How effective is massage therapy in alleviating chemotherapy side effects for pediatric cancer patients?

Chemotherapy, a life-saving treatment for cancer, often brings about distressing side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be so severe that they hinder the completion of treatment. Traditional antiemetics, while helpful, come with their own side effects and don’t always provide complete relief. Seeking alternative solutions, a recent study explored the potential of massage therapy to mitigate these symptoms in pediatric cancer patients. … Continue reading How effective is massage therapy in alleviating chemotherapy side effects for pediatric cancer patients?

How effective is Tai Chi in enhancing physical functioning for diabetics?

In 2013, a study conducted by Xin Liu, Yvette D. Miller, Nicola W. Burton, Jiun-Horng Chang, and Wendy J. Brown has unveiled promising results regarding the impact of Tai Chi on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in individuals with elevated blood glucose or diabetes who are not on medication for glucose control. The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a … Continue reading How effective is Tai Chi in enhancing physical functioning for diabetics?

How effective are supervised summer activities for overweight adolescents?

In 2013, a study led by Marco Meucci and colleagues has shed light on the positive impacts of supervised exercise programs on metabolic function and overall fitness in overweight adolescents. The research, which also involved Carol Cook, Chelsea Diane Curry, Laura Guidetti, Carlo Baldari, and Scott Robert Collier, highlights the significant role of structured physical activity in combating childhood obesity, particularly during the summer months … Continue reading How effective are supervised summer activities for overweight adolescents?

How effective is yoga therapy in managing stress for expectant mothers?

In 2013, technological advancements have significantly improved the survival rates for micro-premature and very low birth-weight infants. However, these improvements have also brought about substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems and society. Addressing the need for cost-effective and accessible interventions, a new study explores the potential benefits of yoga therapy (YT) for high-risk pregnancies. A research team led by C.S. Deshpande and colleagues conducted a … Continue reading How effective is yoga therapy in managing stress for expectant mothers?

Is massage the key to better heart rate variability in preterm infants?

In 2013, a groundbreaking study researchers have discovered that massage therapy significantly enhances heart rate variability (HRV), a crucial measure of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, in preterm infants. The study, led by S. L. Smith and colleagues, involved a randomized, masked longitudinal trial with medically stable preterm infants between 29 to 32 weeks of gestational age. A total of 37 infants participated in the … Continue reading Is massage the key to better heart rate variability in preterm infants?