Short Form Health Status Survey Research Articles

Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Adults with Fontan Circulatory Failure.

Background: Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are important measures in acquired heart disease but have not been well defined in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD). Our aim was to explore the discriminatory capacity of PRO survey tools in Fontan circulatory failure (FCF). Methods: Consecutive adults were enrolled from our ambulatory clinics. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, a Fontan circulation or a hemodynamically insignificant shunt lesion, and sufficient cognitive/language abilities to complete PROs. A comprehensive package of PRO measures, designed to assess perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was administered (including the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ-12], EuroQol-5-dimension [EQ5D], Short Form Health Status Survey [SF-12], self-reported New York Heart Association [NYHA] Functional Class, and Specific Activity Scale [SAS]). Results: We compared 54 Fontan patients (35 ± 10 years) to 25 simple shunt lesion patients (34 ± 11 years). The KCCQ-12 score was lower in Fontan versus shunt lesion patients (87 [IQR 79, 95] versus 100 [IQR 97, 100], p-value < 0.001). The FCF subgroup was associated with lower KCCQ-12 scores as compared with the non-FCF subgroup (82 [IQR 56, 89] versus 93 [IQR 81, 98], p-value = 0.002). Although the KCCQ-12 had the best discriminatory capacity for determination of FCF of all PRO tools studied (c-statistic 0.75 [CI 0.62, 0.88]), superior FCF discrimination was achieved when the KCCQ-12 was combined with all PRO tools (c-statistic 0.82 [CI 0.71, 0.93]). Conclusions: The KCCQ-12 questionnaire demonstrated good discriminatory capacity for the identification of FCF, which was further improved through the addition of complementary PRO tools. Further research will establish the value of PRO tools to guide management strategies in ACHD.

Relationship between chronic disease resource utilization and quality of life in coronary heart disease patients: A latent profile analysis.

This study aimed to identify different profiles of chronic disease resource utilization among patients with coronary heart disease in Tibet and explore the relationship between these profiles and quality of life. A cross-sectional study. Patients with coronary heart disease who were treated in a tertiary hospital in Tibet and its cooperative points from January 2021 to July 2021 were selected as the study participants. All participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Chronic Disease Resource Utilization Questionnaire (CIRS) and the Health Status Survey Short Form (SF-36). Chronic disease resource utilization was profiled, and its relationship to quality of life was explored using hierarchical linear regression. A total of 382 patients were enrolled in this study. Regarding chronic disease resource utilization, the participants were divided into three latent profiles: 'Poor utilization group' (n = 151), 'Effective utilization group' (n = 155) and 'Full utilization group' (n = 76). Different profiles of chronic disease resource utilization of patients were significantly associated with quality of life (R2 = .126, p < .001). Healthcare providers should identify patients with different profiles, define their utilization features of chronic disease resources and adopt targeted interventions to guide them in acquiring enough disease support resources to improve their quality of life. Understanding different resources using preferences of coronary heart disease patients can help healthcare providers and related sectors to provide other supports based on different profiles of patients, thus enhancing their quality of life. The study followed the STROBE guideline. There was no patient or public involvement in the design of the study.

Assessing Functional Cognition and Health During COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender Differences Among Community-Dwelling Adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic has long-term implications for adult health and function, whether or not people were infected with the disease. Although cognitive disruptions are among the major symptoms of COVID-19, most research focused on managing medical symptoms, such as respiratory symptoms or pain. Thus, less is known about the pandemic's long-term implications for assessing functional cognition. This study aimed to examine COVID-19's effects on community-dwelling adults' functional cognition and health, comparing gender differences. This cross-sectional study divided 118 community-dwelling adults (25 previously infected with COVID-19) into gender groups. Primary outcome measures included the Daily Living Questionnaire (DLQ) and short form health status survey, SF-12. No significant differences were found in functional cognition or health between participants who had contracted COVID-19 and those who remained healthy, but men had better functional cognition and health measures in comparison with women. Gender differences in functional cognition and health state may relate to gender-based family roles. It is essential to assess functional cognition of young adults who were exposed to a pandemic, such as COVID-19, because it may significantly affect their health and functional status. The DLQ is a reliable, valid assessment of functional cognition that may suit individuals who previously contracted COVID-19.

