Scientific knowledge graph and trend analysis of Tuina: A bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Tuina is an effective complementary and alternative therapy. However, no bibliometric analysis has explored the global research status and emerging trends of tuina. Therefore, our study aimed to provide a perspective on the current state and frontier trends in the field. DESIGN: Bibliometric analysis SETTING: Tuina-related publications between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2022, were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The knowledge graph software CiteSpace and VOSViewer were used to quantitatively analyse annual trends in annual publication volume, journals, countries, institutions, authors, cited references, and keywords. RESULTS: Overall, 1877 articles were obtained. Consequently, the number of annual publications in tuina gradually increased. China published the most articles (1402 articles, 58.01%), followed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (110 articles, 2.57%). Original and review articles were the two main types of publications. Photonics Research ranked first (101 articles, 5.38%) as the most influential affiliate and productive journal. These articles come from 8423 authors, among whom Min Fang published the most publications, and Ernst E was co-cited most often. According to the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the new research frontiers were meta-analyses. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive bibliometric study analysed the publications on tuina and presented them visually, revealing new research trends, pivotal points, research hotspots, and frontiers. Prospective strategies and potential directions for further studies were also provided.

The feasibility of Chinese massage as an auxiliary way of replacing or reducing drugs in the clinical treatment of adult type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: At present, metformin is mainly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). When the therapeutic effect is achieved, there are side effects and secondary failure will occur if taken for a long time. It is of great significance to actively explore the clinical scheme of reducing drug use while ensuring the therapeutic effect of T2DM. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of Chinese massage (CM) in the treatment of T2DM. METHODS: Literature retrieval is divided into 2 aspects: Electronic Retrieval and Personal Check. We will search PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, Cochrane Central, which were registered in international clinical trials registry platform systems, select all eligible studies published before November 2, 2019, and use Personal Check method to retrieve papers, conference papers, ongoing experiments, internal reports, and so on. With fasting blood glucose, 2-hour fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin index as the main observation indexes, we also pay attention to traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score scale, insulin resisting index, body mass index , serum total cholesterol, Curative effect and the occurrence of all adverse reactions in drug treatment.Of the research group 2 researchers respective selected literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias. After that we used Revman 5.7 and Stata 12.1 statistical software for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 769 subjects were included in 10 studies for meta-analysis. Compared with metformin hydrochloride tablets, CM plus baseline treatment can reduce fasting plasma glucose (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.54, -0.13], Z = 3.15, P = .002), 2 hours postprandial blood glucose (WMD = -0.52, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.34), Z = 5.66, P < .00001], hemoglobin A1c (WMD = 0.12, 95% CI [0.04, 0.20], Z = 2.94, P = .003), fasting insulin (WMD = -3.59, 95% CI [-5.56, -1.42], Z = 10.29,P < .00001), traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score scale (WMD = -4.55, 95% CI [-7.58, -1.51], Z = 2.94, P = .003),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (WMD = -1.76, 95% CI [-2.25, -1.27), Z = 7.08, P < .00001),body mass index (WMD = -1.28, 95% CI [-1.65, -0.92], Z = 6.91, P < .00001), serum total cholesterol (WMD = -1.01, 95% CI [-1.14, -0.83], Z = 15.51, P < .00001), meanwhile, the effective rate was increased (risk ratio [RR] = 1.31, 95% CI [1.21, 1.42], Z = 6.57, P < .00001). CONCLUSION: CM combined with metformin hydrochloride tablet has a synergistic effect. It can not only be used as an auxiliary treatment of T2DM, but also as an important reference way of reducing drug treatment of T2DM, improving Clinical Efficacy and reducing adverse reactions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020158839.

Standardization of rehabilitation program for post-apoplectic limb spasm treated by Tongjing Tiaoxing tuina and scalp acupuncture with physical therapy.

