pain medicine use, as well as side effects associated with breast cancer surgery? Continue reading The value of hypnosis for breast cancer surgery
Cost-effectiveness of music therapy in palliative care
Reminiscence music reportedly reduces the symptoms of depression in patients with dementia. It’s also effective for agitation and disruptive behavior in patients with dementia, and makes it easier to provide care.
Now, researchers from the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Santa Clara, California report that music therapy makes fiscal sense as well. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness of music therapy in palliative care
Herbal options to treat mood and anxiety in menopausal women
Here’s a review by researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago that focuses on the scientific support for the use of herbals in women during menopause. It differs a bit in its conclusions from a more general review posted here recently.
Both reviews list St. John’s wort as the most useful herbal for alleviating mood and anxiety changes during menopause. Continue reading Herbal options to treat mood and anxiety in menopausal women