1
|
van Dijk W, Oosterman M, de Vente W, Jansen I, Blankers M, Huizink AC. Smoking cessation in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of an eHealth intervention including heart rate variability-biofeedback training. Addict Behav 2024; 154:108005. [PMID: 38513327 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal smoking and stress are associated with adverse health effects for women themselves and are risk factors for adverse outcomes of the child. Effective interventions are needed to support women with smoking cessation and reducing stress. The aims were (1) to test the effectiveness of an 8-week eHealth intervention targeting stress reduction and smoking cessation; (2) to examine whether stress reduction mediated the intervention effect on smoking behavior; (3) to test motivation to quit as a moderator; and (4) to investigate a dose-response effect of program usage. METHODS Pregnant women were included if they were >18 years of age, < 28 weeks pregnant at recruitment, and currently smoking. In total, 156 consenting participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or active control condition. Study outcomes on smoking (yes/no, frequency, and quantity) were collected via online questionnaires at pre-intervention (baseline; t0), post-intervention (8 weeks after t0; t1), and follow up at two weeks (t2) and three months (t3) after birth. RESULTS Smoking and stress reduced over the 8-week period in both conditions. The intervention effect on smoking was not mediated by stress reduction. Motivation to quit was found to moderate the intervention effect (smoking frequency and quantity) and a dose-response effect was found for program usage in the intervention for the reduction on smoking frequency and quantity. CONCLUSION Program usage and motivation to quit are important for smoking reduction in pregnant women. Further research is needed to examine how the intervention could be improved to increase treatment effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willeke van Dijk
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam Oosterman
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Wieke de Vente
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Roeterseilandcampus, Building D, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Imke Jansen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Brain and Behavior Amsterdam (IBBA), Van der Boechorststraat 1, Transitorium Room 1B-78, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Matthijs Blankers
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Da Costakade 45, 3521 VS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Arkin Mental Health Care, Klaprozenweg 111, 1033 NN Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Anja C Huizink
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yao W, Luo Q, Zhang X, Zhuo C, Mi L. Exploring the effect of different typical plant community on human stress reduction: a field experiment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5600. [PMID: 38454088 PMCID: PMC10920666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56243-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has demonstrated the positive effect of natural environment on human restoration and well-being. Time spent in nature can often alleviate both physiological and psychological stress. However, few studies have discussed the environmental health effects of the nature's components and characteristics. Sixty volunteers were recruited and one manufactured environment and five different natural environments were randomly assigned to them, including coniferous forests (pure coniferous forest-PC and mixed coniferous forest-MC), broad-leaved forests (pure broad-leaved forest-PB and mixed broad-leaved forest-MB), and mixed forest (mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest-MCB). Each volunteer sat in a built or natural environment and looked around the environment for 15 min. Physiological (HR, HRV, BP, pulse rate and salivary cortisol) and psychological indicators (POMS and STAI) were used to evaluate the changes in their stress level. Results indicated a strong difference in HR, HRV, POMS and STAI between the built and natural environment, which showed that natural environment can lower the stress level. MC had the best effect on relieving physiological stress, whereas MCB is most successful in improving emotional state and reducing anxiety. Broad-leaved forest and mixed forest significantly affected the DBP and vigor level of the subjects, respectively. While coniferous forest did significantly increase the concentration of salivary cortisol in subjects. The study confirmed that compared to the built environment, the natural environment can relieve the human body's physical and psychological stress and negative emotions, while significantly increasing vitality. And different plant communities also have different effects on the physiological and psychological indicators of the subjects. These results will provide scientific basis for the construction and improvement of urban green space environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Yao
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingzi Luo
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Zhuo
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Longfei Mi
- Engineering Research Center of Concrete Technology Under Marine Environment, Ministry of Education, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hassan A, Deshun Z. Nature's therapeutic power: a study on the psychophysiological effects of touching ornamental grass in Chinese women. J Health Popul Nutr 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38310320 PMCID: PMC10838459 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00514-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The health of city residents is at risk due to the high rate of urbanization and the extensive use of electronics. In the context of urbanization, individuals have become increasingly disconnected from nature, resulting in elevated stress levels among adults. The goal of this study was to investigate the physical and psychological benefits of spending time in nature. The benefits of touching real grass and artificial turf (the control activity) outdoors with the palm of the hand for five minutes were measured. Blood pressure and electroencephalography (EEG) as well as State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, and the semantic differential scale (SDM) were used to investigate psychophysiological responses. Touching real grass was associated with significant changes in brainwave rhythms and a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to touching artificial turf. In addition, SDM scores revealed that touching real grass increased relaxation, comfort, and a sense of naturalness while decreasing anxiety levels. Compared to the control group, the experimental group had higher mean scores in both meditation and attentiveness. Our findings indicate that contact with real grass may reduce physiological and psychological stress in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hassan
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Rd, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhang Deshun
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Rd, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rosansky JA, Howard L, Goodman H, Okst K, Fatkin T, Fredericksen AK, Sokol R, Gardiner P, Parry G, Cook BL, Weiss RD, Schuman-Olivier ZD. Effects of live-online, group mindfulness training on opioid use and anxiety during buprenorphine treatment: A comparative effectiveness RCT. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 137:107417. [PMID: 38135210 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine has emerged as a popular evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Unfortunately, psychosocial stress, anxiety, pain, and co-morbid substance use increase patients' risk for relapse. We designed this study to compare the effects of complementing buprenorphine treatment with 24 weeks of a live-online Mindful Recovery Opioid Care Continuum (M-ROCC) group to a time and attention-matched, live-online Recovery Support Group (RSG) active control condition. METHODS We plan to enroll a maximum of N = 280 and randomize at least N = 192 patients prescribed buprenorphine through referrals from office-based and telemedicine buprenorphine treatment providers and social media advertisements. Participants will be randomly assigned to M-ROCC or RSG and will be blinded to their treatment condition. The primary outcome for this study will be biochemically confirmed periods of abstinence from illicit opioids, as measured by self-reported use and randomly collected, video-observed oral fluid toxicology testing during the final 12 weeks of study participation. Secondary outcomes include changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and pain interference scores between baseline and week 24. RESULTS The trial was funded by the National Institutes of Health, HEAL Initiative through NCCIH (R33AT010125). Data collection is projected to end by September 2023, and we expect publication of results in 2024. CONCLUSION If the M-ROCC intervention is found to be effective in this format, it will demonstrate that live-online mindfulness groups can improve outcomes and address common co-morbidities like anxiety and pain during buprenorphine treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Rosansky
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Leah Howard
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Hannah Goodman
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Kayley Okst
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Thomas Fatkin
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - A Kiera Fredericksen
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Randi Sokol
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Department of Family Medicine, 1493 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America; Tufts University School of Medicine, Family Medicine Residency Training Program, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, United States of America
| | - Paula Gardiner
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Gareth Parry
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Benjamin L Cook
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America; Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Roger D Weiss
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America; McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, United States of America
| | - Zev D Schuman-Olivier
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Paul A. [Mind-body medicine in pain management]. Schmerz 2023; 37:431-436. [PMID: 37428227 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain affects around 3 million people in Germany. The drug therapies used are only effective to a limited extent and sometimes have considerable side effects. Methods of mind-body medicine (MBM) including especially mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), meditation and yoga, can significantly reduce the perceived intensity of the pain. Combined with evidence-based complementary medicine, MBM as mind-body medicine in integrative and complementary medicine (MICOM) is an effective instrument for self-efficacy and self-care with very few side effects. The reduction of stress plays a key role in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Paul
- Ordnungstherapie - Mind Body Medizin, Klinik für Naturheilkunde und Integrative Medizin, KEM | Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte gGmbH, Am Deimelsberg 34a, 45276, Essen, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scullion R, Icke K, Tissen-Diabaté T, Adam D, Ortiz M, Witt CM, Brinkhaus B, Stöckigt B. Self-care strategies for medical students: an uncontrolled mixed-methods evaluation of a mind-body-medicine group course. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:816. [PMID: 37907897 PMCID: PMC10617184 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04745-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High stress during medical education and its detrimental effects on student health is well documented. This exploratory evaluation study assesses a 10-week Mind-Body-Medicine student course, created to promote student self-care at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. METHODS During 2012-2019, uncontrolled quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from 112 student participants. Outcomes including changes in perceived stress (PSS), mindfulness (FMI/MAAS), self-reflection (GRAS), self-efficacy (GSE), empathy (SPF), and health-related quality of life (SF-12) were measured between the first (T0) and last sessions (T1). Qualitative data were obtained in focus groups at course completion and triangulated with quantitative data. RESULTS Quantitative outcomes showed decreases in perceived stress and increased self-efficacy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and empathy. In focus groups, students reported greater abilities to self-regulate stressful experiences, personal growth and new insights into integrative medicine. Triangulation grounded these effects of MBM practice in its social context, creating an interdependent dynamic between experiences of self and others. CONCLUSION After completing an MBM course, students reported reduced perceived stress, increased self-efficacy, mindfulness, empathy and positive engagement with integrative concepts of doctor-patient relationships. Further research with larger randomized confirmatory studies is needed to validate these benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Scullion
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Icke
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatjana Tissen-Diabaté
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Adam
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miriam Ortiz
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benno Brinkhaus
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Stöckigt
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Walton KG, Wenuganen S, Cole SW. Transcendental Meditation practitioners show reduced expression of the Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 32:100672. [PMID: 37560036 PMCID: PMC10407892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A recent exploratory study of transcriptional effects of long-term practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) technologies found evidence for altered expression of genes associated with health and disease. In the present secondary analysis of those data, we test the more specific hypothesis that this sample of long-term practitioners shows a significant reduction in markers of the "Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity" (CTRA), an RNA profile characterized by up-regulated inflammation and down-regulated Type I interferon (IFN) activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data come from a previously published study providing genome-wide transcriptional profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy, 38-year practitioners of TM technologies and matched controls (n = 12, mean age 65). The current analysis specifically tests for differential expression of a previously established CTRA indicator gene score, with cross-validation by promoter-based bioinformatic analysis of CTRA-typical differences in transcription factor activity and monocyte subset cellular origins. RESULTS Compared to controls, the TM group showed lower expression of a pre-specified set of CTRA indicator genes. These effects were accompanied by genome-wide indications of down-regulated pro-inflammatory transcription factor activity (NF-κB, AP-1), up-regulated activity of Interferon Response Factors (IRF) and reduced transcriptional activity of classical monocytes. Conclusions: A sample of long-term practitioners of TM showed reduced CTRA gene expression in PBMC compared to matched controls, supporting the likely value of further research to evaluate causality and specificity of this potential mechanism of health benefits in meditators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth G. Walton
