Mind-body Therapies Research Articles

Helen Lavretsky: Translational neuroscience of integrative medicine

Professor Helen Lavretsky, a pioneering force in geriatric psychiatry and integrative medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)'s Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of brain health and aging. Her groundbreaking research connecting mind-body interventions with neurobiological mechanisms has transformed skepticism into scientific acceptance, establishing new paradigms in mental health care. As director of research for the UCLA's Integrative Medicine Collaborative and Late-life Mood, Stress and Wellness Research Program, she has led seminal studies on novel therapeutic combinations for treatment-resistant depression and cognitive disorders. Her work, recognized by “triple crown” honors from major psychiatric associations in 2020, spans from innovative psychopharmacology to pioneering investigations in yoga and Tai Chi for mental health. A dedicated mentor who has championed women and underrepresented minorities in science for over 25 years, Professor Lavretsky currently serves as President of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (2022–25), and she is on the Advisory Research Council to the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. In her engaging Genomic Press Interview, Professor Lavretsky shares insights from her remarkable journey from a young medical student to becoming a leading voice in integrative psychiatry, offering a compelling glimpse into the future of personalized mental health care.

Recommendations for the quantitative basic evaluation of mind-body medicine courses for university students – results of a consensus-based, systematic decision-making process by experts

BackgroundThere is an increasing range of mind–body medicine (MBM) courses in Germany to support university students in dealing with stress. The evaluation of these varies and often only has a small number of participants due to the limited group size of the courses. The aim of this project was the development of a quantitative basic evaluation that can be used across all sites that conduct MBM courses.MethodsIn a consensus-based and systematic decision-making process, the learning objectives and various questionnaires for the evaluation of MBM courses were discussed and evaluated by experts according to defined criteria. The process was iterative, in which the reflection and definition of the learning objectives and the questionnaires were conditional and adapted if necessary. The recommendations for the basic evaluation of students’ MBM courses were developed by consensus among the experts.ResultsFor the experts, the most important learning objectives of the MBM courses were stress reduction and self-experience with the exercises. A total of 21 questionnaires were evaluated from nine topics: mindfulness, empathy, self-reflection, self-efficacy, resilience, stress, sense of coherence, quality of life, and well-being. Finally, eight questionnaires were recommended by the expert group for use in a basic evaluation: stress (PSS-10), quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref), mindfulness (MAAS), self-efficacy (GSE), self-compassion (SCS), empathy (SPF), self-reflection (GRAS) and sense of coherence (SOC-13). Further questionnaires were recommended as "optional". An additional qualitative evaluation is recommended for a broader and deeper understanding of the quantitative results.ConclusionsThe proposed basic evaluation is the central result of the iterative consensus-based decision-making process, which reflects the learning objectives of the underlying MBM courses. We hope that the basic evaluation will be integrated into other MBM courses so that results of various courses can be pooled and compared across sites in the future. This could increase the informative value of the evaluations. Furthermore, researchers could consider the use of the basic evaluation in clinically controlled trials on MBM.Trial registrationThe project was not registered in a clinical trial registry because no results from health care interventions on human participants have been analyzed or reported.

Comparison of different exercise modalities on fatigue and muscular fitness in patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review with network, and dose–response meta-analyses

BackgroundFatigue and muscular fitness are closely related to the quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the optimal exercise dosage to improve these outcomes remains unclear.ObjectiveWe evaluated the effects of different exercise modalities and dosages on fatigue levels and muscular fitness in patients with MS.MethodsA systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases, including randomized controlled trials involving exercise interventions for patients with MS. The data covered literature from the establishment of each database up to August 2024. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the studies. Network and dose–response meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to evaluate the impact of exercise.ResultsA total of 84 papers were included, involving 3,786 participants. The network meta-analysis revealed that mind–body exercise (MBE) had the most significant effect on reducing fatigue (SMD = −0.94; 95% CrI: −1.3 to −0.6), followed by resistance training (RT) (SMD = −0.86; 95% CrI: −1.2 to −0.58), combined exercise (COM) (SMD = −0.70; 95% CrI: −1.2 to −0.22), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (SMD = −0.50; 95% CrI: −1.1 to 0.14). Additionally, HIIT were found to be the most effective in improving muscular fitness (SMD = −0.86; 95% CrI: −1.5 to −0.27), followed by COM (SMD = −0.81; 95% CrI: −1.2 to −0.41), MBE (SMD = −0.64; 95% CrI: −1.1 to −0.16), and RT (SMD = −0.62; 95% CrI: −0.89 to −0.16). Moreover, a dose as low as 240 METs-min/week was sufficient to improve fatigue, while a dose of 430 METs-min/week was required to enhance muscular fitness. The optimal dose for reducing fatigue was 650 METs-min/week, and the best dose for improving muscular fitness was 530 METs-min/week.ConclusionExercise is an effective method for improving fatigue and muscular fitness in patients with MS. While MBE and COM rank relatively higher compared to other exercise modalities. The optimal exercise dosage for reducing fatigue and improving muscular fitness ranges between approximately 530 to 860 MET-minutes per week.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42024577643.

