scholarly journals Acute Physiological and Psychological Effects of Qigong Exercise in Older Practitioners

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Yi Lin ◽  
Tze-Taur Wei ◽  
Chen-Chen Wang ◽  
Wan-Chen Chen ◽  
Yu-Min Wang ◽  
...  

Qigong is a gentle exercise that promotes health and well-being. This study evaluated the acute physiological and psychological effects of one session of qigong exercise in older practitioners. A total of 45 participants (mean age, 65.14 years) were recruited. Meridian electrical conductance, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), heart rate variability (HRV), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) were evaluated and compared before and after one session of qigong exercise. The results revealed that the electrical conductance of all meridians, except spleen and bladder meridians, increased significantly (p<0.05). Compared with baseline values, upper to lower body ratio and sympathetic/vagal index were significantly improved and closer to 1 (p=0.011 and p=0.007, resp.). STAI-S and STAI-T scores decreased significantly (p<0.001 and p=0.001, resp.). The RR interval of HRV decreased significantly (p=0.035), a significant positive correlation was observed between kidney meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 physical scores (r=0.74, p=0.018), and a positive correlation was observed between pericardium meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 mental scores (r=0.50, p=0.06). In conclusion, one session of qigong exercise increased meridian electrical conductance, reduced anxiety, and improved body and autonomic nervous system balance. These findings provide scientific evidence for acute physiological and psychological effects of qigong exercise in older practitioners.

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. 125-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Heiligenstein ◽  
John E. Ware, Jr ◽  
Kathy M. Beusterien ◽  
Paul J. Roback ◽  
Carol Andrejasich ◽  
...  

In a randomized 6-week trial comparing fluoxetine with placebo, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey (SF-36) scales were used to measure the effects of treatment on functional health and well-being among elderly (age ≥ 60 years) outpatients with major depression. In the fluoxetine and placebo groups, 261 and 271 patients, respectively, completed the SF-36 before treatment and at Weeks 3 and 6. Compared with national norms for individuals over age 60, study patients before treatment exhibited baseline decrements on the following SF-36 scales: mental health, role limitations due to emotional problems, social functioning, vitality, role limitations due to physical problems, and bodily pain. Analyses of SF-36 changed scores from baseline to Week 6 revealed that the fluoxetine group improved more than the placebo group across all scales. Differences in changes of scores between groups were significant (p < .05), favoring the fluoxetine group for the scales of mental health, role limitations due to emotional problems, physical functioning, and bodily pain. Improvements observed in the fluoxetine group were both clinically and socially significant.


2020 ◽  
pp. 33-38
Author(s):  
E. Yu. Gan ◽  
L. P. Evstigneeva

Purpose of the study. Assessing the association between the life quality of patients with Sjogren’s Disease and ongoing therapy with various disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.Material and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the regional rheumatology center of the consultative diagnostic clinic of the Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1. This work is based on the results of a simultaneous study of 74 patients with primary Sjogren’s Disease (SD), distributed in three comparison groups receiving various disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs chlorambucil, methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. The diagnosis of SD was carried out according to European-American criteria AECGC (2002) [18]. In order to analyze the quality of life of patients with SD, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‑36) was used. Statistical data processing was carried out using Statistica 7.0 program.Results. Assessment of the quality of life of patients with SD, which is an integrative criterion of human health and well-being, revealed the absence of statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) on eight scales and two health components of the SF‑36 questionnaire in the analyzed groups that differ in the treatment of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs chlorambucil, methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine.Conclusions. The obtained data indicate an equivalent quality of life in SD patients treated with different disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs methotrexate, chlorambucil and hydroxychloroquine, and therefore hydroxychloroquine can be considered as an alternative basic therapy in patients with SD with certain limitations and contraindications methotrexate and chlorambucil.


