Psychological Parameters In Patients Research Articles

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional and psychological parameters in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) patients

BackgroundCOVID-19 survivors may develop long-term symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, mental health issues, and functional limitations: a condition termed post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a recommended treatment for PASC; however, there is a lack of data regarding PR’s effect on multiple health indices and the factors that influence patient outcomes. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional and psychological parameters in patients diagnosed with Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), thereby offering insights into the efficacy of such interventions in improving the quality of life and clinical outcomes for these individuals.MethodsWe extracted patient demographic, comorbidity, and outcome data from Allegheny Health Network’s electronic medical records. Functionality test results were compared before and after PR, including 6-minute walk test (6MWT), chair rise repetitions (CR reps), timed up and go test (TUG), gait speed (Rehab gait), modified medical research council scale (MMRC), shortness of breath questionnaire (SOBQ), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) scores. Multiple regression analysis was done to evaluate the effect of comorbidities and patient factors on patient responses to PR.ResultsThe 55 patients included in this study had a mean time of 4 months between the initial COVID-19 diagnosis and the subsequent PASC diagnosis. Following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), significant improvements were observed across various metrics. The distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) increased markedly from a pre-rehabilitation average of 895 feet (SD 290) to 1,300 feet (SD 335) post-rehabilitation, with a mean change of 405 feet (95% CI [333, 477]). Chair rise repetitions (CR reps) saw an increase from 9 (SD 3) reps to 13 (SD 3) reps, with a change of 4 reps (95% CI [3.7, 4.9]). The timed up and go test (TUG) time decreased significantly from 13 s (SD 5) to 10 s (SD 2), reflecting a mean reduction of 3 s (95% CI [-4.5, -2.5]). Rehabilitation gait speed improved from 1.0 m/s to 1.3 m/s, changing by 0.3 m/s (95% CI [0.2, 0.3]). The Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale showed a notable decrease from a mean of 2 (SD 1) to 1 (SD 1), a change of -1 (95% CI [-1.5, -1]). The Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ) scores reduced significantly from 51 (SD 21) to 22 (SD 18), with a change of -29 (95% CI [-34, -23]). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores decreased from 11 (SD 7) to 8 (SD 7), a reduction of -4 (95% CI [-5, -2]). Lastly, the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) scores significantly dropped from 18 (SD 7) to 9 (SD 7), changing by -10 (95% CI [-11, -8]). However, the presence of hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, outpatient status, and receipt of specific pharmacologic treatments (decadron, decadron + remdesivir, and decadron + remdesivir + tocilizumab) were identified as factors associated with a poor response to PR.ConclusionOur study supports PR as an integrated model of care for PASC patients to improve several physical and mental health indices. The long-term effects of PR on patients’ functional status should be investigated in the future.

The use of Cytoflavin in the post-withdrawal period in patients with alcohol dependence

BACKGROUND: The issues of therapy of dependence on psychoactive substances remain relevant at present, focusing on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of these patients in the first place.
 AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a course of Cytoflavin in patients with alcohol dependency during the post-abstinence period.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of the antioxidant Cytoflavin (10 mL/day, 5 days) effectiveness to correct emotional and motivational disorders after the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome was performed in 30 patients with alcohol dependency. Anamnestic information, the clinical picture of the disease, and psychological tests the Holmes and Rage method (the degree of stress tolerance and social adaptation) and alcohol consumption motivation test (ACMT) were used to verify alcohol dependency. Before and after Cytoflavin treatment, the psychological indicators and complaints were recorded. According to the alcohol intake questionnaire, the psychological state of the patients was assessed based on a package of standard psychological tests, including the Wasserman test (level of neuroticism), Spielberger test (level of anxiety), Hamilton test (level of depression), SAN test (self-assessment of well-being, activity, and mood), and degree of craving for alcohol. For pairwise conjugated variants, the significance of differences was determined using the Students t-test; statistical analysis was performed using the standard Statistica for Windows software package.
 RESULTS: In general, the course use of Cytoflavin treatment improved clinical and psychological parameters in patients with alcohol dependency in the post-abstinence period.
 CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the use of the drug as a component of a comprehensive therapeutic program for alcohol dependency is highly promising.

