scholarly journals Review of Clinical Trials on the Effects of Tai Chi Practice on Primary Hypertension: The Current State of Study Design and Quality Control

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yuke Teng ◽  
Sha Yang ◽  
Yuan Chen ◽  
Yuyi Guo ◽  
Yushi Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Primary Hypertension ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Design Standards ◽  
Tai Chi Exercise ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

The modulation of Tai Chi in physiological function and psychological status attracts sustaining attention. This paper collected original articles regarding the effects of Tai Chi practice on modulating primary hypertension from 7 electronic databases (PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database) from their dates of origin to October 1st, 2020. A total of 45 articles were included. The literature analyses have shown that the benefits of Tai Chi practice for blood pressure management have been identified in all of the included 45 studies, and Tai Chi exercise has shown significant efficacy in improving hypertension clinical symptoms and quality of life, compared to the majority of control interventions, though there are also some methodological issues, including small sample sizes, lack of exact randomization methods and quality control criteria, and lack of specific standards used to measure the characteristics of Tai Chi practice. In the future, the inclusion of additional design standards, stricter quality controls, and evaluation measures for the features of Tai Chi practice is required in trials evaluating its effects on hypertension.

Systematic Review of Pre-Injury Migraine Disorder as a Risk Factor for Worse Outcome Following Sport-Related Concussion

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 754-754
Author(s):  
D P Terry ◽  
A J Gardner ◽  
G L Iverson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Clinical Recovery ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Sport Athlete ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Abstract Purpose This systematic review examined clinical outcomes (i.e., prognosis) following a sport-related concussion in athletes who have a pre-injury history of migraines. Clinical recovery was defined functionally as recovery from symptoms or full return to activities following injury. Data Selection All studies published prior to February 2019 that addressed pre-injury migraines as a possible predictor of clinical recovery from concussion were included. Broadly, the search included (i) sport/athlete-related terms, (ii) concussion-related terms, and (iii) diverse predictor/modifier terms. The following databases were utilized: PubMed, PsycINFO®, MEDLINE®, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science. After removing duplicates from the 9,372 identified articles, 5,888 abstracts were screened, 358 full-text articles were reviewed, and 15 articles examining pre-injury migraines as a predictor of recovery were included. Data Synthesis Most articles examined pre-injury migraines as an exploratory/secondary predictor of concussion outcome. Migraine history was predominantly based on self-report. Studies included minimal other information about this condition (e.g., age of onset, migraine frequency/severity, past treatment). Methodological rigor varied greatly across studies. Most studies did not find pre-injury migraines to be associated with concussion outcome, but several of these studies had small or very small sample sizes. Larger, better-designed studies suggested pre-injury migraines may be a risk factor for worse concussion outcome. Effect sizes were rarely reported or able to be calculated. Conclusion There is some evidence to suggest pre-injury migraines may be a vulnerability factor for a prolonged recovery following concussion. Future studies should focus on improving methodological quality when assessing the relationship between pre-injury migraines and concussion outcome.

scholarly journals A Review Focused on the Psychological Effectiveness of Tai Chi on Different Populations

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Zhang ◽  
Charles Layne ◽  
Thomas Lowder ◽  
Jian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Tai Chi ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Statistical Techniques ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Scientific Process ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

As a popular exercise form, Tai Chi (TC) has been investigated to determine its contributions to an active and healthy lifestyle. There are an increasing number of researchers who focus on exploring the potential physiological and psychological benefits of TC but only a few systematic reviews of these benefits to a variety of populations. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively evaluate the reported psychological benefits associated with practicing TC. Although many investigators have reported possible psychological benefits of TC for children, young adults, older healthy adults, and for a variety of patient populations, many of the reports suffer one or more methodological flaws. These flaws include inadequate study design, including lack of control groups, small sample sizes, unsophisticated statistical techniques, or publication without rigorous peer review. After reviewing the results of the existing literature regarding the potential psychological benefits of TC, we recommend that future investigations be conducted with additional adherence to the traditional scientific process.

