Low-impact Exercise Research Articles

A IMPORTÂNCIA DA FISIOTERAPIA EM LUXAÇÃO DE PATELA EM CÃES

Physical therapy in cases of patellar luxation in dogs is an essential therapeutic approach that aims not only to alleviate pain but also to restore functionality and prevent future complications. Patellar luxation can result in significant discomfort and difficulty in locomotion, affecting the animal's quality of life. The physiotherapeutic intervention is designed to address these issues through a set of techniques that include muscle strengthening exercises, which help stabilize the knee joint, and stretching, which improves flexibility and range of motion. Hydrotherapy, for example, is often used to allow low-impact exercises, reducing stress on the joints while promoting muscle strengthening. Additionally, manual therapy can be applied to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation in the affected area. Physical therapy not only accelerates post-surgical recovery when surgery is necessary but can also be an effective alternative for conservative management in less severe cases. By tailoring treatment protocols to the specific needs of each dog, physical therapy significantly contributes to the rehabilitation and overall well-being of the animals, standing out as a fundamental part of the multidisciplinary treatment of patellar luxation.

Effect of swimming exercise program on quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

This research aimed to examine the effect of a swimming exercise program on the quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs are a common complication of diabetes that significantly impact patients' physical and psychological well-being and impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Physical activity, including swimming, has been shown to improve various aspects of health and well-being. However, its specific effects on the quality of life in patients with DFUs have not been extensively studied. The study included twenty patients diagnosed with DFUs who volunteered to participate in a 12-week swimming exercise program. The program consisted of three one-hour sessions per week, with exercises performed in an indoor swimming pool. Participants' quality of life was assessed using the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale Short Form (DFS-SF) before the program and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks into the program. The results demonstrated significant improvements in various domains of quality of life among participants. The leisure, physical health, dependence/daily life, negative emotions, worry about ulcers/feet, and bothered by ulcer care domains all showed positive changes, with reduced scores on negative items and increased scores on positive items over time. These findings highlight the potential benefits of swimming as a therapeutic intervention for improving the quality of life in patients with DFUs. Swimming, as a low-impact aerobic exercise, offers physiological and psychological advantages, including fat burning, mood improvement, stress reduction, and enhanced cognitive function. The study suggests that incorporating swimming exercise programs into the management and treatment of DFUs may lead to improved overall well-being and quality of life for these patients. Further research and larger-scale studies are necessary to validate these findings and explore the long-term effects of swimming exercise programs on the quality of life in patients with DFUs. Nevertheless, this research provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals in developing comprehensive treatment approaches for individuals with DFUs.

Pemberian Senam Low Impact untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan Reproduksi bagi Remaja Siswa-Siswi SMAN 7 Malang

Adolescent reproductive health is a crucial aspect in the development of the quality of life for young generations. This community service activity aims to evaluate the effectiveness of low-impact exercise in improving reproductive health among students of SMAN 7 Malang. The method used is a participatory approach with low-impact exercise training conducted over 12 weeks. A total of 120 randomly selected students participated in this program. Reproductive health data were collected through questionnaires before and after the intervention, covering aspects such as knowledge of reproductive health, healthy living habits, and the frequency of reproductive health symptoms. Evaluation results showed a significant increase in participants' reproductive health scores after participating in the low-impact exercise program. The conclusion of this activity indicates that low-impact exercise can be an effective method in school reproductive health education programs. It is hoped that this program can be implemented routinely and become part of the physical education curriculum to improve adolescent reproductive health.

From Stiffness to Strength: The Role of Physical Activity in Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and potential disability. While pharmacological treatments are central to managing RA, physical activity plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. This article explores the influence of physical activity on RA, detailing its benefits, challenges, and best practices. Physical activity offers numerous benefits for RA patients, including reduced pain, improved joint function, enhanced physical mobility, and better mental health. Regular exercise also mitigates the risk of cardiovascular disease, improves bone density, and contributes to overall quality of life. Suitable forms of physical activity for RA patients include low-impact aerobic exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, balance training, and mind-body practices like yoga and Tai Chi. Despite these benefits, RA patients face challenges in engaging in physical activity, such as pain, fatigue, and psychological barriers. Properly tailored exercise programs, guided by healthcare professionals, can help overcome these challenges, ensuring that patients can safely incorporate physical activity into their management plans. This article highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, integrating physical activity with conventional RA treatments, to optimize patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Yoga on Blood Pressure in Women Between the Ages of 30 and 40 Years

