Matching Items (343)
Description
Informal caregivers to persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) commonly experience high levels of perceived burden, stress, and low quality of life— outcomes that negatively affect the quality of care provided. Yet to be explored are the effects of heart-focused breathing, a self-regulation deep breathing technique, on perceived caregiver burden and heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic nervous system function. Considering the high attrition rates of many previous in-person AD caregiver interventions, it may be necessary to implement an online intervention to address perceived caregiver burden. This study aimed to test the trends in effects of a 2-week online heart-focused breathing intervention using HeartMath’s Heart Lock-In® technique on perceived caregiver burden, perceived stress, quality of life, anxiety, inner haven, self-compassion, and HRV in a population of AD caregivers. Ten informal AD caregivers participated in the study with five participants randomized into the waitlist control group and five into the intervention group. The intervention group practiced a 10-minute heart-focused breathing protocol using their smart device (i.e., phone) every day for a 2-week period. Participants completed pre- and post- self-report questionnaires online via Google Forms and HRV assessments via the Welltory mobile application. The HRV assessments measured rMSSD, high frequency, and low frequency. The intervention group did not experience improvements related to perceived caregiver burden, perceived stress, anxiety, inner haven or high frequency waves. However, the study results suggest positive trends in quality of life, self-compassion, rMSSD, and low frequency waves among the AD caregivers. Additional research within a larger and more diverse population is needed.
Keywords: Informal Alzheimer’s caregivers, perceived caregiver burden, heart-focused breathing, heart rate variability
Keywords: Informal Alzheimer’s caregivers, perceived caregiver burden, heart-focused breathing, heart rate variability
ContributorsJames, Taylor Anne (Author) / Larkey, Linda K. (Thesis director) / James, Darith (Committee member) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
DescriptionThis paper explores what lifestyle choices college students can take from the six longevity hotspots of the world to increase their happiness, and in turn potentially add a few years to their lives.
ContributorsKenehan, Bryn (Author) / Giasson, Hannah (Thesis director) / Barth, Chrissy (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This thesis explores the importance of preoperative patient education on peripheral nerve blocks in improving informed consent and expanding the patient's role in their care. It looks at the impact of providing patients with education on the procedure, expected outcomes and post-operative care so they fully understand what to expect during this procedure. By showcasing the importance of informed consent and shared decision-making between healthcare staff and patients, this thesis demonstrates the ability for improved health outcomes through expansion of preoperative nerve block education.
ContributorsVelez, Annasophia (Author) / Day, Kim (Thesis director) / Hagler, Debra (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2024-05