- Institute for Prevention Research, Fairfield, IA, 52556, USA
- Department of Physiology and Health, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA, 52556, USA
| | - Supaya Wenuganen
- Center for Brain, Cognition, and Consciousness, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA, 52557, USA
| | - Steven W. Cole
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen SP, Liu HT, Appelt JC, Klassen BL, Liu L, Smith JL, Miguel-Cruz A. Feasibility of Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Veterans Managing Chronic Pain. Can J Occup Ther 2023; 90:303-314. [PMID: 36788126 PMCID: PMC10422854 DOI: 10.1177/00084174231156276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Background. Chronic pain impacts people's activity participation, productivity, mental health, and sense of wellbeing. Purpose. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the feasibility of the Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management (MBCPMTM) program on reducing pain perception and enhancing the quality of life, and (2) understand veterans' experience with the program. Method. The pretest-posttest single-group, mixed-methods design was used. Thirty-one veterans were offered the 12-week intervention. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 were administered before and after the program. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted to understand the experience. Findings. Participants' PCS scores improved (Z = -3.116, p = .002), but the pain intensity did not change significantly. Themes from qualitative data include: (1) We are not alone! (2) I have a sense of awareness, choices, and control; and (3) It does work! Implications. The study shows preliminary feasibility of MBCPMTM for veterans. This promising effect supports future rigorous testing of this intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ping Chen
- Shu-Ping Chen, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2–30 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G4, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zisopoulou T, Varvogli L. Stress Management Methods in Children and Adolescents: Past, Present, and Future. Horm Res Paediatr 2023; 96:97-107. [PMID: 36096110 DOI: 10.1159/000526946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a natural automatic reaction of organisms to challenging or threatening stimuli. Prevalence rates reveal an increasing number of students both in elementary and secondary education suffering from anxiety and other stress-related disorders and illnesses [The Journal of Pediatrics. 2009 Mar;154(3):322-6]. Literature shows a plethora of stress management techniques being used with children and adults to achieve stress reduction and inner peace. This narrative review primarily aimed at summarizing evidence-based relaxation techniques currently used by minors, contrasting them with data from the past and directions for the future. *(Additional content can be found at the bottom page of this review). SUMMARY Literature research revealed a plethora of stress management techniques, including breathing practices or exercises, meditation, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, third wave therapies, interpersonal therapies, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, biofeedback training, and mindfulness, that are deemed to be effective to treat stress and a variety of stress-related disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), headaches, abdominal pain, perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain, cancer, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. These evidence-based stress management techniques have been successfully employed in various settings such as schools, waiting rooms, dental offices, or inpatient settings. KEY MESSAGES Stress management techniques used by children and adolescents are important to reduce anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms, improve social skills, reduce stress-related physical pain, and achieve academic improvement across settings and diagnoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Triantafyllia Zisopoulou
- Stress Science and Health Promotion Post Graduate Program, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Liza Varvogli
- Stress Science and Health Promotion Post Graduate Program, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Weigensberg MJ, Wen CK, Sanogo F, Toledo-Corral C, Ding L. Imagine HEALTH: Changes in diurnal salivary cortisol patterns following a 12-week guided imagery RCT lifestyle intervention in predominantly Latino adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106053. [PMID: 36842257 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alterations in diurnal salivary cortisol patterns have been linked to adverse metabolic health outcomes. We have previously shown that stress-reduction guided imagery (GI) can reduce salivary cortisol levels acutely. We now ask whether addition of GI into a 12-week lifestyle intervention designed to improve eating and physical activity behaviors can alter diurnal salivary cortisol patterns and perceived stress. METHODS 232 adolescent participants (ages 14-17 years) were cluster randomized by school into one of four intervention arms: non-intervention Control (C; n = 51), Lifestyle (LS; n=61), Stress-Reduction GI (SRGI; n = 55), and Lifestyle Behavior GI (LBGI; n = 65). LS group received one nutrition and one physical activity class per week after-school for 12 weeks. SRGI and LBGI groups received same LS classes plus an additional weekly GI session. Salivary cortisol was assessed pre- and post-intervention on 3 days, 3 times daily, at awakening, 30-minutes post-awakening, and in the evening to determine Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and Diurnal Cortisol Slope (DCS). Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered pre- and post-intervention. Mixed effects modeling was used for intent-to-treat analysis and sensitivity analysis was used for those participants adherent to intervention protocol. RESULTS Analysis of 208 subjects with complete data showed a small between-group increase in CAR in LBGI vs C (p = 0.045, d=0.24), with no significant group differences among other intervention arms. There were no between group differences in change in DCS or change in PSS after 12-weeks. Amongst adherent participants, LBGI showed a small-moderate increase in CAR (p = 0.03, d=0.37), and moderate-large reduction in PSS (p = 0.02, d=-0.66) compared to C. There were no other between group differences in CAR, DCS, or PSS. CONCLUSION LBGI led to an increase in CAR, and in adherent subjects, a decrease in PSS, suggesting GI may be a mind-body intervention that can affect both objective and subjective measures of the stress response. Whether changes in cortisol patterns in this population affect measures of mental or physical health remains to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatimata Sanogo
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USA
| | | | - Li Ding
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vadvilavičius T, Varnagirytė E, Jarašiūnaitė-Fedosejeva G, Gustainienė L. The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Police Officers' Stress Reduction: a Systematic Review. J Police Crim Psychol 2023; 38:223-239. [PMID: 36741275 PMCID: PMC9885068 DOI: 10.1007/s11896-022-09570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The profession of a police officer is associated with high levels of stress, which can have harmful consequences for officers' personal lives, the police organisation, and society. This systematic review aims to synthesise recent literature on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention related to stress reduction (MBIs) in a sample of police officers. The search of relevant articles was applied in four databases (SpringerLink, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), and PubMed), using the following inclusion criteria: (1) study involved police officers; (2) study used (quasi)experimental research design; (3) mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention was applied as the main intervention; and (4) study presented pre- and post-intervention measures and quantitative results of stress. The systematic review of eight articles included in the analysis revealed that MBIs were effective in reducing police officers' stress and other stress-related outcomes (sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), negative affect, burnout).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadas Vadvilavičius
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Jonavos St. 66/328, 44191 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Erika Varnagirytė
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Jonavos St. 66/328, 44191 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gabija Jarašiūnaitė-Fedosejeva
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Jonavos St. 66/328, 44191 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Loreta Gustainienė
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Jonavos St. 66/328, 44191 Kaunas, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Scheiner C, Daunke A, Seidel A, Mittermeier S, Romanos M, Kölch M, Buerger A. LessStress - how to reduce stress in school: evaluation of a universal stress prevention in schools: study protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:44. [PMID: 36658596 PMCID: PMC9851575 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06970-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress is detrimental to health, and children and young people have had to cope with significantly more stress since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, stress at school and in relation to learning is a major problem in this age group. Studies in Germany have indicated that the pandemic has led to a reduced quality of life (QoL) and an increased risk for psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Schools are an ideal setting for interventions against stress, which is one of the strongest predictors for the development of psychosocial problems. The present study seeks to address stress by means of a short prevention training programme in schools, including emotion regulation, mindfulness, and self-compassion. In addition to information material for self-study, students should have the opportunity to actively deal with the topic of stress and develop coping strategies within a short space of time. In contrast to very long stress reduction programmes that often last several weeks, the programme is delivered in just 90 min. METHODS The effectiveness of the short and economical prevention programme LessStress will be examined in a cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT) encompassing 1894 students. At several measurement time points, students from two groups (intervention and control) will be asked about their subjectively perceived stress levels, among other aspects. Due to the clustered nature of the data, mainly multilevel analyses will be performed. DISCUSSION In Germany, there are no nationwide universal prevention programmes for students against stress in schools, and this gap has become more evident since the outbreak of the pandemic. Universal stress prevention in schools may be a starting point to promote resilience. By dealing with stress in a healthy way, mental health can be strengthened and maintained. Moreover, to reach at-risk students at an early stage, we advocate for a stronger networking between child psychiatry and schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00025721 . Registered on November 4, 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christin Scheiner
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658German Centre of Prevention Research in Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Daunke
- grid.413108.f0000 0000 9737 0454Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexandra Seidel
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658German Centre of Prevention Research in Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Mittermeier
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658German Centre of Prevention Research in Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Romanos
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658German Centre of Prevention Research in Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kölch
- grid.413108.f0000 0000 9737 0454Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Arne Buerger
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658German Centre of Prevention Research in Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun Y, Li F, He T, Meng Y, Yin J, Yim IS, Xu L, Wu J. Physiological and affective responses to green space virtual reality among pregnant women. Environ Res 2023; 216:114499. [PMID: 36208780 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benefits of green spaces on stress reduction have been shown in previous studies. Most existing studies to date have focused on the general population. However, there is a lack of understanding of physiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of green space among special populations, such as pregnant women. OBJECTIVES To examine physiological and affective responses to green space on stress recovery among pregnant women, using simulated green space exposure through virtual reality (VR). METHODS We recruited 63 pregnant women between 8 and 14 weeks' gestational age for a laboratory experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to view one of three, 5-min, VR videos of an urban scene with different green space levels (i.e., non-green, moderate, and high) after a laboratory stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test. Physiological stress responses were measured via changes in blood pressure, heart rate, skin conductance level, salivary alpha-amylase, and salivary cortisol. Affective response was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. RESULTS We found that visual exposure to a green space environment in VR was associated with both physiological and affective stress reduction among pregnant women, including lower systolic blood pressure [-4.6 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.8, -0.4], reduced salivary alpha-amylase concentration (-1.2 ng/ml, 95% CI: -2.2, -0.2), improved overall positive affect (score: 6.6, 95% CI: 0.3, 13.0) and decreased negative affect of anxiety (score: -2.6, 95% CI: -5.19, -0.04) compared to non-green space environment. Exposure to high green space environment in park-like setting had the strongest impacts on stress recovery. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that virtual green space exposure could effectively ease stress and improve mental health and well-being during pregnancy. Even a short immersion in VR-based green space environment may bring health benefits, which has significant implications for pregnant women when access to an actual nature may not be possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Institute of Medical Information, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Fu Li
- College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao He
- Program in Public Health Policy, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yaohan Meng
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yin
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ilona S Yim
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Liyan Xu