BACKGROUND: Tong Jing Tiao Xing tuina (TJTX) is a Chinese massage method. Excising with scalp acupuncture (ESA) is a treatment combining scalp electroacupuncture with physical therapy (PT), and yinao fujian formula (YNFJ) is a Chinese oral herbal granule medicine. The combination of the 3 methods is called the "Zhishen Tiaoxing" (ZSTX) rehabilitation program, which is used as an alternative of limb spasm after stroke. There is little available evidence demonstrating its safety and efficacy. METHODS: This will be a subject-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted in 3 medical centers. It will strictly follow the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture, 2010. We will recruit 316 patients with limb spasm after stroke, 200 from the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China, 80 from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese medicine, Harbin, China, and 36 from Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. A block randomization sequence stratified by centers will be generated using SAS Version 9.2 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA), which was performed at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine's Key Unit of Methodology in Clinical Research. The treatment group is treated with TJTX (once a day), ESA (once a day), and oral YNFJ (twice a day). The control group will be treated with PT. Two groups of patients will be treated 5 sessions a week for 4 weeks, and there will be 6-month follow-up. The outcome evaluators will be blinded to patient grouping. The primary outcome will be modified Ashworth scales. The secondary outcome indexes will be the simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, surface electromyogram root mean square value, modified Barthel index, stroke-specific quality of life scale, health scale of traditional Chinese medicine, visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Hamilton depression scale. DISCUSSION: The Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) mainly aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation program, by comparing the treatment of ZSTX with the PT for the treatment of limb spasm after stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR 1900024255. Registered on July 3, 2019.

Effects of Massage Therapy on Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia in Newborns Who Receive Phototherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of massage therapy on total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels and frequency of defecation, urination, and feeding in newborns who receive phototherapy for indirect hyperbilirubinemia. DESIGN: A randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Ankara University Cebeci Research and Training Hospital and 29 May State Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty full-term newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia who underwent phototherapy. METHODS: The newborns were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25). Newborns in the intervention group received massage therapy throughout the duration of phototherapy for 15 minutes twice per day; newborns in the control group received routine care during phototherapy. Every 24 hours, TSB levels were measured, and the frequencies of defecation, urination, and feeding were also calculated for each newborn. RESULTS: We found no differences in the characteristics of the newborns or in TSB levels between groups at enrollment. After treatment, TSB levels were lower in the intervention group (p < .001). Frequencies of defecation, urination, and feeding were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Massage therapy had significant effects on TSB levels, feeding, breastfeeding, defecation, and urination in newborns who received phototherapy for indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Massage therapy can be added as routine care for full-term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia under phototherapy and may be an effective supplementary intervention.

Neurophysiology of human touch and eye gaze in therapeutic relationships and healing: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this scoping review was to examine and map the range of neurophysiological impacts of human touch and eye gaze, and consider their potential relevance to the therapeutic relationship and to healing. INTRODUCTION: Clinicians, and many patients and their relatives, have no doubt as to the efficacy of a positive therapeutic relationship; however, much evidence is based on self-reporting by the patient or observation by the researcher. There has been little formal exploration into what is happening in the body to elicit efficacious reactions in patients. There is, however, a growing body of work on the neurophysiological impact of human interaction. Physical touch and face-to-face interaction are two central elements of this interaction that produce neurophysiological effects on the body. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This scoping review considered studies that included cognitively intact human subjects in any setting. This review investigated the neurophysiology of human interaction including touch and eye gaze. It considered studies that have examined, in a variety of settings, the neurophysiological impacts of touch and eye gaze. Quantitative studies were included as the aim was to examine objective measures of neurophysiological changes as a result of human touch and gaze. METHODS: An extensive search of multiple databases was undertaken to identify published research in the English language with no date restriction. Data extraction was undertaken using an extraction tool developed specifically for the scoping review objectives. RESULTS: The results of the review are presented in narrative form supported by tables and concept maps. Sixty-four studies were included and the majority were related to touch with various types of massage predominating. Only seven studies investigated gaze with three of these utilizing both touch and gaze. Interventions were delivered by a variety of providers including nurses, significant others and masseuses. The main neurophysiological measures were cortisol, oxytocin and noradrenaline. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this review was to map the neurophysiological impact of human touch and gaze. Although our interest was in studies that might have implications for the therapeutic relationship, we accepted studies that explored phenomena outside of the context of a nurse-patient relationship. This allowed exploration of the boundary of what might be relevant in any therapeutic relationship. Indeed, only a small number of studies included in the review involved clinicians (all nurses) and patients. There was sufficient consistency in trends evident across many studies in regard to the beneficial impact of touch and eye gaze to warrant further investigation in the clinical setting. There is a balance between tightly controlled studies conducted in an artificial (laboratory) setting and/or using artificial stimuli and those of a more pragmatic nature that are contextually closer to the reality of providing nursing care. The latter should be encouraged.