scholarly journals Immune responses to cholera following natural infection: a review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Leung ◽  
Laura Matrajt
Keyword(s):  
Diarrheal Disease ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Natural Immunity ◽  
Symptomatic Infection ◽  
Correlates Of Protection ◽  
Serological Studies ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
One Year

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 or 139 that is associated with a high global burden. While it is accepted that natural immunity against cholera infection exists, no clear correlate of protection has been identified. In this review, we identify the estimated duration of immunity following cholera infection with and without clinical symptoms from available published studies. We searched Pubmed and Web of Science for studies examining the long-term infection-acquired immunity against cholera infection. We identified 22 eligible studies that included individuals residing primarily in Bangladesh and North America. % We observed the duration of immunity is estimated to last the longest in observational studies than in challenge studies, with serologic evidence of various potential correlates of protection becoming undetectable by one year. Although with small sample sizes, three studies found that most participants with a subclinical infection from an initial challenge with cholera had a symptomatic infection when rechallenged with a homologous biotype, suggesting that a subclinical cholera infection may confer lower protection than a clinical one. We identified the longest duration of immunity recorded by observational and challenge studies to be three years, but all the serological studies showed that various potential correlates of protection became undetectable by one year.

scholarly journals The Influences of Tai Chi on Balance Function and Exercise Capacity among Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Xinhu Zheng ◽  
Xiaoyang Wu ◽  
Zuhong Liu ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Keyang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Tai Chi Exercise ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Objective. This study aims to explore the influences of Tai Chi on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Methods. Databases including PubMed, Embase, WOS (Web of Science), the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, VIP (VIP database), and CBM (China Biology Medicine disc) were retrieved to gather the figures of randomized controlled trials on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Then relevant data were input and analyzed in Review Manager 5.3. Results. Nineteen papers were included and analyzed in this study. According to the combined effect size, the balance function of stroke patients improved significantly: the Berg Balance Function Scale score [MD = 7.67, 95% CI (3.44, 11.90)]; standing and walking test scores [MD = 3.42, 95% CI (4.22, −2.63)]; gravity swing area [MD = 0.79, 95% CI (1.48, 0.10)]; and gravity swing speed [MD = −5.43, 95% CI (−7.79, 3.08)]. In addition, the exercise capacity improved significantly as well: the FMA (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale) scale score [MD = 4.15, 95% CI (1.68, 6.63)]. There are no significant influences or changes of other related results. Conclusions. Stroke patients are able to improve their balance functions and exercise capacities prominently when they do Tai Chi exercise once or twice a week and ≥5 times/week and >30 ≤ 60 min/time.

scholarly journals A Critical Review of Multimodal Interventions for Cachexia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare McKeaveney ◽  
Peter Maxwell ◽  
Helen Noble ◽  
Joanne Reid
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

ABSTRACT Currently, there are no standardized treatments for cachexia or severe wasting. There is a growing consensus advocating multimodal interventions to address the complex pathogenesis and metabolic alterations in these conditions. This review examined multimodal treatments intended to alleviate and/or stabilize cachexia and severe wasting. The objectives of this review were to 1) identify multimodal interventions for the treatment of cachexia or associated wasting syndromes in patients with a chronic illness, 2) assess the quality of these studies, and 3) assess the effectiveness of multimodal interventions. Electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, OpenGrey, and clinicaltrials.org were systematically searched using both text words and MeSH (medical subject heading) terms. The literature revealed a dearth of large, well-conducted trials in this area. Fourteen trials (n = 5 cancer, n = 5 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, n = 4 chronic kidney disease) were included in this review. A total of 1026 patients were included across all studies; sample size ranged between 21 and 138 patients. Baseline and follow-up data were collected between 6 wk and 24 mo. All demonstrated some improvement in favor of the treatment groups, in relevant measures of body composition, nutrition, biomarkers, and functionality; however, caution should be applied due to the heterogenous nature of the interventions and small sample sizes. Overall, the evidence from this review supports the role of multimodal interventions in the treatment of severe wasting. However, randomized controlled trials with a powered sample size and sufficiently lengthy interaction period are necessary to assess if multimodal interventions are effective forms of therapy for improving body composition and nutritional and physical status in patients with cachexia and wasting. The protocol for this review is registered with Prospero (ID: CRD42019124374).

