The effect of virtual rainforest and a white noise mobile application on satisfaction, tolerance, comfort, and vital signs during arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Virtual Rainforest (VRF) and a White Noise (WN) mobile applications on patient satisfaction, tolerance, comfort, and vital signs during arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: This is a randomized, controlled, interventional study. The study was completed with a total of 93 participants, 31 in the VRF group, 31 in the WN group, and 31 in the control group. Data were collected using a Patient Information Form and a Visual Analog Scale for satisfaction, tolerance, and comfort. RESULTS: The results of study showed that there were significant increases in tolerance, satisfaction, comfort, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels and significant decreases in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures in both VRF and WN groups (p < .05). In the control group, no significant difference was found between the means of the variables before and after the procedure (p > .05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study, VRF and WN applied during the arthroscopy procedure increased satisfaction, tolerance, and comfort in patients and had a positive effect on vital signs. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05992714.

Effects of Glucocorticoid-Assisted Continuous Blood Purification on Vital Signs in Patients with Septic Shock.

Background: Septic shock poses a significant threat to life safety, with continuous blood purification as a primary treatment modality. Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of continuous blood purification holds crucial implications for septic shock management. Objective: This study aims to observe the therapeutic efficacy of glucocorticoid-assisted continuous blood purification (CBP) in septic shock patients, providing valuable insights for future clinical treatments. Methods: A total of 200 septic shock patients admitted between October 2020 and January 2023 were selected and categorized into an observation group and a control group. The observation group (n=118) received glucocorticoid-assisted CBP, while the control group (n=82) received standard CBP. Changes in various parameters, including pH, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, bicarbonate, inflammatory cytokines, T lymphocyte subsets, mean arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular permeability index, intrathoracic blood volume index, and cardiac index, were recorded before and after treatment. Complications during treatment were also documented. Results: Post-treatment bicarbonate and cardiac index showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > .05). However, the observation group exhibited higher pH, mean arterial pressure, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ levels than the control group, as well as lower blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, inflammatory cytokines, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (P < .05). Moreover, no notable difference in complication rates was identified between the groups (P > .05). Conclusions: Glucocorticoids-assisted continuous blood purification therapy effectively improves vital signs and immune function in septic shock patients, offering a more reliable guarantee for patient life safety.

Effect of Guided Imagery on Patient Comfort, Vital Signs, Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction in Cancer Patients Undergoing Port Catheterization With Local Anesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Port catheter placement is usually an operation performed under local anesthesia. Being conscious during the interventions performed with local anesthesia can lead to anxiety and stress. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of guided imagery performed before and during the procedure on vital signs and comfort, pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels in patients with cancer undergoing port catheterization with local anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 80 patients were included in the study. Patients in the intervention group received standard treatment and nursing care, as well as a guided imagery intervention once before and once during the procedure. Patients in the control group received only standard treatment and nursing care. RESULTS: Patients in the guided imagery group reported lower pain and anxiety scores, higher patient satisfaction, and increased comfort compared with patients in the control group. Patients in the guided imagery group showed significantly lower respiratory rate and heart rate than the control group by the end of the procedure. There was no significant difference in blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Practicing guided imagery before and during a procedure performed under local anesthesia reduced cancer patients' pain, increased patient satisfaction and comfort, and had a positive effect on their respiratory and heart rates. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: We recommend guided imagery as a practical, low-cost complementary therapy for patients receiving local anesthesia.

Effect of Combining Dhikr and Prayer Therapy on Pain and Vital Signs in Appendectomy Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Purpose: Dhikr and prayer reduce pain and improve a patient's vital signs. However, the interactions among these require further clarification in patients undergoing appendectomy. This study aimed to assess the effects of the combination of dhikr and prayer on pain, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Study design: Quasi-experimental design. Method: Pain, pulse, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were measured via clinical examination immediately after leaving the recovery room at 1 and 2 hr after surgery in both the experimental and control groups. In total, 88 eligible participants were allocated to two groups: participants who received both dhikr and prayer (n = 44), and those who received routine care without analgesic therapy (n = 44). The chi-square test, independent t test, and general equation model were employed. Results: Respondents showed a significant interaction between group and time to decrease in pain, pulse, respiratory rate, and improved oxygen saturation, except for pain within 1 hr. The differences in all outcome scores between the groups after 1 and 2 hr were statistically significant, except for oxygen saturation after 1 hr. Conclusion: The combination of dhikr and prayer effectively decreased pain and improved vital signs. This helped nurses implement this procedure by promoting an essential culture of spiritual care for appendectomy patients.

