Search Results (5,158)

Background: Age-related declines in respiratory muscle strength and ventilatory efficiency can impair functional capacity and metabolic health in older adults. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proposed as a practical intervention to counteract these changes, yet its systemic effects remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of short-term IMT on functional capacity, diaphragm thickness, and liver tissue characteristics in healthy elderly men. Methods: Thirty community-dwelling men aged 60–80 years were randomly assigned to an IMT or control group. The IMT group performed four weeks of breathing exercises using a POWERbreathe^® device at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure, with a weekly 10% increase in pressure. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the six-minute walk test (6MWT), diaphragm thickness and liver density via computed tomography, and quality of life (QoL; SF-12). Results: Four weeks of inspiratory muscle training significantly improved diaphragm thickness (11.7%), fatty liver density (FLD) (+16.7%), and six-minute walk performance (+5.3%), with large time × group effects favoring the IMT group. While the physical quality of life showed modest, comparable improvements, mental health outcomes demonstrated a moderate, time-dependent improvement without a significant group-by-time interaction. Conclusions: Short-term IMT improved diaphragmatic function and functional capacity in older men and was associated with favorable changes in a liver-related biomarker; however, given that only a single liver-related metric was assessed, these findings should not be interpreted as evidence of overall improvements in liver health. Full article

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening cardiopulmonary condition that frequently requires hospitalization and is often accompanied by reduced mobility, systemic inflammation, and nutritional impairment. These factors may contribute to the development or worsening of sarcopenia, a condition associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients. However, its clinical relevance in patients with PE has not been sufficiently explored. This longitudinal observational cohort study evaluated the association between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with confirmed PE. Participants were classified according to the presence of sarcopenia based on muscle mass and muscle strength criteria. Symptom severity, functional status, and health-related quality of life were assessed at hospital admission, at discharge, and three months after discharge. A total of 162 patients were included. Patients with sarcopenia exhibited a greater symptom burden, poorer functional status, and worse self-perceived health compared with non-sarcopenic patients. At discharge, sarcopenic patients reported higher levels of dyspnea and fatigue, poorer health-related quality of life, and experienced longer hospital stays. At the three-month follow-up, these patients continued to show significantly worse symptoms, reduced functionality, and lower quality of life. Sarcopenia was therefore associated with a persistently worse clinical and functional profile in patients hospitalized for PE. Early identification of sarcopenia may help identify patients at higher risk of poor recovery and support the implementation of targeted interventions aimed at improving functional outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Aesthetic Medicine is advanced as an integrated, evidence-based framework for patient-centered care that unites physical, psychological, social, and aesthetic dimensions of health. Drawing on Clinical Health Psychology, the paper introduces Aesthetic Health Psychology as a specialization that embeds psychological theory, assessment, and intervention within aesthetic medicine and surgery, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration rather than professional mistrust. The paper argues that integrating Aesthetic Health Psychology into aesthetic medicine can enhance ethical practice, improve patient-reported outcomes, and support equity-focused implementation across diverse procedures and settings. It further suggests a practical framework for implementation. Three interrelated models are proposed: the Aesthetic Biopsychosocial Model, which conceptualizes aesthetics as a distinct health domain alongside biological, psychological, and social factors; the Aesthetic Health Care Process Model, which structures care as a five-stage journey supported by systematic screening for body dysmorphic disorder and the routine use of patient-reported outcome measures; and the Aesthetic Health Systems Model, which situates aesthetic care within institutional, policy, and cultural contexts. Idealized but clinically grounded vignettes from elective cosmetic, reconstructive, and gender-affirming settings illustrate how these models address non-linear trajectories of adaptation, evolving expectations, complications, and stigma. These concepts jointly define both the motivation for Aesthetic Health Psychology and its practical implications, from the use of brief, selective aesthetic screening during primary health care visits to the design of equity-focused implementation strategies across aesthetic procedures and settings. Full article

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety. Women with PCOS also tend to experience poorer sleep quality and greater daytime sleepiness than healthy individuals. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic reviews have investigated the impact of probiotic supplementation on mental health and sleep patterns in women with PCOS. Emerging evidence indicates that probiotic therapy may be a promising adjunct for enhancing mental well-being and sleep quality within this population. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adult women with PCOS. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving women aged 18–45 years old, with diagnosed PCOS, who received probiotic/synbiotic supplements and enriched foods compared with placebo. Studies had to assess mental health, depressive symptoms, or sleep disorders using validated questionnaires. Five publications met the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome inclusion criteria (PICO) and were included in the final analysis. Results: Probiotic supplementation was associated with significant improvements in sleep quality (assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), depressive symptoms (assessed by Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, DASS 21) and quality of life (measured by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, PCOSQ-26). Conclusions: Although probiotic supplementation may benefit mental health and sleep parameters in women with PCOS, this evidence is limited due to the small number of studies, modest sample sizes, and methodological variability. Further research with larger, more rigorous studies is needed to confirm these findings. Full article

