AROMATHERAPY
To assess the efficacy and safety of Melissa officinalis ( Lemon Balm) in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
(Akhondzadeh S, et al.: Journal of neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry; 2003; Vol. 74 (863-866)
Subjects / Method: 18 women and 24 men (aged between 65 and 80) diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease and displaying mild to moderate dementia were randomised to a placebo or Mellissa Officinalis extract group. [The paper does not state how the Melissa Officinalis was administered or what the placebo involved]
Results: 35 patients completed the trail. At four months, Melissa Officinalis extract produced a significantly better outcome on cognitive function that the placebo group. Agitation was more common in the placebo group.
Conclusions: The authors state that " Melissa Officinalis extract is of value in the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer's" and "has a beneficial effect on the agitation experienced by patients".
The full paper can be viewed at: http://jnnp.bmjjournals.com
MASSAGE
Breast cancer patients have improved immune [...] function following massage therapy
(Hernandez-Reif M, et al.: Journal of Psychosomatic Research: July 2004: Vol. 57 (1); 45-52
Aim of Study: To examine whether massage therapy for women with breast cancer could: improve mood; reduce stress; and boost immunity.
Subjects/ Method: 34 women diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 breast cancer were randomly assigned (post surgery) to either a massage therapy group or control group. Those in the massage group received a 30 minute massage 3 times per week for 5 weeks. Massage consisted of stroking, squeezing and stretching techniques to the head, arms, legs, feet and back.
Results: Immediate benefits included a reduction in anxiety, depression and anger. Long term benefits included reduced depression and hostility and increased urinary dopamine, serotonin values and lymphocytes.
Conclusions: Women with Stage 1 and 2 breast cancer may benefit from thrice-weekly massage for reducing depressed mood, anxiety and anger.
A trial into the effectiveness of soft tissue massage in the treatment of shoulder pain
(van den Dolder PA, Roberts DL. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 2003; Vol. 49 93): 183-8)
Aim of Study: To investigate the effects of soft tissue massage on rage of motion, reported pain and reported function in patients with shoulder pain.
Subjects / Method: 29 patients referred to physiotherapy for shoulder pain were randomly assigned to either a treatment group that received 6 treatments of soft tissue massage around the shoulder (n=15) or to a control group that received no treatment while on a waiting list for 2 weeks 9n=14). Active range of motion was measured for flexion, abduction and hand-behind-back movements before and after the experimental period.
Results: The treatment group showed significant improvements in range of motion, flexion and hand-behind-back movements. Massage was also reported to reduce pain.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology in the management of encopresis and chronic constipation
(Bishop E, McKinnon E, Weir E, Brown DW. Paediatric Nursing, April 2003; Vol. 15 (3): 20-21)
Aim of the Study: To investigate the efficacy of treating children with encopresis (faecal incontinence, usually secondary to chronic constipation / stool withholding) and chroic constipation with reflexology.
Subjects / Method: 50 children between the ages of 3 and 14 who had a diagnosis of encopresis / chronic constipation each received a 30 inute reflexology session once a week for six weeks.
Results: Of the 50 children taking part, 48 completed the study. With the help of their parents, each child completed questionnaires on bowel motions and soiling patterns before, during and after treatment. Overall, the number of bowel motions increased and the incidence of soiling decreased. Parents were keen to try reflexology and were satisfied with the effects this therapy had on their child's condition.
Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Siev-Ner, D. Gamus, L. Lerner-Geva and A.Achiron (published in Multiple Sclerosis: Aug 2003: Vol 9; p 356-361)
Aims of the Study: To evaluate the effect of reflexology on symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including paresthesias (prickling / tingling sensation of the skin), spasticity, urinary symptoms and muscles strength.
Subjects / methods: 71 subjects with a definite diagnosis of MS were recruited and assigned to either a control or study group. Patients were excluded if they has an acute relapse 3 months before or during the study period, or if they had a recent onset or discontinuation of physiotherapy or any other manual therapies 9e.g massage). Each subject received a 45 minute treatment, once a week, for 11 consecutive weeks. Those in the study group received a reflexology treatment and massage of the calf area, whilst those in the control group received a sham treatment of non-specific massage to the calf muscle. Thirty-six reflexologists participated in the trail. Each therapist treated one study and one control patient. Two senior reflexologists supervised the treatments.
Results: Of the 71 patients recruited. 53 completed the study (27 of the study group and 26 of the control group). Comparisons between the control and studny group revealed that subjects who received reflexology showed marked improvements in terms of paresthesias, spasticity and urinary symptoms, but not in muscle strength. No significant improvements were noted in the control group.
Other useful articles are at: http://www.fht.org.uk/whats/articles.asp |
