Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

A Longitudinal, Randomized And Controlled Study Of App-Delivered Mindfulness In The Workplace, Jennifer S. Mascaro, Kathryn Wehrmeyer, Veronica Mahathre, Alana Darcher

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Workplace mindfulness meditation programs are of great interest for improving employee well-being and job performance, fueled in part by the apparent effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as well as by the recent proliferation of mobile mindfulness applications (apps) that can be incorporated into a workplace setting. It is critical to examine the facilitators and barriers to engaging with app-delivered mindfulness in the workplace to understand how biological, psychological, and socio-demographic variables impact practice time.

Methods: Using a longitudinal and randomized controlled design, we explored facilitators of and barriers to practicing app-delivered mindfulness in the workplace among predominately non-white call center …

Minding The Mindfulness Research In Healthcare: More Data On Diversity Are Urgently Needed, Basant Pradhan

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

Amongst the myriads of applications of meditative practice, mindfulness meditation can be arguably the simple yet most evidence-based type of meditative method. This simple and age-old technique emphasizes upon cultivating in the practitioner a nonjudgmental awareness on a moment-to-moment basis. Mindfulness meditation was introduced to the American audience in the early 1990’s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and beginning the early 2000s has seen an exponential growth trajectory that continues to this day. However, its rising popularity has given rise to considerable misinformation and misunderstanding as well.

The Impact Of Human Papillomavirus Educational Intervention Study On The Knowledge, Health Beliefs, Health Behaviors And Increasing The Use Of Gardasil In Women Of Color, Charlotte Hurst, Michael Hagensee, Syed Adeel Ahmed, Geornique M. Hayes

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Lack of human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and cervical cancer awareness are factors contributing to a disproportion in African American (AA) women with cervical cancer. The purpose of this intervention study was to use gender specific and culturally appropriate HPV educational materials to increase HPV knowledge and cervical cancer awareness, to increase health beliefs, and the intent for AA women to use the HPV vaccine. Convenience sampling was used to describe a sample of 98 AA women recruited from an Ambulatory Women’s health clinic between 2015 and 2017. HPV educational videos and pamphlets materials were used to collect baseline and post …

The Effectiveness Of A Mindfulness-Based Intervention: A Neuropsychological Perspective Using An Electroencephalography, Elizabeth Mary Grace

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mindfulness-related techniques. The willingness to experience emotions fully, just as they are, is a catalyst for psychological change to occur. Mindfulness has been used to alleviate stress and promote healthy living (Lagopoulos et al., 2009). The clinical utility of mindfulness has grown exponentially; however, the neuropsychological process of mindfulness is still being understood. The present study sought to examine the influence of a brief mindfulness intervention on brain activation in college students. A sample (n = 17) of undergraduate participants were randomly assigned into a prepost mindfulness intervention or control …

A Feasibility Study Of Lavender Aromatherapy In An Awake Craniotomy Environment, Kailah Cathey, Nichole Gunyon, Nancy Chung, Nancy Conway, Diane Ames, Maharaj Singh, Amin B. Kassam, Richard A. Rovin

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Integrative medicine interventions are needed for awake craniotomies, as many patients experience anxiety. Lavender aromatherapy significantly reduces anxiety or pain in a variety of surgical procedures. This feasibility study used lavender aromatherapy during awake craniotomies to determine the number of patients who would consent and complete the study, the technicality of lavender aromatherapy use, and acceptance by operating room (OR) staff.

Methods: We approached 40 consecutive patients (≥18 years old). Exclusion criteria were pulmonary issues or sensitivity to lavender. Outcome measures in consented patients were enrollment and completion rates, anxiety and pain as measured by the Visual Analog Scale …

Lavender Aromatherapy: Ready For Prime-Time Office Use?, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The editor-in-chief of Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews comments on the perioperative use of lavender aromatherapy and its potential to relieve pain and anxiety during minor primary care office procedures.

How Deep Is Too Deep?, Dietrich Schlueter Md, Asma Jamil Md, Ibrahim Talab, Samia Faiz, Scott Kubomoto Md

Internal Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Systemic Review And Meta-Analysis On The Antihypertensive Effect Of Aromatherapy Essential Oils, Mikyoung Lee, Ji-Ah Song, Mina Ahn, Ahra Jo, Jeongah Park, Wonjong Kim, Claudia M. Davis, Yeon Sook Kim, Myun-Haeng Hur

Nursing Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study is a systemic review of experimental results on the effects of aromatherapy on blood pressure.