- College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rathish D, Rajapakse J, Weerakoon K. "In times of stress, it is good to be with them": experience of dog owners from a rural district of Sri Lanka. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2380. [PMID: 36536373 PMCID: PMC9761628 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14863-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dog has been man's best companion since ancient times. And, dog ownership is associated with improved physical activity and cardiovascular health. We aim to explore the experience of dog owners on dog ownership and its effects on personal and family health in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Such studies are scarce in developing countries and rural regions. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with dog owners in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed and thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS The study findings were reported under the themes of experience of dog owners, pet dogs for children, village dogs as pets, the role of pet dogs in personal and family health, and participants' advice on dog ownership. Participants highlighted companionship as a positive aspect of pet dogs. However, expenses and reduced travel were the concerns of dog ownership. A child's preference was important in owning a pet dog. Also, participants were willing to adopt the village dogs. Further, they perceived stress reduction and mental satisfaction when interacting with their pet dogs. Moreover, participants seldom experienced major health risks from their pet dogs. CONCLUSIONS Human-dog interaction seems to improve the participants' mental well-being, and future research should focus on its possible consequences. Further, the village dogs were adopted as pets. Guided promotion of such activities could ease concerns related to village dogs in developing and rural regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devarajan Rathish
- grid.11139.3b0000 0000 9816 8637Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka ,grid.430357.60000 0004 0433 2651Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Jayanthe Rajapakse
- grid.11139.3b0000 0000 9816 8637Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Kosala Weerakoon
- grid.430357.60000 0004 0433 2651Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Traeger L, Styklunas GM, Park EY, Lee MT, Fricchione G, Park ER. Promoting Resilience and Flourishing Among Older Adult Residents in Community Living: A Feasibility Study. Gerontologist 2022; 62:1507-1518. [PMID: 35235940 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The Stress Management and Relaxation Training-Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (SMART-3RP) is a mind-body group intervention that integrates relaxation training with cognitive behavioral and positive psychology techniques. This study assessed SMART-3RP feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy for enhancing resilience and flourishing among older adults in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a prospective single-arm study of SMART-3RP groups delivered by clinicians at 4 CCRCs (n = 80). Eligible residents lived in community apartments. Participants completed pre- and postintervention surveys. We evaluated attendance (hypothesis: ≥60% attend ≥6 of 9 sessions), enrollment, and retention. Mixed methods were used to explore acceptability. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to explore changes in resilience, flourishing, and key intervention targets. RESULTS From March to June 2021, we screened 89 residents with 87 (98%) consenting to participate and 80 (90%) enrolling in the study. Among 80 participants (85% female; 98% non-Hispanic White; M age = 80 years [SD = 6]), 88% attended ≥6 sessions, and 89% completed the postintervention survey. Participants found meaning in participation and practiced skills in the context of challenges such as caregiving burden or bereavement. Survey results, showing increases in resilience, flourishing, and several intervention targets, aligned with participants' perceived intervention value. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS SMART-3RP was feasible and acceptable for CCRC residents; participants perceived value in practicing mind-body strategies in a group-based setting. Preliminary evidence suggested a pattern of improvements in resilience, flourishing, and intervention targets. Findings provide insights for mind-body interventions and recommendations for adaptations to late-in-life concerns and community settings. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04720014.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Traeger
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grace M Styklunas
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Program (HPRIR), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen Y Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew T Lee
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory Fricchione
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elyse R Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Program (HPRIR), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Griffith T, Singh A, Naber M, Hummel P, Bartholomew C, Amin S, White-Traut R, Garfield L. Scoping review of interventions to support families with preterm infants post-NICU discharge. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 67:e135-e149. [PMID: 36041959 PMCID: PMC9729411 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A successful transition from the NICU to home is fundamental for the long-term health and well-being of preterm infants. Post-NICU discharge, parents may experience a lack of support and resources during the transition to home. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify post-NICU discharge interventions that may reduce parental stress and provide support to families with preterm infants. METHOD Systematic searches of databases, i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were data-based articles: 1) published in English between 2011 and 2021, 2) published in peer-reviewed journals, (3) focused on families with preterm infants, and (4) focused on interventions to reduce parental stress and provide support to families with preterm infants post-NICU discharge. RESULTS 26 articles were included and synthesized. We identified the following face-to-face and remote communication interventions: in-person home visits, phone/video calls, text messages, periodic email questionnaires, mobile/website apps, and online social networking sites. DISCUSSION Families may highly benefit from a comprehensive family-focused post-NICU discharge follow-up intervention that includes face-to-face and remote communication and support. Post-NICU discharge interventions are imperative to provide education related to infant care and health, increase parental confidence and competency, increase parent-infant relationship, promote emotional and social support, reduce unplanned hospital visits, parental stress, and maternal post-partum depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thao Griffith
- Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
| | - Anamika Singh
- Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Margaret Naber
- Division of Neonatology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Patricia Hummel
- Division of Neonatology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | | | - Sachin Amin
- Division of Neonatology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Rosemary White-Traut
- Nursing Research, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America; Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Lindsey Garfield
- Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Horrillo Álvarez B, Marín Martín C, Rodríguez Abuín M, Orio Ortiz L. Short mindfulness meditation training: does it really reduce perceived stress? Cogn Process 2022; 23:559-568. [PMID: 36129640 PMCID: PMC9553826 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-022-01108-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To study whether an 8-week mindfulness meditation training program truly reduces perceived stress without designing a stress reduction program. An experimental study was performed in which we studied the effects of 8 weeks of MM training on attention and awareness, as measured by the MAAS (mindfulness attention awareness scale) and perceived stress, as measured by the PSQ (perceived stress questionnaire), in 80 volunteers from the general public recruited by email from university centers. An increase in the individual’s dispositional capacity to be attentive and aware of the experience of the present moment in everyday life was observed in the experimental group versus the control group; F (2, 156) = 14.30, p = .000, η2 partial = .155. Perceived stress showed no significant differences between groups in: social acceptance; F (2, 156) = 2.30, p = .103, overload; F (2, 156) = 2.32, p = .101, irritability, tension and fatigue; F (2, 156) = 2.27, p = .106, energy and joy; F (2, 156) = 2.79, p = .065. MM practice for 8 weeks of training increases the individual’s dispositional capacity to be attentive and aware of the experience of the present moment in everyday life but may not reduce perceived stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Horrillo Álvarez
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, CES Cardenal Cisneros, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Marín Martín
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez Abuín
- Teacher Training Center, Faculty of Education, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Orio Ortiz
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology in Behavioral Science, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
van Dellen SA, Wisse B, Mobach MP. Effects of lactation room quality on working mothers' feelings and thoughts related to breastfeeding and work: a randomized controlled trial and a field experiment. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:57. [PMID: 35945573 PMCID: PMC9361273 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The challenging combination of breastfeeding and work is one of the main reasons for early breastfeeding cessation. Although the availability of a lactation room (defined as a private space designated for milk expression or breastfeeding) is important in enabling the combination of breastfeeding and work, little is known about the effects of lactation room quality on mothers’ feelings and thoughts related to breastfeeding and work. We hypothesized that a high-quality lactation room (designed using the Theory of Supportive Design) would cause mothers to experience less stress, have more positive thoughts about milk expression at work, perceive more organizational support, and report more subjective well-being, than a low-quality lactation room. Methods In an online randomized controlled trial (Study 1), Dutch mothers (N = 267) were shown either a high-quality or a low-quality lactation room (using pictures and descriptions for the manipulation) and were then asked about their feelings and thoughts. In a subsequent field experiment (Study 2) we modified the lactations rooms in a large organization in Groningen, the Netherlands, to manipulate lactation room quality, and asked mothers (N = 61) who used either a high-quality or low-quality lactation room to fill out surveys to assess the dependent variables. Results The online study showed that mothers exposed to the high-quality lactation room anticipated less stress, more positive cognitions about milk expression at work, more perceived organizational support, and more subjective well-being than mothers exposed to the low-quality lactation room (p < 0.05). Moreover, the effect of lactation room quality on perceived organizational support was especially pronounced for mothers who were higher in environmental sensitivity. The field experiment showed that use of the high-quality room led to less reported stress than use of the low-quality room (p < 0.05). We also found that mothers who were higher in environmental sensitivity perceived more control over milk expression at work and experienced more subjective well-being in the high-quality condition than in the low-quality condition (p < 0.05). Conclusion The current studies show that not only the availability, but also the quality of lactation rooms is important in facilitating the combination of breastfeeding and work. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-022-00499-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sjoukje A van Dellen
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,NoorderRuimte, Research Centre for Built Environment, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Barbara Wisse
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark P Mobach
- NoorderRuimte, Research Centre for Built Environment, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Management and Organization, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Collins C, Haase D, Heiland S, Kabisch N. Urban green space interaction and wellbeing - investigating the experience of international students in Berlin during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Urban For Urban Green 2022; 70:127543. [PMID: 35291447 PMCID: PMC8913405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the topic of mental health/wellbeing with reference to exposure to urban green space (UGS). It builds on previous research, which has highlighted the potential for green space interaction for supporting positive emotional and mental wellbeing, particularly in times of stress and uncertainty. Using this basis, the paper explores whether UGS interaction also helped to mitigate the negative mental health impacts brought about by the first COVID-19 lockdown. The specific focus is on students and expatriates living in Berlin, Germany as this population groupbecame increasingly vulnerable during this time as a result of uncertainty and restrictions in their daily lives brought about the enforced lockdown measures. More specifically, this paper investigates how a change in their daily routines created opportunities to interact with and experience UGS differently and how their emotional response and perception towards these spaces changed. Semi-structured interviews allowed for stories, experiences and emotions to unfold, which revealed that the participants' gained an appreciation for the potential of UGS to support their wellbeing during a stressful and isolating time. UGS interaction also allowed them to form tangible memories of summer 2020 as it provided a safe arena for them to maintain social contact with friends outdoors, or to escape their home environment and experience respite and relaxation in a natural setting. The findings demonstrate that for this sub-group of the population UGS became a reliable constant and a valuable public health resource, which may also help to mitigate the long-term adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Collins
- Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Haase
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Geography, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ Leipzig, Department Computational Landscape Ecology, Permoser Straße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Heiland
- Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Landscape Planning and Development, Straße des 17. Juni 145, Sekr. EB 5, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Kabisch
