Effects of the Integrative Mind-Body Intervention on Depression, Sleep Disturbances and Plasma IL-6

Physical exercise for brain plasticity promotion an overview of the underlying oscillatory mechanism

The global recognition of the importance of physical exercise (PE) for human health has resulted in increased research on its effects on cortical activity. Neural oscillations, which are prominent features of brain activity, serve as crucial indicators for studying the effects of PE on brain function. Existing studies support the idea that PE modifies various types of neural oscillations. While EEG-related literature in exercise science exists, a comprehensive review of the effects of exercise specifically in healthy populations has not yet been conducted. Given the demonstrated influence of exercise on neural plasticity, particularly cortical oscillatory activity, it is imperative to consolidate research on this phenomenon. Therefore, this review aims to summarize numerous PE studies on neuromodulatory mechanisms in the brain over the past decade, covering (1) effects of resistance and aerobic training on brain health via neural oscillations; (2) how mind-body exercise affects human neural activity and cognitive functioning; (3) age-Related effects of PE on brain health and neurodegenerative disease rehabilitation via neural oscillation mechanisms; and (4) conclusion and future direction. In conclusion, the effect of PE on cortical activity is a multifaceted process, and this review seeks to comprehensively examine and summarize existing studies' understanding of how PE regulates neural activity in the brain, providing a more scientific theoretical foundation for the development of personalized PE programs and further research.

Pet Attachment and Anxiety and Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Women

Importance

Understanding how attachment to pets can alleviate depression and anxiety offers valuable insights for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies, particularly for those with insecure attachment styles from childhood trauma.

Objective

To determine if a close bond with a pet is associated with reduced depression and anxiety, especially among women who experienced childhood abuse.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study involved women who voluntarily enrolled in the Mind Body Study (MBS), a substudy of the Nurses' Health Study II (NHS2) focusing on psychosocial factors. Women reporting childhood abuse were oversampled to capture their psychosocial distress in adulthood. MBS participants were invited to complete comprehensive online questionnaires, which were administered twice (March 2013 and February 2014).

Exposure

Pet attachment measured by Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Levels of depression and anxiety (10-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CESD-10]; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K6]; 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]; Crown Crisp Experiential Index phobic anxiety subscale [CCI]), considered individually and combined into an overall z-score measure of anxiety and depression symptoms.

Results

A total of 214 women (mean [SD] age, 60.8 [3.9] years) were included; 156 women (72.6%) reported a history of childhood abuse. Of 688 invited MBS participants in 2013, 293 (42.6%) expressed interest; there were 228 completed questionnaires (response rate, 77.8%) in 2013 and 208 questionnaires (response rate, 71.0%) in 2014. LAPS scores were provided by 140 participants (65.4%), 78 (55.7%) for dogs and 46 (32.9%) for cats. Overall higher pet attachment on the LAPS score was significantly associated with lower GAD-7 scores (β = -0.17; 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.06), but there was no association for phobic anxiety or depression. There were no statistically significant associations between cat attachment and depression or anxiety. Higher dog attachment was associated with significantly lower scores in depression (CESD-10: β, -0.47; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.26; K6: β = -0.42; 95% CI, -0.54 to -0.31), generalized anxiety (GAD-7: β = -0.47; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.3), and the overall measure of anxiety and depression (z score: β = -0.12; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.08), but there was no association between dog attachment and phobic anxiety (CCI: β = -0.08; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.09). All effect sizes for associations were higher when analyses were restricted to women with a history of childhood abuse.

Conclusions and relevance

In this explorative cross-sectional study, strong attachment to pets, especially dogs, was associated with lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The favorable association was particularly apparent in women with a history of childhood abuse.

