Barry, Charlotte

Pain has caused innumerable suffering to countless individuals and has impacted their lives in profound ways. There are many detrimental effects of pain including decreased ability to work, depression, isolation, increased pharmaceutical use, and addiction. Pain, on a worldwide scale, remains ineffectively treated and alternative solutions for managing pain are needed. Pain is conventionally treated with pharmaceuticals, primarily narcotics. Continuation of medications for these painful conditions often causes dependence and addiction. The pain and narcotics cycle contributes to the opioid epidemic. The cost in human lives is immense. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) is a holistic modality used for various ailments. This exploratory descriptive research study focused on the experience of individuals using the Micro-Pulse, PEMF, for pain relief. The mind/body connection was a foundation of the holistic theoretical framework for this study. The theoretical grounding for this study was Watson’s (2018) theory of human caring, which is based on a foundation of holistic healing incorporating mind, emotional body, physical body, and spirit for treatment of pain. Understanding an individual’s experience of pain relief will potentially raise awareness and promote the exploration of holistic therapeutic approaches for patients in pain.

Over 40 million people in the United States are living in poverty today. The effects of living in disadvantaged circumstances increases the individual’s likelihood of experiencing persistent anxiety, which can lead to chronic health conditions. Studies have associated persistent anxiety with cardiovascular compromise as a result of decreased levels of heart rate variability (HRV). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between anxiety and heart rate variability in parents or guardians of children in Head Start, a federally funded program for families with low-incomes. A descriptive correlational design comparing the scores on the PROMIS anxiety tool with HRV as measured by the emWave biometric instrument will be used. The sample consists of 32 participants. Data will be analyzed using bivariate correlations. Increased levels of anxiety and decreased heart rate variability are anticipated outcomes of this study. Findings will assist in identifying health risks in this vulnerable population.