Martin Lillie, Charlene M

Introduction: Direct to consumer stem cell and regenerative interventions (SCRIs) for various medical conditions have increased in popularity due to unmet medical needs and the promise of SCRIs to meet those needs. These interventions may have varying levels of safety and efficacy data and many lack sufficient scientific data to be marketed. The direct to consumer SCRI industry has received significant attention due to potential physical, economic, and emotional harms to patients. Patients may seek the counsel of their primary care providers when considering stem cell therapy for their condition. Methods: Here we describe strategies primary care providers can utilize when counseling patients. Results: Although we recommend constructing these discussions around individual patients’ needs, one can utilize a general approach consisting of 4 parts. First, providers should recognize what information the patient is seeking and what is their understanding of stem cell and regenerative medicine. Next, providers should convey evidence-based information at the level of patients understanding so that they are aware of the risks, benefits, and descriptions of possible procedures. Throughout the conversations, attempts should be made to guide patients to a trusted resource that can provide additional information. Finally, providers should make an effort to address misinformation in a way that is nonjudgmental and patient-centered to make the patient feel safe and comfortable. Conclusion: Effectively communicating risk information by primary care providers to patients is important given the harms reported from direct-to-consumer SCRIs. Correcting misinformation remains a priority when discussing SCRI’s. Providers should strive to offer patients with additional resources such as the opportunity for consultation with a specialist or a consultation service dedicated to informing patients about regenerative medicine.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the stress reduction effects of spending 25 minutes reclining in a SolTec™ Lounge between 2 intervention groups. Group 1 experienced the Lounge with multilayered music on an external speaker, while group 2 experienced the Lounge with multilayered music and synchronous vibration and magnetic stimulation from within the chair. Subjects In total, 110 participants with a self-reported stress level of 4 or higher on a 0- to 10-point scale were recruited from the local community including employees. Participants were randomized into receiving 1 of the 2 interventions. There were no significant differences between the group’s average stress levels prior to the interventions. Interventions Both groups received a 25-minute session in a dimly lit, quiet area on the Lounge with multilayered music. The second group also received vibration and magnetic stimulation that were synchronized with the music. Design Current stress level as well as ratings or feelings of anxiety, tenseness, energy, focus, happiness, relaxation, nervousness, creativeness, and being rested were recorded before and after the session. Results Both groups of participants reported equivalent decreased feelings of stress after using the Lounge. Participants receiving the synchronous multilayered music, vibration, and magnetic stimulation did report significantly reduced feelings of tenseness, feeling more relaxed, and feeling more creative when compared with the group that received music only. Conclusion Spending 25 minutes in the SolTec™ Lounge with multilayered music is an effective way to reduce self-reported stress in individuals who self-report having a high stress level. If confirmed by future studies, including synchronous vibration and magnetic stimulation with the multilayered music might be an effective stress reduction strategy.