Physiological changes after spa treatment - a focus on endocrinology.

The paper presents the results of our effort to reveal objective parameters for evaluation of the spa treatment for patients with anxiety-depressive disorders. The study was based on our previous experience with neuroactive steroids and neurosteroids, which play a crucial role in the psychological well-being of patients by maintaining balance of the organism. A total number of 94 steroids were determinated in a group of 70 female patients diagnosed with anxiety-depressive disorders. Patients underwent a month spa treatment while maintaining unchanged medication dosing with SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The other investigated factors contributing to improving the health of treated subjects were amino-acid homocysteine and serotonin. The blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the spa treatment. Serotonin in all patients increased by a relative 23 % (results given as relative differences in percent), while homocysteine decreased by 17.1 %. Statistically significant increases were found in 21 steroids, which indicate activation of the adrenal cortex. It can be assumed, that the overall improvement in the mental condition of patients, which was proved by questionnaire from Knobloch and Hausner, the increase in immune suppressive substances and anti-autoimmune responses, will maintain for a longer time after the spa treatment.

The effect of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity and length of NICU stay in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five-day course of sunflower oil massage with moderate pressure on the weight gain and length of NICU stay in preterm infants. METHODS: Forty-four healthy preterm infants with a corrected gestational age of 30-36 weeks at the time of the study, were randomly assigned to the study group receiving body massage with sunflower oil and the control group receiving only routine NICU care. The massage was performed three times per day, each session including three consecutive five-minute stages, for five days. The primary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity. The secondary outcome was to compare the length of NICU stay between the two groups. RESULTS: During the study period, the increase in the average daily and fifth-day weight gain was significant in the intervention group. The length of NICU stay was shorter in the intervention group significantly. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that even a short course of body massage with sunflower oil for only five days increases preterm infants' weight gain and decreases their duration of NICU stay significantly.

[The physical methods for the prevention and management of weather-dependent pathological reactions (a literature review)]. / Fizicheskie metody profilaktiki i korrektsii meteopaticheskikh reaktsii (obzor).

The review presents data on the non-pharmacological methods and technologies for the prevention and management of meteopathic reactions (MPR) applied in Russia for the treatment of the patients suffering from obstructive and cardiovascular diseases. It is assumed, based on the concept of heliogeophysical imprinting, that the major factors responsible for the development of MPR are the disturbances of electromagnetic homeostasis. The acupuncture points and channels are regarded as a system designed for the maintenance of electromagnetic balance in the human body. In this context, it is proposed to encourage the application of the methods of electro-diagnostics and reflexology for the prevention and correction of meteopathic reactions.