NUTRITION, INFLAMMATION, AND PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH IN AGING ADULTS WITH CHRONIC WOUNDS

Abstract Nutritional status can impact the healing of chronic leg wounds (CLW). This secondary data analysis examined characteristics associated with nutritional status among aging adults (N=62, M= 57.5, SD 12.1 years of age) living with a CLW who were enrolled in a randomized control trial to test a novel ultrasound intervention on wound healing. Nutritional status (Mini-Nutrition Assessment, [MNA]), physical and mental health (36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey), and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein [CRP]) were measured at baseline. Majority of the participants were male (54.8%), non-Hispanic Black (67.7%) and either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (64.5%). Compared to individuals with normal nutrition, individuals with malnutrition or risk for malnutrition had on average poorer physical health (38.7 vs 33.4, p &amp;lt;0.01), mental health (52.4 vs 45.8, p=0.03) and greater inflammation (CRP=13.4 vs 24.0, p=0.05). Tailored interventions targeting nutritional status, inflammation, physical and mental health are needed in aging adults with CLW.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease combined with Oddi sphincter dysfunction: control of health-related quality of life in patients

Background. Due to the need to assess the impact of comorbid pathology (GERD and Oddi sphincter dysfunction), it is not possible to use such well-known specific questionnaires as the GERD Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia and others. The purpose: to study Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) before and after treatment in patients with GERD, combined with dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi, using Short Form Health Status Survey (SF-36) and the self-developed specific questionnaire. Materials and methods. 30 patients with comorbid diseases GERD and Oddi’s sphincter dysfunction were studied. SF-36 and the self-developed specific questionnaire were used. Results. The specific questionnaire for patients with gastoesophageal reflux disease combined with Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction was worked out. The evaluation of the questionnaire (patients comprehensiveness of questions, timesuming etc.) was explored. Using SF-36, it was significant improvement of HRQoL for all scales after treatment compared with initial data: physical functioning (PF, (77,1±2,0) versus (71,4±2,2)), role-physical functioning (RP, (52,1±5,0) versus (30,6±2,4)), bodily pain (BP, (65,8±1,2) versus (48,7±2,1)), social functioning (SF, (69,5±2,0) versus (50,8±2,1)), mental health (MH, (68,5±2,1) versus (49,8±1,8)), role emotional (RE, (65,2±4,7) versus (35,8±3,7)), vitality (VT, (63,3±2,1) versus (43,2±2,2)), general health (GH, (58,1±2,4) versus (46,1±1,7) points). All patients had decreased HRQoL due to comorbid GERD and sphincter dysfunction Oddi. Moderate or significant disorders of activity and rhythm of life due to these diseases was revealed, but after treatment there was an improvement in significant HRQoL in all patients, in addition to psycho-emotional perception of their diseases became more positive. Conclusions. All patients had decreased HRQoL due to comorbid GERD and sphincter dysfunction Oddi, and it improved after treatment in most of patients.

Quality of life of women with a history of adenomyosis and papillary thyroid carcinoma