High blood pressure or hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aims to prove the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and yoga in lowering blood pressure in mothers. The study was conducted using experimental methods and involved 28 participants selected by purposive sampling from Nogosari village, Boyolali regency, Indonesia, during 12 sessions. Blood pressure data were collected from participants with hypertension before and after aerobic exercise and yoga. Measurements were taken on participants for 12 sessions in one month using a blood pressure monitor. The device used in this study was a sphygmomanometer ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Statistical tests were performed using independent samples t-tests with a significance level of p <0.05. The results of the homogeneity test showed that the systolic and diastolic variance in the control and experimental groups had the same variance with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results of both mean difference tests showed that there were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the aerobic and yoga groups. This can be seen from the value of P-value Independent Samples t-test < 0.05. The results showed that low-impact aerobic exercise and yoga had a significant effect on blood pressure in women aged 30-40 years. Based on these data, it can be concluded that there is a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from the category of moderate hypertension to normal-high in women aged 30-40 years after doing aerobic exercise and yoga.

The association between different impact exercises and osteoporosis: an analysis of data from the Taiwan biobank

Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition marked by reduced bone density and an elevated risk of fractures, especially among postmenopausal women. Exercise plays a crucial role in preventing and managing osteoporosis, with weight-bearing and impact exercises being particularly effective in enhancing bone density and mitigating disease risk. This study investigated the relationship between various types of impact exercises and osteoporosis using data from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB). The study sample comprised 5,123 individuals without osteoporosis and 1,770 individuals with the condition. Student’s t-test and logistic regression analyses were utilized to assess the associations between exercise types and osteoporosis risk. Results indicated that high-impact exercise significantly reduced the likelihood of developing osteoporosis compared to no exercise (odds ratio; OR = 0.573, 95% CI: 0.406–0.810, P = 0.002). Conversely, low-impact exercises did not show a significant overall association with osteoporosis (OR = 1.160, 95% CI: 0.932–1.445, P = 0.184). Stratified analysis by sex revealed that high-impact exercise was protective against osteoporosis in men (OR = 0.391, 95% CI: 0.202–0.755, P = 0.005), but not significantly so in women (OR = 0.671, 95% CI: 0.438–1.027, P = 0.066). These findings suggest that high-impact exercise is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis, particularly among Taiwanese men aged 30 to 70.

Preparing Oncology Patients for Surgery: A Prehab Pilot Program

Only 7% of oncology patients complete enough low-impact exercise despite long-term benefit. Prehabilitation is a method to build functional status before major stressors, such as surgery. To improve patient recovery, a nurse practitioner developed a prehabilitation pilot program at a busy surgical center focusing on providing physical therapy exercises to oncologic patients before major abdominal surgery. This article delineates the creation, implementation, assessment of benefits, and improvement measures of the pilot program in detail, which resulted in a 59.93% increase in participants’ functional status (N = 6).

Impact of Tai Chi and Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function, Balance, Cardiovascular Fitness, and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Randomized Control Trial.

Introduction Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, was originally developed for combat and self-defense. Over time, it has evolved into both a sport and a form of exercise. This gentle, low-impact exercise involves performing a series of deliberate, flowing motions while focusing on deep, slow breaths. This study investigates the effects of chen tai chi and aerobic exercises on cognition, balance, cardiopulmonary fitness, and quality of life in older adults. Methodology This study employed a single-blinded randomized control trial design, enrolling 60 participants aged between 60 and 75 years. Participants were divided into three groups: Group A (aerobics), Group B (chen tai chi), and Group C (control). Exercise sessions were held four days per week over a period of four weeks. Evaluations included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for cognition, a one-leg stand test for static balance, a Timed Up and Go Test for dynamic balance, a six-minute walk test for cardiopulmonary fitness, and a health-related quality-of-life scale. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at follow-up was taken after eight weeks. Results Post-intervention, improvements were observed in cognition and static balance across all groups. Within-group analysis revealed that the aerobics group experienced statistically significant enhancements in cognition (p = 0.0001) and static balance (p = 0.01). Although no statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of dynamic balance, cardiopulmonary fitness, and quality of life, the within-group analysis showed significant improvements in the aerobics group in dynamic balance (p = 0.0009), cardiopulmonary fitness (p = 0.03), and quality of life (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Compared to chen tai chi and no intervention, the study concludes that aerobic exercise has a more pronounced effect on improving cognition, balance, cardiopulmonary fitness, and quality of life in older adults. Aerobic exercise is recommended as an effective method to prevent frailty and promote independence among the elderly.