The effects of acupressure on pain, anxiety and vital signs in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized and sham-controlled trial.

AIM: This randomised sham-controlled trial aimed to analyse the effects of acupressure on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients who underwent coronary angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After undergoing coronary angiography, 105 patients were randomised into acupressure (n = 35), sham acupressure (n = 35), and control groups (n = 35). Patients in the acupressure group received acupressure on the heart meridian 7 (HT7), large intestine meridian 4 (LI4), and pericardium meridian (PC6) acupoints 30 min after admission to the clinic, for a period of 16 min, whereas those in the sham group received acupressure on locations 1-1.5 cm away from these points. The control group received standard treatment. The patient information form, Spielberger's state anxiety inventory, visual analogue scale, and vital signs follow-up form were used for data collection. FINDINGS: Consecutive measurements revealed that anxiety levels in the acupressure group were lower than that in the sham and control groups (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the sham and control groups, the pain scores in the acupressure group decreased significantly after acupressure (p < 0.01). Although there was no significant difference between the pain scores of the sham group before and after acupressure intervention (p > 0.05), the scores of the control group increased significantly over time (p < 0.01). Finally, the vital signs decreased significantly in the acupressure and sham groups after intervention (p < 0.01), but increased significantly in the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings of this trial indicated that acupressure is an effective method for reducing anxiety, pain, and vital signs.

The effects of aromatherapy with thyme oil on disease symptoms, vital findings, and hemodynamic parameters in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of aromatherapy with thyme oil on disease symptoms, vital signs, and hemodynamic parameters in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We conducted the randomized controlled trial with 140 (experimental group=70, control group=70) COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted to the COVID-19 service of the Batman Training and Research Hospital were included in the sample between 31.01 - 31.08 2022. Patients in the experimental group inhaled thyme oil 3 times a day during 5 days. At the end of day 5, symptoms and hemodynamic parameters were measured as posttest. Vital signs were measured 3 times a day during 5 days. The control group only received routine treatment. RESULTS: Thyme oil was found to be effective in relieving symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness, secretion, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, cough, headache and muscle joint pain. Although there was improvement in the symptoms of nausea-vomiting, runny nose and loss of taste-smell, the effect was not statistically significant. Thyme oil significantly decreased body temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate (p<0.05), increased SPO 2 (p<0.05), and did not affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p>0.05). It had a significant effect on the regulation of pH, decreased CO2 and increased O2 significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thyme oil aromatherapy was effective in reducing symptoms, regulating vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. Accordingly, thyme oil is recommended as non-pharmacological treatment method in COVID-19 patients.

The Effect of Reiki and Aromatherapy on Vital Signs, Oxygen Saturation, and Anxiety Level in Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effect of Reiki and aromatherapy on vital signs, oxygen saturation, and anxiety level in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The sample consisted of 100 patients divided into Reiki (n = 34), aromatherapy (n = 33), and control (n = 33) groups. Data were collected 3 times (before, during, and after the procedure) using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, a follow-up form, and the State Anxiety Subscale. The Reiki group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 53.59 ± 2.98 and 43.94 ± 4.31 before and after the procedure, respectively. The aromatherapy group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 54.03 ± 4.03 and 43.85 ± 3.91 before and after the procedure, respectively. The control group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 38.79 ± 4.68 and 53.30 ± 7.26 before and after the procedure, respectively (P < .05). The results showed that the Reiki and aromatherapy groups had significantly lower State Anxiety Subscale scores than the control group after the procedure, indicating that Reiki and aromatherapy help reduce anxiety levels. There was a significant difference in the mean respiratory rates and oxygen saturation levels between the groups (P < .05). In conclusion, patients who do Reiki or undergo aromatherapy are less likely to experience anxiety before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

The effect of regional massage performed before blood collection on pain and vital signs in newborns.