Masoterapia en las alteraciones conductuales de ancianos con demencia / Therapeutic massage on behavioral disturbances of elderly patients with dementia

OBJETIVO: Conocer la eficacia del masaje terapéutico sobre las alteraciones conductuales de ancianos con demencia. DISEÑO: Revisión de la literatura científica. Fuente de datos: La búsqueda de las publicaciones se llevó a cabo en 6 bases de datos científicas: PubMed, Cochrane Library Plus, PEDro, Dialnet, Scopus y CSIC, entre 1983 y 2013. Los términos de búsqueda incluyeron la combinación de las palabras clave (R)massage», (R)dementia», (R)therapy», (R)behavior disorders» y (R)Alzheimer». Selección de los estudios: Se seleccionaron 11 registros de los 496 localizados tras aplicar los CRITERIOS DE INCLUSIÓN: Los criterios de inclusión han sido ensayos clínicos, publicados en inglés o en español, en los que se ha analizado los efectos de la terapia del masaje sobre los comportamientos alterados en personas con demencia. Extracción de datos: Las principales variables recogidas son los beneficios del masaje, el tipo de masaje y el lubricante utilizado. RESULTADOS: Los estudios que han analizado las alteraciones conductuales de los pacientes con demencia han sido escasos. Sus autores utilizan diferentes técnicas de masaje (effleurage, pétrissage, presiones, fricciones y amasamientos), obteniendo beneficios en la mejora de los trastornos de conducta (agresividad, ansiedad, agitación y resistencia a los cuidados) de estos ancianos. CONCLUSIONES: El masaje terapéutico puede ser un tratamiento complementario en el programa de rehabilitación tradicional para mejorar las alteraciones conductuales de la demencia

OBJECTIVE: To know the efficacy of therapeutic massage on behavioral disturbances of elderly patients with dementia. Design: Literature review. Data source: The literature search was done in six scientific databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library Plus, PEDro, Dialnet, Scopus and CSIC, between 1983 and 2013. The search terms were 'massage', 'dementia', 'therapy', 'behavior disorders' and 'Alzheimer'. Selecion of studies: Of the 496 articles analyzed, 11 scientific articles have met the selection criteria. Inclusion criteria were: clinical trials, published in English or Spanish, which had analyzed the effects of massage therapy on altered behaviors in people with dementia. Data extraction: The variables were massage benefits, type of massage and massage lubricant. Results: Their authors use different massage techniques (effleurage, pétrissage, pressures, frictions and kneading), obtain better conduct disorders (aggression, anxiety, agitation, and resistance to care) of elderly. Conclusions: The therapeutic massage can be a complementary treatment in the rehabilitation program for better behavior disorders

Recent advances in massage therapy--a review.

Massage therapy is one of the most widely accepted alternative form of medicine helping patients suffering from varied pathological states including arthritis, anxiety, sleep problems, pain management and injury repair. Besides this, it is one of the safest forms of alternative medicine and has become favorite among various health care professionals. However, there is still a lot of debate is going in medical world pertaining to its certain use in modern medicine. So, the present review shall enlighten all the latest aspects of massage therapy in current medicine.

Referral to massage therapy in primary health care: a survey of medical general practitioners in rural and regional New South Wales, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: Massage therapists are an important part of the health care setting in rural and regional Australia and are the largest complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) profession based on both practitioner numbers and use. The purpose of this study was to survey medical general practitioners (GPs) in rural and regional New South Wales, Australia, to identify their knowledge, attitudes, relationships, and patterns of referral to massage therapy in primary health care. METHODS: A 27-item questionnaire was sent to all 1486 GPs currently practicing in rural and regional Divisions of General Practice in New South Wales, Australia. The survey had 5 general areas: the GP's personal use and knowledge of massage, the GP's professional relationships with massage practice and massage practitioners, the GP's specific opinions on massage, the GP's information-seeking behavior in relation to massage, and the GP's assumptions on massage use by patients in their local areas. RESULTS: A total of 585 questionnaires were returned completed, with 49 survey questionnaires returned as "no longer at this address" (response rate of 40.7%). More than three-quarters of GPs (76.6%) referred to massage therapy at least a few times per year, with 12.5% of GPs referring at least once per week. The GP being in a nonremote location (odds ratio [OR], 14.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7-50.0), graduating from an Australian medical school (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.09-3.70), perceiving a lack of other treatment options (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.15-6.01), perceiving good patient access to a wide variety of medical specialists (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 1.7-50.0), believing in the efficacy of massage therapy (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.58-4.78), experiencing positive results from patients using massage therapy previously (OR, 13.95; 95% CI, 5.96-32.64), or having prescribed any CAM previously (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.03-3.27) were all independently predictive of increased referral to massage therapy among the GPs in this study. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be substantial interface between massage therapy and GPs in rural and regional Australia. There are high levels of support for massage therapies among Australian GPs, relative to other CAM professions, with low levels of opposition to the incorporation of these therapies in patient care.

