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24 papers
This review explains that muscle fatigue can come from many different causes and that there is no single global cause. Fatigue is usually measured as a drop in the maximum force or power a muscle can make, but people can still do less-demanding tasks after that drop begins. Which processes…
Orthorexia describes an extreme fixation on “healthy” eating that can harm a person’s health and life. The term was coined in 1997, but orthorexia is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5‑TR, so how common it is and whether it is its own disorder or part of anorexia or OCD…
This review collected studies of tai chi up to May 31, 2013 and found that many trials reported benefits for mood and psychological well-being. The authors included 37 randomized controlled trials and 5 quasi-experimental studies from English and Chinese databases. A small pooled analysis of three randomized trials that measured…
Researchers tested deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a small group of people whose depression did not get better with usual treatments. They used an implanted device that both delivered stimulation to the subcallosal cingulate (a brain area linked to mood) and recorded brain electrical signals. Around 9 out of 10…
This 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from 223 studies to see if voluntary slow breathing (VSB) changes heart rate variability that reflects parasympathetic (vagal) control of the heart. The authors found that VSB increased vagally-mediated heart rate variability during breathing sessions, right after a single session, and after…
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is defined as more than 6 months of new, disabling physical and mental tiredness that is not relieved by rest. Up to about 85% of people with CFS report cognitive problems called “brain fog,” described as slow thinking, trouble focusing, confusion, forgetfulness, or a hazy mind.…
In a small randomized, double-blind crossover study of 15 men with chronic radicular lower‑limb neuropathic pain, a single sublingual dose of THC (about 15.4 mg on average) reduced pain more than placebo. The amount of pain relief was linked to changes on resting‑state fMRI: reduced connectivity between emotional/cognitive brain areas…
The study recorded electrical muscle activity (EMG) from the forehead (frontalis) and calf (gastrocnemius) in 18 women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and 19 nonanxious women during baseline, a lab stressor, and recovery. The GAD group had higher average EMG levels, and during the stressor they showed a drop in…
This review of research up to October 2023 explains many ways exercise may help people with depression. The authors describe biological changes (for example, more endorphins, less inflammation, and higher levels of brain-supporting molecules like BDNF), plus psychological and behavioral benefits (better sleep, less rumination, more self‑esteem and social contact).…
This systematic review looked at 20 randomized trials of the Feldenkrais Method (FM). Pooled results from 7 trials showed small but measurable balance improvements in older adults (for example, timed up and go was 1.14 seconds faster and functional reach improved by 6.08 cm). The studies and outcomes were very…
This 2020 review looked at English studies on yogic breathing (pranayamas) published from 2008 to 2018. The authors screened 1,588 articles and analyzed 14 that met their criteria. Those 14 papers generally reported effects of pranayama on emotional states and on thinking or cognitive performance. The review also said the…
This randomized trial tested whether a single short bout of walking, meditation, or a combination changed short-term anxiety in young adults. One hundred ten university students (mean age 21.4 years) were randomly assigned to 10 minutes of walking, 10 minutes of meditation, walking then meditation, meditation then walking, or sitting.…