AIM: This randomised-controlled trial aims to examine the effect of regional massage performed before blood collection on pain and vital signs in term newborns. METHODS: The study sample consisted of a total of 96 term newborns, 49 in the experimental group and 47 in the control group, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Before the blood collection process, those in the experimental group received two (2) minutes of massage on their blood collection region, and their pain levels and vital signs were observed. Data were collected using a newborn information form, an intervention follow-up form, and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Statistical analyses of the collected data included descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, independent-samples t test, paired-samples t test and Cohen's kappa statistic. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: While 51% (n = 49) of the newborns were included in the experimental group, 38.5% (n = 37) were born at the 38th gestational week. Their mean post-natal age was 4.82 ± 4.04 days. The newborns in the experimental and control groups had similar demographic characteristics and blood collection experiences, and there was no statistically significant difference between them (P > 0.05). The mean crying time in the control group (56.9 ± 25.4 s) was significantly longer than that in the experimental group (30.6 ± 29.3 s) (P < 0.05). The newborns in the experimental group had shorter crying times, lower pain levels and heart rate, and higher oxygen saturation than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The regional massage intervention reduced pain in term newborns. Therefore, neonatal nurses can be trained to use massage as an alternative infant care practice.

CT utilization in evaluation of skin and soft tissue extremity infections in the ED: Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are commonly diagnosed in the emergency department (ED). While most SSTI are diagnosed with patient history and physical exam alone, ED clinicians may order CT imaging when they suspect more serious or complicated infections. Patients who inject drugs are thought to be at higher risk for complications from SSTI and may undergo CT imaging more frequently. The objective of this study is to characterize CT utilization when evaluating for SSTI in ED patients particularly in patients with intravenous drug use (IVDU), the frequency of significant and actionable findings from CT imaging, and its impact on subsequent management and ED operations. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of encounters involving a diagnosis of SSTI in seven EDs across an integrated health system between October 2019 and October 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to assess overall trends, compare CT utilization frequencies, actionable imaging findings, and surgical intervention between patients who inject drugs and those who do not. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze patient factors associated with higher likelihood of CT imaging. RESULTS: There were 4833 ED encounters with an ICD-10 diagnosis of SSTI during the study period, of which 6% involved a documented history of IVDU and 30% resulted in admission. 7% (315/4833) of patients received CT imaging, and 22% (70/315) of CTs demonstrated evidence of possible deep space or necrotizing infections. Patients with history of IVDU were more likely than patients without IVDU to receive a CT scan (18% vs 6%), have a CT scan with findings suspicious for deep-space or necrotizing infection (4% vs 1%), and undergo surgical drainage in the operating room within 48 h of arrival (5% vs 2%). Male sex, abnormal vital signs, and history of IVDU were each associated with higher likelihood of CT utilization. Encounters involving CT scans had longer median times to ED disposition than those without CT scans, regardless of whether these encounters resulted in admission (9.0 vs 5.5 h), ED observation (5.5 vs 4.1 h), or discharge (6.8 vs 2.9 h). DISCUSSION: ED clinicians ordered CT scans in 7% of encounters when evaluating for SSTI, most frequently in patients with abnormal vital signs or a history of IV drug use. Patients with a history of IVDU had higher rates of CT findings suspicious for deep space infections or necrotizing infections and higher rates of incision and drainage procedures in the OR. While CT scans significantly extended time spent in the ED for patients, this appeared justified by the high rate of actionable findings found on imaging, particularly for patients with a history of IVDU.

Impact of Physical Contact on Preterm Infants' Vital Sign Response to Live Music Therapy.

