305732
Guided Imagery for Arthritis and other Rheumatic Conditions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Method: Nine electronic bibliographic databases were searched for reports of RCTs published between 1964 and 2013. Selection criteria included adult participants with AORD who participated in RCTs that used GI as a partial or sole intervention strategy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Instrument. Additional variables included the length of the intervention, use of guided imagery scripts, delivery mechanisms, and reported outcomes. Results were synthesized qualitatively.
Results Seven studies representing 306 enrolled and 287 participants who completed the interventions met inclusion criteria. The average age of the participants was 62.90 years (SD= 12.24). All interventions utilized GI scripts that were delivered via audio technology. The interventions ranged from 1 time exposure to 16 weeks in duration. Risk of bias was low or unclear in all but one study. All studies reported reduced pain and/or anxiety, increased mobility, and/or improved health-related quality of life in those who participated in GI.
Conclusions: GI appears to be beneficial for adults with AORD. Future theory-based studies with cost benefit analyses are warranted.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionEpidemiology
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Identify the impact of guided imagery with individuals suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORD).
Compare published randomized control trials that used guided imagery as a partial or sole intervention to treat arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORD).
Evaluate the Cochrane Risk of Bias among the randomized control trials included in the systematic review.
Keyword(s): Chronic Disease Management and Care, Alternative and Complementary Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral student in the Department of Epidemiology in the WVU School of Public Health and I have a B.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology. My epidemiological training and exposure to mental imagery interventions provide unique qualifications needed to conduct a systematic review in the area of alternative and complementary health practices. I have worked closely with the senior authors throughout the conception and final write up of the current study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.