The new challenges we face in modern life, such as the increasing need to monitor health, food quality, and environmental control, along with the strategic areas related to clean energy, require the development of a wide range of products and technological applications [...] Full article

Background: Gamification is a promising approach to support rehabilitation, but implementing new devices after hand surgery (HS) faces challenges, especially in patient motivation and compliance. Technology-based, personalized solutions may encourage patients to perform gamified exercises consistently. This study investigated the impact of a tablet-based gamified hand-mobilization system on functional outcomes after HS compared to standard finger-expander training. Methods: Forty inpatients at BG Klinikum Duisburg were randomly assigned to a gamified or control group. Both groups underwent four weeks of stationary rehabilitation. Outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH), SF-36 health-related quality of life, and a visual analog scale (VAS) at pre- (T0) and post-training (T1). Tablet use frequency and duration were recorded. Results: DASH scores improved significantly over time (F(1.55, 58.85) = 16.36, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.137) with no Group or Time × Group effects (p > 0.40), exceeding the MCID in both groups. SF-36 MCS, PCS, and VAS pain also improved over time (all p < 0.05) with no between-group differences (p > 0.40). Exercise duration differed (p = 0.007), but training frequency did not. Conclusions: Both gamified and conventional rehabilitation programs led to clinically meaningful improvements in hand function after hand surgery. No significant differences were observed between groups, indicating that the tablet-based system was feasible and well-accepted but not superior to standard training. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heel pressure ulcers are a relevant complication in critically ill patients and may negatively affect recovery after ICU discharge. This study investigated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mobility levels one year after ICU discharge in survivors who developed heel pressure ulcers. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU of an academic tertiary-level hospital in Milan (Italy) from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024. Adult survivors were enrolled, and HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Functional status at ICU discharge was evaluated using the Manchester Mobility Score and Barthel Index. This study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: Among 3144 ICU admissions, 52 survivors were enrolled. At ICU discharge, functional status was markedly impaired: only 15 patients (28.9%) were able to stand upright according to the Manchester Mobility Score, and none achieved even moderate levels of independence. At one year, 47 patients (90.4%) completed the follow-up, and 15 of them (31.9%) continued to report moderate-to-severe mobility limitations. The mean EQ-5D index value was 0.75 (SD 0.27), representing a significant reduction compared with Italian population norms (p < 0.001). Conclusions: ICU survivors who developed heel pressure ulcers exhibit reduced HRQoL at one year after discharge. These findings emphasize the need for structured post-ICU rehabilitation and targeted follow-up. Full article

Background: Precursor endometrial lesions and endometrial cancer are strongly influenced by lifestyle-related risk factors, including obesity, low physical activity, and unfavorable dietary patterns. Identifying these factors is essential for early prevention and for improving health literacy among women. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of modifiable lifestyle factors on the likelihood of developing EIN and endometrial cancer in comparison with leiomyoma. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 50 women, divided into three groups: leiomyoma (n = 20), EIN (n = 15), and endometrial cancer (n = 15). BMI, physical activity, dietary habits, sleep duration, stress levels, and smoking status were assessed. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal–Wallis test, correlation analysis, and logistic regression. Results: BMI was identified as an independent predictor of EIN/EC (OR = 1.29; p = 0.015). Women with EIN/EC demonstrated significantly lower levels of physical activity (p = 0.018). A clustering of behavioral risks was observed: higher BMI was associated with higher stress and shorter sleep duration. Conclusions: Modifiable lifestyle factors play a key role in the development of precursor and malignant endometrial conditions. Targeted interventions focusing on weight management, increased physical activity, and improved health literacy may reduce risk and improve quality of life among peri- and postmenopausal women. Full article