Effect of 60-Min Single Bout of Resistance Exercise, Reformer Pilates, on Vascular Function Parameters in Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study

Introduction: Aging leads to vascular endothelial dysfunction and muscle impairment. While resistance exercise improves muscular function, its acute effects on vascular function vary in the literature, with some studies reporting detrimental effects. These findings indicate the need for exercises that optimize muscle function without compromising vascular function. Reformer Pilates (RP) is a low-impact exercise involving an adjustable sliding platform. However, the acute effects of RP on vascular function among older adults remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of RP on vascular function in older adults. Methods: Overall, 17 participants (age: 65 ± 2.76 years, body mass index: 23.42 ± 3.68 kg/m2) were examined and assigned to control and RP conditions under a randomized crossover design. The RP condition involved a 3.5–5 omnibus perceived exertion scale with 19 exercise postures for 60 min. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and blood pressure were measured at baseline and 0, 10, 30, and 60 min after exercise. Results: RP significantly improved FMD at all time points compared with that at baseline (p < 0.05). baPWV increased at 0 min post-RP but returned to baseline levels at other time points. Additionally, RP showed improved FMD at 0, 10, and 30 min compared with that in the control condition (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in blood pressure or mean arterial pressure in either condition. Conclusion: RP enhanced FMD and regulated blood pressure for approximately 60 min post-exercise, suggesting its suitability for older adults to enhance vascular function and control blood pressure during exercise. Nonetheless, longitudinal resistance training intervention studies are needed to validate these findings.

The Effect of Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise on Reducing Stress Levels in the Elderly

The Effect of Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise on Reducing Stress Levels in the Elderly

High Impact Exercise Training Versus Low Impact Exercise Training on Functional Outcome in Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis: Experimental Study

Background: Exercise or physical exercise is suggested for subjects with arthritic knee to improve their pain andfunctional condition. These therapies, whose success is dependent on a few components, are commonly ignored.Therefore, the proper intensity or load needs to be specified. Depending on the therapy aim exercise intensitymight be high or low.Purpose: This study aims to modulate the patient’s pain and the secondary outcome was to improve functionalityby evaluating high-impact exercise training with low-impact exercise training in subjects with symptomatic kneeOA.Materials and Methods: Subjects with OA Knee were selected based on selection criteria. All subjects were assignedto either of the groups; high-impact exercise and low-impact exercise by odd even randomization method. Thepre-test values for pain and functional outcome are taken using NPRS and WOMAC questionnaire and the samewere recorded for post-test after 8 weeks of intervention. The entire process was performed from November 2022to March 2023.Result: The statistical analysis reveals a lowering in the pain intensity and notable enhancement in functionalityon high-impact exercise training when compared with low-impact exercise training in subjects with arthritic knee.Conclusion: The study’s findings indicate that high-impact exercise training affects subjects with knee osteoarthritisby decreasing pain and improving function.

APPLICATION OF KINESIOTHERAPY IN CONTROLLING THE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Fibromyalgia is defined as a rheumatological disease of unknown cause and not associated with inflammatory processes, which mainly affects women. Studies show that the treatment of fibromyalgia is focused on kinesiotherapy, which consists of physical exercise programs that provide benefits for fibromyalgia patients. The objective of this research is to identify how the physical therapy practice of kinesiotherapy is used in patients with fibromyalgia to control their symptoms. This is an integrative review based on articles selected from the LILACS, SciELO and PEDro databases. The descriptors applied were: “fibromyalgia”, “physiotherapy”, “physical exercise” and “kinesiotherapy”. The descriptor “fibromyalgia” was used as the main one to obtain more thematic proximity, making pairwise combinations with the others using the Boolean connector ‘AND’. Four articles were selected that meet the study variables. It was noticed that stretching, walking and low-impact exercises have been relevant in the treatment of fibromyalgia, as these factors contribute to improving quality of life. Furthermore, it is possible to observe that the application of supervised physical exercises has better adherence when compared to unsupervised ones, especially for those who are in unstable psychosocial situations, as a large part of this public chooses to practice regular physical exercises and carried out in a group. Therefore, kinesiotherapy is essential in controlling the symptoms of fibromyalgia, as the practice of physical exercises improves muscle strength, flexibility and resistance, in addition to working on cognitive and functional capacity