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Geography, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ Leipzig, Department Urban and Environmental Sociology, Permoser Straße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schlee C, Uecker C, Bauer N, Koch AK, Langhorst J. Multimodal stress reduction and lifestyle modification program for patients with ulcerative colitis: a qualitative study. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:60. [PMID: 35260152 PMCID: PMC8903167 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03478-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 2 million people in Europe are affected by ulcerative colitis, which often severely impacts the quality of life of those concerned. Among other factors, lifestyle and psychosocial factors seem to play an important role in pathogenesis and course of the disease and can be addressed as a complement to pharmacotherapy in comprehensive lifestyle modification programs. METHODS This qualitative study as part of a mixed methods approach was carried out in the framework of a randomized controlled trial that examined the effect of a comprehensive lifestyle-modification-program (10-week-day clinic program) on quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 out of 47 patients of the intervention group after the program. The aim was to deepen, supplement, and expand the quantitative results of the trial, i.e. to examine individual perceptions of the intervention, including subjective changes and the extent to which elements of the program were integrated into everyday life. Qualitative content analysis techniques utilizing the software MAXQDA were used. RESULTS Patients with ulcerative colitis in our sample often experienced multiple negative effects on different levels (physical, psychological, and social) and impaired quality of life because of their disease. They reported generally positively about the program itself, and emphasized perceived positive changes regarding their psychological and physical well-being. The interviews indicated a good implementation of elements learned during the intervention in everyday life. CONCLUSIONS Through participation in a comprehensive lifestyle modification program in the structure of a day clinic complementary to pharmacotherapy, patients with ulcerative colitis can reduce psychosocial stress and physical symptoms and thereby actively improve their well-being and general quality of life. This patient-centered, holistic approach was rated as useful in countering the complex disease manifestation as well as meeting the individual needs of the patients regarding their disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov NCT02721823.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schlee
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany.,Department of Integrative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany.,Department of Sociology, University of Bamberg, Feldkirchenstr. 21, 96052, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Christine Uecker
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany.,Department of Integrative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Nina Bauer
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany.,Department of Integrative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Anna K Koch
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany.,Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Am Deimelsberg 34 a, 45276, Essen, Germany
| | - Jost Langhorst
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany. .,Department of Integrative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
SCHNEIDER RH, GRIM C, KOTCHEN T, MARWAHA K, KOTCHEN J, SALERNO JW, KING CG, NIDICH S, ALEXANDER CN. Randomized controlled trial of stress reduction with meditation and health education in black men and women with high normal and normal blood pressure. Am J Prev Cardiol 2021; 8:100279. [PMID: 34729544 PMCID: PMC8546372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black men and women suffer from disparities in morbidity and mortality from hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and currently, COVID-19. These conditions are associated with social determinants of health and psychosocial stress. While previous trials demonstrated that stress reduction with meditation lowered BP in the grade I range in Black adults, there is a paucity of evidence for high normal and normal BP. OBJECTIVE This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique in Black adults with high normal BP and normal BP using international classifications. METHODS A total of 304 Black men and women with high normal (130-139/85-89 mm Hg) and normal BP (120-129/80-84 mm Hg) were randomized to either TM or health education (HE) groups. BP was recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months after baseline. Linear mixed model analysis was conducted to compare the BP change between TM and HE participants in the high-normal BP and normal-BP groups. Survival analysis for hypertensive events was conducted. RESULTS After an average of 19.9 ± 11.1 months follow-up, TM participants in the high-normal BP group showed significantly lower posttest SBP (-3.33 mm Hg, p = 0.045). There was no difference in DBP (-0.785 mm Hg, p = 0.367) compared to HE participants. In the normal BP group, the SBP and DBP were not different between the TM and HE participants. The hazard ratio for hypertensive events was 0.52 (p = 0.15) in the high normal BP group (7 TM vs 13 HE) with no difference in the normal BP group. CONCLUSION This RCT found that meditation lowered systolic BP in Black men and women with high normal BP but not in normal BP participants. These results may be relevant to reducing health disparities in CVD and related co-morbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert H. SCHNEIDER
- Institute for Prevention Research, 2100 Mansion Drive, Vedic City, Iowa 52556, USA
- College of Integrative Medicine, Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention, Department of Physiology and Health, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa USA
| | - Clarence GRIM
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Theodore KOTCHEN
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Komal MARWAHA
- College of Integrative Medicine, Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention, Department of Physiology and Health, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa USA
| | - Jane KOTCHEN
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John W. SALERNO
- Institute for Prevention Research, 2100 Mansion Drive, Vedic City, Iowa 52556, USA
| | - Carolyn Gaylord KING
- Institute for Prevention Research, 2100 Mansion Drive, Vedic City, Iowa 52556, USA
| | - Sanford NIDICH
- Institute for Prevention Research, 2100 Mansion Drive, Vedic City, Iowa 52556, USA
| | - Charles N. ALEXANDER
- Institute for Prevention Research, 2100 Mansion Drive, Vedic City, Iowa 52556, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dada T, Lahri B, Mahalingam K, Shakrawal J, Kumar A, Sihota R, Yadav RK. Beneficial effect of mindfulness based stress reduction on optic disc perfusion in primary open angle glaucoma: A randomized controlled trial. J Tradit Complement Med 2021; 11:581-586. [PMID: 34765522 PMCID: PMC8572716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Next to intraocular pressure (IOP), vascular factors play a major role in glaucoma. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to reduce the IOP, normalize the stress biomarkers, modulate gene expression, and also improve the quality of life. This study was aimed to assess the effect of MBSR in optic disc perfusion of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Experimental procedure POAG patients with controlled IOP (<21 mmHg) were randomised in to intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). Both the groups continued their routine glaucoma medications while the intervention group practiced 45 min of MBSR every day in addition. IOP and optic disc perfusion using OCT-Angiography were recorded at baseline and at 6 weeks for both the groups. Results The mean age of the participants were 53.23 ± 8.4yr in intervention and 50.23 ± 7.3yr in the control group (p = 0.06). All the baseline parameters were comparable in both groups. After MBSR, in the intervention group there was a significant reduction of IOP (p=0.001), increase in circum-papillary vessel density in superior quadrant (15.8%-17.4%, p=0.02) and nasal quadrant (14.2%-16.5%, p=0.01), increase in circum papillary vascular perfusion, in superior quadrant (38.9%-41.1%, p<0.001), in temporal quadrant (42.2%-44.5%, p<0.001), in inferior quadrant (40.1%-43.8%, p<0.001), and in nasal quadrant (40.6%-42.8%, p<0.001). There was also a significant increase in Flux Index after 6weeks (0.38-0.40, p<0.001). Conclusion MBSR can reduce barotrauma and improve optic disc perfusion in POAG patients and serve as a useful adjunct to the standard medical therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanuj Dada
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Brajesh Lahri
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Karthikeyan Mahalingam
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Shakrawal
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Atul Kumar
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramanjit Sihota
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Raj Kumar Yadav
- Integral Health Clinic, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yang X, McCoy E, Anaya-Boig E, Avila-Palencia I, Brand C, Carrasco-Turigas G, Dons E, Gerike R, Goetschi T, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Pablo Orjuela J, Int Panis L, Standaert A, de Nazelle A. The effects of traveling in different transport modes on galvanic skin response (GSR) as a measure of stress: An observational study. Environ Int 2021; 156:106764. [PMID: 34273874 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is one of many ailments associated with urban living, with daily travel a potential major source. Active travel, nevertheless, has been associated with lower levels of stress compared to other modes. Earlier work has relied on self-reported measures of stress, and on study designs that limit our ability to establish causation. OBJECTIVES To evaluate effects of daily travel in different modes on an objective proxy measure of stress, the galvanic skin response (GSR). METHODS We collected data from 122 participants across 3 European cities as part of the Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches (PASTA) study, including: GSR measured every minute alongside confounders (physical activity, near-body temperature) during three separate weeks covering 3 seasons; sociodemographic and travel information through questionnaires. Causal relationships between travel in different modes (the "treatment") and stress were established by using a propensity score matching (PSM) approach to adjust for potential confounding and estimating linear mixed models (LMM) with individuals as random effects to account for repeated measurements. In three separate analyses, we compared GSR while cycling to not cycling, then walking to not walking then motorized (public or private) travel to any activity other than motorized travel. RESULTS Depending on LMM formulations used, cycling reduces 1-minute GSR by 5.7% [95% CI: 2.0-16.9%] to 11.1% [95% CI: 5.0-24.4%] compared to any other activity. Repeating the analysis for other modes we find that: walking is also beneficial, reducing GSR by 3.9% [95% CI: 1.4-10.7%] to 5.7% [95% CI: 2.6-12.3%] compared to any other activity; motorized mode (private or public) in reverse increases GSR by up to 1.1% [95% CI: 0.5-2.9%]. DISCUSSION Active travel offers a welcome way to reduce stress in urban dwellers' daily lives. Stress can be added to the growing number of evidence-based reasons for promoting active travel in cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuleng Yang
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma McCoy
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Anaya-Boig
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ione Avila-Palencia
- Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christian Brand
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Transport Studies Unit (TSU), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Glòria Carrasco-Turigas
- Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Evi Dons
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Regine Gerike
- TU Dresden, Institute of Transport Planning and Road Traffic, Germany
| | - Thomas Goetschi
- School of Planning, Public Policy & Management (PPPM), University of Oregon, Eugene, USA
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Orjuela
- Transport Studies Unit (TSU), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Luc Int Panis
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Arnout Standaert
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Audrey de Nazelle
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Choi E, Farb N, Pogrebtsova E, Gruman J, Grossmann I. What do people mean when they talk about mindfulness? Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 89:102085. [PMID: 34598086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Psychological theories cast mindfulness as a form of awareness in which accepting the presence of stressful thoughts and feelings facilitates engaged exploration and identification of adaptive responses. Critics of mindfulness' popularization suggest that lay people misconstrue acceptance as a passive endorsement of experience, undermining engaged problem-solving. To evaluate this criticism, we traced the contemporary semantic meaning of mindfulness in three of the most extensive linguistic corpora of English language and found that general public's depictions of mindfulness highlight engagement-related processes. We further analyzed the nomological network of mindfulness. While mindfulness theories suggest a general convergence of facets representing awareness and acceptance, in a meta-analysis (k = 145; N = 41,966) of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire only expert- and clinical samples reported convergence, whereas lay people showed absent or even antagonistic associations. Further, contrary to the synergistic model of awareness and acceptance contributing to greater engagement, empirical probes of two lay samples (Ntotal = 406) show that acceptance is either unrelated or inversely related to markers of engagement. To overcome resulting conceptual and methodological challenges, we highlight the need for a contextualized mindfulness framework whereby acceptance enables the process of engaging with life's challenges rather than avoiding them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Choi
- Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jin ZH. Thermal therapy induced fluid pressure and stress reductions in a solid tumor. Microvasc Res 2021; 139:104250. [PMID: 34516982 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents an investigation on the interstitial fluid pressure and stress reductions in a vascularized solid tumor using a thermal therapy approach. The solid tumor is modeled as a fluid infiltrated poroelastic medium with a pressure source subjected to spatial heating. The distributions of temperature, interstitial fluid pressure, strains and stresses in a spherical tumor are obtained using a thermoporoelasticity theory in which the extracellular solid matrix and the interstitial fluid have different coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The numerical results for a solid tumor subjected to uniform spatial heating indicate that the CTE of the solid matrix of the tumor plays a crucial role in the reductions in the fluid pressure and effective stresses caused by the thermal therapy. The pore pressure and effective stresses are reduced when the CTE of the solid matrix is higher than that of the interstitial fluid. The reductions in fluid pressure and stresses may become significant depending on the difference between the CTEs of the solid matrix and interstitial fluid. The reductions reach the maximum at the tumor center and decrease with increasing radial distance from the tumor center. Finally, the thermally induced fluid flow is directed from the surface towards the center thereby potentially improving the microcirculation in the solid tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z-H Jin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ivaki P, Schulz S, Jeitler M, Kessler CS, Michalsen A, Kandil FI, Nitzschke SM, Stritter W, Voss A, Seifert G. Effects of yoga and mindfulness practices on the autonomous nervous system in primary school children: A non-randomised controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2021; 61:102771. [PMID: 34450257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study examined the effects of a yoga and mindfulness-based programme on the autonomic nervous system of primary school children by using heart rate variability parameters. DESIGN A two-arm non-randomised controlled trial compared an integrated yoga and mindfulness-based programme (16 weeks) to conventional primary school lessons. SETTING Primary school classrooms and conference rooms. INTERVENTIONS Participants were allocated to a 16-week integrated yoga-based programme or conventional school lessons. A subgroup was randomised to receive 24h electrocardiogram-recordings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Heart rate variability indices were measured, both linear (time and frequency domain) and non-linear (symbolic dynamics, compression entropy), calculated from 30-minute extracts of Holter-electrocardiogram-recordings. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of intervention. RESULTS 40 participants (42.5% female) were included into the analysis of HRV. No significant changes in heart rate variability parameters were observed between the groups after 16 weeks. In the intervention group, a trend towards increased parasympathetic activity could be seen over time, although not significantly enhanced compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Results obtained here do not clearly show that children in German primary school settings benefit from an integrated yoga-based intervention. However, exploratory post-hoc analyses point interestingly to an increased nocturnal parasympathetic activity in the intervention group. Further studies are required with high-quality study designs, larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-ups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pune Ivaki
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Oncology and Haematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Steffen Schulz
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Oncology and Haematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Jeitler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital, Königstraße 63, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian S Kessler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital, Königstraße 63, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital, Königstraße 63, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Farid I Kandil
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Oncology and Haematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Saskia-Marie Nitzschke
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke Stritter
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Oncology and Haematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Voss
- Institute of Innovative Health Technologies IGHT, Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Oncology and Haematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Instituto de Tratamento do Câncer Infantil (ITACI), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
van Dijk W, Oosterman M, Jansen I, de Vente W, Huizink A. Stress- and smoke free pregnancy study protocol: a randomized controlled trial of a personalized eHealth intervention including heart rate variability-biofeedback to support pregnant women quit smoking via stress reduction. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:905. [PMID: 33980201 PMCID: PMC8115871 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal smoking and stress during pregnancy are associated with adverse health effects for women themselves and are risk factors for adverse developmental outcomes of the unborn child. Smoking and stress seem to be intertwined in various ways. First, the majority of smoking pregnant women is of lower socio-economic status, which is associated with higher levels of perceived stress. Second, smoking women often report to smoke because they feel stressed. Third, quitting smoking often increases perceived stress levels initially. Therefore, effective interventions are needed to support women with smoking cessation by reducing stress. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of an eHealth intervention on stress reduction and smoking cessation. METHODS/DESIGN The Stress- and Smoke Free Start of Life (SSFSL) study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing a personalized eHealth intervention with a control condition. Inclusion criteria for the women are: (1) > 18 years of age, (2) < 28 weeks pregnant at recruitment, (3) currently smoking. Consenting participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Participants allocated to the intervention group will receive an 8-week intervention delivered on their smartphone. The application includes psycho-education on pregnancy, stress, and smoking (cessation); stress-management training consisting of Heart Rate Variability-biofeedback; and a personalized stop-smoking-plan. Participants in the control condition will be invited to visit a webpage with information on pregnancy, stress, and smoking (cessation). Study outcomes will be collected via online questionnaires, at four timepoints: pre-intervention (baseline; t0), post-intervention (8 weeks + 1 day after t0; t1), follow up at two weeks after birth (t2), and follow up at three months after birth (t3). The primary outcome measure is self-reported smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes include daily self-reported number of cigarettes smoked, perceived stress, pregnancy experience, birth outcomes, and negative affectivity scores of the baby. Moreover, the mediating effect of stress reduction on smoking cessation will be examined, and possible moderators will be tested. DISCUSSION If the eHealth intervention is effective in smoking cessation among pregnant smoking women, it can be implemented as a tool into the health care in the Netherlands. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register, ID: NL8156 . Registered on 11 November 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willeke van Dijk
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam Oosterman
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Imke Jansen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wieke de Vente
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Huizink
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Preuss H, Capito K, van Eickels RL, Zemp M, Kolar DR. Cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion as emotion regulation strategies for parents during COVID-19: An online randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2021; 24:100388. [PMID: 33912402 PMCID: PMC8063732 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parenting during pandemic restrictions places extreme demands on everyday family life, leading to increased stress levels for parents and distressed parent-child interactions. This RCT aimed to investigate whether cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion are helpful emotion regulation (ER) strategies to reduce individual and parental stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD An online intervention for parents was developed focusing on the application of ER strategies to pandemic requirements of families. A sample of 265 parents were randomly assigned to either cognitive reappraisal (CR; n = 88), self-compassion (SC; n = 90) or wait-list control (WLC; n = 87) group. Interventions included two video sessions (day 1 and day 3) and three email reminders to transfer the application of ER strategies to daily family life (days 2, 4, 5). Parents' perceived individual stress and parental stress were assessed at baseline (T0), at T1 prior to the booster session on day 3, and at T2 (7 days after baseline). RESULTS Significant decreases from T0 to T2 emerged for both primary stress outcomes in both intervention groups. Individual stress significantly decreased in CR compared to WLC at T2, but not compared to SC. No time × group interactions for parental stress were found. However, mediation analyses suggested that parental stress was indirectly decreased via reductions in individual stress for CR compared to WLC at both time points. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic to affect family life. Cognitive reappraisal as a brief online intervention can ease acute stress and strengthen the mental health of parents in acute crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Preuss
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Klara Capito
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rahel Lea van Eickels
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Renngasse 6-8, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Zemp
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Renngasse 6-8, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - David Raphael Kolar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Nussbaumstraße 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Peters EMJ, Schedlowski M, Watzl C, Gimsa U. To stress or not to stress: Brain-behavior-immune interaction may weaken or promote the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100296. [PMID: 33527083 PMCID: PMC7839386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to strongly affect people with health disadvantages, creating a heavy burden on medical systems and societies worldwide. Research is growing rapidly and recently revealed that stress-related factors such as socio-economic status, may also play a pivotal role. However, stress research investigating the underlying psychoneuroimmune interactions is missing. Here we address the question whether stress-associated neuroendocrine-immune mechanisms can possibly contribute to an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections and influence the course of COVID-19 disease. Additionally, we discuss that not all forms of stress (e.g. acute versus chronic) are detrimental and that some types of stress could attenuate infection-risk and -progression. The overall aim of this review is to motivate future research efforts to clarify whether psychosocial interventions have the potential to optimize neuroendocrine-immune responses against respiratory viral infections during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The current state of research on different types of stress is summarized in a comprehensive narrative review to promote a psychoneuroimmune understanding of how stress and its mediators cortisol, (nor)adrenaline, neuropeptides and neurotrophins can shape the immune defense against viral diseases. Based on this understanding, we describe how people with high psychosocial stress can be identified, which behaviors and psychosocial interventions may contribute to optimal stress management, and how psychoneuroimmune knowledge can be used to improve adequate care for COVID-19 and other patients with viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M J Peters
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen and Universitätsmedizin-Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gimsa
- Psychophysiology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Oró P, Esquerda M, Mas B, Viñas J, Yuguero O, Pifarré J. Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Programme on Perceived Stress, Psychopathological Symptomatology and Burnout in Medical Students. Mindfulness (N Y) 2021; 12:1138-1147. [PMID: 33437325 PMCID: PMC7790937 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-020-01582-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medical students display a high prevalence of psychopathological symptomatology, stress and burnout, which may continue in their time as resident and fully qualified doctors. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of a mindfulness-based programme on these variables in an experimental group of medical students who underwent the intervention programme compared to a control group who did not. METHODS A quasi-experimental study of two independent groups (experimental and control) with two repeated measures (pre and post) was performed. Eight sessions of 2-h duration each were held over the course of 16 weeks. A total of 143 students participated in the study, 68 in the intervention group and 75 in the control group. A sociodemographic questionnaire was administered along with the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS). RESULTS Our study revealed a clear improvement compared to the control group in perceived stress and psychopathological symptomatology, in the Global Severity Index, Positive Symptom Total and the primary symptom dimensions of somatization, obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity and anxiety of the SCL-90-R. The improvement was significant at both intra- and intergroup level. No impact was found on the level of burnout. CONCLUSIONS The mindfulness-based programme that was used resulted in an improvement in psychopathological symptomatology and stress, with no effect observed on BO score. This study can contribute to the design of a training programme to promote effective self-care and stress management strategies for both medical students and doctors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pere Oró
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Montse Esquerda
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut Borja de Bioètica, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Mas
- Facultad de Psicología. Departamento de personalidad evaluación y tratamientos psicológicos, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Viñas
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut Borja de Bioètica, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Yuguero
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, Spain
| | - Josep Pifarré
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida-IRB Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Terres de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Alschuler L, Chiasson AM, Horwitz R, Sternberg E, Crocker R, Weil A, Maizes V. Integrative medicine considerations for convalescence from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. Explore (NY) 2020; 18:140-148. [PMID: 33358750 PMCID: PMC7756157 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The majority of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. Convalescence from mild-to-moderate (MtoM) COVID-19 disease may be supported by integrative medicine strategies. Integrative Medicine (IM) is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. Integrative medicine strategies that may support recovery from MtoM COVID-19 are proposed given their clinically studied effects in related conditions. Adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet, supplementation with vitamin D, glutathione, melatonin, Cordyceps, Astragalus and garlic have potential utility. Osteopathic manipulation, Qigong, breathing exercises and aerobic exercise may support pulmonary recovery. Stress reduction, environmental optimization, creative expression and aromatherapy can provide healing support and minimize enduring trauma. These modalities would benefit from clinical trials in people recovering from COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lise Alschuler
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, United States; Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, United States.
