Reduce Muscle Tension Research Articles

A soft massage tool is advantageous for compressing deep soft tissue with low muscle tension: Therapeutic evidence for self-myofascial release

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the amount of deep tissue pressure and muscle relaxation between a soft inflatable rubber ball (SIRB) and a hard massage ball (HMB). DesignCrossover experimental design study. InterventionsThirty participants with neck pain (age: 65.9 ± 3.4, Neck Disability Index score: 34.0% ± 15.2) pillowed a SIRB or an HMB beneath the suboccipital region in the supine position. For the baseline condition, participants pillowed a foam block without a ball. Main outcome measuresTo quantify the amount of deep-tissue pressure by a ball, compressed soft tissue thickness was measured with lateral cervical radiographs. To assess muscle relaxation, the amount of muscle tension was determined using electromyography of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles. To monitor the cervical lordosis in each condition, the extension angles of the cervical vertebrae were quantified using the relative rotation angles. ResultsThe compressed soft tissue thickness in the SIRB condition was significantly lower than that in the HMB condition. The normalised muscle activities exhibited that right sternocleidomastoid muscle activity in the HMB condition was significantly higher than that in the baseline and SIRB conditions. In the SIRB and HMB conditions, Numeric Rating Scale for pain was 0.2 ± 0.5 and 5.2 ± 1.4, respectively. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that a SIRB is more advantageous than an HMB for pressing the soft tissue deeply. This finding would be related to reduced muscle tension and discomfort in the SIRB condition when compared with the HMB condition.

PENGARUH TERAPI BACK MASSAGE TERHADAP PENURUNAN TINGKAT NYERI PADA PENDERITA RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DI DESA RAJADESA KECAMATAN RAJADESA KABUPATEN CIAMIS TAHUN 2018

Disease that is often complained by the public today one of the pain in the bone, which is better known by the community with rheumatism. Rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, progressive, chronic and tendonic inflammatory disease of joints and connective tissue symmetrically. One way of management of rheumatoid arthritis pain is back massage therapy. Back Massage is one of the techniques to give massage action on the back with lotions/balm for 10-15 minutes, the warm sensation leads to vasodilation of blood vessels that will improve blood circulation in the area so that the activity of the cell is increased and will reduce pain, increase comfort, reduce muscle tension and improve physical and psychological relaxation. This study aims to determine the effect of Back massage therapy to decrease the pain level of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Rajadesa Village Rajadesa Sub District Ciamis District in 2018. Type of research using Quasi Experiment Design with one group pretest-posttest design. Total sample 48 respondents with total sampling technique. Data collection using experimental method with VDS (Verbal Descriptor Scale) pain rate measurement tool. The result of statistical test by using Linear Regression shows Sig = 0,000 <0,05, t value = 18,935> 2,012. Then Ha is accepted, and the average value before therapy is 3.27 with a standard deviation of 0.818, whereas after therapy is 2.23 with a standard deviation of 0.881, meaning there is the effect of back massage therapy on the decrease of pain level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. So to reduce pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be given back massage therapy.

Pengaruh Psikoedukasi terhadap Pengetahuan dan Tingkat Kecemasan Pasien dengan hipertensi

Psychoeducation is the provision of information about managing disease and the psychological aspects of patients. Psychoeducation teaches someone about a problem so they can reduce the stress associated with the problem. Relaxation can reduce muscle tension, saturation and anxiety so as to prevent the increase in pain stimuli and can help hypertensive patients to reduce anxiety and strengthen individual coping. This study aims to determine the effect of psychoeducation on the knowledge and anxiety level of patients with hypertension. The study design was a quasi-experimental pre-post test with control group psychoeducation intervention with a sample of 80 people. The results were significant differences in the knowledge of patients before and after the intervention group (p value knowledge = 0.013), whereas in the control group there was no difference (p value = 0.770). The conclusion is obtained that psychoeducation can improve the knowledge of patients with hypertension, so that it is expected to be one form of intervention that can be applied to the community in the Cipayung District area.

Vibroacoustic Therapy and Development of a New Device: A Pilot Study in the Health Resort Environment

This study was motivated by the development of a new model of vibroacoustic (VA) therapy device which, in terms of its design and characteristics, could be used in various health promotion and treatment environments. In the case of VA therapy, a bed or lounge chair is used to transmit special low frequency sounds for the purpose of affecting the whole body. In the review of previous studies, the results of applying VA therapy in the case of somatic and functional disruptions are described. In this study a new VA device prototype was used. The study was carried out at a health resort where, over the course of a two month period, visitors had the opportunity to participate in VA therapy. Twenty-six volunteers participated in the study. Data was collected through self-rate scales, which were completed at the beginning and end of the VA treatment session. The results of the study indicated an improvement in feeling – a reduction in muscle tension, pain, fatigue, anxiety – as well as the suitability of the device and therapy for health improvement related purposes, integrated with other health services.

Impact of systemic cryotherapy on physical fitness

Background: Systemic cryotherapy has broad effects on the human body. These include improved immunity, accelerated tissue regeneration, activation of thermoregulatory mechanisms, analgesic effects, and reduced muscle tension and spasticity without compromising strength. Aim: To evaluate the effect of systemic cryotherapy on physical fitness. Material and methods: The 43 participants (42 - 53 years of age) underwent 10 daily treatments in a nitrogen cryochamber over two consecutive weeks. Each cryochamber treatment lasted for 3 minutes at -130°C. Physical fitness was tested before and after the cryochamber treatment course using elements of three physical testing methods (a functional movement screen, a TKKF physical fitness test and a general fitness test). Results: After cryotherapy, there was a visible improvement in the first four exercises of the fitness test with fewer participants feeling pain during movement, and more able to perform the exercises correctly or perfectly. For the remaining three exercises, the changes occurred in fewer subjects and to a lesser extent. Conclusion: Systemic cryotherapy was associated with improved physical fitness. It can be used to help increase overall physical fitness as a complementary and supportive process.

Effects of acupuncture on muscle tension of lower limb in children with spastic cerebral palsy

To observe the effects of acupuncture at different acupoints in yin meridians and yang meridians on lower limb muscle tension in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Ninety children with spastic cerebral palsy aged between 2 to 6 years old were divided into a yin-meridian group, a yang-meridian group and a rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the rehabilitation group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment; the patients in the yin-meridian group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment and acupuncture at Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) along yin meridians; the patients in the yang-meridian group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment and acupuncture at Futu (ST 32), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Guangming (GB 37) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) along yang meridians. All the three groups were treated once each other day, 10 times as one course, and totally 20-day treatment was given. Before and after treatment, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), clinical spasm index (CSI) and integrated electromyography (iEMG) of surface electromyogram of gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated. Compared before treatment, the MAS and CSI in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were improved after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01); the differences before and after treatment in the rehabilitation group were not significant (both P>0.05). After treatment, the differences between the rehabilitation group and yin-meridian group, yang-meridian group were significant (P<0.05, P<0.01); the differences of MAS and CSI between the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were not significant (both P>0.05). Compared before the treatment, the right-side iEMG and left-side iEMG were reduced in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group (all P<0.05); the right-side iEMG was increased in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the iEMG in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were lower than that in the rehabilitation group (all P<0.05); the differences of iEMG before and after treatment in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were higher than that in the rehabilitation group (all P<0.05); the differences of iEMG between the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were not significant (both P>0.05). Acupuncture at yin meridians and yang meridians could reduce muscle tension of lower limb and improve limb spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy, and the two acupuncture methods have similar clinical curative effect.

Changes in Abnormal Muscle Tension Pattern after Fiberoptic Injection Laryngoplasty

We performed a retrospective chart review to compare the presence and types of abnormal muscle tension patterns (MTPs) in patients who had been diagnosed with glottal insufficiency before and after fiberoptic injection laryngoplasty. The main cause of glottal insufficiency had been unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Our review included an analysis of the medical records and laryngeal videostroboscopic recordings of 16 patients-9 men and 7 women, aged 25 to 87 years (mean: 59). Stroboscopic frames were analyzed for the presence of one or more types of abnormal MTP. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of the change in scores for type II and type III MTP before injection and 1 month after injection. Before injection laryngoplasty, 15 of the 16 patients exhibited evidence of an abnormal MTP; 10 patients had MTP II only, 2 had MTP III only, and 3 patients had both. The mean percentage of frames showing MTP (i.e., MTP score) in patients with MTP II was 66.2% before the injection and 28.9% 1 month after; the decrease was statistically significant (p = 0.001). For MTP III, the corresponding figures were 71.6 and 37.7% (p = 0.043). We conclude that injection laryngoplasty has a positive effect on reducing muscle tension in patients with glottal insufficiency.