The objective: to assess the quality of life of women with a history of adenomyosis and papillary thyroid carcinoma (thyroid).Materials and methods. 124 women aged 24–45 years old were examined: the I group included 61 women with a history of adenomyosis and papillary thyroid carcinoma, and the II group included 63 women with adenomyosis and normal thyroid status. The severity of pelvic pain was assessed on a visual-analog scale (VAS) in the intermenstrual and menstrual periods. Quality of life of the persons was assessed on the basis of a non-specific quality of life questionnaire Short Form Health Status Survey (SF-36).Results. According to results of VAS there was no significant difference in the intensity of pain between patients of the I and II groups. The average intensity of pelvic pain in menstrual (6.9±0.76 cm in the I group and 6.7±0.79 cm – in the II one) and intermenstrual periods (5.9±1.0 and 5.5±0.85 cm, respectively) corresponded to the level of “severe pain”.Analysis of the results of the SF-36 questionnaire demonstrated a decrease in quality of life scales in patients of both groups. Despite the absence of a significant difference in the intensity of pain between women in both groups, the indicators of physical functioning scale (61.5±13.1 points in the I group and 78.50±8.2 points – II group; p&lt;0.05), general health (21.8±11.2 and 48.2±12.0 points, respectively; p&lt;0.05), vital activity (31.5±9.9 and 51.0±7.4 points; p&lt;0.05), mental health (40.4±10.4 and 50.4±7.1 points; p&lt;0.05) and integrated indicators of physical (37.3±5.5 and 41.4±4.3 points; p&lt;0.05) and psychological components of patient health (32.6±5.3 and 36.9±7.5, points; p&lt;0.05) in the I group were significantly lower compared to patients in the II group.Conclusions. The physical and psychological health of women with a history of adenomyosis and papillary thyroid carcinoma is influenced by a combination of factors, including clinical manifestations of adenomyosis and the effects of thyroid carcinogenesis, which lead to reduced physical and psychological functioning.

Stereotactic vs open biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions. Their impact on short term quality of life

ABSTRACT Stereotactic biopsy and open biopsy represent useful diagnostic tools of breast lesions. However, both affect the Quality of Life (QoL) in various degrees. We conducted this prospective longitudinal comparative study in order, first to access the impact of these techniques on short-term QoL and second to compare and critically discuss our results with those of literature review. Group A (58 patients) underwent vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy and Group B (46 patients) underwent open biopsy. The Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQol) was estimated using the European Quality of Life scale (EuroQol) and the SF-36 (The 36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey) questionnaires. The stereotactic breast biopsy seems to be more accepted from the patients as it affects quality of life to a lesser extent than open breast biopsy. This difference is mainly attributable to a reduction of physical discomfort and pain.

Outcomes of a Comprehensive Pain Rehabilitation Program for Patients With Fibromyalgia.

ObjectiveTo analyze opioid intake interference with psychological, well-being, and functional outcomes and medication tapering in patients with fibromyalgia admitted to the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Program (MCPRP) in Florida.Patients and MethodsA retrospective study on MCPRP outcomes was conducted. We reviewed the health records of 150 patients with fibromyalgia who participated in the program from May 1, 2014, to May 1, 2015. All patients were asked to fill out a survey at admission to and dismissal from the program. Surveys contained questions from the numeric pain score, Multidimensional Pain Inventory (perceived life control and interference of pain subscales), Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, 36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey (general health perceptions subscale), and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. A medical record review identified categories and number of medications at program admission and dismissal. Patients were divided in 2 groups: those whose concomitant medication did not include opioids at admission (no opioids group) and those whose concomitant medication included opioids at admission (opioids group).ResultsBy dismissal from the MCPRP, patients with fibromyalgia in the no opioids group had a significant (P<.05) improvement in all the self-reported scores. Medication, including opioids, were effectively tapered at a substantially higher percentage in the opioids group.ConclusionBenefit of the comprehensive pain rehabilitation program in patients with fibromyalgia was indicated by clinical improvements in pain severity, physical and emotional health, and functional capacity while successfully tapering medication. Opioid intake at admission may modify the program outcomes.

Virtual Rehabilitation in Parkinson Disease: A Dopamine Transporter Imaging Study.