Has the use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies by U.S. adults with chronic disease-related functional limitations changed from 2002 to 2007?

OBJECTIVES: This study examined changes in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies by U.S. adults aged 18 years or older with chronic disease-related functional limitations between 2002 and 2007. DESIGN: The study was a cross-sectional survey. SETTING/LOCATION: The study was conducted in the United States. SUBJECTS: The study comprised adults aged 18 years or older with chronic disease-related functional limitations. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2002 and 2007 U.S. National Health Interview Survey to compare the use of 22 CAM therapies (n=9313 and n=7014, respectively). Estimates were age adjusted to the year 2000 U.S. standard population. RESULTS: The unadjusted and age-standardized prevalence of overall CAM use (22 therapies comparable between both survey years) was higher in 2007 than in 2002 (30.6% versus 26.9%, p<0.001 and 34.4% versus 30.6%, p<0.001, respectively). Adults with functional limitations that included changing and maintaining body position experienced a significant increase in CAM use between 2002 and 2007 (31.1%-35.0%, p<0.01). The use of deep breathing exercises was the most prevalent CAM therapy in both 2002 and 2007 and increased significantly during this period (from 17.9% to 19.9%, p<0.05). The use of meditation, massage, and yoga also increased significantly from 2002 and 2007 (11.0%-13.5%, p<0.01; 7.0%-10.9%, p<0.0001; and 5.1% to 6.6%, p<0.05, respectively), while the use of the Atkins diet decreased (2.2%- 1.4%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among U.S. adults with chronic disease-related functional limitations, the overall increase in CAM use from 2002 to 2007 was significant, particularly among those with changing and maintaining body position limitations.

Infiltración del ganglio impar y caudal en el manejo de la coccigodinia traumática rebelde al tratamiento analgésico convencional / Infiltration of ganglion impar and caudal in the management of traumatic coccydynia refractory to conventional analgesic treatment

Introducción. La coccigodinia es un término referido al dolor en la región del cóccix. La mayor parte de casos se asocian a una movilidad anormal del cóccix que puede provocar un proceso crónico inflamatorio que conduce a la degeneración de esta estructura. El tratamiento conservador debe ser de elección en este cuadro, y puede consistir en terapias manuales (masajes, estiramiento, manipulación y postural) inyecciones locales de esteroides o anestésicos. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte histórica de 23 pacientes con clínica de coccigodinia traumática sin respuesta a tratamiento médico. Se trataron con infiltración del ganglio impar y/o bloqueo caudal con lidocaina 1% y triancinolona 60-80mg bajo control radioscópico. De estos 23 pacientes, 21 estaban disponibles y completaron un cuestionario de evaluación del efecto de la infiltración del ganglio impar el bloque y/o el bloque caudal. Resultados. Se consideraron excelentes los resultados obtenidos en 16 de los 21 pacientes con coccigodinia traumática. En cinco pacientes los resultados eran moderados o pobres, aunque ninguno describiera aumento o empeoramiento del dolor después de las infiltraciones. El procedimiento no se asoció a complicaciones mayores. Conclusión. El bloqueo del ganglio impar y/o el bloqueo caudal conllevó un control del dolor coccígeo en la mayoría de pacientes (AU)