Time- and Dose-Dependent Effects of Desflurane in Sensitized Airways

Although the bronchodilatory actions of volatile anesthetics, such as halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, have been well documented in previous studies, the properties of desflurane remain controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of desflurane at different concentrations and durations in an ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pig model of airway hyper-responsiveness. Ovalbumin-sensitized animals (n = 176) were randomly assigned to 5 groups according to the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane they received: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 MAC. Total lung resistance in vivo, airway smooth muscle tension in vitro, and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels were measured to evaluate the effects of desflurane. In 5 sensitized groups, total lung resistance increased from baseline to peak at approximately 8 minutes and then decreased slowly until about 17 minutes with extended administration of desflurane. Desflurane dose-dependently increased total lung resistance with or without incremental doses of acetylcholine and reduced muscle tension with increasing concentrations of carbacholine. Cyclic AMP levels were increased by desflurane: at the 60-minute time point, cyclic AMP concentrations (means ± SD) with 0.5 MAC (1.96 ± 0.40) and 1.0 MAC (2.11 ± 0.50) desflurane were higher than those at the 8-minute time point (1.11 ± 0.23 and 1.32 ± 0.32). Desflurane exerted time- and dose-dependent effects and could be used at 0.5 and 1.0 MAC concentrations without significant bronchoconstriction in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. Cyclic AMP-mediated airway smooth muscle relaxation might be one mechanism by which desflurane induces bronchodilation.

Применение релаксационного биоуправления в лечении и реабилитации пациентов с заболеванием голосового аппарата

The article deals with the psychological treatment of patients with voice disorders using the latest computer technology psychotherapy. The paper describes a method of psychological treatment based on biofeedback relaxation. The data on the dynamics of changes in physiological parameters, psycho-emotional background, as well as the state of the voice functions, taking into account the treatment. It describes the techniques and methods of work on the unit. On the basis of the data evaluated the effectiveness of this method in rehabilitation of voice function in patients with voice disorders. Substantiates the proposition that biofeedback relaxation is highly effective and non-invasive method of treatment and health effects in the treatment and rehabilitation of diseases of the vocal apparatus, helping to reduce the level of anxiety, psychosocial stress, as well as increase the level of vitality. Using biorelaxation technology can increase stress levels and ensures the production of constructive behavior strategies in stress situations. Relaxing biofeedback helps to reduce muscle tension and raising the level of skin temperature as autonomic response of the patients at the beginning and end of the training differed significantly, and the vegetative balance towards the end of the course was shifted toward parasympathetic reactions.

Effectiveness of Spiritist “passe” (Spiritual healing) for anxiety levels, depression, pain, muscle tension, well-being, and physiological parameters in cardiovascular inpatients: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBiofield therapies, such as laying on of hands, are used in association with Conventional Medicine as Spiritist “passe”, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiety, depression, pain, muscle tension and well-being, as well as physiological parameters in cardiovascular inpatients submitted to the Spiritist “passe”, sham, and no intervention. MethodsIn the total, 41 cardiovascular inpatients submitted to the Spiritist “passe”, sham, and no intervention during a 10-min period on 3 consecutive days. They were evaluated through anxiety and depression level, pain, the perceptions of muscle tension and well-being and physiological parameters, before and after interventions. ResultsA significant reduction (p=0.001) in anxiety scores and muscle tension (p=0.011), improvement of well-being (p=0.003) and a significant increase in peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation scores (p=0.028) were observed in Spiritist “passe” patients, and a significant reduction (p=0.028) of muscle tension and improvement of well-being (p=0.045) in sham patients. However, muscle tension reduction (p=0.003) and improvement of well-being (p=0.003) were more accentuated in the Spiritist “passe” compared to sham and no intervention. ConclusionsResults suggest that the Spiritist “passe” appeared to be effective, reducing anxiety level and the perception of muscle tension, consequently improving peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation and the sensation of well-being compared to sham and no intervention in cardiovascular inpatients.