Evidence that music therapy stabilises vital parameters in preterm infants is growing, but the optimal setting for therapy is still under investigation. Our study aimed to quantify the effect of physical contact during live music therapy in preterm infants born < 32 weeks' gestational age (GA) on post-therapy vital sign values. Live music therapy was delivered twice-weekly until discharge from hospital to 40 stable infants < 32 weeks' GA. Baseline and post-therapy heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and physical contact during each session were recorded. 159 sessions were performed with, and 444 sessions without, physical contact. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses based on directed acyclic graphs were performed. The mean GA was 28.6 ± 2.6 weeks, and 26 (65%) infants were male. Mean absolute values for heart and respiratory rates lowered during music therapy regardless of physical contact. The mean post-therapy SaO2 was higher compared to baseline values regardless of physical contact (mean differences −8.6 beats/min; −13.3 breaths/min and +2.0%). There were no clinically relevant changes in vital sign responses between therapy sessions, with or without physical contact, or adjusted post-therapy values for any of the studied vital signs. Physical contact caused better baseline and post-therapy vital sign values but did not enhance the vital sign response to music therapy. Thus, the effect of music therapy on preterm infants' vital signs is independent of physical contact and parents' presence during music therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Más allá de los límites de la disciplina con niños prematuros: una reflexión holística / Beyond the Limits of Discipline with Premature Children: A Holistic Reflection / Além dos limites da disciplina com bebés prematuros: uma reflexão holística

Introducción. En este artículo se presenta una reflexión sobre la necesidad de tener una visión holística en la problemática de la prematurez, para que los equipos del área de salud puedan tener una comprensión de la multiplicidad de factores presentes en el parto prematuro, y sus consecuencias para el menor, la madre, los familiares y el personal de salud involucrado. Tema de reflexión. El tema se sustenta en dos investigaciones realizadas con las madres, los padres y los niños beneficiarios del Programa Madre Canguro en un hospital del Estado, en dos momentos, 2012 y 2014, con algunos de los autores del presente artículo. Conclusiones. Además de la revisión de la literatura científica relacionada con el tema y la problemática, se concluye que, bajo una mirada holística, se comprende de manera integral la problemática y se propicia una mejor comunicación con los padres; con el equipo de la atención en salud, se logra un manejo transdisciplinario, superando los objetos de estudios aislados. Se da así un abordaje integrador y significativo en la cotidianidad de cada actor, desde la piel, con el Programa Madre Canguro, hasta la racionalidad de la ciencia.

Introduction. This article presents a reflection on the need for a holistic view of the problem of premature births, so that healthcare teams can understand the multiplicity of factors present in premature births, and its consequences for the minor, the mother, the family members, and the healthcare staff involved. Topic of reflection. The topic is based on two investigations carried out with mothers, fathers, and children's beneficiaries of the Mother Kangaroo Program in a State hospital, at two moments, 2012 and 2014, with some of the authors of this article. Conclusions. In addition to the review of the scientific literature related to the topic and the problem, it is concluded that, under a holistic view, the problem is understood in a comprehensive way and better communication with the parents is encouraged. With the healthcare team, cross-disciplinary handling is achieved, overcoming the objects of isolated studies. As such, there is an integrative and significant approach in the daily life of each actor, from the skin, with the Mother Kangaroo Program, to the rationality of science.

Introdução. Este artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre a necessidade de se ter uma visão holística da problemática da prematuridade, para que as equipes da área da saúde possam ter uma compreensão da multiplicidade de fatores presentes no parto prematuro, e suas consequências para a criança, a mãe, os familiares e o pessoal de saúde envolvido. Tópico de reflexão. O tema é baseado em duas pesquisas realizadas com mães, pais e filhos beneficiários do Programa Mãe Canguru em um hospital estadual, em dois momentos, 2012 e 2014, com alguns dos autores deste artigo. Conclusões. Além da revisão da literatura científica relacionada ao tópico e ao problema, conclui-se que, sob uma visão holística, o problema é plenamente compreendido e incentiva-se uma melhor comunicação com os pais; com a equipe de saúde, consegue-se uma gestão transdisciplinar, superando os objetos de estudos isolados. Isto proporciona uma abordagem integradora e significativa no cotidiano de cada ator, desde a pele, com o Programa Mãe Canguru, até a racionalidade da ciência.

