Physiotherapy and a Homeopathic Complex for Chronic Low Back Pain Due to Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract:Context: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and can be managed with the use of drug therapy and physiotherapy. Homeopathic remedies may assist in the management of OA; however, research that supports their effectiveness is limited. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a homeopathic complex in combination with physiotherapy in the treatment of CLBP due to OA. Design: The study was a six-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot. Setting: The study took place in a private physiotherapy practice in Gauteng, South Africa. Participants: The participants were 30 males and females, aged 45-75 years, who were receiving physiotherapy treatment for OA of the lumbar spine from a therapist in private practice. Interventions: The intervention and control groups both received standard physiotherapy treatment—massage, thermal therapy, and joint mobilization—every 2 weeks. In addition, the treatment group received a homeopathic complex—6cH each of Arnica montana, Bryonia alba, Causticum, Kalmia latifolia, Rhus toxicodendron, and Calcarea fluorica. The control group a received a placebo. Outcome measures: The primary measure was a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), an evaluation of each patient’s range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar spine, and a determination of each patient’s need for pain medication

Does Cannabis Co-use Impact Tobacco Cessation of Treatment-Seeking Young Adults? A Secondary Analysis

Background. The impact of cannabis co-use on tobacco cessation is uncertain. This study examined whether nonuse, less-than-daily, or daily co-use of cannabis is associated with tobacco cessation outcomes among treatment-seeking 18-to-29-year-old smokers. Methods. Between 2013 and 2015, young adult Ontarians with no contraindications could use an online platform to order free, mailout, 8-week course of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with supplementary self-help materials. Of 23,312 visitors, 10,823 met residency and age eligibility criteria, 8,491 ordered their preferred product (patch or gum), and 1,573 completed baseline and 6-month follow-up self-report surveys. Past 30-day cannabis use was measured at baseline. Tobacco abstinence at follow-up was defined as continuous since estimated end of treatment; reduction was defined as smoking less than 50% of the baseline consumption. Attrition was associated with being unemployed, less educated, more nicotine dependent, and more likely to have a past year quit attempt. Results. Continuous tobacco abstinence was achieved by 10.3% of less-than-daily cannabis users, but 16.2% of daily and 15.7% of non-cannabis users (ns). A binary logistic regression controlling for demographic characteristics, treatment use, nicotine dependence, cigarettes per day, past year quit attempt and alcohol use revealed less-than-daily cannabis use (AOR = .64, p .05) reduced the odds of quitting compared to nonuse. No other variables influenced odds of abstinence. Of the 1,342 participants who did not achieve abstinence from tobacco, 20.2% of daily cannabis users, 23% of less-than-daily cannabis users, and 22.7% of nonusers reduced their tobacco consumption (ns). A binary logistic regression revealed greater odds of reduction for smokers who smoked less and had a past year quit attempt. Conclusion. The pattern of results suggests less-than-daily, but not daily cannabis use may inhibit successful abstinence among treatment-seeking young adults accessing free NRT mailout programs. Programs operating with limited budgets and supplies of NRT may consider directing less-than-daily co-users to other interventions. Research could explore whether changes in frequency of cannabis use occur during treatment and impact outcomes, and whether reasons for or methods of cannabis use influence tobacco cessation outcomes

A study exploring the meaning of culturally competent practice with care leavers in Cornwall

A thesis submitted to the University of Bedfordshire in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Professional Doctorate in Leadership of Children and Young People’s ServicesThe experiences of young people leaving care in rural areas is not a topic widely researched or written about in the general discourse surrounding care leavers. The neglect of the specific needs of this group leads to universal decisions regarding practice and policy being applied without consideration given to their different needs. In particular, the cultural needs of this group of young people requires specific attention due to the demographic composition of rural areas which often comprise lower numbers of diverse cultural groups than urbanised areas. This thesis describes a qualitative research study into the experiences of young people leaving care in Cornwall using the theoretical lens of cultural competence. The study comprised a series of interviews and focus groups with care leavers to explore their experiences of working with professionals and the impact of a rural environment. Further interviews and focus groups were held with professionals and strategic staff to gain a fuller understanding of the context of Cornwall and specific challenges to practice. In total, 19 care leavers were involved in either the focus groups, interviews or both; 21 professionals were involved in the focus groups; and interviews with four strategic members of staff took place. The numbers of care leavers involved is small in comparison to the overall care leaver population of Cornwall, however the findings of the study provide a useful foundation from which to draw conclusions regarding practice in this area. Culture and culturally competent practice are complex concepts to define with variation between individual interpretations. This study identified several key issues for young people in terms of interactions with professionals which could be defined as culturally competent practice. Views from professionals and strategic staff highlighted the specific challenges of achieving culturally competent practice in rural areas. The study concludes by taking account of both sets of views and making recommendations for practice and further areas of learning