Novel Uses for Botulinum Neurotoxin in Upper Limb Surgery.

Novel Uses for Botulinum Neurotoxin in Upper Limb Surgery.

The Efficacy of a Brief Nature Sound Intervention on Muscle Tension, Pulse Rate, and Self-Reported Stress

There is a growing recognition that environmental design impacts health and well-being. Nature contact is a design feature or exposure that is especially important in public health and healthcare. To date, there are limited findings on the impact of nature sounds. This experimental study was designed to examine the effect of nature sounds on physiological and psychological stress. Participants were randomized into one of three groups-silence (n = 9), nature sound (n = 17), and classical music (n = 14)-and listened to the assigned sound for 15 min in an office or waiting room-like environment. Pre- and postdata were collected including muscle tension (electromyogram), pulse rate, and self-reported stress. With the exception of pulse rate, there were no statistical differences in baseline or demographics among groups. A paired t-test by group showed a decrease in muscle tension, pulse rate, and self-reported stress in the nature group and no significant differences in the control or the classical music groups. The significant reduction in muscle tension occurred at least by 7 min of listening to the nature sound. This study highlights the potential benefit of even very brief (less than 7 min) exposure to nature sounds. Brief nature sound "booster breaks" are a promising area for future research with important practical implications.

Efficacy of Biofeedback in Chronic back Pain: a Meta-Analysis.

The aims of the present analysis were to investigate the short- and long-term efficacy and treatment moderators of biofeedback as a psychological treatment option for chronic back pain. A literature search using PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library identified 21 eligible studies including 23 treatment conditions and 1062 patients. Meta-analytic integration resulted in a significant small-to-medium effect size for pain intensity reduction (Hedges' g=0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44, 0.76) that proved to be stable with a significant small-to-large effect size (Hedges' g=0.62; 95% CI 0.40, 0.84) over an average follow-up phase of 8months. Biofeedback also proved to be effective in reducing depression (Hedges' g=0.40; 95% CI 0.27, 0.52), disability (Hedges' g=0.49; 95% CI 0.34, 0.74), reduction of muscle tension (EMG; Hedges' g=0.44; 95% CI 0.22, 0.65), and improving cognitive coping (Hedges' g=0.41; 95% CI 0.26, 0.57). These effects remained comparatively stable at follow-up and for controlled studies only. Moderator analyses revealed longer biofeedback treatments to be more effective for reducing disability and a greater proportion of biofeedback in the treatment to be more effective for reducing depression. Publication bias analyses demonstrated the consistency of these effects. It is concluded that biofeedback treatment can lead to improvements on various pain-related outcomes in the short and long terms, both as a standalone and as an adjunctive intervention.

Muscle shortening velocity depends on tissue inertia and level of activation during submaximal contractions.

In order to perform external work, muscles must do additional internal work to deform their tissue, and in particular, to overcome the inertia due to their internal mass. However, the contribution of the internal mass within a muscle to the mechanical output of that muscle has only rarely been studied. Here, we use a dynamic, multi-element Hill-type muscle model to examine the effects of the inertial mass within muscle on its contractile performance. We find that the maximum strain-rate of muscle is slower for lower activations and larger muscle sizes. As muscle size increases, the ability of the muscle to overcome its inertial load will decrease, as muscle tension is proportional to cross-sectional area and inertial load is proportional to mass. Thus, muscles that are larger in size will have a higher inertial cost to contraction. Similarly, when muscle size and inertial load are held constant, decreasing muscle activation will increase inertial cost to contraction by reducing muscle tension. These results show that inertial loads within muscle contribute to a slowing of muscle contractile velocities (strain-rates), particularly at the submaximal activations that are typical during animal locomotion.

The use of superficial heat for treatment of temporomandibular disorders: an integrative review.