Comprehensive Review: Exploring the Impact of Physiotherapy on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a severe mental health disorder that is found in millions of people across the world and develops from psychological signs that include flashbacks, hyperarousal, and emotional avoidance. However, there is still evidence that PTSD is not limited to the mental health area only and might have a vast effect on physical health, too. In the past, clients with psychosis largely received medication and some form of cognitive/behavioral talk therapy like CBT. It has been in the recent past that literature investigating the part of physiotherapy in PTSD treatment has commenced, whereby they supply therapeutic approaches aimed at handling the mental and physical effects of trauma. Exercise therapy, breathing exercises, and mind-body interventions, including yoga and tai chi, greatly reduce the symptoms of PTSD based on physiotherapy. The purpose of this review is to examine the place of physiotherapy in the treatment of PTSD, discuss the existing literature supporting this profession's application, and explain practical ways physiotherapy may be incorporated into the general, evidence-based PTSD treatment plan.PTSD,

Advancing Physiotherapy in Mental Health

The role of physiotherapy as an element of mental health care continues to expand and evolve. Mental health care is recognized by World Physiotherapy as a specialty area, but the requisite training and accreditation standards vary drastically across and even within countries. While the biopsychosocial (BPS) model of health and wellness has been around for some time, it is often deployed in a fragmented way. Physiotherapists working to improve and advance whole-person care as part of health promotion may benefit from recent models of “integrative health” which aim to approach the biopsychosocial concept from a perspective which more fully recognizes the effects of physical, cognitive/emotional, sociocultural, and environmental elements in combination. This perspective can aid in developing treatment plans which address underlying factors rather than treating physical symptoms as isolated factors. These efforts do not come without challenges and physiotherapists must be versed in a broad set of mind-body medicine, integrative medicine, and whole-person care concepts, methods, and strategies to safely and effectively implement them in clinical practice.

Mediating role of gut microbiota on Baduanjin for cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThe gut microbiome plays an important role in maintaining both cognitive and physical functions in older adults, and gut dysbiosis is an important pathophysiological mechanism of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)...

Efficacy of Adjuvant Yoga Therapy for Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: It is well-known that negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia are challenging to treat with conventional psychotropics. Hence, various mind–body interventions like yoga have been brought into the modern scientific realm to investigate for possible benefits. Although several studies have been done using yoga as an intervention for cognition in schizophrenia, the results have been inconclusive. In this study, we systematically reviewed and performed meta-analyses of the eligible studies to investigate the efficacy of yoga as adjuvant therapy for cognition in the schizophrenia population. Methodology: After registration of the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42024504319), electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature were searched for randomized controlled trials from their date of inception till March 2024, with appropriate search terms. Covidence and Microsoft Excel for data extraction, Cochrane tool for risk of bias assessment version 2, and RevMan version 5.4.1 for data analysis were used. Results: Of 182 studies found through database search, five articles were included for systematic review and two for the meta-analysis, with a pooled sample size of 76 patients. A systematic review of five articles showed high risk in two articles and low risk in three articles. Meta-analysis showed no significant effect of yoga on cognition (standardized mean difference 0.17, 95% confidence interval: −0.28 to 0.63, P = 0.46). Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution owing to the low power, small sample size, methodological limitations in the included studies, and hence high likelihood of type II error. There is a need for more studies with rigorous methodology involving yoga for cognition in schizophrenia.