Materials and Methods: Journal articles published to December, 2017, were retrieved from twelve databases. Randomized controlled trials in which were evaluated for changes in blood pressure following aromatherapy were selected. Risks of bias were assessed using the risk-of-bias (ROB) tool of the Cochrane Collaboration. Meta-analysis were dine using RevMan.

Results: Of the 2545 articles retrieved from the electronic databases, 580 duplicate articles and 1891 articles that were unrelated to the PICO (patient/problem, intervention, comparison, outcome) elements or did not satisfy the inclusion …

Ancient Wisdom And Future Medicine: A Defense Of The Science Of Ayurveda, Michael Eatmon

Master of Liberal Studies Theses

A growing number of people turn to Ayurveda as a complement or an alternative to conventional Western medicine. What are they turning to—a genuine medical science or a patent pseudoscience? This paper claims that modern Ayurvedic medicine is a genuine science with a promising future.

Effects Of Yoga On Mindfulness In Pediatric Patients With Oncology Diagnoses Through Guardian Perspectives: A Research Protocol, Victoria Ciszak, Dana Cutler, Gabriella Lamanna, Kristen Ogonowski

Student Research Poster Presentations 2020

Abstract:

Background: Yoga practice is commonly utilized by physical therapists in order to promote physical and mental health. In populations with a poorer prognosis, mindfulness and overall well-being becomes increasingly important. In particular, the pediatric cancer population requires an intervention that keeps these emotional needs in mind. Because children are physically and mentally developing throughout their oncology treatments, it is crucial that a comprehensive psychosocial treatment plan is initiated. Yoga can fill this need as it has elements that influence behavior and physical development.

Objective: The aim of this protocol paper is to determine all necessary procedures for future …

Effectiveness Of Physical Exercise In Treating Depression Versus Conventional Treatments: A Systematic Review, Julianne Ferrie, Coleby Charlier

Student Research Poster Presentations 2020

Purpose: This systematic review was done to compare the effects of physical exercise on depression versus the standard treatments most patients who are diagnosed with depression receive, which includes antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. There is not currently a collective source that summarizes the various studies on this topic within the physical therapy world. Our article compiles relevant information that supports physical exercise as an alternative treatment for individuals who have been diagnosed with depression. We sampled randomized control studies and prospective cohort studies for data and results, and systematic reviews for supporting information. Our research will be a …

Implementation Of A Novel Return-To-Ride Concussion Management Policy For Collegiate Hunter/Jumper Equestrian Athletes, Devon Serrano, Velyn Wu

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A concussion return-to-participation protocol specific to equestrian is critical in the safe return of athletes to their respective discipline. When the care of the hunter/jumper equestrian teams became the responsibility of the Sports Medicine staff at Sweet Briar College, a return-to-participation concussion management policy was needed to ensure the safety of the equestrian student-athletes. A quality-improvement project focusing on the development of a “Return-to-Ride” protocol was started in the fall semester of 2016. The Sports Medicine staff collaborated with the Sweet Briar College riding center to create and ensure compliance of the protocol. The intended aim of developing this protocol …

Indigenous Healing In New Zealand: An Anthropological Analysis Of "Traditional" And "Modern" Approaches To Well-Being, Lillian T. Brice

Honors Theses

Drawing on contemporary anthropological approaches used by scholars of well-being and medical anthropology (i.e. Michael Jackson and Lisa Stevenson), I explore how indigenous healers in New Zealand blend “traditional” and “modern” elements to establish a creative and inclusive system. Specifically, I explore the use of herbal treatments, ritual chanting, and ceremonies that encapsulate Māori cultural values. I also explore the impact of biomedicine and New-Age wellness approaches on indigenous healing. I argue that Māori healing moves beyond the binary of “tradition” and “modern” as healers merge the past and present and combine the foreign and native. My research is based …

Association Of Chinese Herbal Medicines Use With Development Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Cohort Study, Miao-Chiu Lin, Hanoch Livneh, Wei-Jen Chen, Ning-Sheng Lai, Ming-Chi Lu, Tzung-Yi Tsai

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients appear to report a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While Chinese herbal medicine (CHMs) is proven to lower COPD risk, the scientific evidence regarding its effect in relation to COPD onset among them is limited. This longitudinal cohort study aimed to determine the relationship between CHMs use and the COPD risk in RA patients.

