Background: University students face multiple stressors that negatively impact their mental well-being. Effective emotional regulation and physical activity are crucial for mood management and overall health. This study explored the connection between physical activity, emotional regulation, and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) in Jordanian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey involved 416 students (146 male and 270 female) from Jordanian universities. The survey covered demographics, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), emotional regulation strategies (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), and mental health symptoms (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). Pearson’s correlations examined relationships, and ANOVA compared differences in ‘low’, ‘medium’, and ‘high’ physical activity groups. Results: Greater use of expressive suppression was correlated with increased anxiety symptom severity (p = 0.029). Although physical activity levels were not significantly related to emotional regulation, the ‘high’ physical activity group reported lower depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety symptom severity (p < 0.001) than the ‘low’ and ‘medium’ groups. Conclusions: Increased physical activity and emotional expression suppression are independently associated with improved mental well-being in Jordanian university students. This study underscores the importance of integrating physical activity and emotional expression strategies to support student well-being.
Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that is characterized by repetitive un-triggered seizures that occur severally within 24 hours or more. Areas covered: Non-pharmacological methods for the management of epilepsy were discussed. The non-pharmacological methods include the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) which is subdivided into invasive and non-invasive techniques. For the non-invasive techniques, the auricular VNS, stimulation of the cervical branch of vagus nerve in the neck, manual massage of the neck, and respiratory vagal nerve stimulation were discussed. Similarly, the stimulation parameters used and the mechanisms of actions through which VNS improves seizures were also discussed. Expert opinion: Use of VNS to reduce seizure frequency has come a long way. However, considering the cost and side effects of the invasive method, non-invasive techniques should be given a renewed attention. In particular, respiratory vagal nerve stimulation should be considered. In doing this, the patients should for instance carry out slow-deep breathing exercise 6 to 8 times every 3 hours during the waking hours. Slow-deep breathing can be carried out by the patients on their own; therefore this can serve as a form of self-management.
BACKGROUND: Pisa syndrome (PS) or lateral axial dystonia is often seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is characterized by a marked and reversible lateral flexion of the trunk (LFT) more than 10°. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness
Exercise in different settings has become a fundamental part of Huntington’s disease (HD) management. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of home-based exercises (HBE) in HD. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of HBE on motor, cognitive, or health-related quality of life (QoL) outcomes in HD were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD), the 95% confidence interval, and p-values were calculated by comparing the outcomes change between HBE and control groups. Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The included RCTs prescribed different types of HBEs, i.e., aerobic strengthening, walking, balance, and fine motor exercises. The HBE protocol length was between 6 and 36 weeks. The meta-analyses showed a significant effect of HBE intervention on motor function measure by Unified Huntington Disease Rating and overall QoL measure by Short Form−36 post-treatment respectively, [SMD = 0.481, p = 0.048], [SMD = 0.378, p = 0.003]. The pooled analysis did not detect significant changes in cognition, gait characteristics, or functional balance scales. The current study shows the positive effect of HBE in HD, especially on motor function and QoL. No significant adverse events were reported. The current results support the clinical effect of HBE intervention on motor function and QoL in HD patients. However, these results should be taken with caution due to the limited available evidence. Well-designed clinical studies that consider the disease severity and stages are required in the future.
1 January 2018 in Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine