Guidelines for the management of pain in older adults highlight that not only is chronic pain physically debilitating, but associated issues such as depression, anxiety and social isolation should be addressed. To this end, a biopsychosocial approach is paramount
to the successful management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in the older adult (Abdullah et al 2013) (Schofield et al 2019). Aims A narrative literature review was undertaken to search for, retrieve and assess the literature exploring the efficacy and safety of mindfulness practice in the management of the older adult with CLBP and to consider how the evidence may inform local clinical practice. Methods A comprehensive and systematic search of the literature was undertaken. Three databases were accessed: Cinahl, PsychInfo, Medline using the search terms: mindfulness, mbsr, mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness intervention, older adults, elderly, geriatric, ageing, seniors, older people, chronic low back pain, clbp. Results All three RCTs focused on community- dwelling older adults with CLBP and used adapted forms of the MBSR programme developed by Kat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts. All three studies cite Moroneas the principal researcher and author, but they are different studies thus justifying including them in the literature review. Conclusions MBSR appears feasible and effective for older adults coping with CLBP, as demonstrated in the Morone et al (2008) study, but particularly in the Morone et al (2016) study. Pain reduction was sustained at the 6 month follow-up in the Morone et al (2106) study, suggesting that mindfulness may be effective in the long-term.
A systematic review of cognitive behavioural therapy as a non- pharmacological intervention for school aged children with ADHD
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, typically though not exclusively, considered a disorder of childhood. It is characterised by the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Deficits in emotional regulation, executive function and motivation are also characteristics of ADHD. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a common behavioural intervention in several child and adolescent psychopathologies as reported by Ramsay (2010), Solanto et al. (2010) Ramsay (2012) and Lopez et al. 2018). It is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention alongside parent training, in school-aged children with a moderate severity of ADHD symptoms (NICE 2018b). Research Design: The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of CBT as an intervention for ADHD in school-aged children. The research objective is to assess the effects of CBT in reducing the core symptoms of ADHD. A search strategy was developed and our databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo and Scopus) were searched yielding 1100 results. The search was limited to randomised controlled trials which evaluated the efficacy of CBT compared with treatment as usual, no treatment, and waitlist, in school-aged children. Studies selected were limited to papers with a full text published in English within the last 10 years. Inclusion criteria included participants who were diagnosed by a medical professional, and participants under the age of 18 in full-time, mainstream education. Those with co-morbid autism or tic disorder were excluded, as were those with an intellectual disability. The standard procedure for systematic reviews as suggested by Cochrane was followed for the data collection and analysis. Six randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The age range of participants was from 8-18 years. The medication status of participants varied across the included studies. Findings: A narrative synthesis of the results includes the assessment of methodological quality and risk of bias. The studies all included different modalities of CBT intervention and a variety of measurement tools. There was insufficient inclusion of younger children to be able to draw any conclusions in this age group. The findings support the use of CBT as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms in adolescents. However
Behavioural Adaptations of the Common Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) on Jersey, Channel Islands: Looking at Autotomy, Thermal Conditions, and Vegetation Structure
Island environments often create distinct ecological conditions that influence how animals behave and use their habitats across different life stages. This study explores how life stage relates to behaviour and microhabitat use in the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) on...
Morphology versus realised niche: microclimatic associations of slow worms, lizards, and grass snakes
Morphological traits are often assumed to predict ecological function, yet morphological convergence does not always imply convergence in ecological niche use. Slow worms (Anguis fragilis) are limbless lizards that superficially resemble snakes, raising the question...
Assessing the Ecological Impact of Jersey’s First No Take Zone: Insights from Potting Trials and Diurnal/Nocturnal Surveys
There has been a global push to increase the protection of the world’s oceans with a particular interest in increasing the coverage of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs vary in level of protection, with No Take Zones (NTZ) serving as the highest level of protection...
The impact of Alder on Soil Carbon Storage in Agricultural Hedgerows.
Hedgerows are prominent features of Jersey’s arable landscape and important elements for climate-smart farming. Whilst recognised for their role in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation through soil carbon storage, little is known about how hedge...