Effects of Music Therapy on Vital Signs in Children with Chronic Disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent research found evidence supporting music therapy for hospitalized children with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of music therapy on hospitalized children's vital signs. METHODS: In this prospective study, children with chronic gastroenterological and nephrological diseases received active or receptive music therapy two to four times a week until discharge from hospital at the pediatric special care unit (SCU) and pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). Baseline and post-therapy heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure were recorded and analyzed as control values at three points on the same day when the children were alone in their patient room at rest. RESULTS: A total of 83 children, median 3 age of years (range one month to eighteen years) received music therapy. In total, 377 music therapy sessions were treated: 200 receptive therapy (78 ICU, 122 SCU) and 177 with active therapy (0 ICU, 177 SCU). Music therapy interventions showed changes in vital signs during music therapy sessions. After music therapy, heart rates decreased by 18 beats per minute (95% confidence interval (CI), -19.4 to (-16.8)), oxygen saturation increased by 2.3% (95% CI, 2.2 to 2.5), systolic blood pressure decreased by 9.2 (95% CI, -10.6 to -7.7) and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 7.9 (95% CI, -9.6 to -6.3). When music therapy was applied at the SCU (ICU), heart rates significantly reduced by 17.9 (18.9) beats per min, oxygen saturation increased by 2.4% (2.1%) and blood pressure reduced by 9.2 (2.8) mmHg (systolic) and 7.9 (0.3) mmHg (diastolic). Almost all control values were better than directly before the intervention. However, after music therapy intervention, the children showed better values in vital signs compared to being alone in their patient room. CONCLUSION: Music therapy is an added value for children with kidney and liver/gastrointestinal diseases during their hospital stay.

Reallocation of cutaneous and global blood circulation during sauna bathing through a closed-loop model.

OBJECTIVE: Sauna bathing (SB) is an important strategy in cardiovascular protection, but there is no mathematical explanation for the reallocation of blood circulation during heat-induced superficial vasodilation. We sought to reveal such reallocation via a simulated hemodynamic model. METHODS: A closed-loop cardiovascular model with a series of electrical parameters was constructed. The body surface was divided into seven blocks and each block was modeled by a lumped resistance. These resistances were adjusted to increase skin blood flow (SBF), with the aim of reflecting heat-induced vasodilation during SB. Finally, the blood pressure was compared before and after SB, and the blood flow inside the aorta and visceral arteries were also analyzed. RESULTS: With increasing SBF in this model, the systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in the arterial trunk decreased by 13-29, 18-36, and 19-37 mmHg, respectively. Despite the increase in the peak and mean blood flow in the arterial trunk, the diastolic blood flow reversal in the thoracic and abdominal aortas increased significantly. Nevertheless, the blood supply to the heart, liver, stomach, spleen, kidney, and intestine decreased by at least 25%. Moreover, the pulmonary blood flow increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Simulated heat-induced cutaneous vasodilation in this model lowers blood pressure, induces visceral ischemia, and promotes pulmonary circulation, suggesting that the present closed-loop model may be able to describe the effect of sauna bathing on blood circulation. However, the increase of retrograde flow in the aortas found in this model deserves further examination.

Intraoperative alteration in the vital signs of diabetic patients during cataract surgery with local anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Diabetic patients often have systemic circulation diseases which may cause serious systemic complications during ophthalmic surgeries with local anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intraoperative alteration of the vital signs in diabetic patients during cataract surgery with local anesthesia. METHODS: Clinical records of 428 patients who underwent cataract surgeries with local anesthesia were reviewed. The parameters measured were systolic/diastolic blood pressures and pulse rates at pre-operation, 5, 10 and 15 minutes during the surgeries. The factors were compared between non-diabetic patients (n = 325) and diabetic patients (n = 103). RESULTS: Diabetic patients had significantly higher fasting blood sugar and preoperative pulse rate. Diabetic patients showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure compared to non-diabetic patients at 5 and 10 minutes from the beginning of surgery (p = 0.0093 and 0.0075, respectively). In the non-diabetic patients, the pulse rate was significantly decreased at 5 minutes from the beginning of surgery (p = 4.74 x 10-8) which was maintained during the surgery, but no change was observed in the pulse rate of the diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients showed higher systolic blood pressure and pulse rate during cataract surgeries with local anesthesia, which should be monitored carefully by the physicians to avoid possible systemic complications.

