Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Impact Of Routine Yoga Practice On Metabolic And Hormonal Outcomes In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Priya Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting approximately 8–12% of reproductive-aged women and is commonly associated with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction¹. Lifestyle modification remains first-line therapy; however, adherence to conventional interventions is often limited²,³. As a result, there has been growing interest in complementary approaches such as yoga, which integrates physical activity, breath control, and stress reduction⁴.

This focused literature review evaluates the impact of routine yoga practice on metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted, identifying 201 articles. After screening and applying …

What Are The Effects Of Exposure To Green Spaces On Attention, Adhd Symptoms, Depression, And Overall Mental Health?, Emily Marie Hackett

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This poster is a literature review examining the relationship between green space exposure and mental health outcomes. Examples of green spaces include nature, hiking trails, city parks, tree cover, and gardens. This literature review finds that green space exposure has positive effects on the symptoms of ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Nature exposure may serve as a complementary intervention to improve patient well-being.

Effect Of Sauna On Cardiovascular Health In Patients With Heart Failure, Rikuto Abe, Piotr Domaszewski, Safe Elhakeem

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is one of the hallmark diseases that represent a decline of cardiovascular function. Heart failure is characterized by a decrease in the ability of the heart to pump blood throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and swelling. HF is shown to decrease quality of life and increase mortality. Traditional treatments include pharmacology, lifestyle modifications, and surgery. Among the treatments, deliberate heat exposure in the form of dry saunas has been highlighted as a potential treatment option for HF. Dry saunas, especially infrared saunas, are shown to increase body temperature which improves circulation …

Establishing The Dose-Response Effect Of Myofascial Release On Muscle Physiology, Sanjana Davuluri, Seth Spicer, Tyler Pigott

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Context: Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is often indicated for back pain due to its high tolerability and post-treatment improvement in patients’ self-reported pain and functionality. Specifically, myofascial release (MFR) has been found to yield a significant improvement in both symptoms and quality of life. Until recently, there has not been much data published about the quantifiable effect of MFR and other OMT modalities on muscle physiology, especially taking treatment dose and force into consideration. Therefore, quantifying the changes in muscle characteristics through myotonometry would greatly benefit the field of osteopathic medicine in order to create more personalized treatment plans …

Kratom As A Therapeutic Option For Opioid Use Disorder​: A Comprehensive Review​, Harmann Singh, Abdullah Noory, Akash M. Patel, Kush C. Patel, Simran Gandhi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has gained significant attention for its potential role in managing opioid use disorder (OUD). This review examines kratom’s pharmacology, safety profile, addiction potential, and ethical considerations in research, while exploring its future as a therapeutic option. Kratom’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, act as partial mu-opioid receptor agonists, producing analgesic and sedative effects at higher doses and stimulant-like effects at lower doses. Preclinical and observational studies suggest kratom may alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but concerns remain regarding its dependency potential and adverse effects, including gastrointestinal distress, hepatotoxicity, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. While kratom carries …

Is Acupuncture At The Auricular Shenmen Point Effective In Treating Anxiety?, Nicole Vaiani, Alexander King, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition in the United States and are often managed with pharmacological interventions, which can lead to adverse side effects. As a result, alternative therapies such as acupuncture are gaining attention. This study investigates the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture, specifically targeting the Shenmen point, in reducing symptoms of anxiety. We analyzed ten randomized controlled trials that included quantitative outcome measures. The results suggest that auricular acupuncture at the Shenmen point is an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for anxiety. While further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is warranted, these …

A Better Road To Recovery- Effectiveness Of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Compared To Conventional Methods On Post-Concussion Patients, Joliana H. Eskandar

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Concussion, a form of traumatic brain injury, often presents with sleep disturbances, headache, confusion, and memory impairment. Current treatment includes reduced screen time, physical activity, and increased rest. For decades, these treatment options have demonstrated improvement in symptoms. Recently, there is growing interest in whether using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to target structural dysfunctions is more effective. This review compares OMT to conventional treatment methods in post-concussion patients.