The aim of the study was to verify the effect of a virtual rehabilitation protocol for patients with Parkinson disease, primarily assessing striatal dopamine transporters and secondarily motor symptoms and quality of life. Nineteen patients with Parkinson disease underwent an 8-wk virtual rehabilitation protocol using XBOX 360S. Evaluation of dopamine transporters was performed by single-photon emission computed tomography using TRODAT-1 as the radioligand. Participants were clinically assessed using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale to quantify motor symptoms. Moreover, the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire and Short-Form Health Status Survey were used to assess quality of life and the Berg Balance Scale to assess balance. Regarding our primary outcome, dopamine transporter was significantly increased in the putamen contralateral to the clinically most affected body side (P = 0.034) considering preintervention and postintervention measurements. Furthermore, we observed significant improvement in Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (10-point reduction, P = 0.001), Parkinson Disease Questionnaire (11.3-point reduction, P = 0.001), Short-Form Health Status Survey ("Functional capacity," P = 0.001; "Pain," P = 0.006; and "Mental Health" domains, P < 0.001), and Berg Balance Scale (5-point increase, P = 0.015). In our group of Parkinson disease patients, this virtual rehabilitation protocol enabled a dopamine transporter increase in the region of the putamen contralateral to the clinically most affected body side. Moreover, motor signs and quality of life were significantly improved.

Quality of life and psychological outcomes of body-weight supported locomotor training in spinal cord injured persons with long-standing incomplete lesions.

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) data from two parallel independent single-blinded controlled randomized studies of manual (Study 1) and robotic (Study 2) locomotor training were combined (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00854555). To assess effects of body-weight supported locomotor training (BWSLT) programs on HRQOL in persons with long-standing motor incomplete spinal cord injury and poor walking function. Two inpatient rehabilitation facilities and one outpatient clinic in Norway. Data were merged into intervention (locomotor training 60 days) or control group ("usual care"). Participants completed questionnaires before randomization and 2-4 weeks after the study period, including demographic characteristics, HRQOL (36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey, SF-36), physical activity (The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, IPAQ-SF), exercise barrier self-efficacy (EBSE), and motivation for training (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire, BREQ). Physical outcomes i.e., Lower extremity motor score (LEMS) was assessed. The main outcome was change in HRQOL. Secondary outcomes included changes in IPAQ-SF, EBSE, BREQ, and physical outcomes. We recruited 37 of 60 predetermined participants. They were autonomously motivated with high baseline physical activity. BWSLT with manual or robot assistance did not improve HRQOL, though LEMS increased in the BWSLT group compared with control group. The study was underpowered due to recruitment problems. The training programs seem to benefit LEMS, but not other physical outcomes, and had minimal effects on HRQOL, EBSE, and motivation. Autonomous motivation and high physical activity prior to the study possibly limited the attainable outcome benefits, in addition to limitations due to poor baseline physical function.

Evaluating the Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation Used for Foot Drop on Aspects of Health-Related Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common degenerative neurologic condition resulting in walking difficulties. Foot drop is a common walking impairment in MS that can affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can improve walking in people with MS, but its effect on HRQOL is not well established. This review investigated the effect of FES used for foot drop on HRQOL in adults with MS. A systematic search was performed using CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and PEDro online databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select eligible studies. Data were extracted, and two reviewers independently rated the quality of the studies using the Effective Public Health Practice Project assessment tool. Eight studies were eligible for review; seven were of moderate-to-strong methodological quality and one was weak. Seven studies demonstrated significant positive effects of FES on different aspects of HRQOL as measured by the 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. This review provides preliminary evidence that FES has a positive effect on aspects of HRQOL in people with MS; however, the variety of HRQOL outcomes used makes it difficult to determine definitive conclusions. Future larger-scale randomized studies with long-term follow-up are recommended to better understand the effect of FES on HRQOL. This will inform prescribing decisions and support compliance with FES over the longer-term.