Effectiveness of Body Psychotherapy. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Despite the growing relevance and applicability of elements based on and derived from the embodied mind paradigm, body psychotherapy (BPT) appears not to be a well-established treatment option. This might be due to a lack of proof for its efficacy. We searched electronic databases (Pubmed MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and PSYNDEX) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining predefined BPT interventions. A total of 2,180 references were screened, of which 113 studies were scrutinized in detail and 18 RCTs finally included. The observed effect size (ES) demonstrated medium effects of BPT on primary outcomes psychopathology and psychological distress. In case of significant statistical heterogeneity, exploratory subgroup analyses revealed diagnosis and the degree of control group activity as noteworthy moderators. For secondary outcomes, evidence was scarce, and an improvement could be demonstrated only for coping abilities. The identified evidence indicates that BPT is beneficial for a wide spectrum of psychic suffering. There is a strong need for high-quality studies with bigger samples and for well-defined diagnostic entities to underpin its effectiveness.

Can Psychosocial Intervention Suppress Testosterone and Triglycerides Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? A Feasibility Trial

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) suffer significant psychological distress, which may activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis and further affect their physiological state. They often experience elevated levels of testosterone and triglycerides. Considering reports of psychological distress among women with PCOS, this study aimed to develop a psychosocial intervention to improve their emotional and physical health, particularly in Chinese society. This pilot study employed the Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit (I-BMS) intervention model for women with PCOS in China. After a 2 h health information session, 18 participants were randomly assigned to the I-BMS group (9) or the control group (9). The intervention group received 6 weekly, 3 h I-BMS sessions. Pre- and post-blood tests and psychosocial questionnaires were collected from all participants. Retention to treatment was high with 79.6% treatment adherence gained and an overall average of five sessions completed. Compared with the control group, depression and anxiety symptoms reduced significantly for those in the intervention group (d = -1.24, p < 0.05 and d = -1.33, p < 0.01), their health-related quality of life improved significantly (d = 1.02, p < 0.01) both at post-intervention and 3 month follow-up, and their testosterone and triglycerides levels reduced significantly (d = -0.97, p < 0.001 and d = -0.41, p < 0.05) after joining the intervention. The I-BMS model is feasible and appears promising in improving psychological health, and reducing testosterone and triglyceride levels, in women with PCOS in China. Clinical Trial Registration: www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR1900027606.

Complementary and alternative treatments for insomnia/insomnia -depression-anxiety symptom cluster: Meta-analysis of English and Chinese literature

This study systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCT), published in English or Chinese, investigating the effect of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) on significant insomnia/poor sleep quality and accompanying depression and/or anxiety symptoms. A meta-analysis was completed by calculating within-group effect size (ES) of each CAM treatment on sleep, depression and/or anxiety measures. Moderating analyses of study quality, language, treatment duration and presence of physical diseases were conducted to evaluate their impact on ESs. Between-group ES of CAM (vs. non-specific/placebo controls) were computed among high-quality studies. From an initial pool of 5047 articles, a total of 72 studies were included in the meta-analysis (44 in English; 28 in Chinese). All CAM modalities yielded significant, moderate to large effect sizes on sleep, depression, and anxiety symptoms yet with high heterogeneity. Significant between-group differences on sleep measures were found only between mindfulness-based treatment and non-specific/placebo controls. Chinese literature are associated with larger ESs. Future study should examine the presence and nature of the active components in different CAM approaches.

The effects of exercise on sleep in unipolar depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Insomnia predicts the onset, course, and reoccurrence of unipolar depression. However, systematic reviews of treatment options for insomnia in unipolar depression are lacking. After screening 7725 records, 17 trials comprising 1645 patients randomized to 13 treatments were included for quantitative synthesis. Network meta-analysis showed that compared to a passive control condition, all exercise interventions except moderate aerobic exercise alone resulted in significantly better sleep outcomes. Compared with treatment as usual, mind-body exercise plus treatment as usual (SMD: -0.46; 95% CI: -0.80, -0.12) and vigorous strength exercise (SMD: -0.61; 95% CI: -1.12, -0.10) were significantly more effective. Pairwise meta-analyses showed that mind-body exercise (SMD: -0.54; 95% CI: -0.85, -0.23) had beneficial effects compared to passive control. The network meta-analysis is statistically very robust with low heterogeneity, incoherence, and indirectness. However, confidence in the findings was moderate to very low, primarily due to within-study bias. This is the first network meta-analysis to assess exercise's efficacy to improve sleep quality in patients with depression. The findings confirm the benefits of exercise as an add-on treatment for depression. This consolidation of the current state of evidence can help clinicians make evidence-based decisions.