Methods:

This literature review uses data from clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports within the past 10-15 years. It includes adolescents, adults, elderly, athletes, and non-athletes while …

Effect Of A Mindfulness State Induced By Marconi Union’S Weightless On Perceived Loneliness: A Pilot Study, Ayman Khatib, Richard Jermyn, Judith Lightfoot

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Loneliness is associated with increases in risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, there is an urgent need for treatments that can help reduce loneliness. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness techniques may help reduce the experience of loneliness. Digital sound therapy that incorporates biofeedback can help individuals enter a mindfulness state with minimal effort by simply listening to sound. One song titled Weightless by Marconi Union has been called the most relaxing song in the world with the capacity to reduce anxiety by 65% and equivalent to midazolam6. We hypothesize that watching the “Weightless” …

The Anxiolytic Effects Of Ashwagandha Supplementation In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Anxiety, Jessica Mitchell, Andrea Iannuzzelli, Wendy Aita

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: The neuroendocrine system activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during stress,1 and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have atypical stress responses linked to HPA axis dysregulation.2 Prolonged activation of this system increases cortisol secretion, the body’s primary stress hormone.3 Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce stress by modulating the HPA axis and lowering cortisol levels.5

HYPOTHESIS: Following four weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation, the treatment group is expected to exhibit reduced cortisol levels, improved Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores, and decreased stress-related behaviors, reflecting its anxiolytic effects.

METHODS: Forty-two adult participants with ASD and …

Exploring Mindfulness Meditation In Managing Elevated Blood Pressure And Heart Rate In Debilitating Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Han Jie Liu, Krish Patel, Zachary Coren, Youssef Daoud, Zeshan Fahim, Shikhar Rastogi, Justin Le, Avinash Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US, with elevated blood pressure (BP) significantly contributing to its progression. Mindfulness meditation has emerged as a high-value preventative care strategy for managing BP and heart rate (HR); however, its specific effects on managing BP and HR in individuals with debilitating CVD remain poorly understood. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in this population. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we employed a tailored Boolean string to search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane …

Effectiveness Of Mind-Body Therapy Techniques In The Management Of Chronic Pain, Esha Sharma, Kalyna Leshchuk, Maria Cox, Kaitlyn Koo, Emily Sarett, Sarah Chen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In this review, we aim to determine whether mind-body therapies—defined here as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)—can effectively improve pain management in adults with chronic lower back pain, particularly when compared to standard opioid treatments alone or used in conjunction with them. Our hypothesis posits that mind-body therapies serve as valuable supplements to current opioid-based treatment plans, potentially improving not only pain outcomes but also overall quality of life and psychological well-being.

By synthesizing findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, this review builds on existing literature by narrowing the treatment scope and …

The Ancient Remedy For Modern Ailments: Analysis Of Manual, Laser, And Electro-Acupuncture Therapy Usage On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Yue Chen, Austin J. Wong, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In the United States, while acupuncture is still primarily used as a complementary therapy, consumer interest and usage are steadily increasing. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness in fingers, and thus impaired hand function, possessing significant burdens to patients suffering from this chronic disease. Multiple acupuncture applications exist such as electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure; very few comprehensive studies have been done in comparing their effectiveness in treating CTS.

In this study, we aim to conduct a literature review with the primary …

The Effectiveness Of Ras Treatment In Improving Gait Patterns In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Literature Review, Vivian Huang, Andrea Hunt, Alicia Chopyk

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the loss of dopaminergic neurons leading to symptoms such as tremor and gait disturbance. This results in the classic shuffling gait: stooped posture, variation in stride length, variation in cadence, reduced gait velocity, inability to maintain a steady rhythm, and an increased fear of falling. This study’s objective is to review the current literature on the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS)Ⓡ as a treatment option for PD. Previous research has looked at RASⓇ as a potential non-pharmacologic treatment because researchers hypothesize that listening to music produces an external rhythm that the …

Case Report: Herba Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) Toxicity With Severe Muscle Spasms And Elevated Creatine Kinase And Creatinine, Tucker A. Ledo, Dhara Patel, Wayne Tamaska, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Here we present the case of a 33-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a complaint of severe muscle spasms of a ten-hour duration. He noted that he took a supplement which he purchased over the internet called Epimedium, also known as Horny Goat Weed, for the purpose of improving his mood and sense of energy and reducing his sense of anxiety. He noted that he started this supplement one month prior to ED presentation, coincident with the first episodes of muscle cramps. In the ED, he had elevations of his CK and creatinine and required hospital …

The Correlation Of Consistent Exercise With Depressive Symptoms, John Gericke, Tara Pellegrino, Robert Steer

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Background: Depression is a major health issue that affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide. Typically, depression is associated with individuals who follow a poor diet and are physically inactive. Exercise is one form of treatment for depression and has been shown to reduce the risk of depression and protect against the onset of depression. The PHQ-9 Depression Score is a tool used to screen individuals for depression on a scale from 0-27. The goal of this study is to identify a relationship between consistent exercise and depression symptoms.

Methods: An original Qualtrics survey was created to be distributed with …

The Effect Of Guided Meditation On Student Doctor-Patient Interactions, Aneela Rampersad, Samantha Plasner

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Healthcare students are under stress and can use different methods to cope with it. Mindfulness techniques such as guided meditation has been used as a way of helping these students reduce their stress levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether guided meditation has an effect on student doctors that translates into more positive interactions with patients. This study found that the student doctors who completed guided meditation felt less frustrated and less impatient while interacting with patients than student doctors who did not perform the guided meditation. Future studies on this topic should recruit more participants so …

Can Nutritional Supplements Benefit Patients Receiving Treatment For Neurodegenerative Disorders?, Russell Levi, Saad Ahmed, Zachary Harris

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

As the prevalence of neurocognitive disorders rises globally, developing new methodologies of prevention and treatment is crucial. This literature review examines the efficacy of adding nutritional supplements, specifically nootropics, with traditional pharmacological regimens on various neurocognitive and neurodegenerative disorders. Primary, peer-reviewed research, including both human and animal studies, was assesed to determine if there was a benefifical, minimal, or detrimental effect on symptom progression. The inclusion criteria focused on studies that evaluated the reduction in disease markers or symptoms following supplement use. The findings reveal that natural supplements generally support disease management. Significant improvements were noted with specific combinations like …

Interactive Distraction Techniques Versus Midazolam In Anxiolysis In Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Uzay Cagatay, Jon Elias, Alexander King

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Background: Many pediatric patients experience high levels of anxiety prior to undergoing surgery. Midazolam is currently one of the most commonly used sedative drugs in the pediatric preoperative environment. A number of studies have evaluated the use of non-pharmacological methods of relaxing pediatric patients prior to surgery, known as ‘Interactive Distraction’. These techniques involve using various methods of distracting the child from the preoperative anesthetic procedures. Some examples of these methods involve giving the patient an iPad with which they can play video games. There have yet to be any systematic reviews comparing the usage of Midazolam alone against utilizing …

Investigating The Therapeutic Potential Of Soursop In Treating Hematologic Malignancies, Sabrina Marie Paparo, Rebeca Mendoza, Robert Chitren, Omar Al-Odat, Emily Nelson, Subash Jonnalagadda, Roger Strair, Manoj Pandey

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) are hematologic malignancies that originate in the bone marrow and account for approximately 1.3% and 2% of cancer cases, respectively. AML is characterized by an accumulation of myeloblasts, or immature myeloid cells, that have the potential to spread to the peripheral blood. There is an uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow in MM. While the current treatment options for both AML and MM show promise in achieving initial remission, it is unfortunately common for patients to experience relapse and develop drug resistance. There is a theory that relapse and …

Nutrition And Exercise Resources For Uninsured Patient Populations, Sabrina Marie Paparo, Samantha Plasner, Runi Patel, Wendy Briaguez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Proper nutrition and exercise is integral for the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as type two diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. However, health care disparities in the United States, such as lack of access to primary health care, has been an ever growing problem. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between being uninsured and having worse health outcomes, and to determine if there is a need for accessible nutrition and/or exercise resources for this population. To conduct this research, a survey was distributed at the Cherry Hill Free Clinic …

Fregoli Case Report, Don D. Shamilov, David F. Lo, Gaurav Kumar

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Fregoli Syndrome is a rare delusional disorder in the psychotic spectrum named after Italian actor Leopoldo Fregoli. Existing reports focus on clinical aspects and standard treatments, leaving gaps in understanding complexity and tailored interventions. This case report contributes comprehensive analysis of a young adult male with Fregoli syndrome and emphasizes interplay of psychopathology, neurocognition, and psychosocial factors. This report highlights a holistic approach, including differential diagnosis and psychosocial dynamics and aims to improve diagnostic considerations and personalized treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.

Spot The Signs - Comunicación Es Lo Más Importante, Daniel Rios, Victoria Wong Murray, Alexus Weatherspoon, Amy Palen, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Stephen M. Scheinthal

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Opiate overdose is an unfortunately common risk factor for suicide; suicide attempts accounted for an estimated 30% of fatal opioid overdoses during the pandemic. As a result, the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine Department of Psychiatry developed an Integrated Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention program targeted at members of the community and frontline workers to increase awareness and provide brief interventions, which demonstrated an improvement of 89% in our English-speaking attendees.

Spanish is the most common non-English language in New Jersey, with an estimated 1.3 million speakers. Hispanic patients also frequently experience culturally bound stigmas, so it is vital …

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Spot The Signs- 防范未然，及时干预- 培训, Kenny Kah-Keng Leng, Victoria Wong Murray, Alexus Weatherspoon, Amy Palen, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Stephen M. Scheinthal

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Opiate overdose is an unfortunately common risk factor for suicide; suicide attempts accounted for an estimated 30% of fatal opioid overdoses during the pandemic, and patients with an episode of opiate overdose were at an 18 times higher risk of suicide in the following year. As a result, the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine Department of Psychiatry developed an Integrated Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention program targeted at members of the community and frontline workers to increase awareness and provide brief interventions, which demonstrated an improvement of 89% in our English-speaking attendees.