Efficacy of spinal manipulations and Schroth exercises on psychological parameters in patients with functional scoliosis: a randomised controlled trial

Functional scoliosis is defined as the reversible and temporary lateral spinal curvature that mainly occurs due to abnormal postural habits that leads to non-structural and compensatory changes in spine. Functional scoliosis can lead to the development of mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety and depression. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of spinal manipulation techniques and Schroth exercises on psychological parameters in patients with functional scoliosis. The subjects were randomly allocated into experimental (n=31) and control group (n=31). Spinal manipulation techniques and Schroth exercises were given to the patients of experimental group, while only Schroth exercises were given to the patients of control group. Outcome measures were Depression, Anxiety & Stress Score that was examined by using ‘DASS-21 questionnaire’. Treatment was given for four weeks, thrice weekly. After the completion of four weeks, DASS scores were obtained from the participants. Patients were followed up after 2 months and data was collected again. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the mean changes within-group. Independent t-test was used to analyse the mean improvement between-group. Results suggested that there was a statistically significant difference between pre-/post and pre-/follow-up scores of the DASS, but there was statistical non-significant difference between post-/follow-up scores of the DASS. Results also suggested that experimental group showed better improvement compared to the control group. This study concluded that the combine use of spinal manipulation techniques and Schroth exercise protocol can significantly reduce the psychosomatic symptoms in functional scoliosis. Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2020/02/023221

Effects of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

To determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone and in combination with physical interventions on pain, disability, quality of life, and psychological parameters in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WADs). Several databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Pooled effects were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the evidence quality using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Of the 2287 studies identified, 8 were included in the review, of which, 7 were suitable for meta-analysis. We found moderate-quality evidence that CBT does not provide different degrees of short-term (6 RCTs; SMD, − 0.20; 95% CI, − 0.50 to 0.10) or long-term improvement in disability (3 RCTs; SMD, − 0.18; 95% CI, − 0.46 to 0.10) than is indicated by other types of intervention comparison. Subgroup analyses indicated low-quality evidence that CBT alone has a medium to large effect on short-term improvement in disability (2 RCTs; SMD, − 0.61; 95% CI, − 1.21 to − 0.01) compared with wait-and-see control. Additionally, we found moderate-quality evidence that CBT, combined with physical interventions, has a small effect on long-term improvement in disability (2 RCTs; SMD, − 0.29; 95% CI, − 0.53 to − 0.06) compared with advice alone. No differences were found for pain or long-term quality of life. The study found moderately favorable evidence of the combined effect of physical interventions and CBT against advice alone in long-term disability.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Fasting and Lifestyle Modification in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: Effects on Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Lifestyle interventions can have a positive impact on quality of life and psychological parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this randomized controlled trial, 145 participants with MetS (62.8% women; 59.7 ± 9.3 years) were randomized to (1) 5-day fasting followed by 10 weeks of lifestyle modification (F + LM; modified DASH diet, exercise, mindfulness; n = 73) or (2) 10 weeks of lifestyle modification only (LM; n = 72). Outcomes were assessed at weeks 0, 1, 12, and 24, and included quality of life (Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, SF-36), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, CPSS), mood (Profile of Mood States, POMS), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale, GSE), mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale, SCS). At week 1, POMS depression and fatigue scores were significantly lower in F + LM compared to LM. At week 12, most self-report outcomes improved in both groups—only POMS vigor was significantly higher in F + LM than in LM. Most of the beneficial effects within the groups persisted at week 24. Fasting can induce mood-modulating effects in the short term. LM induced several positive effects on quality of life and psychological parameters in patients with MetS.

Physical and psychological reconditioning in long COVID syndrome: Results of an out-of-hospital exercise and psychological - based rehabilitation program

BackgroundLong Covid Syndrome (LCS) is used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after acute COVID-19 infection. Natural history and treatment of this syndrome are still poorly understood, even if evidences suggest the potential role of physical rehabilitation in improving symptoms in these patients.Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study was to evaluate effectiveness, safety and feasibility of an out-of-hospital multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR) program, based both on physical and psychological reconditioning, in reducing symptoms and improving physical fitness and psychological parameters in patients with LCS.MethodsThirty consecutive patients with LCS (18 males, mean age 58 years) underwent an accurate medical screening process including anthropometric and muscular strength evaluation, cardiopulmonary exercise test, quality of life (QoL) and psychological appraisal before and after a MDR program.ResultsAt baseline, all LCS patients were strongly symptomatic and showed severe impairments in physical performance, QoL and psychological parameters. No adverse effects and dropouts were observed during the exercise training sessions. After the MDR program, COVID-19 residual symptoms significantly decreased, and significant improvements in upper and lower limb muscular strength, cardiopulmonary parameters, perceived physical and mental health, depression and anxiety were observed.ConclusionsThe present study confirms the severe physical and psychological impairment of patients with LCS and suggests that a MDR program is effective, safe and feasible in these patients and could promote their physical and psychological recovery.