Introduction. Coccydynia is a term that refers to pain in the region of the coccyx. Most cases are associated with abnormal mobility of the coccyx which may trigger a chronic inflammatory process leading to degeneration of this structure. Non-surgical management remains the gold standard treatment for coccydynia, consisting of decreased sitting, seat cushioning, coccygeal massage, stretching, manipulation, local injection of steroids or anaesthetics, and postural adjustments. Material and methods. A retrospective study of 23 patients who underwent treatment for coccydynia and failed to respond to conservative management. They were treated by radiologically guided infiltration of the ganglion blockade impar and/or caudal blockade with 1% lidocaine 60-80mg triamcinolone. Of these 23 patients, 21 were available for clinical review and completed a questionnaire giving their assessment of the effect of the infiltration of the ganglion impar block and/or caudal block. Results. Good results were obtained in 16 of the 21 patients with coccydynia due to trauma. In five patients the results were moderate or poor, although none described worse pain after the operation. They are no complications after the infiltration. Conclusion. Ganglion impar block and/or caudal block offered satisfactory relief of pain in the majority of patients regardless of the cause of their symptoms (AU)

El dolor lumbar en el año 2009 / Lumbar pain in 2009

Todo el mundo reconoce la frecuencia tan elevada de las lumbalgias y su importante repercusión socioprofesional. El dolor lumbar es una de las patologías más frecuentes en las consultas de medicina general y de los especialistas del aparato locomotor (traumatólogos, reumatólogos y rehabilitadores). Tiene características de epidemia en las sociedades más desarrolladas y ha sido denominado por algunos autores como la “enfermedad del siglo”. Entre las consultas médicas, después de los síntomas del resfriado le siguen inmediatamente los dolores de espalda.El mantenimiento en el empleo de los trabajadores que sufren de la espalda y la prevención de la lumbalgia crónica constituyen preocupaciones crecientes de los responsables de la salud pública en razón de los costes elevados que esta problemática de salud genera en la colectividad. Para hacer frente a este problema mayor de salud pública, la literatura científica, apoyándose principalmente en estudios escandinavos y norteamericanos, propone y considera muy importante la actuación médica precoz y adecuada de la lumbalgia en la fase aguda (AU)

Almost everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their lives and recognizes the very high frequency of lower back pain and its significant social and occupational impact. Low back pain is one of the most common conditions in general practice consultations and musculoskeletal specialists (orthopedists, rheumatologists and rehabilitation). It has characteristics of an epidemic in most developed societies, and has been dubbed by some as "disease of the century". Between doctor visits, after cold symptoms followed immediately back pain.The job retention of workers suffering from back and preventing chronic back pain are growing concerns of those responsible for public health because of the high costs this creates health problems in the community. To address this major public health problem, the scientific literature, relying mainly on studies Scandinavian and North American, proposes and attaches great importance to early and appropriate medical intervention in low back pain in the acute phase (AU)

Disminución de la presión arterial en pacientes con arteriopatía periférica mediante el masaje reflejo del tejido conjuntivo / Decrease in blood pressure in patients with peripheral arterial disease by connective tissue reflex massage

Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia del masaje reflejo del tejido conjuntivo en la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica. Metodología: Participaron en el estudio 26 pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica del Distrito Sanitario de Granada durante un período de intervención de 15 semanas. La muestra de estudio se dividió de forma aleatoria en grupo experimental y grupo control. Los criterios de exclusión fueron los siguientes: insuficiencia arterial periférica en estadios más avanzados, insuficiencia venosa periférica, insuficiencia cardíaca, renal o hepática. La variable independiente considerada ha sido la aplicación del masaje reflejo del tejido conjuntivo según el método de Elizabeth Dicke. Asimismo, la variable dependiente estudiada ha sido la evaluación de la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica en ambas extremidades superiores. Resultados: Se observan diferencias significativas entre la valoración basal y las valoraciones posbasales, entre los dos grupos de estudio, en la presión arterial diastólica derecha (basal, p<0,043; primera valoración, p<0,041; segunda valoración, p<0,047) y la presión arterial sistólica izquierda (basal, p<0,042; primera valoración, p<0,04; segunda valoración, p<0,049). Conclusiones: El masaje reflejo del tejido conjuntivo genera un descenso de la presión arterial en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica en estadio I(AU)

