Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in the Improvement of Emesis, Nausea and Food Aversion among Cancer Treatment Patients
Research Design by Jason Bosley-Smith, Nutrition & Integrative Health Program Student
Abstract
Patients undergoing conventional cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation) often encounter a number of negative side effects. Cytotoxic drug-induced nausea and vomiting are the side effects most feared by cancer patients. Additionally, dysgeusia (a change in the sense of taste) may occur during or after cancer treatment resulting in the development of strong food aversions and limited food tolerance/intake. In clinical trials, mindfulness based stress reduction has been shown to provide positive benefits to cancer patients in the areas of immune function, mood alteration, and quality of life. This proposed study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques on food tolerance and reduction of nausea and emesis in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Pilot study comparing patient-related outcomes in patients with mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving either acupuncture plus moxibustion, an herbal/nutritional protocol or a combination of both treatments
Research Design by Kim Cherry, Herbal Therapeutics Student
Abstract
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Kim Cherry, LAc, ADVISOR Bevin Clare, R.H., CNS, Assoc. Professor Maryland University of Integrated Health
OBJECTIVE: To compare the beneficial effects of acupuncture plus moxibustion versus a herbal/nutritional protocol versus a combination of both treatments measured by patient-related outcomes including quality of life scoring.
DESIGN: In this prospective controlled pilot study, 60 patients will be randomized into 3 parallel groups of 20 to 1.) receive acupuncture plus moxibustion twice weekly or 2.) herbal/nutritional protocol or 3.) a combination of both treatments for 8 weeks following a 3-week baseline period prior to randomization.
SETTING: An outpatient acupuncture clinic
SUBJECTS: 60 adults with mild to moderate IBD
OUTCOME MEASURES: Change from baseline in Short Inflammatory Disease Questionnaire (SIDQ) and in the IBD Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBDQ-36). Comparison of ESR and CRP values at study end versus those at baseline to assess inflammatory status.
Weight Loss and Maintenance: Will Mindfulness-based Techniques Make a Difference in Overweight and Obsese Individuals?
A Research Review by Robin Goble, Valerie Maguire (nee Thwing), & Sherry Leikin, Students in the Health and Wellness Coaching Program
Abstract
Using a systematic method, we researched articles in the areas of mindfulness, weight loss, and weight maintenance in overweight and obese individuals to determine the answer to the following questions: Do mindfulness-based techniques produce a more significant amount of weight loss in overweight and obese individuals than studies that do not include mindfulness-based practices? Do mindfulness-based techniques help overweight and obese individuals maintain their weight loss longer than those that do not practice mindfulness-based techniques? Our research shows mindfulness-based techniques alone do not significantly increase weight loss or weight loss maintenance over participant groups who did not incorporate mindfulness-based techniques, unless they also include self-acceptance training/practices.
Effectiveness of Worsleyan 5 Element Acupuncture in a 12-week Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Research Design by Katharine Gold, ACU/MOM Student
Abstract
The purpose of this proposed study is to gauge the effectiveness of 5 Element Acupuncture in improving the quality of life, level of physical heath and Subjective Well Being of individuals attending the 12-week Cardiac Rehab Program at Shady Grove Hospital.