Interoceptive Ability and Emotion Regulation in Mind-Body Interventions: An Integrative Review.

It is increasingly recognized that interoceptive ability, the capacity to detect, interpret, and consciously integrate signals related to the physiological condition of the body, is central to emotion experience and regulation. Interoceptive ability can be trained and improved through mind-body interventions. This article attempts to provide an integrative review of the link between interoceptive ability and emotion regulation in mind-body interventions. To this aim, (1) we address the constructs of interoceptive ability and mind-body interventions in relation to the double pathway of emotion regulation, and (2) we include a review of selected empirical and qualitative studies. These show that mindfulness meditation affects the brain-body axis through top-down processing, improving both interoceptive ability and emotion regulation. Interventions based on bottom-up processing through body movement and emotional expression are illustrated, but it is argued that they are still under-investigated. In light of the literature reviewed, we contend that interoceptive ability is a crucial aspect associated with the effects of mind-body interventions on emotion regulation. Additionally, we suggest that if studied through both quantitative and qualitative methods, interoceptive ability may serve as a general construct that allows a more integrated view of the polarities related to the spectrum of embodied experience: top-down and bottom-up emotion processing, observational and non-observational body awareness, conscious and unconscious level of interoception.

Within-person relationships between catastrophizing and pain intensity during a mind-body intervention to prevent persistent pain and disability after acute traumatic orthopedic injury

Interventions aimed at preventing chronic pain after acute traumatic injury have significant potential to reduce healthcare expenditures and improve quality of life for millions of individuals. Given recent development of such interventions, limited research has examined mechanisms of change using repeated measures (e.g., session-by-session assessments). This study examines within-person relationships between pain catastrophizing and intensity during and after a four-session mind-body intervention for individuals with acute traumatic orthopedic injury (N = 76, T = 445). Random intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to examine within-person autoregressive, contemporaneous, and cross-lagged effects between pain catastrophizing and pain intensity, after accounting for stable between-person differences. Our primary hypothesis that improvements in catastrophizing would be associated with subsequent reductions in pain intensity was partially supported by a significant within-person cross-lagged effect between catastrophizing at post-test and pain with activity reported at three-month follow-up (β = 0.421, SE = 0.099, p < .001). Improvement in catastrophizing was also associated with same-session improvement in pain intensity midway through the intervention. Importantly, bidirectional within-person analyses allowed us to rule out the possibility that improvements in pain were responsible for subsequent improvements in catastrophizing, but not vice versa. Together, these findings suggest improvements in catastrophizing during psychosocial intervention may prevent transition from acute to chronic pain after injury. Future research with larger between-person sample sizes, more frequent within-person assessment, and comparable control group data is necessary to facilitate greater understanding of psychosocial mechanisms for preventing chronic pain after injury. PerspectiveThis study examines within-person relationships between pain catastrophizing and intensity during and after a four-session mind-body intervention to prevent persistent pain after acute traumatic orthopedic injury. Improved catastrophizing at post-test was associated with reduced pain with activity at three-month follow-up. Within-person analyses enhance understanding of psychosocial mechanisms for preventing chronic pain after injury.

Effects of mind-body exercise in children with cerebral palsy—A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and purposeAn increasing number of studies have investigated the efficacy of mind-body exercise in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the findings of these researches have produced inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of mind-body exercise on children with CP in order to provide more conclusive results. Materials and methodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Ovid databases from inception to May 2024. One researcher extracted the data, including first author, study type, country, year of publication, population, age, sample size, intervention details and outcomes, accuracy was verified by a second researcher. The included studies were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 (RevMan 5.4) and StataNow/MP 18.5 software, with publication bias examined using funnel plots, and result stability assessed through sensitivity analysis. ResultsA total of six eligible studies, comprising 173 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that mind-body exercise can improve balance function in children with CP (SMD = 0.48, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in the effect of mind-body exercise on walking function in children with CP (SMD = −0.23, P = 0.58). ConclusionCompared with routine care and rehabilitation, mind-body exercise may provide a safe and convenient approach to improving balance functions in children with CP, but showed no statistically significant beneficial effects on walking in children with CP. Prospero registration numberCRD42024534257.

The technique of transforming symptom's symbol into emptiness: A mind-body therapy in the Chinese context.

The technique of transforming symptom's symbol into emptiness (TSSE) is a new mind-body treatment method proposed by Tianjun Liu in 2008. It integrates Qigong and concrete object-image thinking rooted in traditional Chinese culture into modern psychotherapy and proposes that mental and physical problems can be alleviated or eliminated in the process of movement. Accordingly, the therapist needs to guide the client with various symptoms to psychological nothingness where the client cannot see or feel these symptoms, and the purpose of healing can be achieved through the experience of emptiness. TSSE is divided into static and dynamic operations and consists of 10 steps. The static operation includes trio relaxation exercises (the body, breath, and mind), identifying the target symptom, visualizing the target symptom as an object-image, visualizing a symbolic carrier, and filling out record sheet A. The dynamic operation includes trio relaxation exercises again, moving the symbolic object into the carrier, moving the carrier with the symbolic object into psychological nothingness, moving back and assessment, and filling out record sheet B. The effectiveness of TSSE can be evaluated by the therapist's judgment based on the client's performance and by the difference between the symptom impact scores recorded in sheets A and B. TSSE has been proven to be an effective psychosomatic treatment solution by some empirical studies conducted in China. Future research can combine other technologies, such as fMRI and fNIRS, to further explore the potential effective mechanisms of TSSE.

The effects of physical activity interventions on self-esteem during and after cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the effect of physical activity (PA) (both general and its type) on self-esteem during and after cancer treatment. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscuss, and PsycINFO from their inception to February 2024. The systematic review included 32 studies, with 15 studies (13 RCT and 2 quasi-experimental) and 3604 participants (66.7% female) included in the meta-analysis involving controlled trials using a control group and at least one PA intervention group. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022309771). Risk of bias for RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB2), and quasi-experimental studies with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. PA significantly improved self-esteem during and after cancer treatment (pooled SMD = 0.32, p < 0.01). Specifically, aerobic PA (pooled SMD = 0.33, p = 0.04) and mind-body exercise (pooled SMD = 0.70, p = 0.03) had positive effects on self-esteem. Overall, PA interventions improved self-esteem during cancer treatment (pooled SMD = 0.50, p = 0.01) and in PA interventions lasting more than 12 weeks (pooled SMD = 0.44, p = 0.02). In conclusion, PA (specifically, aerobic and mind-body exercises) may have a positive effect on self-esteem during and after cancer treatment, with cancer status and the duration of the intervention being key factors.

Hwa-Byung (Anger Syndrome) in the MZ Generation of Republic of Korea: A Survey.

Background/Objectives: Hwa-byung (HB), traditionally observed in middle-aged Korean women, was investigated among the MZ generation in Republic of Korea to investigate its prevalence, associated factors, and perceptions. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 449 Korean adults in the Republic of Korea born between 1980 and 2005. The participants completed questionnaires that assessed HB symptoms, emotional labor, psychological distress, and HB perceptions. Data were analyzed using Chi-squared tests, t-tests, and bivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of HB in the MZ generation was 36.3%. Significant HB predictors included female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.314), poor subjective health (OR = 3.207), higher HB trait scores (OR = 1.155), depression (OR = 1.145), and state anger (OR = 1.087). Only 44.54% of the participants were aware that HB is a diagnosed mental disorder and 34.97% knew that it could be treated at traditional Korean medicine (TKM) clinics. Despite the limited awareness, 49% expressed interest in TKM treatment for HB, in which acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mind-body medicine are the preferred modalities. Conclusions: This study revealed a high HB prevalence among the MZ generation in the Republic of Korea, which challenges traditional perceptions of this syndrome. These findings highlight the need to reevaluate HB conceptualization and treatment approaches for younger generations. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, qualitative investigations of the evolving HB cultural context, and the development of targeted awareness and intervention programs to address this significant mental health issue in contemporary Korean society.

