Slow breathing for reducing stress: The effect of extending exhale.

Introduction: Slow breathing techniques are commonly used to reduce stress. While it is believed by mind-body practitioners that extending the exhale time relative to inhale increases relaxation, this has not been demonstrated.

Methods: We conducted a 12-week randomized, single-blinded trial among 100 participants to compare if yoga-based slow breathing with an exhale greater inhale versus an exhale equals inhale produces measurable differences in physiological and psychological stress among healthy adults.

Examining the association of health literacy and numeracy with prostate-related knowledge and prostate cancer treatment regret.

Introduction: Educational materials used in prostate cancer shared decision-making are often written above the health literacy levels of the patients that may benefit the most from such tools. Poor understanding the oncologic and functional outcomes of prostate cancer treatment may influence patient regret during this process. In this study, we assess the association between health literacy, numeracy, prostate-related knowledge and treatment regret in a diverse population.

The diabetes nutrition education study randomized controlled trial: A comparative effectiveness study of approaches to nutrition in diabetes self-management education.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of different approaches to nutrition education in diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S).

Methods: We randomized 150 adults with type 2 diabetes to either certified diabetes educator (CDE)-delivered DSME/S with carbohydrate gram counting or the modified plate method versus general health education. The primary outcome was change in HbA1C over 6 months.

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale (YSES).

Background: Yoga is a behavioral practice that uses physical movement, breathing, and meditation to improve health and promote personal transformation. Ancient yoga philosophy proposed that an individual's confidence about yoga, a concept similar to self-efficacy, will affect the likelihood of improved health from yoga practice. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of a self-efficacy measure for yoga practice (the Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale; YSES).

Association of brief health literacy screening and blood pressure in primary care.

Health literacy impacts health outcomes. However, the relationship to blood pressure is inconsistent. This study aimed to determine whether health literacy, assessed by clinic staff, is associated with blood pressure among patients with hypertension.