Through a small but exquisite study, the authors of this investigatory intervention trial provide a plausible subcellular explanation for massage therapy's purported benefits on injured muscle using muscle biopsy and subsequent gene profiling. The application of similar study techniques might be expected in future studies of other CAM therapies directed against pain.
Insomnia is relatively common and experienced around the world. Estimates have identified prevalence rates ranging from 5-50%.
On december 6, 2011, the food and drug administra- tion (FDA) announced that "HCG products marketed as weight loss aids are unproven and illegal."
Behavioral therapy works as well as drug treatment for male overactive bladder.
Results from this small pilot trial suggest that clinical hypnosis, massage, and energy work can all be offered to people receiving chemotherapy without interfering with conventional medical care. The findings also suggest little clinical benefit, but there are considerable study limitations, and the findings speak more to feasibility than to therapeutic utility.
This is the final article in a three-part series about the design and conduct of clinical research. The first installment discussed how research begins with the formulation of research questions, and the second reviewed the strengths and limitations of some common study designs. This article will discuss a few key issues in the analysis and interpretation of research findings.
The cholesterol-lowering foods specified in the portfiolo diet of Jenkins et al are effective treatments for elevated LDL-C levels under real world living conditions. Not surprisingly, overall compliance with dietary instructions regarding portions of the four principal portfolio diet components (tree nuts, soy protein, soluble fiber, and plant sterols and stanols) was significantly associated with percentage reduction of LDL-C in participants completing the study.
Creatine remains one of the most popular supplements for athletes, especially to enhance power and speed. A large body of research evidence supports claims that creatine enhances power output during short maximal bursts of exercise, such as power lifting or sprinting.
The prevalence of chronic heart failure has steadily increased with improvements in survival rates for cardiac patients; however, heart failure remains a disorder whose typically progressive course worsens quality of life, and thus far has defied most conventional medical approaches. New ideas leading to new treatments are needed. The researchers behind this small intervention trial examined the effect of repeated sauna therapy on exercise tolerance in people with congestive heart failure and found significant benefits.