Methods: Using the nationwide claim data, 8349 patients newly diagnosed with RA and simultaneously free of COPD between 1998 and 2010 were eligible for enrollment. From this sample, we enrolled 3360 CHMs users and 3360 non-CHMs users, randomly …

Modulation Of Parasympathetic Reactivation Post-Exercise Via Slow Breathing, Brent Burg

CSB and SJU Distinguished Thesis

During exercise sympathetic nervous activity increases and parasympathetic nervous activity decreases to fuel energy demands. Heart rate variability (HRV) indicates activity of the autonomic nervous system and the balance of its two branches. Slow breathing (SB) (6 breaths/minute) increases parasympathetic activity both spontaneously during practice and at rest after long-term practice. Thus, SB may increase parasympathetic activity after exercise. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether post-exercise SB increases parasympathetic activity as measured by HRV. METHODS: Ten recreationally active college aged males (21 +/-1 years old) completed the study. A VO2max test was used to determine 70% of VO2max for …

Immediate Effects Of Yoga On Mindfulness, Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion And Depressed Mood, Blaire Cain

West Chester University Master’s Theses

This study examines changes in self-compassion, self-criticism, mindfulness and depressed mood following a single yoga session. This study sets itself apart from already completed research by examining the effects of one single yoga session, as opposed to 4-, 6-, or up to 12 weeks of yoga intervention. Other research exists in this growing knowledge base, see Woodyard (2011) for a review, and the research has deemed positive results over time. This project was designed to determine if any change can be measured after just one yoga class, supporting the idea that yoga may be utilized as a singular or complementary …

Discovery And Optimization Of Anti-Cancer Properties Of Traditional Herbal Medicines Using Zebrafish-Human Tumor Xenografts, Ashleigh M. Solheim

Honors College Theses

Cancer is one of the most well-known diseases around the world. It hurts everyone in some way, whether they have it themselves or they know someone that is diagnosed. But the problem is not just this brutal disease, the problem is its invasive treatments. The most common treatments for cancer have harmful and painful side-effects that occur in most cases. As a solution to invasive cancer treatments, this experiment is testing herbal medications Neem, Nilavembu, Ashwagandha and Tulsi as potential nontoxic cancer treatments. First, the maximum tolerable dosage for each herbal agent was found. This dosage was used for the …

Preparing Future Health Care Workers: An Assessment Of Undergraduate Student Integrative Pre-Health Education, Haley Bevza Brennan, Pamela Erickson

Undergraduate Papers

This paper analyzes the current state of, and demand for, integrative pre-health education in the undergraduate setting, specifically at the University of Connecticut. Students’ knowledge of, exposure to, and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are assessed through a web-based survey and semi-structured interviews. This paper compares this research with surveys conducted in undergraduate, medical school, and medical professional settings to gauge current efforts to provide a more holistic approach to educating health care workers in subjects such as mind-body therapies, lifestyle contributors to health such as diet and exercise, culturally competent care, and therapeutic techniques outside of the …

Nurse Leaders’ Perspectives On Animal-Assisted Interventions, Samantha Vita Abate

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Knowledge deficits and unfavorable attitudes are commonly cited barriers that prevent adoption of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). Nurse leaders’ (NLs’) knowledge of and attitudes toward AAIs have not been well documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to identify NLs’ perspective on AAI, including their usage, knowledge, and attitudes. This information may be helpful in overcoming common barriers to AAI usage. The theory of transformational leadership guided this 3-manuscript dissertation study, which included 3 studies on NLs’ use of AAIs, the relationship between NLs’ knowledge of AAIs and NLs attitudes toward AAIs, and the potential impact of AAI …

Outcomes Of Prenatal Marijuana Use, Sierra Clark

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Holistic therapy is becoming a national trend and a lot of people are turning to marijuana for its potential benefits. Even pregnant women are using marijuana to manage nausea and vomiting. 1 Currently, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states and the District of Columbia, with 10 states also legalizing its recreational use. 1 In the US, between 16.2% of pregnant women are using marijuana daily.2 In a study surveying 785 pregnant women, 79% reported perceiving little to no harm in prenatal marijuana use.3 Due to the increase in its use and the common perception of being harmless, it is …