| | - Ann Marie Chiasson
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, United States; Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, United States
| | - Randy Horwitz
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, United States; Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, United States
| | - Esther Sternberg
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, United States; Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, United States
| | - Robert Crocker
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, United States; Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, United States
| | - Andrew Weil
- Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, United States; University of Arizona, United States
| | - Victoria Maizes
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, United States; Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Joss D, Khan A, Lazar SW, Teicher MH. A pilot study on amygdala volumetric changes among young adults with childhood maltreatment histories after a mindfulness intervention. Behav Brain Res 2020; 399:113023. [PMID: 33249071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala morphometry is highly sensitive to stress and is implicated in various psychopathologies that are common among individuals with childhood maltreatment histories. This pilot study investigated bilateral amygdala volumetric changes among 15 young adults with childhood maltreatment histories undergoing an eight-week mindfulness intervention compared to 19 matched participants in a waitlist control group. Results indicated significant cross-individual variability in amygdala volumetric changes after the intervention, which resulted in no significant group by time interaction effect. Degree and direction of changes in right amygdala volume correlated with baseline volumes, with larger than average right amygdala showing an increase in volume and smaller amygdala a decrease. Increasing right amygdala volume was also associated with higher intervention compliance, and a greater increase in self-compassion. Increasing left amygdala volume was associated with more reduction in perceived stress, rejection sensitivity and interpersonal distress. Findings from the present study highlight the importance of investigating individual variability and its contributing factors in future studies on neural responses of mindfulness interventions, as well as the distinct responses of the left and right amygdala.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Joss
- Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alaptagin Khan
- Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara W Lazar
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin H Teicher
- Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jeitler M, Högl M, Peters A, Schumann D, Murthy V, Bringmann H, Seifert G, Michalsen A, Stöckigt B, Kessler CS. Qualitative study of yoga for Young adults in school sports. Complement Ther Med 2020; 55:102584. [PMID: 33220624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Distress and stress-related diseases are an increasing public health problem at schools. This qualitative study was nested in a non-randomized, controlled trial studying the effects of a 10-week yoga course as an alternative for regular school sports in two secondary schools in Germany. METHODS We conducted a qualitative evaluation in 3 focus groups with 6 participants each. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, pseudonymised and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Furthermore open questions were asked in questionnaires. RESULTS The analysis of the participants' interviews (mean age 19.6 ± 2.9 years, n = 10 female, n = 8 male) resulted in 4 key topics: 1. encountering yoga, 2. yoga practice, 3. effects and benefits of yoga, and 4. yoga in the school context. Yoga was very well accepted by most participants. They reported a variety of physical and psychological benefits as well as overall restorative effects. The relief of pain or other physical ailments, higher mobility and flexibility, improved posture and improved sleep were mentioned by the participants. Some participants used the new exercises and experiences (e.g. working with the breath) in their everyday life. The possibility for self-responsible action was a welcome change from the perceived pressure and heteronomy in normal (school) life. Controversial was the question of whether yoga - if it is part of school sport - should be assessed or graded, and whether it should be compulsory or voluntary. CONCLUSION Yoga can offer both physical and psychological benefits in young adults as well as offer general regenerative effects. Yoga by sensitizing the participants to negative patterns of behaviour can encourage healthy behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jeitler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany; Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Germany.
| | - Manuel Högl
- Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Germany
| | - Alexander Peters
- Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Germany
| | - Dania Schumann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vijayendra Murthy
- University of Technology, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Holger Bringmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany; Diakoniekliniken Zschadrass, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Colditz, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany; Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Germany
| | - Barbara Stöckigt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian S Kessler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany; Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fisch S, Trivaković-Thiel S, Roll S, Keller T, Binting S, Cree M, Brinkhaus B, Teut M. Group hypnosis for stress reduction and improved stress coping: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:344. [PMID: 33187503 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03129-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the trial was to investigate the effect of a hypnotherapeutic group program in healthy persons with increased levels of perceived stress. Methods In a randomized controlled multicenter trial participants with a self-assessed subjective stress level ≥ 40 mm on a visual analogue scale (0–100 mm; VAS) for the previous week and a stable state of health were randomized to either 5 weekly sessions of 120-min duration of a hypnotherapeutic group program for stress reduction and improved stress coping plus 5 hypnosis audiorecords for individual practice at home plus an educational booklet for stress coping (hypnosis group) versus an educational booklet only (control group). The primary outcome parameter was the VAS stress level for the previous week after 5 weeks. Secondary outcome parameters included the VAS stress level after 12 weeks, perceived stress (CPSS), depression (ADS-K), self efficacy (SWE) and quality of life (SF 36) after 5 weeks and 12 weeks. Analysis of covariance with a significance level of 5% using the full analysis set was used for analysis; the model included treatment (fixed effect), VAS baseline value (fixed covariate), and center (random effect). Results A total of 95 participants were randomized; 47 (40 female, 45 ± 13.4 years of age) were allocated to the hypnosis group, and 48 (41 female, 46.9 ± 14.3 years) were allocated to the control group. Regarding VAS stress level after 5 weeks, the adjusted VAS mean in the hypnosis group was 41.8 mm [95% confidence interval (CI): 35.2; 48.4] compared to 62.9 mm [56.2; 69.7] in the control group, and the group difference was − 21.2 mm [− 30.1; − 12.2] (P < 0.001). After 12 weeks, the stress intensity on the VAS showed a between-group difference of − 14.7 mm [− 25.1; − 4.4] (P = 0.006), and the adjusted means were 41.1 mm [33.4; 48.8] in the hypnosis group and 55.9 mm [48.4; 63.5] in the control group. Improvements were also reported for CPSS, SF-36, SWE and ADS-K after 5 and 12 weeks. Conclusion Compared to the control group, the hypnosis group showed reduced perceived stress after 5 and 12 weeks. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03525093; date of registration: May 15, 2018.
Collapse
|
35
|
Johnstone JM, Ribbers A, Jenkins D, Atchley R, Gustafsson H, Nigg JT, Wahbeh H, Oken B. Classroom-Based Mindfulness Training Reduces Anxiety in Adolescents: Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Cluster-Randomized Pilot Study. J Restor Med 2020; 10:10.14200/jrm.2020.0101. [PMID: 33365203 PMCID: PMC7755132 DOI: 10.14200/jrm.2020.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many high school students experience a high degree of anxiety and perceived stress. This study examined whether a classroom-based mindfulness program or a wellness program were acceptable and effective as anxiety and stress reduction interventions based on students' self-reports. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Thirteen health education classes (n=285 students, aged 14-16 years) were randomized by classroom to one of three conditions: mindfulness, wellness, or usual health class only (passive control/ waitlist), for 8 weeks. OUTCOMES Pre- and post-intervention scores compared self-reported measures of depression, anxiety and stress. RESULTS Complete data were available from nine classes (n=202 students). Post-intervention anxiety scores were reduced in students who received the mindfulness intervention compared to those who received only their usual health class (β=-0.07, SE=0.03, P≤0.001; 95% CI=-0.12, -0.02). No significant between group differences were found for depression or stress (P>0.4). Students' satisfaction with the mindfulness intervention they received withstood baseline credibility and expectancy effects: r=0.21, n=67, P=0.17 for credibility; r=-0.001, n=67, P=0.99 for expectancy. However, students' satisfaction with the wellness intervention they received was positively correlated with their pre-intervention expectations, r=0.42, n=47, P>0.001. Fifty-two percent of the 68 students assigned to mindfulness (n=35) used the iPad app for mindfulness home practice at least once; of those, 10% used it 10 or more times. CONCLUSION Eight weeks of classroom-based mindfulness, with limited home practice, reduced self-reported anxiety compared to usual health class, and withstood baseline expectancy effects in this group of high school students, a majority who come from high income families. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS School- or community-based mindfulness may be an appropriate recommendation for adolescents who experience anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M. Johnstone
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Amanda Ribbers
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - David Jenkins
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Rachel Atchley
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Hanna Gustafsson
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Joel T. Nigg
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Helané Wahbeh
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Barry Oken
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite the increase in the number of novel antiseizure medications over the past 20 years, approximately one-third of patients will not have adequate seizure control on medications. For these patients, additional options need to be considered, including dietary, device, and surgical treatments. In addition, many complementary therapies can be considered as adjunctive treatment, with the intent of improving quality of life for persons with epilepsy and potentially allowing for improvement in seizure control. RECENT FINDINGS This review outlines established and developing treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy. Surgical treatments, including resective surgery and vagus nerve stimulation, have been routine care for several decades. In the last several years, new neurostimulation options have been approved (responsive neurostimulation and deep brain stimulation) or are under development (continuous subthreshold cortical stimulation). For patients with lesion or well-defined seizure-onset zones, less invasive options including laser ablation and ultrasound therapy provide the potential for faster recovery times and less morbidity. Not all therapies are in the pharmacological or surgical arenas. This review also explores the evidence for complementary treatments, including relaxation and meditation techniques, and art and music therapy. Despite the range of antiseizure medications available, they still provide inadequate for a large number of patients with epilepsy, either due to ongoing seizures or intolerable side effects. Complementary therapies, including diet, meditation techniques, and music therapy, provide compelling treatment options to improve quality of life while potentially improving seizure control. In appropriate patients, stimulation devices or surgical resection can offer options for significant seizure reduction or even cure. The full range of therapeutics should be considered for each patient with epilepsy when they are struggling with inadequate seizure control or side effects with traditional pharmacological treatment.
Collapse
|
37
|
De Witte NAJ, Buyck I, Van Daele T. Combining Biofeedback with Stress Management Interventions: A Systematic Review of Physiological and Psychological Effects. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2019; 44:71-82. [PMID: 30604099 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-018-09427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Current mental healthcare systems experience difficulties meeting the challenges of a growing population with elevated stress symptoms. Outpatient stress management interventions have already proven to be effective in routine care and recent technological advances now allow to expand such interventions, for example by adding a physiological component like biofeedback. Adding biofeedback to stress management interventions appears promising, but there is a lack of insight into the general conceptualization and evaluation of the resulting interventions, both in relation to psychological and physiological stress indicators. A comprehensive literature search was performed to investigate stress management interventions with a biofeedback component. This systematic review provides an overview of these interventions and explores to what extent they can improve both physiological and psychological indicators of stress. Fourteen RCTs were included. A large diversity was observed in intervention design and effectiveness. Nevertheless, there is preliminary evidence that the use of biofeedback can improve both physiological and psychological indicators of stress. Biofeedback could provide an accessible and low-cost addition to stress interventions. Further research into the effectiveness of different components of biofeedback interventions is needed.