Background and Objectives: Bladder cancer (BC) represents a significant global health burden, ranking as the tenth most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide, with an incidence rate of 5.6 per 100,000 person-years annually. The research team aimed to summarize evidence on specialized nursing-led interventions for bladder cancer management across the disease continuum. Materials and Methods: This scoping review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) methodology to search four databases from January 2018 to November 2025. Results: This concise but informative scoping review of 20 studies revealed substantial clinical and patient-reported benefits from specialized nursing interventions. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols incorporating structured nursing care demonstrated a 35% reduction in postoperative complications. Integrated nursing interventions during postoperative intravesical therapy significantly improved patient satisfaction, treatment compliance, and self-efficacy while reducing anxiety and depression. Digital health platforms, including internet-based and mobile applications, proved effective in reducing caregiver burden, enhancing disease knowledge, and improving coping strategies. Preoperative stoma education and postoperative ostomy care management significantly improved self-efficacy, stoma care knowledge, and overall health-related quality of life. Psychosocial interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches, demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and reductions in fear of recurrence, depression, and anxiety. However, a critical evidence gap exists regarding bladder cancer-specific mental health interventions. Conclusions: Specialized nursing-led care plays a critical role in strengthening clinical and assistive practice in bladder cancer. Evidence from this scoping review shows that nursing-led interventions significantly improve clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, symptom management, and quality of life across all phases of bladder cancer care while reducing caregiver burden and enhancing psychological well-being for both patients and families, reinforcing the value of integrating specialized nursing roles into routine bladder cancer management. Full article

With emerging improvement in screening and treatment, most patients with prostate cancer (PCa) live for a long period beyond their diagnosis. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and bowel and urinary incontinence have been shown to be the most bothersome side-effects of most PCa treatment options for patients. With increasing long-term survival, most PCa patients face the prospect of experiencing symptoms, side-effects of available treatment options, and diminished quality of life. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of treatment-induced ED on masculinity among Black South African PCa patients. Twenty (20) prostate cancer patients, selected through purposive sampling and receiving some form of treatment at Pietersburg tertiary Hospital, with ages ranging from 67 to 85 years (mean age = 76 years; SD = 5.3), participated in the study. In-depth, individual semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and analyzed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings indicate that ED threatens or adversely impacts the participants’ perceptions of their sense of masculinity leading to diminished quality of life. The results demonstrate that loss of masculinity brought about by PCa treatment-induced ED is experienced both physically as well as psychologically. The results highlight a need for collaboration between medical and psychological professionals in the management of PCa patients. This is crucial for improving the overall health related quality of life for patients. Full article

This scoping review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed literature exploring quality of life (QoL) for individuals with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), age-related central auditory processing (ARCAP) deficits, and age-related cognitive decline. A growing body of research has identified ARHL as a risk factor for the development of dementia, highlighting the connection between the sensory and cognitive systems. As the aging population continues to grow, examining comorbid age-related hearing and cognitive decline is especially relevant. These conditions may have potential negative consequences on the daily functioning, social participation, mental health, and overall wellbeing of older adults. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted across multiple databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Studies that focused on the impact of ARHL, ARCAP deficits, and/or related cognitive deficits on QoL were included in the present review. Key data extracted included QoL measures categorized into the ICF framework, the effects of hearing loss intervention on QoL, and the impact of ARHL on QoL for aging individuals. This review summarizes the reported effects that ARHL, ARCAP, and/or cognitive decline have on older adults, and discusses the clinical and practical implications for managing clients with these conditions. In addition to preventative measures and deficit management, maintenance of life participation, social engagement, and overall wellbeing should be considered when caring for aging adults with hearing and/or cognitive impairment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nurses are susceptible to compassion fatigue due to the nature of their professional responsibilities. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include daily patient interactions and organizational elements within their work environment, as well as work-related stress and sociodemographic characteristics, including age, marital status, years of professional experience, and, notably, gender. This research investigates the relationship between compassion fatigue and the levels of anxiety and depression, as well as the professional quality of life among nurses providing care to dementia patients in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 115 nurses working in dementia care centers in Greece. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5), and the participants’ personal, demographic, and professional information were all included in an electronic questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used. Results: A total of 42.6% of nurses rated their working environment as favorable. Additionally, 23.5% of the sample exhibited high levels of compassion satisfaction, whereas 46.1% demonstrated low levels of burnout. Female gender (p = 0.022) and a higher family income (p = 0.046) was positively associated with compassion satisfaction. Regression analysis indicated that elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression were found to correlate with decreased compassion satisfaction, increased burnout, and heightened secondary post-traumatic stress. Conclusions: Engaging in the care of patients with dementia, particularly throughout the pandemic period, has underscored a pronounced susceptibility to compassion fatigue, physical fatigue, pain, psychological stress, and a reduced quality of life. These results highlight the importance for nursing management to adopt specific organizational measures, including proper staffing levels, balancing workloads, and conducting routine mental health assessments. Full article

