by Zeynep Biringen  , Anna Fuchs  , Sabine C. Herpertz  and Erin K. Biringen

Received: 13 March 2019;  Published: 25 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903048

Most research on compassion utilizes self-report measures. Subjective report of the individual can provide an authentic window about compassion toward the self. Compassionate behavior toward another person, on the other hand, can and should be measured more objectively than self-report allows. Compassionate behavior toward another can best be measured by how that individual actually interacts with others. In this essay, we will describe how behavior that is compassionate can be objectively measured, and one that ha [...]

by Michelle H. Dick  and Nayla M. Khoury

Received: 13 June 2019;  Published: 24 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903047

We explore how medical culture contributes to burnout. Highlighting specific programs aimed at developing compassion and mindfulness skills, we share our own perspectives and experiences implementing similarly focused programs. Promising results on the application of compassion-based programs show evidence of improvements to a number of measures of trainee wellbeing, particularly among the most vulnerable trainees, while results pertaining to mindfulness programs show improvements to performance as well [1, 2]. As [...]

by Jih-Huah Wu

Received: 04 March 2019;  Published: 15 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903046

Sleep has played a critical role in maintaining the physical and psychological health of humans, especially for women. Many studies reveal that sleep disturbance can cause more inflammation, coagulation, insulin resistance, and psychosocial distress in women than in men. A lot of medications are used to treat sleep disorders, but they can cause various adverse effects. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proved as a safe and easy-to-use therapy. We propose two methods of affecting the autonomic nervous syste [...]

by Patricia L. Gerbarg  , Richard P. Brown  , Chris C. Streeter  , Martin Katzman  and Monica Vermani

Received: 10 April 2019;  Published: 12 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903045

Does compassion itself benefit the healing process or does the activation of neurophysiological processes, from which the experience of compassion arises, trigger a cascade of physical and psychological changes that support health and well-being? Exploration of the neurological substrates of compassion reveals multiple healing pathways that can be activated by mind-body practices. Furthermore, these pathways affect physical health, emotion regulation, and how we perceive and relate to others. Physiological states a [...]

by Christopher Lam

Received: 25 April 2019;  Published: 08 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903044

Compassion and kindness can be cultivated and enhanced. Over the years in medical practice I have witnessed many healthcare workers, after having worked with kind and caring practitioners, become progressively more humane. Those of us who are teachers need to be mindful of that. In educating new physicians, compassion should play a central role and we as practicing doctors are well placed to model a caring and empathetic approach to our patients. There is also a fundamental need to look after ourselves and main [...]

by Birthe Osorio  and Karsten Münstedt

Received: 27 February 2019;  Published: 05 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903043

Background: In particular, the women with breast cancer seek methods offered by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Unfortunately, the value of most of such methods remains unclear. Methods: The present review was aimed at identifying reasonable strategies for patients with breast cancer on the basis of the current literature. Results: The analyses revealed that there is no evidence of alternative medicine which might result in healing. However, several strategies are available which could improve patient [...]

by Sierra Day  and Paul D. Loprinzi

Received: 27 April 2019;  Published: 04 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903042

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on autobiographical episodic memory and semantic memory. Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled intervention was employed. The experimental group engaged in an acute bout of treadmill exercise for 15 minutes (70% of heart rate max), while the control group engaged in a time-matched seated activity. For episodic autobiographical memory, participants recalled as many personal memories of events f [...]

by K. Jason Crandall  , Matthew Shake  and Uta Ziegler

Received: 11 April 2019;  Published: 04 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903041

Background: Older adults experience normative age-graded declines in physical and cognitive performance and many must manage one or more chronic conditions. Exercise programs can help to improve both their physical health and their knowledge, skill, and confidence in managing aspects of their own healthcare, yet a significant barrier is motivating them to adhere to such programs. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of a game-centered mobile app (Bingocize®) on older adults' knowledge [...]

by Lauren Curry  , Meghan Pike  , Mary Lynch  , Dana Marcon  and Jana Sawynok

Received: 01 April 2019;  Published: 28 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902040

Background: Qigong, traditional Chinese mind-body practices, is currently receiving increasing attention with exploration of what it is and what it does. Common elements include postures and movement, attention to breathing, and mental instructions. There is a growing literature on the health benefits of qigong in chronic pain and other conditions, and an intervention that provides benefit in multiple domains is particularly important for clinical practice. In this report, we present a case series of six individual [...]

by Hannah Lewandowski  , Lindsay Crawford  and Paul D. Loprinzi

Received: 13 April 2019;  Published: 25 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902039

Acute exercise may enhance episodic memory recall, or the retrospective recall of an event or episode due to exercise-induced neuronal excitability and ensuing long-term potentiation. Of interest to this paper is the potential effects of acute exercise on memory interference, when the interfering stimuli occurs at the same time as the target stimuli. A three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled intervention was employed. Participants (N=50) were randomized into one of three groups, including 1) Interference + [...]