Author(s):  
Eman M. Khedr ◽  
Rania M. Gamal ◽  
Sounia M. Rashad ◽  
Mary Yacoub ◽  
Gellan K. Ahmed

Abstract Background Depression is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is an unmeasured risk factor, yet its symptoms can be neglected in standard disease evaluations. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and the impact of depression on quality of life in SLE patients. We recruited 32 patients with SLE and 15 healthy control volunteers in the study. The following investigations were undertaken in each patient: clinical and rheumatologic assessment, SLE Disease Activity Index-2k (SLEDAI-2k), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, and routine laboratory tests. Results There was a high percentage of depression (46.9%) in the SLE patients. Regarding quality of life (SF-36), there were significant affection of the physical and mental composite summary domains (PCS and MCS) scores in lupus patients compared with controls (P < 0.000 for both) with the same significant in depressed compared with non-depressed patients. SF-36 subscales (physical function, limit emotional, emotional wellbeing, and social function) were significantly affected in depressed lupus patients compared with non-depressed patients. There was a significant negative correlation between the score of MCS domain of SF-36 with BDI (P < 0.000) while positive correlation between SLEDAI score with depression score. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between MCS or PCS with age, duration of illness, or SLEDAI-2K. Conclusions Depression is common in SLE patients and had a negative impact on quality of life particularly on MCS domain and positive correlation with disease severity score. Trial registration This study was registered on clinical trial with registration number: NCT03165682 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03165682 on 24 May 2017.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 584
Author(s):  
Sun-Young Joo ◽  
Chang-Bae Lee ◽  
Na-Young Joo ◽  
Chung-Reen Kim

The development of technology-based home fitness has emerged from the booming digital healthcare market and recent demands for at-home fitness and health equipment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital healthcare company Alyce Healthcare recently developed Weelo, which is a web-based online fitness program. Weelo recommends an exercise protocol through machine-learning-enabled recognition of the user’s motion and provides visual and auditory feedback. We evaluated whether Weelo improves physical and mental well-being to assess its capabilities and effectiveness. Thirty-two participants performed a total of 20 exercise sessions following the Weelo guide on a laptop. The participants were evaluated using a before and after exercise program, body composition, handgrip strength, six-minute walk test, modified star excursion balance test, short form 36, fatigue severity scale, Beck depression index, and a satisfaction survey. Overall, there was a significant improvement in muscle strength, endurance, and balance ability, as well as an improved quality of life and significant reduction in fatigue and depression. Participants showed high motivation to continue following the Weelo exercise program. In conclusion, utilizing Weelo improved physical and mental well-being and is considered to be an individual-use indoor exercise program that serves as an alternative to traditional face-to-face exercise.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 528-528
Author(s):  
Michel Bedard ◽  
Hillary Maxwell ◽  
Isabelle Gelinas ◽  
Shawn Marshall ◽  
Gary Naglie ◽  
...  

Abstract A bias inherent to prospective studies is focusing only on individuals who remain in the study; these individuals may differ from those who leave early. To examine this issue, we analyzed SF-36 scores by completion status for individuals enrolled in the seven-year Candrive cohort. The SF-36 provides a self-reported evaluation of health and well-being along two subscales, the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). Of 928 participants in the cohort, 887 had at least two consecutive years of data starting at baseline (age=76.17, SD=4.81; 61.9% male). A total of 142 participants had 7 years of data. Study discontinuation (due to withdrawal, driving cessation, or death) happened least in early years, and peaked after 6 years (n=235). When analyzed according to completion status, patterns of change in SF-36 scores varied. For example, participants with 7 years of data had mean PCS scores ranging from 51.41 (SD=7.92) at baseline to 46.93 (SD=9.46) at year 7, a change of 0.75 points per year. For those with only two years of data, scores were lower and dropped from 45.82 (SD=9.98) to 43.59 (SD=10.90), a change of 2.23 points over a single year (p&lt;.001). Differences are also evident for other groups. While the results indicate relative stability of SF-36 scores among participants who remained in the study, participants who dropped out reported greater deterioration in scores. These results highlight important differences between participants based on completion status.


2021 ◽  
pp. 46-56
Author(s):  
Ivan Aleksandrovich Rybakov

In 2019 The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation together with experts of the National Research Center of Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has developed programs to strengthen the health of employees, which include behavioral medicine practices aimed at changing lifestyle and correcting risk factors. Scientific evidence shows the effectiveness of such programs, and new components of programs aimed at improving the well-being of employees can increase the effectiveness of preventive measures. In this article, we will review the domestic and international experience of using comprehensive health and well-being promotion programs to improve the health of employees in Russia.