Background: Dental anxiety is a common psychological condition that may influence patients’ perceptions of oral health and well-being. Although its association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been widely studied internationally, evidence from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between dental anxiety and OHRQoL among adult patients attending an academic dental clinic in the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult dental patients using a non-probabilistic sampling approach. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for bivariate analyses. Multiple linear regression was applied as an exploratory approach to assess adjusted associations between dental anxiety and OHRQoL after accounting for age and gender. Results: Higher dental anxiety scores were independently associated with poorer OHRQoL after adjustment for age and gender. Bivariate analyses showed no statistically significant differences in dental anxiety or OHRQoL scores between men and women; however, subgroup comparisons should be interpreted cautiously given the sample size. The findings indicate a consistent association between higher anxiety levels and greater perceived oral health impact within the study population. Conclusions: Dental anxiety was associated with impaired oral health-related quality of life among adult dental clinic attendees in the UAE. These findings reflect associations observed within a modest, non-probabilistic, cross-sectional sample and should not be interpreted as causal or generalized to the wider population. Further longitudinal and population-based studies incorporating clinical and contextual variables are needed to clarify temporal relationships and strengthen external validity. Full article

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may co-occur and are associated with increased symptom burden, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Accumulating evidence suggests shared neurobiological mechanisms. Trauma-focused interventions targeting maladaptive memory processes may therefore represent a relevant therapeutic approach in this population. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary clinical associations of a brief reconsolidation-based therapy in women with comorbid FMS and PTSD. Methods: This multicenter pilot study included adult women diagnosed with FMS and PTSD who underwent six sessions of reconsolidation therapy combining traumatic memory reactivation with propranolol administration. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R), the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the SF-36. Changes over time were analyzed using paired statistical tests and linear mixed-effects models. Results: Fourteen participants completed the intervention and follow-up assessments. The intervention was feasible and well tolerated. Changes over time were observed in fibromyalgia-related quality of life (FIQ scores), PTSD symptom severity (IES-R), and depressive symptoms (MADRS, BDI), as well as in selected SF-36 domains, including vitality, social functioning, and mental health. A progressive decrease in IES-R scores was observed across treatment sessions. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that reconsolidation-based therapy is feasible in women with comorbid FMS and PTSD and was associated with changes in PTSD symptoms and fibromyalgia-related functional impact. Given the exploratory design and absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and warrant confirmation in larger, controlled trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting patients’ daily lives in multiple domains, including functional status, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between self-reported global activity level, functional status, Health Related QoL (HRQoL), and psychological state among patients with Parkinson’s disease in Greece. Methods: Thirty volunteers (mean age = 69.07, SD = 11.24), members of the Greek Parkinson’s Patients and Caregivers Association, completed (a) the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire to evaluate HRQoL and (b) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess psychological state. Participants then performed (a) the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) and (b) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to evaluate functional status. All questionnaires and the test used in the present study have been validated in Greek. Correlation analysis with Spearman r tests with Bonferroni correction was performed between the above variables. Subsequent linear regression models were used to identify independent predictors of HRQoL and balance using SPSS 29.0.2.0. Results: Participants reported elevated anxiety (M = 9.67, SD = 4.44) and depressive symptoms (M = 8.97, SD = 4.08), alongside relatively high HRQoL scores (M = 40.09, SD = 18.40). Impaired functional performance was observed, with 22 participants failing to complete the FTSST within 16 s and 16 scoring below 40 on the BBS. Functional status was strongly correlated with HRQoL (r = −0.696, p < 0.001) and activity level (r = −0.521, p < 0.008). Depression was also significantly associated with poorer HRQoL (r = 0.618, p < 0.008) and lower activity levels (r = −0.545, p < 0.008). Regression analyses revealed that balance (β = −0.526), disease duration (β = 0.437), anxiety (β = 0.411), and lower limb function (β = −0.351) were significant independent predictors of HRQoL (R² = 0.785; F(9, 20) = 12.69; p < 0.001), while HRQoL (β = −0.738) and lower limb function (β = −0.391) independently predicted balance (R² = 0.699; F(9, 20) = 4.72; p = 0.002), suggesting a bidirectional relationship between physical function and subjective well-being. Conclusions: Activity level, HRQoL, functional status, and psychological state in patients with Parkinson’s disease are interrelated factors. Increased levels of anxiety and depression, as well as reduced HRQoL, were observed. The findings point to a potentially reinforcing cycle between poor balance and diminished quality of life, with anxiety and age playing key roles. Overall, the results illustrate that functional, psychological, and HRQoL measures interact in complex ways, emphasizing the multidimensional profile of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Further studies with larger samples are required to confirm these findings. Full article