Mind–Body Practices and Exercise in the Rehabilitation of Poststroke Aphasia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with a background in mind–body practices and exercise to prevent and treat cognitive, language, and cognitive communication disorders from a healthy aging viewpoint. Method: An online database search was conducted using a narrative review of mind–body interventions recommended by SLPs and other rehabilitation specialists. Conclusions: Mind–body practices and exercise are a low-cost, accessible, nonpharmacological intervention that may promote beneficial outcomes for individuals who are at risk for neurologic disease. Recent research on risk factors for mild cognitive impairment and dementia suggests that the underlying disease progression may be slowed or stopped with lifestyle modification (e.g., increased physical activity). Additionally, individuals recovering from stroke could potentially experience better outcomes with lifestyle modification (e.g., stress reduction). There has been increased popular interest in mindfulness as a component of a healthy lifestyle, which suggests that both patients and therapists may be receptive to incorporating it into traditional rehabilitation practices, provided there is reasonable support for its benefits. The aim of this article is to provide a rationale for integrating mind–body practices and exercise into speech-language pathology services to decrease levels of unhealthy stress, increase physical activity, and enhance cognition and communication.

The superiority trial of Baduanjin training on patients chronic low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCNSLBP accounts for 85% of all LBP cases and impairs physical health, quality of life, and work productivity, posing a significant health and economic burden. Baduanjin (BDJ) exercises are traditional Chinese Qi Gong mind-body exercises that have been practiced for over 1,000 years. However, the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration does not stimulate core muscles, limiting the effectiveness of low back pain rehabilitation. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the original BDJ protocol.MethodsThis 24-week single-center, single-blind, parallel-group randomized control superiority trial will allocate 100 patients into two groups (control and intervention) at a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the control group will perform the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration. The patients in the patients in the control group will perform the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration. The intervention group will perform intervention. The primary outcomes will be Quebec back pain disability scale. Secondary outcomes will include visual analog scale pain scores, Surface electromyography. The assessments of the tests will be performed at four time points. Adverse events will be recorded faithfully during the study.DiscussionThis randomized control trial is the first to compare a standard BDJ protocol and an optimized protocol in patients with CNSLBP. This study can help guide rehabilitation programs.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200065618, Registered on 10 Nov. 2022. This protocol is the first version 1, which was approved on 26 Aug 2022.

"Pushed to Their Limits": Health Care Provider Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing a Mind-Body and Activity Program for Older Adults With Chronic Pain in a Community Clinic for the Underserved.

Older adults from underserved backgrounds experience chronic pain at a rate of 60% to 75%. Pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy and involve considerable risks. Mind-body interventions hold promise to improve pain outcomes but are typically not implemented in community clinics in which they are needed most, thus contributing to health disparities in chronic pain treatment. We conducted qualitative focus groups and interviews with 20 providers (eg, primary care doctors, nurses, administrators). We sought their perspectives on barriers and facilitators to implementing an evidence based mind-body activity program for older adults with chronic pain at an underserved community health clinic in Massachusetts. Subthemes were identified within 2 superordinate domains (barriers and facilitators) using a hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach following the Framework Method. Providers discussed facilitators (partner with clinic staff to facilitate referrals and buy-in, integrate referrals through the electronic medical record, offer groups in different languages, post and tailor advertisements) and barriers (limited staff bandwidth, scheduling challenges, inconsistent patient participation). These results will directly inform tailoring and subsequent effectiveness testing and implementation of the pain management program for older underserved adults with chronic pain in this community health care setting.

