Essential Oils and Anxiety
“Aromatherapy: The Effect of Lavender on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Patients with Chemotherapy”
This study is a randomized-control trial aimed at showing whether or not lavender essential oil could improve anxiety and sleep in people with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The researchers took baseline measurements of the participants anxiety and sleep quality using specialized questionnaires, a state-trait anxiety inventory and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups, a control group (which receives no treatment), a placebo group (which receives a false treatment) and a treatment group (which received the essential oil). During their chemotherapy, participants in each group received their treatment and then had their anxiety and sleep quality remeasured. Their results showed that participants who used lavender oil had lower day-to-day anxiety and improved sleep compared to the control and placebo groups.
Key Points
- Anxiety Reduction: Participants who used lavender oil showed significantly lower day-to-day anxiety levels.
- Improved Sleep: Lavender oil users also reported better sleep quality compared to the other groups.
Ozkaraman, A., Dügüm, Ö., Özen Yılmaz, H., & Usta Yesilbalkan, Ö. (2018). Aromatherapy: The Effect of Lavender on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Patients Treated With Chemotherapy. Clin J Oncol Nurs, 2(22), 203-210. doi:0.1188/18.CJON.203-210
Sensorimotor Training and Neuropathy
“Exercise and Neuropathy: Scientific Review ”
This study is a scientific review of nearly all published trials which investigated how exercise effects neuropathy. In total, the authors summarized the results from 41 studies. Their findings showed that sensorimotor training produced the greatest improvements in mobility, balance, quality-of-life and neuropathy symptoms compared to no exercise and compared to other types of exercise (e.g. strength, endurance) for people with diabetic and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies. For example, people who used sensorimotor training performed better on balance tasks like standing on one foot, moving from sitting to standing. People who used sensorimotor training also reported fewer neuropathic symptoms such as improvements in feeling, reduced tingling and pain. Importantly however, the authors highlighted the requirement to tailor training to each patient – one size does not fit all.
Key Points
- Exercise Benefits: Research highlights the potential of exercise interventions in improving symptoms and quality of life for neuropathic patients.
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN): Exercise significantly improves balance, mobility, nerve function, and blood sugar levels.
- Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): Exercise enhances balance, quality of life, and reduces symptoms.
- Recommendations: A combination of endurance and sensorimotor training is recommended for DPN, while sensorimotor training is essential for CIPN. Exercise programs should be tailored to each patient.
F. Streckman, M. Balke, G. Cavaletti, A. Toscanelli, W. Bloch, B. Decard, H. Lehmann and O. Faude, "Exercise and Neuropathy: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis," Sports Medicine, vol. 52, pp. 1043-1065, 2022.
Positive Psychological Resources and the Experience of Cancer
“The Correlation Between Quality of Life and Positive Psychological Resources in Cancer Patients”
This study is a scientific review of nearly all published studies which investigated how five psychological resources: resilience, hope, self-efficacy, self-esteem and optimism effects the quality of life for people who had or have cancer. In total, the authors summarized the results from 66 studies. In the studies included in this review, psychological resilience and quality of life were measured using specific tools – surveys and questionnaires like the Self-Efficacy Scale for Self-Management of Breast Cancer (SESSM-B) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Breast cancer (FACT-B). The reviews findings showed increases in all 5 aspects of psychological resilience were significantly associated with increases in participants quality of life. Importantly, resilience, hope, self-efficacy, self-esteem and optimism are considered dynamic traits which can be increased by effort and intervention.
Key Points
- Positive Psychological Resources: Resilience, hope, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and optimism play a crucial role in the quality of life for cancer patients.
- Implications for Intervention Programs: Programs aimed at boosting these psychological resources can potentially improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
X. Zhao, S. Tong and Y. Yang, "The Correlation Between Quality of Life and Positive Psychological Resources in Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis," Fronteirs: Psychology, vol. 13, p. 883157, 2022
Foot Pain, Balance and Functional Ability
“Foot pain impairs balance and functional ability”
This study is an observational comparative study which aimed to find factors associated with worsened balance and functional ability. The researchers recruited 135 older adults and performed a series of clinical tests to measure their balance, functional ability (i.e., ability to climb stairs, stand-up from a chair…etc.) and foot pain. The researchers then used a statistical technique called multiple regression to determine if there was a significant association between foot pain and worsened balance or functional ability. The results showed that foot pain was a significant predictor of poor balance and worsened functional ability. For example, participants with foot pain had more difficulty standing upright without swaying, climbing and descending stairs and had slower walking speeds. Importantly, this association did not depend on other factors like bone deformity, sores or ulcers or callous. The researchers suggest that treating the foot pain is therefore a potential solution for people with poor balance and limited functional abilities.
Key Points
- Impact of Foot Pain: Foot pain was identified as a significant factor contributing to poor balance and reduced functional ability.
- Independence from Other Factors: The association between foot pain and functional decline was not influenced by the presence of bone deformities, sores, ulcers, or calluses.
- Implications: Treating foot pain could be an effective intervention to improve balance and functional abilities in older adults, potentially reducing fall risk and improving quality of life.
H. Menz and S. Lord, "Foot pain impairs balance and functional ability in community-dwelling older people," Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Assoc., vol. 91, no. 5, pp. 222-229, 2001