Inhalation effect of lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly: a pilot randomized controlled study.

[Purpose] This pilot study aims to investigate the effects of inhaling lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly. [Participants and Methods] Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either the control (n=15) or experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group inhaled the scent from the lychee soy wax candle prior to going to bed for four weeks (20 minutes/session, three days/week). Perceived stress was assessed using the Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20), while sleep quality was assessed using the Thai-Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Thai-PSQI). All outcomes were determined at the baseline two weeks to four weeks after scent inhalation. [Results] The results indicated significant differences in sleep quality between the two groups. The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group. Although, there was no difference between groups, the experimental group presented significant decrease in stress as time passed whereas the opposite trend was seen for the control group. [Conclusion] This preliminary study suggests that the inhalation of lychee soy wax candles over a four-week period improved sleep quality in adults and the elderly but had no effect on reducing stress.

Efficacy of ultrasound therapy with neck retraction exercises vs. ultrasound therapy with deep cervical flexor training for excessive screen time users: a pilot randomized controlled study.

[Purpose] To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy in combination with neck retraction exercises and deep cervical flexor training on pain, forward head posture, and deep cervical flexor muscle strength in excessive screen time users. [Participants and Methods] This 4-week intervention study included 36 participants with forward head posture, categorized into three groups: 1) ultrasound therapy with neck retraction exercises 2) ultrasound therapy with deep cervical flexor training, and 3) a control group. The outcomes were pain, forward head posture, and strength of the deep cervical flexor muscles. [Results] The strength of the deep cervical flexor muscles exhibited a notable increase, indicating a relatively higher mean value in the first intervention group. Upon follow-up, significant changes in all outcomes were observed between the first intervention group and the control group. Also, significant differences were revealed in the deep cervical flexor muscles between the second intervention group and the control group. [Conclusion] Ultrasound therapy with neck retraction exercises could have a more positive effect on pain, forward head posture, and strength of the deep cervical flexor muscles in comparison to ultrasound therapy with deep cervical flexor training for excessive screen time users.

Effects of exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell on muscle strength and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell on leg muscle strength and balance in older adults. [Participants and Methods] The study consisted of 30 participants aged 60 years and older. The participants were randomly assigned to either the exercise (n=15) or control groups (n=15). The exercise group used a modified elastic band with a coconut shell three days a week for four weeks. Both groups received a single educational session on fall prevention after a baseline assessment. The Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were used to assess balance, respectively. The 30-second chair stand test (30CST) was also used to measure leg strength. All outcome parameters were measured at the beginning of the study, immediately after a single exercise session, and after four weeks of exercise. [Results] The FRT and 30CST significantly increased in the exercise group after four weeks of exercise. The TUG significantly decreased in the exercise group after completing the program. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell could effectively improve leg muscle strength and balance in older adults.

Smartphone addiction and its association with upper body musculoskeletal symptoms among university students classified by age and gender.

[Purpose] The purposes of this study were to: 1) survey smartphone addiction among university students, 2) survey the prevalence of upper body musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to the respondents' sitting posture, and 3) determine the association between smartphone addiction and upper body musculoskeletal symptoms, classified by age and gender. [Participants and Methods] Two self-report questionnaires were employed to collect data from 2,645 university students in Chiang Mai, Thailand. [Results] Of 2,027 respondents (860 males and 1,167 females), the participants' ages ranged from 18 to 26 years with a mean age of 20.5 ± 1.38 years. The prevalence of smartphone addiction and upper body musculoskeletal symptoms among participants were 15.9% and 30%, respectively. Overall, the mean value of pain severity was 3.66 ± 1.67 out of 10 on the visual analog scale. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that smartphone addiction (OR=6.05, 95% CI: 4.68-7.84), was significantly associated with upper-body musculoskeletal symptoms when adjusted by age and gender. [Conclusion] The prevalence of upper body musculoskeletal symptoms was relatively high, especially for female smartphone users and students aged over 20 years. These results suggest that smartphone addiction may be a potential risk factor for upper body musculoskeletal symptoms in university students.