Chinese is the second-most common non-English language …

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Health Disparities Among Adults With Disabilities, Kirsten Carlberg, Madison Plone, Chrismely Castro, Nayarith Lopez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 27% of adults in the United States (US) live with a disability. These disabilities are often accompanied by poorer health outcomes with adults with disabilities reporting higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to characterize rates of disability among young adults in Camden County, New Jersey.

Methods: Data was collected from the CDC and United States Census and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 365.

Results: In 2022, 9.7% of residents of Camden County aged 18-34 were reported as disabled while the rate was 8.3% of US residents nationwide. …

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Referrals In Cancer Patients, Bhumik Patel, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Deanna Janora, Jack Goldberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) can address functional limitations in various conditions, including cancer. Cancer rehabilitation aims to address functional impairments resulting from both the disease itself and its treatments, striving to optimize physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning. Existing literature indicates that PM&R services significantly benefit cancer patients by improving their overall quality of life. Studies have found that optimal utilization of PM&R services can increase the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in cancer patients. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Cancer Society guidelines emphasize the importance of incorporating PM&R services into oncology care to enhance the function and …

Gut Microbiome And Nutrition Interplay In Regulating And Improving Autism Spectrum Disorder Related Social Symptoms, Irenonsen Juliet Eigbe, Christian Moya Gamboa, Jana Gjini, Jaydeep Mukherjee, Susrut Dube

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The composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to play a role in the onset of neurological disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). A small variety of recent research articles identify a possible link between onset and severity of ASD related behaviors and the composition of the gut microbiome. The purpose of this review is to identify gaps in the current understanding of the role that nutrition plays in changing the gut microbiome and subsequently altering the onset and severity of behavioral phenotypes in children with ASD. Inclusion criteria comprises peer-reviewed publications relating to children with autism. Exclusion criteria consists …

Health Benefits Of Saccharomyces Boulardii As A Probiotic, Devashri Parikh, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova, Ravij Upadhyay, Andrea Iannuzzelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Saccharomyces boulardii (SB), a budding yeast, within the Saccharomyces genus. It commonly used as a probiotic that has been isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit. S. boulardii is not known to acquire resistant genes and does not last in the intestine after 3-5 days of discontinuing the ingestion. The clinical efficacy of this probiotic yeast is known to improve various diarrhea such as pediatric diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, acute diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea. Additionally, when used as an adjuvant to treatment for Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium difficile infections, it improves bacterial eradication, prevents relapse, reduces adverse reactions and treatment-associated diarrhea.

Several …

Investigating The Efficacy Of Myo-Inositol In Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Scoping Review, Mariam Sharobeem

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 6 to 13% of adolescent girls in the United States.6 PCOS poses difficulty with diagnosing and treatment with adolescents as its symptoms are heterogenous and are often rationalized with other diagnoses. Key diagnostic features of PCOS include irregular menstruation, infertility, obesity, hirsutism, increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lipid abnormalities and metabolic syndrome.12 Currently, there are no pharmacological therapies approved by the FDA to treat PCOS.5 Alternatives include pharmacological management of symptoms with medications like combined oral contraceptive pills, metformin and anti-obesity agents.6 Recently, more discussion about the lack of PCOS treatment has been …

Biopsychosocial Case Report, David F. Lo, Gaurav Kumar, Don D. Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Ms. R, a 32-year-old Hispanic female, suffers from severe anxiety exacerbated by a car accident and past struggles with depression and substance use. Evaluation reveals hypothyroidism, mild anemia, and GAD as the primary diagnosis. Factors contributing to her condition include genetic predispositions, medical issues, and social stressors. Treatment involves pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and monitoring her physiological health. Research on wearable data for GAD severity offers potential insights for her treatment. A holistic approach, considering biological, psychological, and social factors, guides her tailored treatment plan for overall well-being.

Trichotillomania Case Report, Kimberly Kluglein, David F. Lo, Don D. Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Trichotillomania is a psycho-dermatologic disorder involving self-inflicted hair loss through pulling. Often complicated by anxiety and depression. Multifactorial etiology and limited evidence-based treatment options makes management difficult. Treatment approaches include a combination of pharmacotherapy, CBT, HRT, and ACT. Case presentation involves a 24-year-old female, diagnosed with treatment-resistant trichotillomania who achieved remission and hair regrowth through mindset reframing, physical barriers, and community support. Novel approaches focusing on mindset and community support can yield positive outcomes.