The Impact of Exercising on Pelvic Symptom Severity, Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength, and Diastasis Recti Abdominis After Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether early postpartum exercise is associated with changes in pelvic symptom severity, pelvic floor muscle strength, and diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) from 3 to 12months postpartum. In this prospective cohort study, 504 participants with and without pelvic symptoms (pelvic girdle pain, stress urinary incontinence, vaginal heaviness) were followed. At 3, 6, 9, and 12months postpartum, we assessed pelvic symptoms, exercise behavior (by questionnaires), pelvic floor muscle strength (by vaginal palpation), and DRA (by caliper measurement). Based on the 3-months questionnaire, participants were categorized as nonexercisers (n = 105), minimal low-impact exercisers (n = 249), regular low-impact exercisers (n = 117), and high-impact exercisers (n = 32). Between-group differences and within-group changes from 3 to 12months were calculated using Chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Friedman analysis of variance. At 3months, no differences in symptom prevalence were seen between the groups. Nonexercisers reported higher pelvic girdle pain severity and had weaker pelvic floor muscles. The within-group analysis showed that pelvic girdle pain severity did not change in nonexercisers or high-impact exercisers, but decreased in minimal and regular low-impact exercisers. Stress urinary incontinence increased in nonexercisers from 3 to 12months, while it remained unchanged in regular low-impact and high-impact exercisers, and decreased in minimal low-impact exercisers. Across all groups, vaginal heaviness and DRA decreased, and pelvic floor strength increased from 3 to 12months. The study indicates that early low-impact exercising is associated with reduced pelvic girdle pain severity during the first postpartum year. Minimal low-impact exercisers also showed a slight reduction in stress urinary incontinence. Conversely, nonexercisers reported an increase in stress urinary incontinence between 3 and 12months postpartum. Physical therapists should encourage women to start with low-impact exercise early after pregnancy. This study highlights the positive effects of starting gentle, low-impact exercise early after childbirth to reduce pelvic girdle pain and urinary incontinence.

The Impact of Group-based Ergonomic Exercise on Blood Pressure Among Individuals with Hypertension

Introduction: Hypertension is a disease in which a person's blood pressure exceeds normal limits, namely systolic pressure which is above 140 mmHg and diastolic which is above 90mmHg. Exercise that is suitable for people who suffer from hypertension is low impact exercise because it is an exercise with light movements and can be done by anyone, from children to adults, even to the elderly. One of the aerobic exercise for hypertension is ergonomic exercise. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine The effect of ergonomic exercise on reducing blood pressure in hypertension sufferers. Method: The research design used is correlational quantitative with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The sampling technique used purposive sampling, with a total sample of 25 people. Result: Based on the results of the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, it was obtained p = 0.000 where p &lt;0.05, which means that there is an effect of ergonomic exercise on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertension sufferers at Posyandu Brotojoyo, Tanjung Rejo Village, Sukun District, Working Area of the Janti Malang Health Center. Conclusion: Based on the results of the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, p = 0.000, where p &lt; 0.05, which means that there is an influence of ergonomic exercise on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertension sufferers at Posyandu Brotojoyo, Tanjung Rejo Village, Sukun District, Janti Malang Health Center Working Area.

Trampoline Stiffness Estimation by Using Robotic System for Quantitative Evaluation of Jumping Exercises.

Trampolines are recognized as a valuable tool in exercise and rehabilitation due to their unique properties like elasticity, rebound force, low-impact exercise, and enhancement of posture, balance, and cardiopulmonary function. To quantitatively assess the effects of trampoline exercises, it is essential to estimate factors such as stiffness, elements influencing jump dynamics, and user safety. Previous studies assessing trampoline characteristics had limitations in performing repetitive experiments at various locations on the trampoline. Therefore, this research introduces a robotic system equipped with foot-shaped jigs to evaluate trampoline stiffness and quantitatively measure exercise effects. This system, through automated, repetitive movements at various locations on the trampoline, accurately measures the elastic coefficient and vertical forces. The robot maneuvers based on the coordinates of the trampoline, as determined by its torque and position sensors. The force sensor measures data related to the force exerted, along with the vertical force data at X, Y, and Z coordinates. The model's accuracy was evaluated using linear regression based on Hooke's Law, with Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Correlation Coefficient Squared (R-squared) metrics. In the analysis including only the distance between X and the foot-shaped jigs, the average MAE, RMSE, and R-squared values were 17.9702, 21.7226, and 0.9840, respectively. Notably, expanding the model to include distances in X, Y, and between the foot-shaped jigs resulted in a decrease in MAE to 15.7347, RMSE to 18.8226, and an increase in R-squared to 0.9854. The integrated model, including distances in X, Y, and between the foot-shaped jigs, showed improved predictive capability with lower MAE and RMSE and higher R-squared, indicating its effectiveness in more accurately predicting trampoline dynamics, vital in fitness and rehabilitation fields.