Quality of Life Is Worse at 6-10 Years after Radioactive Iodine Treatment of Graves’ Disease as Compared with Antithyroid Drugs or Surgery

Quality of Life Is Worse at 6-10 Years after Radioactive Iodine Treatment of Graves’ Disease as Compared with Antithyroid Drugs or Surgery

Impaired Quality of Life After Radioiodine Therapy Compared to Antithyroid Drugs or Surgical Treatment for Graves' Hyperthyroidism: A Long-Term Follow-Up with the Thyroid-Related Patient-Reported Outcome Questionnaire and 36-Item Short Form Health Status Survey

Hyperthyroidism is known to have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL), at least in the short term. The purpose of the present study was to assess QoL in patients 6-10 years after treatment for Graves' disease (GD) with radioiodine (RAI) compared to those treated with thyroidectomy or antithyroid drugs (ATD) as assessed with both thyroid-specific Thyroid-Related Patient-Reported Outcome (ThyPRO) questionnaire and general (36-item Short Form Health Status) QoL survey. The study evaluated 1186 GD patients in a sub-cohort from an incidence study 2003-2005 who had been treated according to routine clinical practice at seven participating centers. Patients were included if they had returned the ThyPRO (n = 975) and/or the 36-item Short Form Health Status survey questionnaire (n = 964) and informed consent at follow-up. Scores from ThyPRO were compared to scores from a general population sample (n = 712) using multiple linear regression adjusting for age and sex as well as multiple testing. Treatment-related QoL outcome for ATD, RAI, and surgery were compared, including adjustment for the number of treatments received, sex, age, and comorbidity. Regardless of treatment modality, patients with GD had worse thyroid-related QoL 6-10 years after diagnosis compared to the general population. Patients treated with RAI had worse thyroid-related and general QoL than patients treated with ATD or thyroidectomy on the majority of QoL scales. Sensitivity analyses supported the relative negative comparative effects of RAI treatment on QoL in patients with hyperthyroidism. GD is associated with a lower QoL many years after treatment compared to the general population. In a previous small randomized controlled trial, no difference was found in patient satisfaction years after ATD, RAI, or surgery. Now, it is reported that in a large non-randomized cohort, patients who received RAI had adverse scores on ThyPRO and 36-item Short Form Health Status survey. These findings in a Swedish population are limited by comparison to normative data from Denmark, older age, and possibly a more prolonged course in those patients who received RAI, and a lack of information regarding thyroid status at the time of evaluation. The way RAI may adversely affect QoL is unknown, but since the results may be important for future considerations regarding treatment options for GD, they need to be substantiated in further studies.

Improving Quality of Life in Patients at Risk for Post-Intensive Care Syndrome.

ObjectiveTo improve quality of life (QOL) in patients at risk for post–intensive care syndrome (PICS).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a mixed-method, prospective, observational, pre-post interventional study in an adult medical and mixed medical/surgical/transplant intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary academic hospital. Preintervention included patients admitted from October 1 through October 31, 2016, and postintervention included patients admitted from January 15 through February 14, 2017. First, a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders identified barriers associated with decreased QOL in patients at risk for PICS. Next, interventions were designed and implemented. The effect of interventions was assessed using a mixed-method analysis. The qualitative analysis used a modified grounded theory approach. The quantitative analysis included assessment of preexisting symptoms and risk factors associated with PICS. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey (SF-36), which surveys physical and mental composite scores, was used to assess QOL.ResultsBarriers identified were lack of awareness and understanding of PICS. Interventions included educational videos, paper and online education and treatment materials, and online and in-person support groups for education and treatment. After interventions, the qualitative analysis found that patients who participated in the interventions after hospital discharge showed improved QOL, whereas education during hospitalization alone was not effective. The quantitative analysis did not find improvement in QOL, as defined by SF-36 physical or mental composite scores.ConclusionInterventions targeted to patients after hospitalization may offer subjective improvement in QOL for those at risk for PICS.

