Mobilization Helps Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
In this study, researchers observed that Maitland mobilization—a manual therapy provided by doctors of chiropractic—is an effective intervention for improving pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, October 2022
Common Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Appears Riskier for Women
Ablation is a surgical procedure that creates scarring within the heart in an attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. An analysis of data concerning nearly 59,000 atrial fibrillation patients treated with ablation revealed that female patients were more likely to experience intermittent atrial fibrillation, as well as heart palpitations, chest
pain, fatigue, and dizziness. Cardiologist Dr. James Freeman adds, “This study is a call to arms to continue efforts to mitigate the risk of these procedures and continue to try to improve the safety profile for women.” Heart, October 2022
Unhealthy Diet Linked to Depression
Kynurenic acid is a normal byproduct of the metabolism of tryptophan, which is known to affect neurophysiological and neuropathological processes. A recent study that included 169 adults found that those who consumed a Western-style diet had lower levels of kynurenic acid and a higher risk for depression than participants who consumed a healthier diet. Neuroscientist Dr. Edwin Lim explains, “Western-style diets high in fat, sugar, and processed foods were already known to increase the risk of depression, but this is the first time a biological link involving the kynurenine pathway has been established… People from the group eating an unhealthy diet had lower levels of [kynurenine acid] and more severe symptoms of depression. This indicates that [kynurenine acid] may help to protect us against depression.” Frontiers in Nutrition, October 2022
Physical Education Classes Help Kids Move More, Sit Less
The current research suggests that children and teens who take physical education classes are not only more likely to meet physical activity guidelines, but they also spend less time engaged in sedentary behaviors. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, October 2022
Weight Loss After Parkinson’s Diagnosis Often Signals Mental Decline
Researchers monitored 358 Parkinson’s disease patients and found that those who lost weight experienced faster cognitive decline than the patients who maintained their weight or gained weight. Neurology, October 2022
Even Small Weight Gain Tied to Knee Trouble
A systematic review that included twenty studies concluded that gaining just eleven pounds increases the risk for osteoarthritis of the knee by up to 33%. The finding is important as people tend to put on an extra 2.2 pounds each year as they age. International Congress on Obesity, October 2022