P368 PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RECONDITIONING IN LONG COVID SYNDROME: RESULTS OF AN OUT–OF–HOSPITAL EXERCISED–BASED CARDIOVASCULAR REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Abstract Background Long Covid Syndrome (LCS) is used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after acute COVID–19 infection. Natural history and treatments of this syndrome are still poorly understood, even if evidence suggests the potential role of physical rehabilitation in improving symptoms in these subjects. Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate safety, effectiveness and feasibility of a multidisciplinary, out–of–hospital, exercise–based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) program, of two months duration, in improving symptoms and physical and psychological parameters in patients with LCS Methods Thirty consecutive patients with LCS (18 males, mean age 58 years) underwent an accurate medical screening process including anthropometric and muscular strength evaluation, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), quality of life (QoL) and psychological appraisal before and after an EBCR program. Results At baseline, all LCS patients were strongly symptomatic and showed severe impairments in physical performance, QoL and psychological parameters. No adverse effects and dropouts were observed during the exercise training sessions. After the EBCR program, COVID–19 residual symptoms significantly decreased and significant improvements in upper and lower limb muscular strength, CPET parameters, perceived physical and mental health, depression and anxiety were observed. Conclusions The present study confirms the severe physical and psychological impairment of patients with LCS and suggests that a multidisciplinary EBCR program could promote their physical and psychological recovery

Physical and psychological reconditioning in long covid syndrome patients: results of a structured physical exercise program

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: None.BackgroundLong Covid Syndrome (LCS) is used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after acute COVID-19 infection. Natural history and treatments of this syndrome is still poorly understood. In literature there is currently a lack of data on the real effectiveness of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program based on structured physical exercise (SPE) in these patients.PurposeTo evaluate safety, effectiveness and feasibility of a structured individualized rehabilitation program in improving physical and psychological parameters in patients with LCS.MethodsTwenty-eight patients with LCS (19 males, mean age 57 years) underwent an accurate medical screening process, body composition evaluation, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), muscular strength assessment, quality of life (QoL), psychological assessment and counselling, before and after a 12-sessions SPE program.ResultsAt baseline, all LCS patients showed severe impairments in physical performance, QoL and psychological parameters. No adverse effects and dropouts were observed during training session. After the rehabilitation program, significant improvement in CPET parameters, upper and lower limb muscular strength, perceived physical and mental health, body composition, depression and anxiety and Covid residual symptoms was observed.ConclusionsThe present study confirms severe impairment of patients with LCS and suggest that a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program based on SPE could promote their physical and psychological recovery.

Pain matters for central sensitization: sensory and psychological parameters in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Patients suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are heterogenous. They often present with sensory abnormalities and comorbidities. We aimed to answer the following questions: (1) Is there a specific somatosensory profile in our patient cohort? (2) Can we detect subgroups characterized by a specific combination of sensory and psychological features? and (3) Do psychological parameters influence sensory signs? In 87 patients with FMS quantitative sensory testing was performed on the hand and evaluated in combination with questionnaire results regarding pain, psychological comorbidities, sleep, and functionality. Patients presented different somatosensory patterns, but no specific subgroups regarding sensory signs and psychological features were detected. Hypersensitivity for noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli and hyposensitivity for nonnoxious mechanical stimuli were the most prominent features. Thirty-one percent of patients showed signs of central sensitization as indicated by abnormally increased pinprick hyperalgesia or dynamic mechanical allodynia. Central sensitization was associated with higher pain intensities (P < 0.001). Only a small influence of psychiatric comorbidities on mechanical pain sensitivity (P = 0.044) and vibration detection (P = 0.028) was found, which was partly associated with high pain intensities. A small subgroup of patients (11.4%) demonstrated thermal hyposensitivity (loss of small-fiber function). Patients with FMS showed various somatosensory abnormalities. These were not significantly influenced by psychological comorbidities. Signs for central sensitization were detected in about one-third of patients and associated with higher pain intensities. This supports the notion of central sensitization being a major pathophysiological mechanism in FMS, whereas small-fiber loss may be less important.