Aims: Evaluate the effectiveness of connective tissue reflex massage on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Methodology: Twenty-six patients with peripheral arterial disease from the Health District of Granada participated in the study during a 15-week intervention period. The study sample was randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. Exclusion criteria were peripheral arterial insufficiency at more advanced stages, peripheral venous insufficiency, cardiac, renal or hepatic insufficiency. Application of the connective tissue reflex massage according to the method of Elizabeth Dicke was regarded as the independent variable. The dependent variable was evaluation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both upper limbs. Outcomes: Significant differences could be observed between the baseline and post-baseline evaluations between the two study groups in the right diastolic blood pressure (baseline, p<0.043; 1st evaluation, p<0.041; 2nd evaluation, p<0.047), and left systolic blood pressure (basal, p<0.042; 1st evaluation, p<0.04; 2nd evaluation, p<0.049). Conclusions: Connective tissue reflex massage causes a blood pressure decrease in patients with stage I peripheral arterial disease(AU)

Massage or music for pain relief in labour: a pilot randomised placebo controlled trial.

Research on massage therapy for maternal pain and anxiety in labour is currently limited to four small trials. Each used different massage techniques, at different frequencies and durations, and relaxation techniques were included in three trials. Given the need to investigate massage interventions that complement maternal neurophysiological adaptations to labour and birth pain(s), we designed a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the effects of a massage programme practised during physiological changes in pain threshold, from late pregnancy to birth, on women's reported pain, measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 90 min following birth. To control for the potential bias of the possible effects of support offered within preparation for the intervention group, the study included 3 arms--intervention (massage programme with relaxation techniques), placebo (music with relaxation techniques) and control (usual care). The placebo offered a non-pharmacological coping strategy, to ensure that use of massage was the only difference between intervention and placebo groups. There was a trend towards slightly lower mean pain scores in the intervention group but these differences were not statistically significant. No differences were found in use of pharmacological analgesia, need for augmentation or mode of delivery. There was a trend towards more positive views of labour preparedness and sense of control in the intervention and placebo groups, compared with the control group. These findings suggest that regular massage with relaxation techniques from late pregnancy to birth is an acceptable coping strategy that merits a large trial with sufficient power to detect differences in reported pain as a primary outcome measure.

Efficacy of manipulation for non-specific neck pain of recent onset: design of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Manipulation is a common treatment for non-specific neck pain. Neck manipulation, unlike gentler forms of manual therapy such as mobilisation, is associated with a small risk of serious neurovascular injury and can result in stroke or death. It is thought however, that neck manipulation provides better results than mobilisation where clinically indicated. There is long standing and vigorous debate both within and between the professions that use neck manipulation as well as the wider scientific community as to whether neck manipulation potentially does more harm than good. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether neck manipulation provides more rapid resolution of an episode of neck pain than mobilisation. METHODS/DESIGN: 182 participants with acute and sub-acute neck pain will be recruited from physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy practices in Sydney, Australia. Participants will be randomly allocated to treatment with either manipulation or mobilisation. Randomisation will occur after the treating practitioner decides that manipulation is an appropriate treatment for the individual participant. Both groups will receive at least 4 treatments over 2 weeks. The primary outcome is number of days taken to recover from the episode of neck pain. Cox regression will be used to compare survival curves for time to recovery for the manipulation and mobilisation treatment groups. DISCUSSION: This paper presents the rationale and design of a randomised controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of neck manipulation and neck mobilisation for acute and subacute neck pain.