The utilization of dry needling and an upper extremity exercise program for individuals with cervicogenic headaches: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a combination of dry-needling treatments and upper extremity neuromuscular reeducation exercises can significantly improve neck pain and/or headache-related disability, joint position error, cervical range of motion, and pain pressure threshold in individuals suffering from cervicogenic headache (CGH). METHODS: This study is a quasi-experimental design. Seven participants met the inclusion criteria and received dry needling to three muscles that reproduced the participant's headache symptoms and completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Headache Disability Inventory (HDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants performed an exercise regimen designed to address strength and mobility of cervical and scapulothoracic musculature. RESULTS: There were significant improvements seen in cervical range of motion and neck pain-related disability (NDI) during the 4-week treatment period. CONCLUSION: Dry needling and neuromuscular re-education (NMR) exercises could be effective components of treatment for individuals suffering from CGH to reduce disability and pain.

Can we reduce eating disorder risk factors in female college athletes? A randomized exploratory investigation of two peer-led interventions.

Female athletes are at least as at risk as other women for eating disorders (EDs) and at risk for the female athlete triad (i.e., inadequate energy availability, menstrual disorders, and osteoporosis). This study investigated whether two evidence-based programs appear promising for future study if modified to address the unique needs of female athletes. Athletes were randomly assigned to athlete-modified dissonance prevention or healthy weight intervention (AM-HWI). ED risk factors were assessed pre/post-treatment, and 6-week and 1-year follow-up. Results (analyzed sample, N=157) indicated that both interventions reduced thin-ideal internalization, dietary restraint, bulimic pathology, shape and weight concern, and negative affect at 6 weeks, and bulimic pathology, shape concern, and negative affect at 1 year. Unexpectedly we observed an increase in students spontaneously seeking medical consultation for the triad. Qualitative results suggested that AM-HWI may be more preferred by athletes.

A comparison of mindfulness, nonjudgmental, and cognitive dissonance-based approaches to mirror exposure.

This study compares different versions of mirror exposure (ME), a body image intervention with research support. ME protocols were adapted to maximize control and comparability, and scripted for delivery by research assistants. Female undergraduates (N=168) were randomly assigned to receive mindfulness-based (MB; n=58), nonjudgmental (NJ; n=55), or cognitive dissonance-based (CD, n=55) ME. Participants completed the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ), Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ), Satisfaction with Body Parts Scale (SBPS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Mixed models ANOVAs revealed a significant main effect of time on all measures, and no significant time by condition interaction for any measures except the SBPS. Post-hoc analysis revealed that only CD ME significantly improved SBPS outcome. Results suggest that all versions of ME reduce eating disorder risk factors, but only CD ME improves body satisfaction.

Peer-facilitated cognitive dissonance versus healthy weight eating disorders prevention: A randomized comparison.

Research supports the efficacy of both cognitive dissonance (CD) and healthy weight (HW) eating disorders prevention, and indicates that CD can be delivered by peer-facilitators, which facilitates dissemination. This study investigated if peer-facilitators can deliver HW when it is modified for their use and extended follow-up of peer-facilitated CD as compared to previous trials. Based on pilot data, we modified HW (MHW) to facilitate peer delivery, elaborate benefits of the healthy-ideal, and place greater emphasis on consuming nutrient dense foods. Female sorority members (N=106) were randomized to either two 2-h sessions of CD or MHW. Participants completed assessment pre- and post-intervention, and at 8-week, 8-month, and 14-month follow-up. Consistent with hypotheses, CD decreased negative affect, thin-ideal internalization, and bulimic pathology to a greater degree post-intervention. Both CD and MHW reduced negative affect, internalization, body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, and bulimic pathology at 14 months.