Impact of Back Massage on Physical and Psychological Measures in Chronically Ill Patients

Introduction: The significance of massage in providing nursing care is frequently overlooked. Massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects, both physically and psychologically, on the whole person. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of giving chronically ill patients a back massage on their physiological and psychological markers while they were getting care at a tertiary care centre. Methods and Material: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence that back massage has on the physiological and psychological parameters of patients who suffer from chronic illnesses. 1. To determine the effect that back massage has on the physiological and psychological aspects of patients who are suffering from chronic illness. Methodology For the purpose of this study, a one-group, pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design was used to serve as the investigation’s research methodology. Result: This inquiry will focus on collecting samples from 50 chronically ill patients of both sexes between the ages of 16 and 60 who have been hospitalised to Krishna Hospital in Karad. The patients’ ages range from 16 to 60. The results showed that after three days of back massage, the mean score for anxiety decreased from 47 to 35, the score for stress decreased from 16 to 9, and the score for the Patient Health Questionnaire dropped from 58 to 39. After receiving a back massage for three days, the patient’s average pulse decreased from 82 to 75, the average respiration rate decreased from 26 to 19, the patient’s systolic blood pressure decreased from 141 to 129, and the patient’s diastolic blood pressure decreased from 95 to 83. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that massage therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients in intensive care units to lower the severity of patients’ physical and mental health problems. As a consequence of this, regular application of back massage in the context of therapeutic therapy is strongly recommended.

The effect of music therapy on the physical and mental parameters of cancer patients during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Music therapy has been used for relaxation in traditional medicine. This study explored the effect of music therapy on the physical and mental parameters of cancer patients during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Thirty patients who were hospitalized for bone marrow transplantation were included. Traditional Music Therapy of Islamic Turkish Culture was applied to the patients during the transplantation process. Specific physical and psychological parameters of patients were evaluated before and after music therapy. A positive relationship between anxiety and distress scores was observed. Music therapy had a significant impact on increasing levels of oxygen saturation, and decreasing anxiety and distress levels of the HSCT patients (P < .05). Music therapy may provide positive effects for patients during HSCT.

Psychological and nutritional correlates of objectively assessed physical activity in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Physical activity (PA) plays a role in the course of anorexia nervosa (AN). To assess the association between PA, nutritional status and psychological parameters in patients with AN. Using a wearable activity monitor, PA was assessed in 60 female AN inpatients, by step count and time spent in 4 metabolic equivalent (MET)-intensity levels: sedentary behaviour, light, moderate and vigorous PA. In addition, BMI, psychological (patient-reported outcome questionnaires) and nutritional parameters (body fat, energy and macronutrient intake) were assessed. The study population spent little time in vigorous PA. BMI on admission and discharge was higher when more time was spent in sedentary behaviour, and lower with more time spent in light PA. Relationships between PA and patient-reported outcomes were weak and limited to an association between vigorous PA and compulsiveness. Low fat mass was associated with more time spent in light PA, while subjects with higher step counts showed less intake of energy, carbohydrates and fat. The relationship between inadequate food intake and increased PA in patients with AN requires further investigation.

The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on blood biomarkers, autonomic functions, and psychological parameters of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study

BackgroundIn a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that practicing seated isometric yoga regularly for 2 months improved the fatigue of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the possible mechanisms behind this finding by comparing blood biomarkers, autonomic nervous function, and psychological indices before versus after an intervention period of seated isometric yoga practice.MethodsFifteen patients with CFS who did not show satisfactory improvements after at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced seated isometric yoga (biweekly 20-min sessions with a yoga instructor and daily practice at home) for 2 months. The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on fatigue, blood biomarkers, autonomic function, and psychological state were investigated by comparing the following parameters before and after the intervention period: Fatigue severity was assessed by the Chalder fatigue scale (FS) score. Levels of the blood biomarkers cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, HVA, and α-MSH were measured. The autonomic nervous functions assessed were heart rate (HR) and HR variability. Psychological indices included the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsPracticing seated isometric yoga for 2 months resulted in significant reductions in the Chalder FS (P = 0.002) and HADS-depression (P = 0.02) scores. No significant changes were observed in any other parameter evaluated. The change in Chalder FS score was not correlated with the change in HADS-depression score. However, this change was positively correlated with changes in the serum TNF-α levels (P = 0.048), the high frequency component of HR variability (P = 0.042), and TAS-20 scores (P = 0.001).ConclusionsRegular practice of seated isometric yoga for 2 months reduced the fatigue and depressive symptom scores of patients with CFS without affecting any other parameters we investigated. This study failed to identify the markers responsible for the longitudinal fatigue-relieving effect of seated isometric yoga. However, considering that the reduced fatigue was associated with decreased serum TNF-α level and TAS-20 scores, fatigue improvement might be related to reduced inflammation and improved alexithymia in these patients.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000009646. Registered Dec 27, 2012.

