RECENT RESEARCH which have limited the ability to draw conclusions about its efficacy . The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of an acupuncture intervention on a wide range of sensorimotor and mobility measurements in pwMS .
Methods : Using a randomized crossover design , subjects experienced acupuncture or a no treatment control condition twice weekly for 4 weeks , followed by a 4-week washout period , and then crossed over to the other condition for 4 weeks . Strength , sensation , spasticity , gait , and balance were measured for all subjects , both before and after each condition .
Results : Seven of the 12 subjects who started the program completed all phases . No subjects experienced adverse effects . No statistically significant changes were observed in the gait or balance measures . Small statistically significant changes were observed in upper extremity strength . Sensation and spasticity were unaffected .
Discussion : The variability of MS suggests that a wide array of testing procedures be utilized , however , this may have led to difficulty with completing all phases of the study . Acupuncture did not result in changes in mobility in pwMS . Some improvements in upper extremity strength were observed . It is unclear whether these changes represent the effect of acupuncture or the inherent variability of MS .
Complementary medicine
Källman M , Bergström S , Carlsson T , Järås J , Holgersson G , Nordberg , JH , Nilsson , J , Wode K , Bergqvist M . Use of CAM among cancer patients . BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies . 2023 , 23 , Article number : 51 .
Background : The use of complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) by patients is widespread . However , there is a lack of knowledge regarding the extent and details of patient CAM use in Sweden , especially in rural Sweden . The aim of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of CAM use among cancer patients in Region Gävleborg .
Methods : A total of 631 questionnaires were distributed to which 376 responses were registered , yielding a response rate of 59.6 %. Questionnaires were distributed to oncology patients at their first visit for curative treatment at the Department of Oncology , Gävle Hospital . Palliative patients were recruited at their first visit and during enrollment in palliative outpatient care in their own homes . The characteristics of the respondents were presented with standard descriptive statistics . A multivariable logistic model was fitted to calculate odds ratios ( ORs ) and identify potential predictors ( Age , Gender , Education , Diagnosis ) of CAM use post-cancer diagnosis .
Results : 54 % of all participants reported lifetime CAM use , 34 % reported CAM use post-diagnosis . The most common CAM methods used after diagnosis are vitamins , health food preparations , herbal teas , prayer and dietary methods . The most common source of information reported is family and friends . Almost 70 % of those who used CAM after their diagnosis stated that they did not discuss their use with healthcare professionals . Most patients reported that they would like some CAM modalities to be offered within conventional care regardless of their own CAM use .
Conclusions : The use of CAM is common among patients with cancer in the region of Gävleborg , and previous studies show a similar use in Sweden in general . Based on the widespread use of CAM and patient interest in discussing CAM use with healthcare professionals , greater attention and focus should be placed on creating a basis for this dialogue . If we , as healthcare professionals , are to emphasise our commitment to providing patient-centred care , we must acknowledge that patients use CAM and are seeking a dialogue about CAM use in their care .
Ng JY , Verhoeff N , Steen J . What are the ways in which social media is used in the context of complementary and alternative medicine in the health and medical scholarly literature ? a scoping review . BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies . 2023 , 23 , Article number : 32 .
Background : Despite the increased use of social media to share health-related information and the substantial impact that complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) can have on individuals ’ health and wellbeing , currently , to our knowledge , there is no review that compiles research on how social media is used in the context of CAM . The objective of this study was to summarize what are the ways in which social media is used in the context of CAM .
Methods : A scoping review was conducted , following Arksey and O ’ Malley ’ s five-stage methodological framework . MEDLINE , EMBASE , PsycINFO , AMED , and CINAHL databases were systematically searched from inception until October 3 , 2020 , in addition to the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health ( CADTH ) website . Eligible studies had to have investigated how at least one social media platform is used in the context of a single or multiple types of CAM treatments .
Results : Searches retrieved 1714 items following deduplication , of which 1687 titles and abstracts were eliminated , leaving 94 full-text articles to be considered . Of those , 65 were not eligible , leaving a total of 29 articles eligible for review . Three themes emerged from our analysis : 1 ) social media is used to share user / practitioner beliefs , attitudes , and experiences about CAM , 2 ) social media acts as a vehicle for the spread of misinformation about CAM , and 3 ) there are unique challenges with social media research in the context of CAM .
Conclusions : In addition to social media being a useful tool to share user / practitioner beliefs , attitudes , and experiences about CAM , it has shown to be accessible , effective , and a viable option in delivering CAM therapies and information . Social media has also been shown to spread a large amount of misleading and false information in the context of CAM . Additionally , this review highlights the challenges with conducting social media research in the context of CAM , particularly in collecting a representative sample .
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