The Rabbath Method: Philosophy and Technique in Current Double Bass Pedagogy

This study traced the lineage from François Rabbath through his first-generation apprentices to determine how the philosophies and techniques of the Rabbath Method are interpreted and applied by current double bass performers and pedagogues. Participants were identified for the study from a list of all current (N=46) diploma holders of the L’Institute International de Contrabasse François Rabbath (the Institute) made available to the researcher by the President of the Institute, François Rabbath. An e-mail request for study participation was sent to thirty-six performer/pedagogues trained by Rabbath and certified to teach and/or perform from the Method (Rabbathians), yielding twenty-four-responses. Quantitative data garnered from the researcher-designed Rabbath Method Practitioner Survey (RMPS) revealed a majority of Rabbathians display a diverse practice of music performance and pedagogy. A second collection of questions, the Rabbath Method Practitioner Questionnaire (RMPQ), designed to obtain qualitative data reflecting ways the philosophies and techniques contained in the Method are being disseminated and applied through the performance and pedagogy of current Rabbathians, was included. Data suggest that while most Rabbathians apply philosophies, techniques, and pedagogy from the Method, pedagogic terminology is not always used similarly. Responses to open-ended questions revealed how François Rabbath and current Rabbathians view assimilation of the Method into the public-school setting, and the role of improvisation in pedagogic and performance practice, an integral facet of the Method. Data from this study reflect some congruence in philosophy and application of the Method among first-generation Rabbathians

Medicinal plants for primary dysmenorrhoea : a systematic review

Abstract: Objectives: Primary dysmenorrhoea is a common complaint experienced by many females in their reproductive years. The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of various gynaecological conditions is on the increase, despite the limited evidence available regarding efficacy and safety of their use. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the most recent evidence relating to the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea with medicinal plants. Methodology: A thorough database search was conducted using defined search terms, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 2008 and 2016, pertaining to the use of medicinal plants (single use) for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea, were assessed. Studies evaluating dysmenorrhoeal pain and associated symptoms as a primary or secondary outcome were considered and assessed by two reviewers independently of each other, using the JADAD scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tool

The effect of a homoeopathic complex eye drop solution on the symptoms of computer-induced asthenopia

Abstract: Visual display units (VDU’s) such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, computers, game consoles and televisions have become an essential part of our modern life both in school and at work places (Izquierdo & Townsend, 2008). Up to 90% of computer users may experience visual symptoms at one time or another with the use of VDU’s (Barthakur, 2013). Asthenopia (eyestrain) is typically associated with near-work and symptoms include dry eyes, eye fatigue and difficulty focusing. The major cause of computer-induced asthenopia is fatigue of the ciliary and extra-ocular muscles due to prolonged accommodation and vergence required by near-vision work (Tiwari et al., 2011). The severity of the symptoms is proportional to the time spent using a VDU device and symptoms are substantially reduced after discontinuing usage; even so, the symptoms can affect work productivity and quality of life (Barthakur, 2013). Conventional treatment for asthenopia includes correction of refractive errors, use of occupational glasses, eye drops and punctal occlusion (Garin, 2014); ergonomic measures can also be helpful (Barthakur, 2013). Homoeopathy is a holistic treatment modality based on the “Law of Similars” (Dekkers, 2009). Homoeopathic remedies enhance the body’s own curative abilities, enabling the body to heal itself (Ahmad, 2005). Homoeopathic remedies may provide a safe complementary treatment option for asthenopia. The homoeopathic complex eye drop solution used in this study consists of Conium maculatum 6X, Natrum muriaticum 6X, Ruta graveolens 6X and Senega officinalis 6X. It is a widely available eye drop solution indicated for the relief of computer-induced asthenopia. To date, no specific research could be found on the effect of this eye drop complex on the symptoms of computer-induced asthenopia