The effect of acupuncture on emotional disorders in patients with insomnia: A protocol for systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Insomnia with high incidence is usually accompanied by many other diseases, especially mental disorders with the under-diagnosis and under-treatment. Some studies demonstrated that acupuncture may be effective for emotional disorders accompanied by insomnia. The systematic review protocol is designed to guiding analysis the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for emotional disorders in patients with insomnia.

METHODS

Seven databases, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Medline, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature database, VIP database and Wanfang database, will be searched from initial to December 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for insomnia with emotional disorders (depression and anxiety) outcomes, which were reported in Chinese or English, will be included. The primary outcome is the change of degree of anxiety and depression. Study selection, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias will be performed independently by 2 or more reviewers. Available data will be synthesized and statistically analyzed in RevMan V.5.3. The model of fixed effects will be used for the pooled data when the heterogeneity tests show little or no statistical heterogeneity (I2 < 50%). The random-effects model will be taken with heterogeneous data (50% ≤ I2 < 75%).

RESULTS

The effect of acupuncture on emotional disorders in patients with insomnia will be assessed on Hamilton anxiety Scale, Hamilton anxiety Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Self-rating Depressive Scale and the number of participants secede and the number of patients reported adverse events.

CONCLUSION

the emotional disorders interaction with insomnia and the increase of risk on disease evolving and insomnia-related burden, it is so momentous to know that the role of insomnia treatment on comorbidities. We should concern about the management of emotional disorders when treat insomnia, and acupuncture treatment anxiety and depression caused by insomnia may be effective.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not be needed because the data will not contain individual patient data, and there are no concerns about privacy. The results of this meta-analysis will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal or relevant conference.

INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY2020100115.

Study Protocol of Brief Daily Body-Mind-Spirit Practice for Sustainable Emotional Capacity and Work Engagement for Community Mental Health Workers: A Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Given the emotional demanding nature of social services, we developed a brief daily body-mind-spirit (BMS) program and successfully piloted it with workers at elderly services. The proposed study focuses on community mental health workers who are often under chronic stress and vulnerable to burnout.

Methods

The study aims to evaluate the program for fostering sustainable emotional capacity and work engagement for community mental health workers. A multi-site randomized controlled trial design is adopted. All the 24 the Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW of Hong Kong will be approached to join this program. Assuming conservatively, 60% ICCWM (14 centers) will respond and participate. At each site, a pair of intervention and control groups will be run. The targeted total sample size is 224. To investigate the course of changes in burnout and engagement, each group will last 6 months, including 3-month intervention and 3-month follow-up. Measures will be taken at monthly intervals.

Discussion

In light of literature and the pilot trial’s findings, participants in the Brief Daily BMS intervention group are expected to have a reduced burnout level and a narrowing of range in work engagement during the 3 months intervention. And within the 3 months post-intervention period, a rebound of burnout level and a widening of range in work engagement are expected to be observed in the same group of participants. Hopefully, this study will contribute to the deeper understanding of burnout and work engagement, and shed light on sustainable intervention for emotionally demanding workplaces.

Clinical Trial Registration

The trial has been registered in the Clinical Trials Centre of the University of Hong Kong. HKUCTR-2763 Registered 27 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.hkuctr.com/Study/Show/eb930d24e2c647afb7a922055163f24b.

Effects of Mindfulness Yoga vs Stretching and Resistance Training Exercises on Anxiety and Depression for People With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Clinical practice guidelines support exercise for patients with Parkinson disease (PD), but to our knowledge, no randomized clinical trials have tested whether yoga is superior to conventional physical exercises for stress and symptom management.

