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Previous studies have demonstrated that respiratory dysfunction has a potential association with low back pain (LBP). Despite the role of the diaphragm for respiration and spinal stability, knowledge of the function of both sides of the diaphragm in subjects with LBP is still limited. This study aimed to compare the structural integrity and function of the right and left hemidiaphragm by ultrasonography (USG) in subjects with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP). A total of 37 subjects with NS-CLBP and 34 healthy subjects participated in this case-control study. The thickness, thickness change, and excursion of the right and left hemidiaphragm were compared within and between the groups during quiet breathing (QB) and deep breathing (DB) through B-mode and M-mode ultrasound imaging. The LBP group had a significantly smaller degree of right hemidiaphragm thickness change (P =.001) compared with the healthy control group, with a strong effect size. Nevertheless, there was no significant change for diaphragm thickness and excursion between the two groups. The result showed that, in the healthy group, the right hemidiaphragm had a significantly smaller thickness at expiration and larger thickness change compared with the left hemidiaphragm, with a moderate effect size. Based on the multivariate prediction analysis, the right hemidiaphragm thickness change might significantly predict LBP. We found that participants with LBP had a smaller degree of right hemidiaphragm thickness change. Also, the right hemidiaphragm thickness change might significantly predict LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:Patients with cancer experience a lot of emotional, mental, social, and spiritual crises. However, not much has been done to meet these needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of spiritual group therapy on hope and the mental and spiritual health of patients with colorectal cancer. Design and methods:This quasi-experimental study was carried out in 2013 in Kerman, Iran, on 80 colorectal cancer patients, who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. After the pre-test of both groups, eight sessions of 1.5 h were held once a week for spiritual group therapy, and finally both groups underwent the post-test. To collect data, Snyder’s hope scale, the Paloutzian–Ellison 20-item spiritual health questionnaire, and the Goldberg Health Questionnaire were used. The data were analysed using the SPSS statistical software version 16. Results:Comparing the mean scores of hope, mental health, and spiritual health before and after the intervention showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the test group. In the control group, no significant difference was found before and after the study. This indicates the benefits of the spiritual group therapy in cancer patients. Conclusion:The study results show that spiritual group therapy has a significant positive impact on the mental and spiritual health of patients with colorectal cancer, and that it also gives them hope. Thus, the use of spiritual therapy is suggested as a good way to improve the spiritual and mental health and hope in patients with colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]