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Objective: A range of recent studies suggest that overall mindset about stress is related to health, performance, and well-being. Therefore, an exploratory study was conducted to examine whether virtual reality (VR) with real-time biofeedback would have potential in training people in an engaging way to develop a new stress-is-enhancing mindset. Materials and Methods: The specific application to improve people's stress mindset that was used in this study is Stressjam. The application was tested on its attractiveness by 111 healthy participants, specifically on their personal involvement through the Personal Involvement Inventory and its usability through the System Usability Scale. In addition to the healthy participants, a group of 64 patients dealing with stress used Stressjam for at least three sessions. The Stress Mindset Measure was used to assess the stress mindset of both groups, at baseline and after finishing their session(s). Results: Stressjam appears to be an application that is user friendly with good user involvement. The healthy participants and the patient sample both had a more positive stress mindset after using the application than at baseline, t(111) = 4.38, P < 0.001, and F(1,63) = 66.57, P < 0.001, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study give some indications that using VR with biofeedback might be useful in working toward a more positive stress mindset. As such, further research into applications such as Stressjam is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard M Maarsingh
- University of Groningen, Department of Postmaster Education PPO, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Jamzone, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Jannah Bos
- Radboud University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Selwyn B Renard
- University of Groningen, Department of Postmaster Education PPO, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Padilla JL, Castro C, Doncel P, Taubman-Ben-Ari O. Adaptation of the multidimensional driving styles inventory for Spanish drivers: Convergent and predictive validity evidence for detecting safe and unsafe driving styles. Accid Anal Prev 2020; 136:105413. [PMID: 31901488 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2019.105413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI; Taubman - Ben-Ari et al., 2004) is a well-known and useful instrument that allows us to identify not only "maladaptive" Driving Styles (DS) in order to modify them, but also "adaptive" DS to encourage safe driving. The aim of this study was to adapt the MDSI to the Spanish spoken in Spain and to the rules and driving habits of Spaniards. The Argentinian version of the MDSI was taken as the source version. The sample consisted of 1173 drivers, who completed the Spanish version of the MDSI. The factor structure was analysed by means of an Exploratory Factor Analysis (AFE) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (AFC). The 6-factor structure of the Argentinian version of the MDSI was replicated with higher internal consistency values for each of the DS. The original Argentinian and the Spanish versions share 23 items, indicating a relevant overlap in the construct. A cluster analysis grouped the DS into two groups: maladaptive and adaptive. Significant associations were found between DS measures and demographic variables (gender, age, and education level), driving history and theoretically related constructs like the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT); Lapses, Errors, Violations; Angry Driving; and Sensitivity to Rewards. The Spanish MDSI provides valid measures that could help us understand complex driving behaviours and promote safe driving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose-Luis Padilla
- Facultad de Psicología, CIMCYC, Mind, Brain & Behaviour Research Centre, Universidad de Granada. Campus Cartuja, s/n 18071, Granada. Spain
| | - Candida Castro
- Facultad de Psicología, CIMCYC, Mind, Brain & Behaviour Research Centre, Universidad de Granada. Campus Cartuja, s/n 18071, Granada. Spain.
| | - Pablo Doncel
- Facultad de Psicología, CIMCYC, Mind, Brain & Behaviour Research Centre, Universidad de Granada. Campus Cartuja, s/n 18071, Granada. Spain
| | - Orit Taubman-Ben-Ari
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Jeitler M, Kessler CS, Zillgen H, Högl M, Stöckigt B, Peters A, Schumann D, Stritter W, Seifert G, Michalsen A, Steckhan N. Yoga in school sport - A non-randomized controlled pilot study in Germany. Complement Ther Med 2020; 48:102243. [PMID: 31987242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Distress is an increasing public health problem for adolescents and young adults. We aimed to evaluate potential effects of a 10-week 90-minute once-a-week yoga course. METHODS A non-randomized controlled study with a school sport control group was implemented in two German secondary schools. Primary outcome was stress on the Perceived Stress Scale from baseline to week 10. Secondary outcomes included depression/anxiety, attention, quality of life, mood, visual analogue scales (for pain, headache, neck tension, exhaustion, sleep), and yoga-efficacy. Parameters were assessed at pre-baseline (before holidays), baseline (after 3-week holidays, before interventions started), week 10, and at a 6-months follow-up. An intention-to-treat analysis using ANCOVA was performed. RESULTS 92 participants (67 % female; 19.6 ± 2.2 years) were included into the study. No significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to PSS, at either 10 weeks (Δ=-1.4; 95 % CI: -3.6;0.8; p = 0.22) or 6 months (Δ = 2; 95 % CI: -0.2;4.2, p = 0.08). Only VAS headache in favour of yoga and HADS-D in favour of school sport showed significant group differences at the 6-months follow-up. Significant intra-group mean changes for the primary outcome and several secondary outcomes were found in the yoga group. CONCLUSIONS Young adults in German secondary school settings might benefit from yoga, as the found effects were more prominent in the yoga group. However, the effects might be attributed to non-specific effects due to the chosen study design. Further studies are needed, which include high-quality study designs including randomization, longer-term follow-ups and larger sample sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jeitler
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany; Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian S Kessler
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany; Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannah Zillgen
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Manuel Högl
- Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Barbara Stöckigt
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Alexander Peters
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Germany
| | - Dania Schumann
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Wiebke Stritter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany; Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Germany
| | - Nico Steckhan
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Mindfulness seems to have an impact on error processing in simple response tasks, as former studies reported both an effect of mindfulness meditation on, as well as relationships to trait mindfulness with behavioral and neural correlates of error processing. However, the results of these studies showed no consistent pattern. To dismantle some of these findings, this study investigated the impact in female students of a four-week, smartphone-based mindfulness training program (N = 22) in comparison with an active control group that did progressive muscle relaxation (PMR; N = 20). In addition to behavioral data, two error-related components of the event-related potential were measured with electroencephalogram while performing a combination of a modified Simon task and an error detection paradigm, namely error-related negativity and error positivity. Mindfulness meditation did not have a differential effect on error components in comparison to PMR. For both, we found a reduction of stress symptoms, an increase in mindfulness and an increase in error positivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Eichel
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 171 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Jutta Stahl
- Department of Individual Differences and Psychological Assessment, University of Cologne, Pohligstr. 1, 50969 Köln, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hennessy MB, Tai F, Carter KA, Watanasriyakul WT, Gallimore DM, Molina AL, Schiml PA. Central oxytocin alters cortisol and behavioral responses of guinea pig pups during isolation in a novel environment. Physiol Behav 2019; 212:112710. [PMID: 31629763 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin plays key roles in social bonding and stress reduction, and thus appears to be a likely mediator of maternal buffering of infant stress responses. In the guinea pig, the presence of the mother in a threatening environment buffers cortisol elevations as well as active (vocalizing) and passive (e.g. crouching) responses typical of isolation in this species; yet, effects of OT in guinea pig pups under any conditions have not been reported. Here, we examined the ability of intracerebroventricular (ICV) OT to moderate plasma cortisol levels and behavior in guinea pig pups isolated in a brightly lit, novel environment, and the ability of a highly selective OT antagonist (OTA) to reduce buffering by the mother. We found that ICV OT moderated cortisol levels and vocalizations, but increased time spent in the crouched stance, particularly in females. In addition, OT modulated other ongoing behaviors in a sex-dependent fashion. In females, OT reduced duration of walking and rearing, and increased time spent quiet, while in males OT increased duration of rearing. OTA, however, was without effect on cortisol levels or behavior. These findings, including sex differences in response, extend results from other species to the guinea pig. Further, while demonstrating that exogenous OT is sufficient to reduce biobehavioral stress responses typical of isolated guinea pig infants, the results suggest that endogenous OT is not necessary for maternal buffering of infant responses in this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Hennessy
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 335 Fawcett Hall, 3640 Col Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, United States.