Effect of live oud music on physiological and psychological parameters in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Background. Music therapy has emerged as a promising evidence-based adjuvant method of intervention. This study aims to assess the effect of live oud music on physiological and psychological parameters in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, pre- and post-operatively.Methods. Twelve patients undergoing cardiac operations were randomly allocated into either intervention group or control group, six patients in each group. Patients in the intervention group listened to 20 minutes of improvised and personally customized live oud music before and after surgery while patients in the control group heard the normal hospital sounds. While anxiety scores were assessed preoperatively, vital signs and pain scores were assessed postoperatively together with serum levels of cortisol, which was used as a surrogate marker of the stress response.Results. In the intervention group, pain scores and respiratory rates showed statistically significant reduction after listening to music (P values of 0.043 and 0.034 respectively). Additionally, heart rates, anxiety scores and serum cortisol levels showed borderline significant reduction in patients who listened to music with P values, 0.063, 0.066 and 0.068 respectively. These changes were not found in the control group.Conclusions. This preliminary study suggests a role of live oud music therapy in decreasing stress response of the patients undergoing cardiac surgery, in addition to its positive effects on pain perception and anxiety scores.

An eight-month randomized controlled trial on the use of intra-oral cameras and text messages for gingivitis control among adults.

To investigate the effects of using an intra-oral camera (IOC) during a dental hygiene consultation and mobile text messages (TM) between appointments on clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of patients with gingivitis. Patients were randomly assigned into four conditions: IOC, TM, IOC+TM and control, and examined at three assessment points over eight months (N=142). Bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP), dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and social cognitive determinants of behaviour change (outcome expectancies, action and volitional self-efficacy, intention, planning and action control) were evaluated in an examiner-blind controlled study. Mixed-effects modelling was employed to examine changes in study outcomes. Mediations by the psychological determinants were inspected for the effect on treatment groups in clinical parameters and behaviour. Compared to the control group, all treatment conditions improved dental hygiene and revealed a significant decrease in BOMP from baseline to 4months, maintained at 8months; this was clinically relevant in the IOC+TM group, where individuals had more positive outcome expectancies as well as higher levels of action self-efficacy and intention from baseline to four months, maintained at eight months. Volitional self-efficacy was reinforced in all treatments. The psychological determinants did not prove to be the mechanisms responsible for these effects. A multiple-strategy benefit from using the IOC in consultation and TM between appointments improves clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of periodontal health four months after treatment, maintained at eight months' follow-up. Insights are provided for the efficacy of the images and text messages for oral hygiene changes.

The effects of crocin on psychological parameters in patients under methadone maintenance treatment: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMethadone maintenance treatment (MMT) might be associated with the symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunctions. This study was designed to determine the effects of crocin on psychological parameters in patients under MMT.MethodsPatients under MMT were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 30 mg/day crocin (2 plus crocin tablet, 15 mg BID) (n = 25) or placebo (2 tablets per day, 15 mg BID) (n = 25), one hour after taking food, for 8 weeks. Psychological parameters were evaluated at baseline and end of the trial to determine related associations between crocin and patients’ mental health status.ResultsAfter 8-week intervention, crocin significantly decreased Beck Depression Inventory (b − 6.66; 95% CI, − 9.88, − 3.45; P < 0.0001), Beck Anxiety Inventory (b − 4.35; 95% CI, − 5.94, − 2.75; P < 0.0001), general health questionnaire (b − 4.45; 95% CI, − 7.68, − 1.22; P = 0.008) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (b − 2.73; 95% CI, − 3.74, − 1.73; P < 0.0001) in patients under MMT, compared with the placebo. Crocin also significantly improved International Index of Erectile Functions (b 4.98; 95% CI, 2.08, 7.88; P = 0.001) rather than placebo.ConclusionOur findings indicated that taking crocin for 8 weeks by patients under MMT had beneficial effects on their mental health status. Crocin can be recommended as an adjunct to methadone in opioid withdrawal protocols because of the ability to improve the quality of life and decrease opioids side effects in these patients.This trial was registered in the Iranian website for clinical trials registry as http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017110537243N1.Clinical trial registration numberwww.irct.ir: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017110537243N1.