Objective

To compare the effects of a mindfulness yoga program vs stretching and resistance training exercise (SRTE) on psychological distress, physical health, spiritual well-being, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with mild-to-moderate PD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An assessor-masked, randomized clinical trial using the intention-to-treat principle was conducted at 4 community rehabilitation centers in Hong Kong between December 1, 2016, and May 31, 2017. A total of 187 adults (aged ≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD who were able to stand unaided and walk with or without an assistive device were enrolled via convenience sampling. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to mindfulness yoga or SRTE.

Interventions

Mindfulness yoga was delivered in 90-minute groups and SRTE were delivered in 60-minute groups for 8 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes included anxiety and depressive symptoms assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes included severity of motor symptoms (Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS], Part III motor score), mobility, spiritual well-being in terms of perceived hardship and equanimity, and HRQOL. Assessments were done at baseline, 8 weeks (T1), and 20 weeks (T2).

Results

The 138 participants included 65 men (47.1%) with a mean (SD) age of 63.7 (8.7) years and a mean (SD) MDS-UPDRS score of 33.3 (15.3). Generalized estimating equation analyses revealed that the yoga group had significantly better improvement in outcomes than the SRTE group, particularly for anxiety (time-by-group interaction, T1: β, -1.79 [95% CI, -2.85 to -0.69; P = .001]; T2: β, -2.05 [95% CI, -3.02 to -1.08; P < .001]), depression (T1: β, -2.75 [95% CI, -3.17 to -1.35; P < .001]); T2: β, -2.75 [95% CI, -3.71 to -1.79; P < .001]), perceived hardship (T1: β, -0.92 [95% CI, -1.25 to -0.61; P < .001]; T2: β, -0.76 [95% CI, -1.12 to -0.40; P < .001]), perceived equanimity (T1: β, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.79-1.42; P < .001]; T2: β, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.82-1.56; P < .001]), and disease-specific HRQOL (T1: β, -7.77 [95% CI, -11.61 to -4.38; P < .001]; T2: β, -7.99 [95% CI, -11.61 to -4.38; P < .001]).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among patients with mild-to-moderate PD, the mindfulness yoga program was found to be as effective as SRTE in improving motor dysfunction and mobility, with the additional benefits of a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms and an increase in spiritual well-being and HRQOL.

Trial Registration

Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics identifier: CUHK_CCRB00522.

Efficacy of a fasting-mimicking diet in functional therapy for depression: A randomised controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE

This randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of adding a fasting-mimicking diet to a structured psychotherapy protocol for treating depression.

DESIGN

Of 20 patients with depression, 10 were randomly assigned to psychotherapy and dieting (i.e., experimental group) and the other 10 to psychotherapy only (i.e., control group). Patients in both groups received 20 individual sessions of functional therapy along with nutrition consultation. Patients in the control group were instructed to maintain their usual daily diets.

RESULTS

Both treatments were effective in reducing depression as well as increasing self-esteem and quality of life. The experimental group showed improved self-esteem and psychological quality of life as well as a reduction in their mean body mass index, in comparison to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed initial evidence of the efficacy of combining psychotherapy with a fasting-mimicking diet to treat depression and its correlates.

Urinary Metabolomic Study of Chlorogenic Acid in a Rat Model of Chronic Sleep Deprivation Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The urinary metabolomic study based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) had been developed to investigate the possible antidepressant mechanism of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a rat model of sleep deprivation (SD). According to pattern recognition analysis, there was a clear separation among big platform group (BP), sleep deprivation group (SD), and the CGA (model + CGA), and CGA group was much closer to the BP group by showing a tendency of recovering towards BP group. Thirty-six significantly changed metabolites related to antidepressant by CGA were identified and used to explore the potential mechanism. Combined with the result of the classic behavioral tests and biochemical indices, CGA has significant antidepressant effects in a rat model of SD, suggesting that the mechanism of action of CGA might be involved in regulating the abnormal pathway of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and arginine and proline metabolism. Our results also show that metabolomics analysis based on GC-MS is a useful tool for exploring biomarkers involved in depression and elucidating the potential therapeutic mechanisms of Chinese medicine.