Publications by authors named "Mary L Galantino"

Group health coaching (GHC) may be a suitable method for supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors in cancer patients and survivors. The aim of this scoping review was to explore GHC interventions targeting this population, specifically examining program composition and measured outcomes. A systematic search strategy was used to identify intervention studies focused on GHC with cancer patients and survivors.

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Background: Sports development and promotion of physical activities (PA) through various sports in rural schools of South Africa (SA) is essential to optimise growth and wellbeing of children. There is a paucity of research specific to rural areas, and this is implicated on the lack of resources, effective programmes as well as resources to promote structured PAs and sports.

Objectives: To explore sports development facilitators and barriers in rural schools.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates how exercise impacts chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms in breast cancer survivors, finding that exercise may activate neuromuscular function and reduce these debilitating side effects.
  • Out of 5,444 breast cancer survivors surveyed, CIPN prevalence was 34%, with lower rates (28%) among those who exercised according to national guidelines compared to non-exercisers (38%).
  • The results indicate that increased exercise levels are associated with a decreased prevalence of CIPN symptoms, suggesting a dose-dependent benefit of physical activity post-chemotherapy.
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It is a steep challenge to fully implement the wide range of evidence that supports rehabilitation interventions for the prevention of chronic disease. Proactive physical activity (PA) promotion can lead to increased PA levels to improve and maintain physical function. Higher levels of PA throughout the lifespan lead to better overall population health, wellness, aging, disease prevention, and chronic condition management.

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Purpose: Substantial cancer burden may be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The purpose of this study was to determine the preliminary effectiveness of health coaching for the improvement of health, fitness, and overall well-being of cancer survivors in a community setting.

Methods: Participants were recruited from Cancer Support Community Delaware locations.

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Individuals with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID) have increased risk for infection, autoimmune conditions, and inflammatory disorders. Cognitive impairment, also referred to as brain fog, has been recognized in other medical conditions and as a side-effect of treatments; however, it has not been previously reported in individuals with PID. The phenomenon of brain fog is recognized in other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and has resulted from chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

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Purpose: Individuals with a diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with healthy individuals. Regular moderate exercise enhances immune function and wellbeing. Whether exercise at recommended levels for the general population is tolerated by individuals diagnosed with PID, without adverse effects, is unknown and warrants investigation.

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Background: Yoga is a meditative movement therapy focused on mind-body awareness. The impact of yoga on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is unclear.

Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized wait-list controlled trial of 8 weeks of yoga (n = 21) versus wait-list control (n = 20) for CIPN in 41 breast and gynecological cancer survivors with persistent moderate to severe CIPN.

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Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity and overall appropriateness of test score interpretation of 4 shoulder-related patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures for use in a population of patients with head and neck cancer using Rasch analysis.

Methods: One hundred eighty-two individuals who had received a neck dissection procedure within the past 2 weeks to 18 months were recruited for this cross-sectional psychometric study. Rasch methodologies were used to investigate scale dimensionality, scale hierarchy, response scale structure, and reliability of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), QuickDASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII).

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Aim: The purpose of this survey study was to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on the lives of individuals living with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID).

Subject And Methods: An online survey was distributed through social media to individuals with a diagnosis of PID to investigate behaviors and concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Results: Five hundred and fifty seven responses were collected, of which 495 surveys were 100% complete; partial responses were analyzed.

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Background: Women with substance use disorders (SUD) receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with behavioral interventions and counseling for recovery. Evidence supports the use of yoga for SUD; however few studies specifically feature women.

Objectives: Community-based yoga may add to health promotion through preferable physical activity for women in recovery.

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Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, debilitating side effect that worsens quality of life and increases the risk of falls in cancer survivors. Evidence of yoga's safety and efficacy in treating CIPN is lacking.

Methods: In a randomized controlled study, we assigned breast and gynecological cancer survivors with persistent moderate-to-severe CIPN pain, numbness, or tingling with a score of 4 or greater (0-10 numeric rating scale [NRS]) for at least 3 months after chemotherapy to 8 weeks of usual care or yoga focused on breathwork and musculoskeletal conditioning.

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It has been suggested that yoga may be an effective adjunct intervention in the management of substance use disorders (SUD). Additionally, women with SUD require different treatment approaches than men. The objective of this study was to critically evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of yoga, specifically for women, as part of treatment for SUD.

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Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare disability in people with HIV and peripheral neuropathy with those without neuropathy and explore how neuropathy and other relevant factors are associated with disability.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants completed the Brief pain inventory, Beck Depression Inventory II, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), and a health and demographic questionnaire.

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Background: Cognitive factors impact chronic pain, but the prevalence of fear avoidance (FA) and pain catastrophising (PC) in individuals suffering from chronic neck pain (CNP) has not been investigated in South Africa.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of FA and PC in patients with CNP at private physiotherapy practices in Johannesburg.

Method: The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) ( = 0.

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Objectives: To assess measurement properties of the HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ) among adults with HIV in the United States.

Methods: We administered the HDQ, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS 2.0), and a demographic questionnaire.

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Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) causes significant pain and is an adverse effect of treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. We explored a somatic yoga and meditation intervention in a predominantly minority population. Goals included describing strategies for minority inclusion and testing feasibility and effectiveness.

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Objective: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) syndrome causes significant pain as an adverse effect of treatment, with few nonpharmacological interventions tested. A somatic yoga and meditation (SYM) intervention on functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) was investigated.

Design And Methods: Individuals diagnosed with CIPN were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm, mixed-methods feasibility trial.

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Background: Health coaching promotes healthy lifestyles and may be particularly helpful for employees with chronic disease.

Objective: Evaluate the effects of a health coaching program that targeted health-system employees with at least one cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor.

Methods: Fifty-four employees volunteered for a health coaching program (6-session, 12-week program, at least one cycle).

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Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) may experience disability. We compared disability among PLHIV in the United States and South Africa and investigated associations with health and demographic characteristics. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data using medical records and questionnaires including the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS) 2.

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Recent calls from oncology providers and cancer policy forums advocate for improved connections between rehabilitation services and cancer care delivery. Traditionally, this intersection has occurred when patients present with overt disability related to cancer treatment and is driven by reactive approaches to care. A growing body of evidence suggests that a proactive approach to functional screening and assessment encourages the identification and management of functional impairment and morbidity earlier in the cancer care continuum and contributes to better outcomes.

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Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasingly considered a chronic illness. Rehabilitation can address some of the health challenges of people living with HIV (PLWHIV); however, the field is emerging.

Objectives: We describe our experience establishing an international collaborative in HIV and rehabilitation research using a community engaged approach.

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Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negatively impacts muscle strength and function. This study aimed to establish the relationship between lower limb muscle strength and lower extremity function in HIV disease.

Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with a sample of 113 HIV-positive participants.

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Study Design: Observational study.

Introduction: The brachial plexus neurodynamic test (BPNT), based on previous neurodynamic tests, is considered a clinically meaningful tool to objectively assess brachial plexus extensibility. This novel test's psychometric properties have yet to be determined.

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