Getting stroke patients back on their feet

Large NIH funded rehabilitation study looks at getting stroke patients back on their feet – In the largest stroke rehabilitation study ever conducted in the United States, stroke patients who had physical therapy at home improved their ability to walk just as well as those who were treated in a training program that requires the use of a body-weight supported treadmill device followed by walking practice.

Asthma pill more user friendly and effective than inhalers

Asthma pill more user friendly than inhalers — and no less effective – A rarely prescribed asthma drug is easier to use and just as effective as conventional treatment with inhalers, according to a new study led by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Adults with arthritis suffer with poorer health and quality of life

Adults with arthritis suffer with poorer health related quality of life — High prevalence of arthritis; aging population poses significant health burden in US – A new study reports that the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for U.S. adults with arthritis is much worse than for those without this condition. Both physical and mental health are affected by arthritis, which poses a significant health and economic burden as the number of those diagnosed continues to climb.

Tai chi may improve quality of life in chronic heart failure patients

Tai chi exercise appears to be associated with improved quality of life, mood and exercise self-efficacy in patients with chronic heart failure – Tai chi, the ancient Chinese meditative exercise, may improve quality of life, mood and exercise self-efficacy in chronic heart failure patients, according to research led by a team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Stem cells repair heart damage in a human trial

Heart damage improves, reverses after stem cell injections in a preliminary human trial – Researchers have shown for the first time that stem cells injected into enlarged hearts reduced heart size, reduced scar tissue and improved function to injured heart areas, according to a small trial published in Circulation Research: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Gene based prostate cancer test may make more accurate treatment decisions

Researchers identify molecular predictor of metastatic prostate cancer — Finding lays the groundwork for gene-based test – Researchers conducted an elaborate series of experiments to identify the genes most closely linked to the aggressive biology of prostate cancer. They found about 300 genes that distinguished the two groups – indolent versus aggressive prostate cancers.

Essential oil pill prevents premenstrual syndrome PMS

Essential oil pill prevents PMS – A pill containing a mix of essential oils has been shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), revealed by researchers in BioMed Central’s journal Reproductive Health.

Incontinence after prostate surgery reduced with behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy program reduces incontinence following radical prostatectomy – For men with incontinence for at least one year following radical prostatectomy, participation in a behavioral training program that included pelvic floor muscle training, bladder control strategies and fluid management, resulted in a significant reduction in the number of incontinence episodes.