PEMBERIAN LATIHAN SENAM LOW IMPACT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KESEHATAN REPRODUKSI BAGI MAHASISWI JURUSAN FISIOTERAPI POLTEKKES KEMENKES JAKARTA 3

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a physical disorder characterized by feelings of pain in women who are menstruating in the form of abdominal pain/cramps that are not caused by pathological conditions of the gynecological system. The cramps are mainly felt in the lower abdominal area and spread to the back or inner surface of the thighs. This pain usually disrupts the student's learning process. Several non-pharmacological treatments can reduce pain intensity. To reduce the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea pain, low impact aerobic exercise can be done for students in the second semester of the Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health, Jakarta 3. Objective: providing training and assistance in implementing low impact gymnastics for female students. Method: In this program, several activities are carried out including: identification of personnel, facilities and infrastructure, training activities and assistance in implementing low impact exercise for female students. Results: This Community Service activity consists of providing demonstrations of low impact aerobic exercise and providing exercise assistance to respondents. This activity was carried out in September and October 2021 at the Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta 3. Conclusion: Community service activities in the form of demonstrations of low impact aerobic exercise and student mentoring activities were carried out well.&#x0D; Key words: low impact exercise, reproductive health

Adaptive yoga versus low-impact exercise for adults with chronic acquired brain injury: a pilot randomized control trial protocol.

Each year, millions of Americans sustain acquired brain injuries (ABI) which result in functional impairments, such as poor balance and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Although significant time and energy are dedicated to reducing functional impairment in acute phase of ABI, many individuals with chronic ABI have residual impairments that increase fall risk, decrease quality of life, and increase mortality. In previous work, we have found that yoga can improve balance in adults with chronic (i.e., ≥6 months post-injury) ABI. Moreover, yoga has been shown to improve ANS and brain function in healthy adults. Thus, adults with chronic ABI may show similar outcomes. This protocol details the methods used to examine the effects of a group yoga program, as compared to a group low-impact exercise, on primary and secondary outcomes in adults with chronic ABI. This study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing group yoga to group low-impact exercise. Participants must be ≥18 years old with chronic ABI and moderate balance impairments. Group yoga and group exercise sessions occur twice a week for 1 h for 8 weeks. Sessions are led by trained adaptive exercise specialists. Primary outcomes are balance and ANS function. Secondary outcomes are brain function and structure, cognition, quality of life, and qualitative experiences. Data analysis for primary and most secondary outcomes will be completed with mixed effect statistical methods to evaluate the within-subject factor of time (i.e., pre vs. post intervention), the between-subject factor of group (yoga vs. low-impact exercise), and interaction effects. Deductive and inductive techniques will be used to analyze qualitative data. Due to its accessibility and holistic nature, yoga has significant potential for improving balance and ANS function, along with other capacities, in adults with chronic ABI. Because there are also known benefits of exercise and group interaction, this study compares yoga to a similar, group exercise intervention to explore if yoga has a unique benefit for adults with chronic ABI.Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05793827. Registered on March 31, 2023.

Impact of diversified aerobic training approaches for amplifying bone density in young individuals

Various aerobic training approaches have garnered considerable interest in improving bone health in young individuals. This study examines the effects of high-impact and low-impact multi-aerobic training on bone density in healthy young students in an effort to enhance bone health. In this study, the primary objective is to assess the effects of diverse multi-aerobic training regimens on bone density among 20-25 year olds. This study also examines the benefits of integrating high-impact and low-impact exercises for improving bone health. We selected 120 participants (60 men and 60 women) for a 27-week randomized three-by-two experimental design. Three groups of participants were assigned to each exercise group: the high-impact group (HIEG), the low-impact group (LIEG), and the control group (CG). A bone density (BD) measurement was performed before and after the training program using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The results of an ANCOVA with baseline scores as covariates indicated a significant improvement (P &lt; 0.05) in bone density among participants following the intervention. As compared to CG, both HIEG and LIEG improved bone density significantly (P &lt; 0.05), suggesting multi-aerobic training promotes bone health effectively. It highlights the potential of both HIEG and LIEG in enhancing bone density in young individuals through a 27-week diversified multi-aerobic training program. In order to cultivate and enhance bone density among young individuals, regular multi-aerobic exercise is critical to their lifestyles. This can be used to formulate exercise interventions aimed at boosting bone health in both sexes.