Correlation formation in life quality, illness uncertainty, negative emotions and medical coping styles among pulmonary embolism patients

Objective To explore the correlation in life quality, illness uncertainty, negative emotions and medical coping modes among pulmonary embolism patients to construct a structural equation model in them. Methods From April 2015 to December 2016, 217 pulmonary embolism patients of Department of Pulmonary in a Class Ⅲ Grade A hospital in Tianjin were selected by convenience sampling. Patients were investigated with the 12-item Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short-Form Health Status Survey (SF-12) , Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS) , Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) , Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) . The correlation analysis and structural equation model were used to explore the correlation in life quality, illness uncertainty, negative emotions and medical coping modes and to construct a structural equation model in them. Results In terms of mental health, avoidance of MCMQ had the strongest total effects (-0.95) on it; illness uncertainty had the strongest indirect effects (-0.55) on it. In terms of physical health, confrontation of MCMQ had the strongest direct effects (0.794) . Conclusions Bettering pulmonary embolism patients' illness uncertainty and medical coping modes can effectively improve their life quality. Key words: Quality of life; Pulmonary embolism; Structural equation model

Effect of multimorbidity on quality of life in adult with cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of present study was to describe the effect of multimorbidity on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsA cross-sectional study with a simple sampling method of 296 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery in a referral hospital of the northern part of Iran was conducted between April, 2015 and September, 2016. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of at least two chronic diseases based on self-reporting and medical records. HRQoL was measured using the 36-item short form (SF-36) health status survey. We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effect of multimorbidity on mental and physical component of HRQoL.ResultsApproximately, 69% of CAD patients had at least one other disease like diabetes or hypertension. Patients without multimorbidity compared with patients with multimorbidity were significantly older (p = 0.012) and more educated (p = 0.002). Both physical and mental component score of HRQoL was better in patients without any morbidity (48.82 vs. 43.93 with 95%CI of mean difference: 3.37–6.42 and 54.85 vs. 50.44 with 95% CI of mean difference: 1.68–7.15, respectively). Both physical and mental component score was significantly lower in female and lower educated patients (physical mean score 43.07 vs. 46.54 with P = .001 and 42.53 vs. 46.82 with P < .001 and mental mean score 49.98 vs. 52.65 with P = .055 and 49.80 vs. 52.75 with P = .022 for sex and education, respectively). Also, two-way ANOVA showed that regards to morbidity, physical component score was greater in patients with lower education level than higher education level (P < .001).ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that women, lower education level and overweight patients reported lower quality of life. HRQoL is affected by multimorbidity among CAD patients specially in less educated.

Effects of exercise training on exercise capacity, cardiac function, BMI, and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

Exercise training has become part of the standard care for patients with cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity, cardiac function, BMI, and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We searched for randomized-controlled trials of supervised exercise training versus care without exercise training (the control) in patients with permanent or nonpermanent AF published up to November 2016. Standard mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effect models. We identified 259 trials, and after an assessment of relevance, five trials with a combined total of 379 participants were analyzed. In AF patients, exercise training significantly improved exercise capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction compared with the control (SMD: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.12; MD: 4.8%, 95% CIs: 1.56 to 8.03, respectively). Compared with the control, exercise training also significantly reduced BMI (MD: -0.47 kg/m, 95% CIs: -0.89 to -0.06) and significantly improved scores in the 'general health' and 'vitality' sections of the 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey (SMD: 0.71, 95% CIs: 0.30 to 1.12; SMD: 0.81, 95% CIs: 0.40 to 1.23, respectively). Exercise training improved exercise capacity, left ventricular ejection fraction, and some the 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey scores, and reduced BMI in AF patients.

Mindfulness in Motion for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study.

