Effective treatment of sonopuncture: A Synthesis of Findings from 6 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major research findings

While many individuals turn to prayer during times of illness, 2 scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness in alleviating health conditions is limited. 3 A meta-analysis examining the effects of distant intercessory prayer found no discernible impact on health outcomes. 3 A Cochrane review that analyzed multiple studies incorporating intercessory prayer into health interventions concluded that the efficacy of prayer remained inconclusive due to inconsistent findings and variations in endpoints and methodologies across studies. 6 A randomized controlled trial evaluating remote intercessory prayer for patients in coronary care units failed to replicate positive results from previous studies. However, a study exploring prayer as a form of self-disclosure suggested that written prayers about difficult life events might function as self-disclosure to a higher power, exhibiting structural and functional similarities to other forms of written self-disclosure, at least in the short term. 5

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Some research indicates that prayer might have a positive impact on spiritual well-being and mental health. 6 However, conclusive evidence supporting prayer as a means of improving physical health remains elusive. 3

Risks Summary

Currently, research does not provide insight into potential risks associated with prayer. 3

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities

Many studies utilize randomized controlled trials to investigate the influence of prayer on health outcomes. 3 , 6 , A significant number of studies focus on the effects of distant intercessory prayer. 3 , 6 ,

Differences

Studies differ in their target populations, examining diverse diseases and health conditions. 3 , 6 , 2 , Additionally, research employs varying methodologies and endpoints. 3 , 6 , 2 ,

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Research findings regarding the efficacy of prayer lack consistency and exhibit contradictions. 3 , 6 , This variability can be attributed to differences in methodologies, endpoints, and potentially the subjective nature of prayer's effects, making objective measurement challenging. 3 , 6 , 2 ,

Cautions for Real-World Application

Scientific evidence supporting prayer as a means to enhance health remains inadequate. 3 It is crucial to avoid relying solely on prayer for health improvement. 3 It is essential to seek out evidence-based treatments and medical interventions for health conditions. 3

Limitations of Current Research

Research into the effects of prayer remains in its early stages, and numerous limitations exist. 3 Objectively measuring the impact of prayer presents a significant challenge. 3 Additionally, research studies may suffer from limitations such as small sample sizes or restricted participant selection. 3

Directions for Future Research

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of prayer's influence on health, more rigorous research is necessary. 3 This includes conducting randomized controlled trials with well-defined control groups and objective outcome measures. 3 Expanding research to encompass larger sample sizes and diverse populations is also essential. 3

Conclusion

The influence of prayer on health remains unclear and requires further investigation. 3 While prayer may hold personal significance for many individuals, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based approaches to healthcare and avoid relying solely on prayer for health improvement. 3

Literature analysis of 6 papers
Positive Content
3
Neutral Content
3
Negative Content
0
Article Type
4
2
1
2
6
1.

A randomized, controlled trial of the effects of remote, intercessory prayer on outcomes in patients admitted to the coronary care unit.

Author: HarrisW S, GowdaM, KolbJ W, StrychaczC P, VacekJ L, JonesP G, ForkerA, O'KeefeJ H, McCallisterB D

Reduced CCU course score

Remote, intercessory prayer was associated with lower CCU course scores.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

Effects of intercessory prayer on patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Author: MatthewsD A, MarloweS M, MacNuttF S

Improve RA

In-person intercessory prayer may be a useful adjunct to standard medical care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A prospective study involving 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that those who received in-person intercessory prayer showed significant overall improvement during 1-year follow-up. However, supplemental, distant intercessory prayer did not provide additional benefits.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Prayer and health: review, meta-analysis, and research agenda.

Author: MastersKevin S, SpielmansGlen I

Limited evidence
Need for better research
No proven effects

This review examines research on prayer and health and suggests areas for future studies. While many people pray and believe it affects their health, scientific evidence is limited. A review of studies on distant intercessory prayer found no clear benefits. The article also discusses research on prayer frequency, content, and use as a coping strategy. Recommendations for future research include: 1) conducting experiments based on clearly defined concepts, 2) using longitudinal studies that control for important factors, and 3) using methods that capture real-time experiences.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

4.

Intercessory prayer for the alleviation of ill health.

Author: RobertsLeanne, AhmedIrshad, HallSteve, DavisonAndrew

This review examines the scientific evidence for the efficacy of intercessory prayer in alleviating illness, acknowledging the widespread use of prayer for this purpose but emphasizing that the question of God's existence is a philosophical one beyond the scope of this review.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

6.

A randomized, blinded study of the impact of intercessory prayer on spiritual well-being in patients with cancer.

Author: OlverIan N, DutneyAndrew

Potential for improved health outcomes

Studies on intercessory prayer added to health interventions have shown mixed results, with some studies showing positive effects and others showing no effect. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of prayer as a medical treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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