Editor's Spotlight/Take 5: A Brief Mind-body Intervention Is Feasible and May Prevent Persistent Pain After Acute Orthopaedic Traumas: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Editor's Spotlight/Take 5: A Brief Mind-body Intervention Is Feasible and May Prevent Persistent Pain After Acute Orthopaedic Traumas: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of IN FOCUS: A Mind-Body Resiliency Intervention for Fear of Cancer Recurrence.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is prevalent and distressing among survivors of cancer. Evidence-based mind-body and cognitive-behavioral skills lack integration and testing in scalable formats. This pilot randomized controlled trial (NCT04876599) tested a synchronous, virtual mind-body group resiliency intervention for FCR (IN FOCUS). Adults with elevated FCR (FCR Inventory severity ≥ 16; 16-21=elevated, 22-36=clinically elevated) after completing primary treatment for non-metastatic cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to eight weekly sessions of IN FOCUS or usual care (UC; synchronous, virtual community group support referral). Feasibility metrics included ≥ 70% retention per arm (primary outcome), ≥ 75% attendance in ≥ 6 sessions, ≥ 75% adherence to relaxation skills practice ≥ 3days per week and by delivery fidelity (% content covered in video-recorded sessions). Acceptability was assessed quantitatively via ratings of enjoyableness, convenience, helpfulness, odds of future use, and satisfaction (benchmark ≥ 80% of ratings ≥ 4 on 1-5 Likert scale) and qualitatively via individual exit interviews. Linear mixed models explicated slopes in FCR (secondary) and resiliency (exploratory; Current Experiences Scale) from baseline to 2months (primary endpoint) and 5months using intention-to-treat. From July 2021 to March 2022, 64 survivors enrolled (25-73years old, M=7years since diagnosis). IN FOCUS was feasible and acceptable (91% retention; attendance median=7 sessions, 97% relaxation practice adherence, 95% content fully covered; 82% of acceptability ratings ≥ 4). Interviews (n=59) revealed benefits in both arms. By 2months, compared to UC, IN FOCUS reduced FCR to a medium-to-large effect (Mdiff=-2.4; 95% CI=-4.2, -0.7; d=0.66). By 5months, FCR effects had attenuated (Mdiff=-0.16, 95% CI -1.97, 1.65; d=-0.04), although levels of resiliency had increased with a medium-to-large effect (Mdiff=10.0; 95% CI=4.9, 15.1; d=0.78). For survivors of non-metastatic cancer, a synchronous, virtual mind-body resiliency program for FCR is feasible, acceptable, and seemingly beneficial compared to a community group referral.

The need for biopsychosocial menopause care: a narrative review.

Menopause is a reproductive transition affecting half the world's population. Stigma and limited availability of evidence-based treatments that support biopsychosocial well-being mean that this life stage is often associated with challenging symptoms and reduced quality of life (QoL). The aim of this review was to examine the extent literature on psychological and mind-body interventions to manage perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms, and apply an interdisciplinary clinical, research, and cultural knowledge framework to guide recommendations for improving QoL and healthy aging in this population. We also aimed to understand the ideal delivery mode for such interventions. Using Scopus, Medline, and PubMed, a review of systematic reviews, guidelines, and randomized controlled trials was undertaken to examine the use of psychological and mind-body interventions to improve menopause-related QoL and symptoms, including hot flushes, depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain, and sleep; conclusions were based on an analysis of this available evidence and linked to clinical and cultural considerations. Empirical support exists for a number of psychological and mind-body approaches to support QoL and symptoms during the menopause transition. The literature also identifies the need for menopause care that is culturally responsive.An online multimodal model of menopause care is thus recommended, incorporating evidence-based treatments (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, hypnosis) and treatment techniques (eg, mindfulness, and education including nutrition support), as well as First Nations wisdom. We also recommend financial well-being approaches to support people undergoing menopause. Integrated, multimodal approaches should be available online to remove time, location, and healthcare access barriers, and be designed with diverse consumers to ensure equity for those underserved due to region, LGBTIQ+ assigned female at birth status, and for multicultural and First Nations people.

Trends in Korean intervention studies on complementary and alternative therapies in rehabilitation nursing.

In nursing, complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) can be provided alongside, or as alternatives, to conventional medical treatments to maximize therapeutic effects, accelerate rehabilitation, and enhance patient satisfaction. Fostering the correct knowledge and attitudes toward CATs is crucial not only for theoretical development but also for practical application. To gain a comprehensive understanding of recent domestic research trends, this study conducted an integrative review to analyze different types of CAT-related intervention studies in rehabilitation nursing in South Korea. A literature search of relevant databases suggested 14 papers. The review revealed that most studies focused on older adult patients, with manipulative and body-based therapies being the most common CAT interventions, followed by energy therapies, mind-body therapies, and others. The efficacy analysis of the CATs used in the selected studies indicated that their effects varied depending on participant characteristics and outcome measures, even when the same CAT was employed. To advance the field of rehabilitation nursing, effective CATs that are proven to be safe for older adult patients need to be developed and actively utilized. Additionally, specialized nurse training programs and clinical and community-based applications for rehabilitation patients requiring interventions need to be developed.