To perform an integrative review of scientific bibliographic production on the use of superficial heat treatment for temporomandibular disorders. Research strategy : Literature review was accomplished on PubMed, LiLACS, SciELO, Bireme, Web of Science, and BBO databases. The following descriptors were used: hot temperature, hyperthermia induced, heat transference, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular joint disorders, temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, and their equivalents in Portuguese and Spanish. Articles that addressed the superficial heat for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, between 1980 and 2013. The following data were collected: technique of applying superficial heat, duration of application, stimulated body area, temperature of the stimulus, frequency of application, and benefits. initially, 211 studies were found, but just 13 contemplated the proposed selection criteria. Data were tabulated and presented in chronological order. Several techniques for superficial heat application on treatment of temporomandibular disorders were found in the literature. The moist heat was the most widely used technique. Many studies suggested the application of heat for at least 20 minutes once a day. Most authors recommended the application of heat in facial and cervical regions. The heat treatment resulted in significant relief of pain, reduced muscle tension, improved function of the mandible, and increased mouth opening.

Impact of the peripheral neurotomy method combined with rehabilitation exercise on gross motor function and balance function of children with cerebral palsy

Objective To study the impact of the peripheral neurotomy method combined with rehabilitation exercise on gross motor function and balance function of children with cerebral palsy. Methods Matched pair design was used in the study.Thirty children with spastic cerebral palsy hospitalized from May 2011 to Nov.2013 suffering from peripheral neurotomy were assigned as study group, who were conscious and treated by peripheral neurotomy combined with rehabilitation exercise.In the meanwhile, 30 children inpatients at the same time were employed as the control group, who were similar in age and symptoms, with the same gender and the same Gross motor function classification(GMFCS) grade, and the controls were treated only with ordinary rehabilitation exercise.Modified Ashworth score, Gross Motor Function Measure(GMFM) D and E regions scores, physicians rating scale score in the 2 groups were recorded after treatment for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks.Repeated measure analysis of variance method was introduced to analyze the differences between the 2 groups in improved Ashworth muscle tension, gait improvement, gross motor function and balance function. Results The study group was superior over the control group in muscle tension reduction(F=8.177, P=0.006) and gait improvement(F=24.284, P=0.000). The 2 groups were not different statistically in D region evaluation of GMEM(F=0.072, P=0.790)and E region evaluation of GMFM(F=0.000, P=0.985); For Berg balance scale, the 2 groups had also no difference(F=0.150, P=0.700). Conclusions Both peripheral neuro-tomy method combined with rehabilitation exercise and the ordinary rehabilitation exercise method both could improve the gross function and the balance function.Furthermore, the former was superior over the latter in muscle tension reduction and gait improvement. Key words: Cerebral palsy; Peripheral neurotomy; Gross motor function measure; Berg balance scale

Síndrome de tensão musculoesquelética, musculatura laríngea extrínseca e postura corporal: considerações teóricas

O tema deste estudo é a Síndrome de tensão musculoesquelética, musculatura laríngea extrínseca e postura corporal. Tem como objetivo descrever, a partir de revisão de literatura,as características da musculatura extrínseca da laringe; postura corporal; Síndrome de tensão musculoesquelética e suas implicações vocais; avaliação e tratamento fisioterapêutico e fonoaudiológico. Foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico dos últimos 13 anos em que foram incluídos artigos cujo objetivo e/ou corpo do texto estivessem em consonância com os objetivos do estudo. A pesquisa foi realizada nos bancos de dados das bases Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Biblioteca Regional de Medicina, PublicMedline, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System on Line, Scientific Electronic Library Online e Google Schoolar. Estabeleceram-se relações importantes do âmbito fisioterapêutico e fonoaudiológico, dentre as quais se destacam as relações musculares, posturais e funcionais na sinergia do aparato vocal. Na fisioterapia para redução da tensão muscular, a literatura aponta uso de eletroterapia transcutânea, laser de baixa intensidade, laser acupuntura, crioterapia, bem como terapia manual com tração, massagens, manipulações e mobilizações cervicais, associadas ou não a exercícios, alongamentos, relaxamento isométrico, mobilização assistida dos tecidos moles, exercícios terapêuticos visando à correção e equilíbrio muscular, reeducação respiratória diafragmática e terapia com flexão craniocervical. Na fonoaudiologia, foram encontrados apenas estudos com a manipulação digital da laringe e exercícios de trato vocal semiocluído.