scholarly journals A systematic review on clinical management of antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia

2006 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Niccolai Costa ◽  
Mauricio Silva de Lima ◽  
Jair de Jesus Mari
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Antipsychotic Therapy ◽  
Sexual Side Effects ◽  
Orgasmic Dysfunction ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction frequently occurs in patients with schizophrenia under antipsychotic therapy, and the presence of sexual side effects may affect compliance. The aim of this study was to review and describe clinical findings relating to the appropriate management of such dysfunctions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was carried out through Medline (from 1966 to March 2005), PsycInfo (from 1974 to March 2005), and Cochrane Library (from 1965 to March 2005) and included any kind of study, from case reports to randomized trials. RESULTS: The most common sexual dysfunctions found in the literature were libido decrease, difficulties in achieving and maintaining erection, ejaculatory dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities. Thirteen papers were found: eight of them were open-label studies, four were descriptions of cases, and only one was a randomized clinical trial. All of them were short-term and had small sample sizes. The agents used were: bromocriptine, cabergoline, cyproheptadine, amantadine, shakuyaku-kanzo-to, sildenafil and selegiline. DISCUSSION: There was no evidence that those agents had proper efficacy in treating the antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction. An algorithm for managing sexual dysfunction induced by antipsychotics is suggested as a support for clinical decisions. Since the outcome from schizophrenia treatment is strongly related to compliance with the antipsychotics, prevention of sexual dysfunction is better than its treatment, since there is a scarcity of data available regarding the efficacy of intervention to deal with these problems.

scholarly journals Tai Chi as an Alternative and Complementary Therapy for Patients With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
Taj Haider
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
English Language ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are the third ranking cause of death worldwide. A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of tai chi as a therapy to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma. Inclusion criteria were ( a) published in the English language, ( b) between the period January 2008 and July 2012, ( c) included tai chi or any form of modified tai chi as a therapy in an intervention, ( d) used any quantitative study design, and ( e) measured chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma as an outcome. A total of 5 interventions from 6 studies met these criteria. Tai chi as an effective therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is still difficult to determine, although the result listed here are promising. Limitations include small sample sizes, high attrition rates, and short intervention durations.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Upper Limb Wearable Technology for Improving Activity and Participation in Adult Stroke Survivors: Systematic Review

10.2196/15981 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. e15981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Parker ◽  
Lauren Powell ◽  
Susan Mawson
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Wearable Technology ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Sample Sizes ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Background With advances in technology, the adoption of wearable devices has become a viable adjunct in poststroke rehabilitation. Upper limb (UL) impairment affects up to 77% of stroke survivors impacting on their ability to carry out everyday activities. However, despite an increase in research exploring these devices for UL rehabilitation, little is known of their effectiveness. Objective This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of UL wearable technology for improving activity and participation in adult stroke survivors. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and randomized comparable trials of UL wearable technology for poststroke rehabilitation were included. Primary outcome measures were validated measures of activity and participation as defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Databases searched were MEDLINE, Web of Science (Core collection), CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the RCTs and the Downs and Black Instrument for the quality of non RCTs. Results In the review, we included 11 studies with collectively 354 participants at baseline and 323 participants at final follow-up including control groups and participants poststroke. Participants’ stroke type and severity varied. Only 1 study found significant between-group differences for systems functioning and activity (P≤.02). The 11 included studies in this review had small sample sizes ranging from 5 to 99 participants at an average (mean) age of 57 years. Conclusions This review has highlighted a number of reasons for insignificant findings in this area including low sample sizes and the appropriateness of the methodology for complex interventions. However, technology has the potential to measure outcomes, provide feedback, and engage users outside of clinical sessions. This could provide a platform for motivating stroke survivors to carry out more rehabilitation in the absence of a therapist, which could maximize recovery. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42017057715; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=57715

scholarly journals Clinical Evidence of Tai Chi Exercise Prescriptions: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Jiafu Huang ◽  
Dandan Wang ◽  
Jinghao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Exercise Prescription ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Circulatory System Diseases ◽  
Tai Chi Exercise