Author(s):  
Timothy F. Murphy

People with intersex conditions have male-typical and female-typical traits, to varying degrees in genetics and anatomy. Because of these variations, people with intersex conditions or disorders of sexual development can face difficulties related to their identities and relationships. As a matter of ethics, clinicians should exhibit humane behavior toward patients of all ages as they explore the meaning of their intersex condition for their health and well-being. Clinicians can also help families understand the meaning of that condition for their children and themselves. Clinicians will also have responsibilities toward child, adolescent, and adult patients bearing on the psychological effects of body modifications taken to normalize their sexual appearance. In addition, clinicians will have the responsibility to address the effects of body modifications hoped for by the patient. Observance of confidentiality is key in relationships with intersex patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey C Tierney ◽  
Ioannis Zabetakis

AbstractObjectiveIn Ireland, the major causes of death are CVD. The current Irish healthy eating guidelines and food pyramid primarily advocate a low-fat diet. However, there is overwhelming scientific evidence for the benefits of a Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) in the prevention and management of metabolic disease as well as improving overall health and well-being. In the current commentary, the rationale to incorporate the principles of the Med Diet into the Irish dietary guidelines is presented.DesignPerspectives of authors.SettingLocal and international.SubjectsPopulations in Europe, North America and Australia.ResultsAdopting components of the Med Diet presents a more evidence-based approach to updating the current Irish dietary guidelines. Experience and lessons from other non-Mediterranean countries show that it could be a feasible and effective solution to improving the dietary habits of the Irish population to prevent and mange chronic diseases.ConclusionsPolicies and programmes to address perceived barriers to the Med Diet’s implementation and uptake in non-Mediterranean countries should be promoted.


2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Wolfgang Fleischhacker ◽  
Jonathan Rabinowitz ◽  
Georg Kemmler ◽  
Mariëlle Eerdekens ◽  
Angelika Mehnert

BackgroundThe extent to which antipsychotics improve patients' well-being is uncertain.AimsTo examine psychopathology and patient-rated functioning and well-being in patients treated with risperidone.MethodIn a 1-year, open-label, international multicentre trial of long-acting risperidone in 615 stable adult patients with schizophrenia, self-rated functioning and well-being were measured every 3 months using the Short Form 36-item questionnaire (SF–36). Psychopathology was quantified using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsSignificant improvements were found on the SF–36 mental component summary score and vitality and social functioning scales. PANSS and mental component summary scores were moderately correlated.ConclusionsPatient-reported functioning and well-being appear to differ from investigator-rated psychotic symptoms. Patient-rated well-being should be assessed with symptoms to help measure treatment outcomes.


1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Richard Layte

Objectives: The 36 item short form health survey (SF-36) has proved to be of use in a variety of settings where a short generic health measure of patient-assessed outcome is required. This measure can provide an eight dimension profile of health status, and two summary scores assessing physical function and mental well-being. The developers of the SF-36 in America have developed algorithms to yield the two summary component scores in a questionnaire containing only one-third of the original 36 items, the SF-12. This paper documents the construction of the UK SF-12 summary measures from a large-scale dataset from the UK in which the SF-36, together with other questions on health and lifestyles, was sent to randomly selected members of the population. Using these data we attempt here to replicate the findings of the SF-36 developers in the UK setting, and then to assess the use of SF-12 summary scores in a variety of clinical conditions. Methods: Factor analytical methods were used to derive the weights used to construct the physical and mental component scales from the SF-36. Regression methods were used to weight the 12 items recommended by the developers to construct the SF-12 physical and mental component scores. This analysis was undertaken on a large community sample ( n = 9332), and then the results of the SF-36 and SF-12 were compared across diverse patient groups (Parkinson's disease, congestive heart failure, sleep apnoea, benign prostatic hypertrophy). Results: Factor analysis of the SF-36 produced a two factor solution. The factor loadings were used to weight the physical component summary score (PCS-36) and mental component summary score (MCS-36). Results gained from the use of these measures were compared with results gained from the PCS-12 and MCS-12, and were found to be highly correlated (PCS: ρ = 0.94, p < 0.001; MCS: ρ = 0.96, p < 0.001), and produce remarkably similar results, both in the community sample and across a variety of patient groups. Conclusions: The SF-12 is able to produce the two summary scales originally developed from the SF-36 with considerable accuracy and yet with far less respondent burden. Consequently, the SF-12 may be an instrument of choice where a short generic measure providing summary information on physical and mental health status is required. Crispin Jenkinson DPhil, Deputy Director


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