Changes in the Muscle Tension of Erector Spinae after the Application of the McKenzie Method in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: Validation of the effect of the McKenzie method in patients with lumbar spine discopathy. Our aim was to objectively record derangement, according to McKenzie, by monitoring the centralization phenomenon, the sensory and affective dimensions of pain, reduction in the level of disability, and reduction of tension in the erector spinae muscle by means of surface EMG during static activities, in patients with chronic low back pain. The tension of the erector spinae muscle was also measured in healthy individuals in order to compare this to the changes observed in patients with chronic low back pain. Sample: The research sample consisted of 31 patients with MRI diagnosed discopathy. The intervention group (Group 1) was treated with the McKenzie method alongside general physiotherapy. The control group consisted of healthy individuals (n=24) who didn’t receive any therapeutic intervention. Methods: The McGill Pain Questionnaire was used to measure the intensity and type of pain. The Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) was used to measure the degree of disability. The Schuhfried Biofeedback 2000 x-pert 2 channel surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure the tension of the erector spinae muscle, paravertebrally at the L4 level. The centralization phenomenon was evaluated by means of 4-degree scale. Results: The tension of erector spinae during static activities was found to be significantly lower (p Conclusion: An objective reduction of derangement was identified after 1 month and 3 months post treatment. This is based on the centralization phenomenon that occurred, as well as the reduction in the sensory and affective dimensions of pain, degree of disability and tone of erector spinae during static activities. Centralization leads to a continuous reduction in muscle tension. Dysfunction is an intermittent increase of muscle tone, and increases when the muscle is loaded e. g. in standing.

Does a magnetic blanket induce changes in muscular blood flow, skin temperature and muscular tension in horses?

Static magnetic blankets are often claimed to induce increases in blood flow, reduce muscle tension and tenderness, and be beneficial in both prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in horses. However, there are no studies that confirm alleged beneficial effects of magnets on muscles of the back in healthy horses. To investigate whether static magnets sewn into a blanket affect back muscle blood flow, skin temperature, mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) and behaviour in healthy horses. Prospective, randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study. The following outcome measurements of the back of 10 healthy horses were performed; blood flow by photoplethysmography, skin temperature by use of thermistors in conjunction with digital infrared thermography, and MNTs by algometry. The horses' behaviour was filmed during the procedure and scored on an ethogram. Measurements were performed repeatedly for a 30 min baseline period. Thereafter a blanket with active, static magnets (900 gauss) or placebo magnets was placed on the horse and measurements were performed for a 60 min treatment period and a 30 min post treatment period. The study procedure was repeated on the consecutive day, when the horse received the alternative treatment. Blood flow in muscle, skin temperatures, MNTs and behavioural traits did not differ between active and placebo magnetic blankets. Skin temperature increased similarly during both active and placebo blanket treatment. In healthy horses, magnetic blankets did not induce additional significant effects on muscle blood flow, skin temperature, MNTs and behaviour when compared with nonmagnetic blankets.

Calligraphy and meditation for stress reduction: an experimental comparison.

BackgroundChinese calligraphic handwriting (CCH) has demonstrated a new role in health and therapy. Meanwhile, meditation is an traditional and effective method for coping with stress and staying healthy. This study compared the effectiveness of CCH and meditation as distinctive and parallel stress reduction interventions.MethodsThirty graduate students and academic staff members in Taiwan who suffered from stress were selected by the General Health Questionnaire and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, ie, a CCH group, a meditation group, or a control group, for 8 consecutive weeks. Changes in physiological parameters were measured before, during, and after treatment.ResultsCCH and meditation showed their strength in the respective indices of stress. There was a significant difference in respiratory rate, heart rate, and electromyographic scores between the groups. Comparing pre- and post-effects, a decrease in heart rate and an increase in skin temperature was seen in subjects who practiced CCH. Increased skin temperature and decreased respiratory rate were also seen in subjects who practiced meditation, along with reduced muscle tension and heart rate.ConclusionCCH and meditation have good effects in stress reduction. CCH is a particularly promising new approach to reducing stress.