Effectiveness of music during cardiac catheterization on children's pain, fear, anxiety and vital signs: A randomized, blind controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of music during pediatric cardiac catheterization procedure on children's pain, fear, anxiety and vital signs. DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized, blind controlled study was conducted with the guidelines of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). The sample of children was allocated to the Control Group, the Classic Music Group, and the Self-Selected Group. Pain, fear, and anxiety levels were measured before and after the pediatric cardiac catheterization procedure. Vital signs were measured before, during, and after the pediatric cardiac catheterization procedure. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic status, pain, fear, or anxiety levels and vital signs before the procedure. In post pediatric cardiac catheterization measurement in the recovery phase, pain, fear levels, anxiety levels, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure of children in the musical intervention groups were lower than the control group. No statistical difference was found in terms of pain, fear and anxiety levels of the children in groups Classic and Self-Selected. CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The result of this research reveals that musical intervention applied during the pediatric cardiac catheterization procedure in children affects the reduction of pain, fear and anxiety levels and stabilization of vital signs. This intervention could be an effective nonpharmacological method to improve outcomes.Nurses can improve children's comfort by using musical interventions. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials (code: NCT04316754).

Music Therapy Supports Children with Neurological Diseases during Physical Therapy Interventions.

Recent research found evidence supporting music therapy for children with neurological diseases during their hospitalized neurological early rehabilitation to promote their development during physical therapy. We hypothesized that live music therapy might improve vital signs during a physical therapy session. Seventeen children received live music therapy during the physical therapy session twice a week. Two more physical therapy sessions per week were held without music therapy. Heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were recorded from 15 min before to 15 min after the therapy sessions. Physical therapy interventions showed changes in heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation between, before and after the sessions with or without music therapy. Live music therapy was effective for the vital signs during the intervention. We observed significantly lower heart and respiratory rates and higher oxygen saturation during physical therapy intervention with live music therapy in general (mean differences -8.0 beats per min; -0.8 breaths per min and +0.6%). When physical therapy was applied without music therapy children's heart rates increased by 8.5 beats per min and respiratory rates increased by 1.0 breaths per min. Live music therapy leads to a decrease in heart and respiratory rates and an increase in oxygen saturation in children with neurological diseases during physical therapy with live music therapy. Music therapy supports the children in physical therapy interventions during their hospitalization.

Effects of Self-acupunctural Hand Massage Using Aromatic Oil on Alleviating the Stress, Fatigue, and Vital Signs of Korean Middle-Aged Women.

The study aimed to examine the effects of self-acupunctural hand massage using aromatic oil on the stress, fatigue, and vital signs of Korean middle-aged women. A quasi-experimental study using a pretest/posttest control group, nonsynchronized design was employed. The study participants consisted of 55 middle-aged women (27 in the experiment group and 28 in the control group), who visited a community center in Seoul, South Korea. Self-acupunctural hand massage using aromatic oil as an experimental intervention was performed once per day, 6 minutes per session for the left and right hands each, for 3 weeks. A questionnaire was designed to measure the general characteristics, stress, fatigue, and vital signs (blood pressure and pulse rate). There were significant differences in the degrees of stress, fatigue, and vital signs (blood pressure) between the 2 groups. Self-acupunctural hand massage using aromatic oil decreased the stress, fatigue, and vital signs (blood pressure) of Korean middle-aged women. Self-acupunctural hand massage using aromatic oil can be utilized as an effective nursing intervention for decreasing stress, fatigue, and vital signs (blood pressure) for middle-aged women in clinical practice.

The effect of music on fetal well-being and anxiety levels and vital signs of pregnant women during non-stress test: Turkey sample.

To assess the effect of music on fetal well-being and anxiety levels and vital signs of pregnant women during the non-stress test. The study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. The sample comprised of 74 (37 music and 37 control group) pregnant women. In the music group, post-procedure pulse values were statistically lower than the pre-procedure values (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of baseline fetal heart rate, variability, fetal movement, presence and number of accelerations-decelerations, non-stress test result parameters. The number of fetal movements was statistically higher in the music group, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The state anxiety inventory scores lower in the music group after the procedure, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Researchers determined that music affects vital sign values, fetal movements, reduced the state and trait anxiety levels of pregnant women during the non-stress test procedure.