Mindfulness in Motion is an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention that uses yoga movement, mindfulness meditation, and relaxing music. This study examined the feasibility of using Mindfulness in Motion in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the effect of this program on stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS. Twenty-two people with MS completed the 8-week mindfulness program as well as assessments 1 week before and after the intervention. Pre/post comparison of four self-reported questionnaires-the Mental Health Inventory, 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-showed significant improvement in physical functioning, vitality, and mental health. Specifically, improvements were seen in anxiety, depression, and positive affect; cognitive, psychosocial, and overall functioning regarding fatigue; and mindfulness in the areas of observing, acting with awareness, nonjudgment, and nonreactivity. Due to the uncertainty in disease progression associated with MS, and the multiplicity of mental and physical symptoms associated with it, programming that addresses anxiety, depression, and fatigue is a key area of future research in MS disease management. Mindfulness in Motion proved to be a feasible program yielding positive results, supporting the need for research to determine the extent to which the program can improve quality-of-life outcomes for people with MS.

Feasibility and Impact of an 8-Week Integrative Yoga Program in People with Moderate Multiple Sclerosis-Related Disability: A Pilot Study.

This pilot study determined the feasibility of a specifically designed 8-week yoga program for people with moderate multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability. We explored the program's effect on quality of life (QOL) and physical and mental performance. We used a single-group design with repeated measurements at baseline, postintervention, and 8-week follow-up. Feasibility was examined through cost, recruitment, retention, attendance, and safety. Outcomes included the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory (MSQLI), 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS), Multidirectional Reach Test (MDRT), maximum expiratory pressure, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-3″ (PASAT-3″). Fourteen participants completed the study. The program was feasible. There were significant main effects on the 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey Mental Component Summary (SF-36 MCS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Bladder Control Scale (BLCS), Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), Mental Health Inventory (MHI), MSWS-12, T25FW, NHPT, PASAT-3″, 6MWT, FTSTS, and MDRT-Back. Improvements were found on the SF-36 MCS, MFIS, BLCS, PDQ, MHI, and MSWS-12 between baseline and postintervention. The effect on PDQ persisted at follow-up. Improvements were found on the T25FW, NHPT, 6MWT, FTSTS, and MDRT-Back between baseline and postintervention that persisted at follow-up. The PASAT-3″ did not change between baseline and postintervention but did between postintervention and follow-up. The yoga program was safe and feasible. Improvements in certain measures of QOL and performance were seen at postintervention and follow-up.

Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients With Narcolepsy Treated With Sodium Oxybate: Use of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey in a Clinical Trial.

IntroductionThe present post hoc analysis was designed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey (SF-36) during an 8-week trial of sodium oxybate (SXB).MethodsSF-36 was assessed in a phase 3 placebo-controlled trial in patients with narcolepsy (N = 228) randomized to placebo or SXB in doses of 4.5, 6, or 9 g nightly for 8 weeks. Changes from baseline in SF-36 (last observation carried forward) were compared between SXB and placebo, and effect sizes (ES) were estimated.ResultsBaseline SF-36 values were lower than normative values for the US general population. After 8 weeks of treatment, mean (±standard deviation) improvement from baseline on the Physical Component Summary (PCS) was significantly greater with SXB 9 g/night than placebo (6.3 ± 9.1 vs. 1.5 ± 6.2; p = 0.005), with moderate ES; no significant difference was found between the SXB and placebo groups on the Mental Component Summary. SXB 9 g/night resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) greater improvements than placebo in Physical Functioning (4.4 ± 9.2 vs. 1.0 ± 8.0), General Health (GH; 3.1 ± 7.0 vs. 0.4 ± 6.8), and Social Functioning (6.8 ± 16.8 vs. 1.1 ± 9.6). All SXB doses resulted in significant improvement (p < 0.05) relative to placebo for Vitality, with moderate ES. No significant differences versus placebo were observed for Role–Physical, Role–Emotional, or Mental Health domains.ConclusionTreatment with SXB was associated with a dose-dependent improvement in HRQoL, with the 9-g nightly dose demonstrating a positive impact on PCS and individual SF-36 domains of Vitality, GH, and Physical and Social Functioning.Trial registrationNCT00049803.FundingJazz Pharmaceuticals.