Objectives. This systematic review aims to summarize the existing literature on Tai Chi randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and recommend Tai Chi exercise prescriptions for different diseases and populations. Methods. A systematic search for Tai Chi RCTs was conducted in five electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, EBSCO, and Web of Science) from their inception to December 2019. SPSS 20.0 software and Microsoft Excel 2019 were used to analyze the data, and the risk of bias tool in the RevMan 5.3.5 software was used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs. Results. A total of 139 articles were identified, including diseased populations (95, 68.3%) and healthy populations (44, 31.7%). The diseased populations included the following 10 disease types: musculoskeletal system or connective tissue diseases (34.7%), circulatory system diseases (23.2%), mental and behavioral disorders (12.6%), nervous system diseases (11.6%), respiratory system diseases (6.3%), endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases (5.3%), neoplasms (3.2%), injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (1.1%), genitourinary system diseases (1.1%), and diseases of the eye and adnexa (1.1%). Tai Chi exercise prescription was generally classified as moderate intensity. The most commonly applied Tai Chi style was Yang style (92, 66.2%), and the most frequently specified Tai Chi form was simplified 24-form Tai Chi (43, 30.9%). 12 weeks and 24 weeks, 2-3 times a week, and 60 min each time was the most commonly used cycle, frequency, and time of exercise in Tai Chi exercise prescriptions. Conclusions. We recommend the more commonly used Tai Chi exercise prescriptions for different diseases and populations based on clinical evidence of Tai Chi. Further clinical research on Tai Chi should be combined with principles of exercise prescription to conduct large-sample epidemiological studies and long-term prospective follow-up studies to provide more substantive clinical evidence for Tai Chi exercise prescriptions.

The Effect of Prebiotic Products on Decreasing Adiposity Parameters in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 419-431
Author(s):  
Hua Qu ◽  
Lei Song ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Zhu-ye Gao ◽  
Da-zhuo Shi
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Factor Α

Background: Prebiotics are substrates selectively utilized by host microorganisms to confer health benefits. The potential of prebiotics to decrease body weight in overweight/obese individuals was suggested by some clinical and animal studies. However, these studies were based on relatively small sample sizes and the precise effects of prebiotic products have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the present meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) was designed to comprehensively assess the effects of prebiotic products on overweight and obese individuals. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched to identify RCT investigating the effects of prebiotic products on overweight and obese individuals. We calculated the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) to assess the effects of prebiotic products on Body Mass Index (BMI), body weight, fat mass and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: Twelve RCTs with a total of 535 overweight and obese individuals were enrolled. Compared with placebo, prebiotic products decreased C reactive protein (WMD, -1.06 mg/L; 95%CI, -1.72 to - 0.40; p=0.002), tumour necrosis factor-α(WMD, -0.64 pg/mL; 95%CI, -1.11 to -0.18; p=0.006) and other inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-1β，lipopolysaccharide (p<0.05); whereas no reductions in BMI (WMD, -0.20 kg/m2; 95%CI, -0.58 to 0.19; p=0.32), body weight (WMD, -0.51 kg; 95%CI, -1.18 to 0.16; p=0.14) and fat mass (WMD, 0.11 kg; 95%CI, -0.04 to 0.25; p=0.15) were observed. Conclusion: In the present analysis, comprehensive evidence suggested that prebiotic products did not decrease adiposity parameters (BMI, body weight and body fat mass), but they could decrease the levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers, implying adherence to prebiotic products might be a promising complementary approach to managing inflammatory states in overweight and obese individuals.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document