Bay leaf decoction water and low-impact aerobic exercise impact on blood cholesterol levels

Hypercholesterolemia is a global health concern, including in Indonesia, potentially leading to coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke if left untreated. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of bay leaf decoction and low-impact aerobic exercise on reducing blood cholesterol levels in patients. Used a quasi-experimental design with 120 participants, randomly assigned to two groups, the first group consumed bay leaf decoction (100 ml, twice daily for 7 days), while the second group underwent low-impact aerobic exercise (3 times a week for 7 days). Blood cholesterol levels were measured, and paired t-tests were employed for statistical analysis. Results revealed that both interventions significantly lowered cholesterol levels after 7 days (p&lt;0.001 for bay leaf decoction and p=0.001 for low-impact aerobics). The bay leaf decoction group achieved the highest reduction at 25.3 mg/dl. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of bay leaf decoction and low-impact aerobic exercise as non-pharmacological approaches to manage blood cholesterol levels. It reinforces the notion that these interventions can be valuable in addressing hypercholesterolemia.

Coping Mechanisms for Lymphedema: An Analysis of Patient Experiences.

Background and objective Lymphedema is a condition caused by impaired lymphatic function. Acquired lymphedema is often due to neoplasia, infection, trauma, or radiation damage. Most patients rely on advice from fellow patients and personal research to manage their symptoms. We believe coping mechanisms for lymphedema can be more streamlined and made easily accessible if the most common effective strategies are determined and collected in a single repository for reference. To that end, we aimed to assess the experiences of lymphedema patients and the coping mechanisms they employed. Methods Feedback from lymphedema patients was obtained using a 19-item questionnaire-based survey distributed to multiple online lymphedema support groups. It focused on the type of lymphedema and its effect on the respondents and sought data to characterize coping mechanisms that individuals with lymphedema use and their effectiveness. Results The respondents (n=400) had a median age of 55 years (range: 18-83 years). The overall mean BMI was 35.8 kg/m2, with respondents with lower extremity (LE) lymphedema having a greater mean BMI (38.4 vs. 31.0, p<0.05). Most of the respondents were female (n=382, 95.5%). LElymphedema was more common (n=280, 70%) than the upper extremity (UE) variant (n=120, 30%). Within the LE group, 99 were unilateral (35.4%) and 181 were bilateral (64.6%). Moderate restriction was the most reported level with 44% in the unilateral group and 64% in the bilateral group. Stretching, low-impact exercise, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and compression bandages were the most commonly used coping methods and most of the respondentsrated them as somewhat effective. Of note, 30% of respondents in either group rated increased water intake as either slightly, moderately, or very helpful; 25% of respondents also rated decreased alcohol intake as very helpful. The use of a therapist and familyand doctor support was rated as extremely helpful. Within the UE group, 105 were unilateral (87.5%) and 15 were bilateral (12.5%). The most common cause of UE lymphedema was breast cancer-related (98/120, 81.7%) followed by melanoma treatment. Mild restriction was the most reported level (n=48, 45.7%). The UE group had similar results as the LE group in terms of coping mechanisms, dietary changes, and psychosocial support. Conclusion Based on the experiences of the lymphedema patients surveyed, the management of the condition is multifactorial and hence not compatible with a one-size-fits-all strategy. LE lymphedema was more common than the UE variant; but both groups reported engaging in stretching, low-impact exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, and compression bandages with similar rates of satisfaction reported in both groups. Dietary changes were not commonly employed. Therapy, doctor, and family support were the most commonly used support mechanisms, with high satisfaction among both groups. The overall coping mechanisms and their ratings in terms of efficacy between UE and LE groups were similar although the impact of quality of life was greater for bilateral conditions. We believe our findings represent the first steps to providing information potentially useful to aid future and current lymphedema patients in finding the coping methods that work best for them.