Effects of multisensory stimulation with virtual reality therapy on psychological parameters in patients with stroke

Effects of multisensory stimulation with virtual reality therapy on psychological parameters in patients with stroke

Change of the State of the Natural Antioxidant Barrier of a Body and Psychological Parameters in Patients Aged above 60.

Background The goal of this study is to assess the natural antioxidant barrier of the organism and selected psychological aspects of the aging process in patients above 60 years old. Methods The study included a total of 52 patients aged above 60 (mean age 67 ± 3.4) and 32 healthy subjects (mean age 22 ± 3.4) as a control group. All patients underwent psychological assessment using Test of Attentional Performance version 2.3 (TAP 2.3, four subtests: alertness, cross-modal integration, neglect with central task, and working memory) and biochemical analysis of venous blood concerning values of the selected parameters of oxidative stress (HT, GSH, GPXOS, GPXRBC, GRRBC1, SODRBC1, MDARBC1, NO2−/NO3−, and CP). Results Disorders of attention were observed mainly in elderly people, but an assumption that elderly people have developed more efficient ways of working memory use than younger people may be true. Results showed the reduced effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant barrier in elderly people. Moderate positive and negative correlations among parameters of oxidative stress and psychological parameters were observed in the control group. Discussion Intensification of the attention deficits and oxidative stress may be observed as one of the pathogenic factors of age-dependent diseases.

The Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Physiological and Psychological Parameters of Patient’s Candidate for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Pilot Study

Introduction: Anxiety and stress are common problems before coronary artery bypass graft surgery has a destructive effect on the patient's condition. One of the medications therapies that are effective in reducing anxiety level is Aromatherapy. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of inhalation aromatherapy on physiological and psychological parameters of patients who are candidate for coronary artery bypass graft. Method: In this pilot study, 30 patients candidate of coronary artery bypass graft were selected by convenient sampling method. For intervention on the morning of the surgery, patients inhaled Lavender essential oil from a distance of 5 cm of the nose, for 20 minutes. Physiological and psychological parameters of patients the day before surgery and then 5 and 30 minutes after intervention was estimated by Form vital signs and DASS questionnaire. Data were analyzed in three phases using Descriptive Statistics and repeated measures ANOVA by SPSS.17. Results: 20 of patients were female, 80 male with an average age of 65/36p8/05. The results show a significant difference between the three time phases in variable of the pulse (P = 0/041), respiration (P = 0/040) and stress (P=0.046). Discussion: Aromatherapy can be an effective way to reduce stress levels and pulse in patients candidate for coronary artery bypass graft. Since this results study obtained from a pilot study, to Generalize the results, clinical trials with larger sample size is recommended.

Insulin resistance: associations of personal characteristics and factors of lifestyle

Objective — to study the relationship of IR with some clinical characteristics (body weight, BMI, level of HbA1c) and social and psychological parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes and IGT.Material and methods.IR was assessed by determining fasting blood glucose and insulin (HOMA — homeostasis model assessment, the calculation of the IR index), patients were tested by using valid questionnaires (Strategic Approach to Coping Scale, The Level of Subjective Control, Self-attitude Questionnaire), and life style questionnaires.Results.Multiple associations of IR index with personal characteristics are revealed. The psychological profile of a patient with a high IR includes the reduction of positive self-attitude, uncertainty in their own abilities, especially in the interpersonal relationships. Such features can provoke rejection of the active and targeted overcome the difficulties of life, the desire to avoid decisions, and if it is impossible — aggressive reactions with defensive character and reflect the uncertainty in their forces. The association of body weight and results of psychological tests were detected: the more the worse self-attitude in a number of aspects. The correlations of IR index and weight with some characteristics of lifestyle (dietary habits, especially sleep) were also revealed.Conclusions.The observed association of IR and personal characteristics and lifestyle features are of interest and required larger studies.