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China; Cognition Neuroscience and Learning Division, Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, China
| | - Kendra A Carter
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 335 Fawcett Hall, 3640 Col Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, United States
| | - W Tang Watanasriyakul
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 335 Fawcett Hall, 3640 Col Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, United States
| | - Darci M Gallimore
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 335 Fawcett Hall, 3640 Col Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, United States
| | - Andrea L Molina
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 335 Fawcett Hall, 3640 Col Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, United States
| | - Patricia A Schiml
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 335 Fawcett Hall, 3640 Col Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gotink RA, Vernooij MW, Ikram MA, Niessen WJ, Krestin GP, Hofman A, Tiemeier H, Hunink MGM. Meditation and yoga practice are associated with smaller right amygdala volume: the Rotterdam study. Brain Imaging Behav 2019; 12:1631-1639. [PMID: 29417491 PMCID: PMC6302143 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-018-9826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To determine the association between meditation and yoga practice, experienced stress, and amygdala and hippocampal volume in a large population-based study. This study was embedded within the population-based Rotterdam Study and included 3742 participants for cross-sectional association. Participants filled out a questionnaire assessing meditation practice, yoga practice, and experienced stress, and underwent a magnetic resonance scan of the brain. 2397 participants underwent multiple brain scans, and were assessed for structural change over time. Amygdala and hippocampal volumes were regions of interest, as these are structures that may be affected by meditation. Multivariable linear regression analysis and mixed linear models were performed adjusted for age, sex, educational level, intracranial volume, cardiovascular risk, anxiety, depression and stress. 15.7% of individuals participated in at least one form of practice. Those who performed meditation and yoga practices reported significantly more stress (mean difference 0.2 on a 1–5 scale, p < .001) and more depressive symptoms (mean difference 1.03 on CESD, p = .015). Partaking in meditation and yoga practices was associated with a significantly lower right amygdala volume (β = − 31.8 mm3, p = .005), and lower left hippocampus volume (β = − 75.3 mm3, p = .025). Repeated measurements using linear mixed models showed a significant effect over time on the right amygdala of practicing meditation and yoga (β = − 24.4 mm3, SE 11.3, p = .031). Partaking in meditation and yoga practice is associated with more experienced stress while it also helps cope with stress, and is associated with smaller right amygdala volume.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rinske A Gotink
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wiro J Niessen
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gabriel P Krestin
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M G Myriam Hunink
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. .,Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. .,Center for Health Decision Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Upchurch DM, Gill M, Jiang L, Prelip M, Slusser W. Use of Mind-Body Therapies Among Young Adults Aged 18-24 Years: Findings From the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. J Adolesc Health 2018; 63:227-232. [PMID: 29970333 PMCID: PMC6113068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the prevalence, patterns, and satisfaction of use of mind-body therapies (MBTs) in a nationally representative sample of young adults (ages 18-24 years). METHODS Young adults interviewed in the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed (n = 3,286). Individual types (e.g., mindfulness) and a combined measure of use of any MBT were assessed. Reasons for and satisfaction with use was also investigated. Design-based F tests and logistic regression were used; all analyses were weighted and stratified by gender. RESULTS Overall, 14.6% of young adults used MBT in the past year (9.6% of men and 19.1% of women, p < .001). Among men, higher levels of education, greater numbers of health conditions, and healthy behaviors were associated with greater odds of MBT use. Among women, Latina and black women had lower odds of use (vs. white). Higher education, greater mental distress, and greater numbers of health conditions and healthy behaviors were associated with greater odds of use. While both men and women reported stress reduction and general wellness as top reasons for use, men also reported the use to improve athletic performance. CONCLUSIONS Young adulthood is a critical period in the life course when individuals are establishing lifestyle and health behaviors that can be enduring. Because stress is a persistent problem, and many MBTs can be helpful with management of stress and anxiety, young adult may be underutilizing these modalities. Public health and educational strategies for greater engagement in MBT among young adults are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Upchurch
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Monique Gill
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Linghui Jiang
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Michael Prelip
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Wendelin Slusser
- UCLA Chancellor's Office - Healthy Campus Initiative, Los Angeles, California.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Meischke H, Lilly M, Beaton R, Calhoun R, Tu A, Stangenes S, Painter I, Revere D, Baseman J. Protocol: a multi-level intervention program to reduce stress in 9-1-1 telecommunicators. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:570. [PMID: 29716576 PMCID: PMC5930694 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nationwide, emergency response systems depend on 9-1-1 telecommunicators to prioritize, triage, and dispatch assistance to those in distress. 9-1-1 call center telecommunicators (TCs) are challenged by acute and chronic workplace stressors: tense interactions with citizen callers in crisis; overtime; shift-work; ever-changing technologies; and negative work culture, including co-worker conflict. This workforce is also subject to routine exposures to secondary traumatization while handling calls involving emergency situations and while making time urgent, high stake decisions over the phone. Our study aims to test the effectiveness of a multi-part intervention to reduce stress in 9-1-1 TCs through an online mindfulness training and a toolkit containing workplace stressor reduction resources. METHODS/DESIGN The study employs a randomized controlled trial design with three data collection points. The multi-part intervention includes an individual-level online mindfulness training and a call center-level organizational stress reduction toolkit. 160 TCs will be recruited from 9-1-1 call centers, complete a baseline survey at enrollment, and are randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Intervention group participants will start a 7-week online mindfulness training developed in-house and tailored to 9-1-1 TCs and their call center environment; control participants will be "waitlisted" and start the training after the study period ends. Following the intervention group's completion of the mindfulness training, all participants complete a second survey. Next, the online toolkit with call-center wide stress reduction resources is made available to managers of all participating call centers. After 3 months, a third survey will be completed by all participants. The primary outcome is 9-1-1 TCs' self-reported symptoms of stress at three time points as measured by the C-SOSI (Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory). Secondary outcomes will include: perceptions of social work environment (measured by metrics of social support and network conflict); mindfulness; and perceptions of social work environment and mindfulness as mediators of stress reduction. DISCUSSION This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an online mindfulness training and call center-wide stress reduction toolkit in reducing self-reported stress in 9-1-1 TCs. The results of this study will add to the growing body of research on worksite stress reduction programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02961621 Registered on November 7, 2016 (retrospectively registered).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrika Meischke
- Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th St. Suite 400, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Michelle Lilly
- Department of Psychology, Psychology-Computer Science Building, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA
| | - Randal Beaton
- Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, University of Washington, Box 357263, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Rebecca Calhoun
- Center for Child and Family Well-Being, University of Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ann Tu
- OEM Program, University of Washington, Box 359739, 325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Scott Stangenes
- Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th St. Suite 400, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Ian Painter
- Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th St. Suite 400, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Debra Revere
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Box 354809, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Janet Baseman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 354809, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dhabhar FS. The short-term stress response - Mother nature's mechanism for enhancing protection and performance under conditions of threat, challenge, and opportunity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 49:175-192. [PMID: 29596867 PMCID: PMC5964013 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our group has proposed that in contrast to chronic stress that can have harmful effects, the short-term (fight-or-flight) stress response (lasting for minutes to hours) is nature's fundamental survival mechanism that enhances protection and performance under conditions involving threat/challenge/opportunity. Short-term stress enhances innate/primary, adaptive/secondary, vaccine-induced, and anti-tumor immune responses, and post-surgical recovery. Mechanisms and mediators include stress hormones, dendritic cell, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte trafficking/function and local/systemic chemokine and cytokine production. Short-term stress may also enhance mental/cognitive and physical performance through effects on brain, musculo-skeletal, and cardiovascular function, reappraisal of threat/anxiety, and training-induced stress-optimization. Therefore, short-term stress psychology/physiology could be harnessed to enhance immuno-protection, as well as mental and physical performance. This review aims to provide a conceptual framework and targets for further investigation of mechanisms and conditions under which the protective/adaptive aspects of short-term stress/exercise can be optimized/harnessed, and for developing pharmacological/biobehavioral interventions to enhance health/healing, and mental/cognitive/physical performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firdaus S Dhabhar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Mail Stop M877, 1550 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136-1000, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gupta SJ, Kemper KJ, Lynn J. Interest in online interprofessional elective mind-body skills (MBS) training. Complement Ther Med 2018; 36:137-141. [PMID: 29458920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is growing interest in mind-body skills (MBS) education and online interprofessional elective MBS training for health professionals. We conducted this study to understand a) the demand among different health professionals for an online MBS course; b) engagement with different MBS topics; and c) planned behavior changes. METHODS We examined registrations from May 1 through August 31, 2014 for a new online MBS elective, analyzing the percentage of registrants who engaged with one or more of 12 modules by September 30, 2014. We also reviewed written comments about planned behavior change. RESULTS The 693 registrants included physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians, psychologists, and others. The two most popular topics were "Introduction: to Stress, Resilience, and Relaxation Response" and "Autogenic Training". Half of registrants (57%) engaged with at least one module and 9% completed all 12 modules within the study period. Nearly all (90%) of those who completed evaluations planned to use the technique they learned for themselves, introduce it to patients, or both. DISCUSSION Online elective MBS training attracts diverse health professionals and leads to plans for personal and professional behavior change. Additional research is necessary to understand the impact of different amounts and kinds of MBS training on professionals' resilience, burnout, and quality of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suman J Gupta
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Integrative Health and Wellness, The Ohio State University, USA; Maimonides Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Kathi J Kemper
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Integrative Health and Wellness, The Ohio State University, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, USA.
| | - Joanne Lynn
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neurology and Office of the Dean for Student Affairs, The Ohio State University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Herron RE, Rees B. The Transcendental Meditation Program's Impact on the Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder of Veterans: An Uncontrolled Pilot Study. Mil Med 2018; 183:e144-e150. [PMID: 29401353 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usx059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are only partially effective. This study evaluated whether an extensively researched stress reduction method, the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, can reduce the PTSD symptoms of veterans. Previous research suggested that TM practice can decrease veterans' PTSD symptoms. Methods A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the impact of TM practice on reducing PTSD symptoms. A convenience sample of 89 veterans completed PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-5) questionnaires. Among those, 46 scored above 33, the threshold for provisional diagnosis of PTSD, and were included in this evaluation. The PCL-5 measured PTSD symptoms at baseline and 30 and 90 d after intervention. Regularity of TM practice was recorded. Paired sample t-tests were used to assess within-group changes from baseline to post-intervention periods. Analysis of variance was used to compare full-dose (two 20-min TM sessions per day) and half-dose (one 20-min TM session per day) groups. Findings After 1 mo of TM practice, all 46 veterans responded; their PCL-5 average decreased from 51.52 in the pre-intervention period to a post-intervention mean of 23.43, a decline of 28.09 points (-54.5%); standard deviation: 14.57; confidence interval: 23.76-32.41; and effect size: -1.93; p < 0.0001. The median PTSD scores declined from 52.5 to 22.5, a decrease of 30 points (-57%), while 40 veterans (87%) had clinically significant declines (>10 points) in PTSD symptoms, and 37 (80%) dropped below the clinical level (<33). At the 90 d posttest, 31 of the 46 responded and three more dropped below the 33 threshold. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed clinically and statistically significant effects. A dose-response effect suggested a causal relationship. The full-dose group exhibited larger mean declines in PTSD symptoms than the half-dose group. Averages of the 46 veterans' responses to 20 PCL-5 questions exhibited significant (p < 0.0001) declines from the pre-intervention period to the 30-d post-intervention assessment. Discussion Results indicated that TM practice reduced PTSD symptoms without re-experiencing trauma. Because of the magnitude of these results and dose-response effect, regression to the mean, spontaneous remission of symptoms, and placebo effects are unlikely explanations for the results. Major limitations were absence of random assignment and lack of a control group. Participants chose to start and continue TM practice and to complete PCL-5 questionnaires. Those who self-selected to enter this study may not be representative of all veterans who have PTSD. Those who did not complete follow-up questionnaires at 90 d may or may not have had the same results as those who responded. The design and sampling method affect the generalizability of the results to wider populations. When taking into account these results and all previous research on the TM technique in reducing psychological and physiological stress, the convergence of evidence suggests that TM practice may offer a promising adjunct or alternative method for treating PTSD. Because of the widely recognized need to identify effective new approaches for treating PTSD, randomized research with control groups is warranted to further investigate the effectiveness of TM practice as a treatment for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Herron
- Center for Health Systems Analysis, P. O. Box 2045, Fairfield, IA 52556
| | - Brian Rees
- Executive Director, TM for Veterans, 1100N. Fourth Street, Fairfield, IA 52556
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Stier-Jarmer M, Frisch D, Oberhauser C, Immich G, Kirschneck M, Schuh A. Effects of single moor baths on physiological stress response and psychological state: a pilot study. Int J Biometeorol 2017; 61:1957-1964. [PMID: 28634659 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1385-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Moor mud applications in the form of packs and baths are widely used therapeutically as part of balneotherapy. They are commonly given as therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, with their thermo-physical effects being furthest studied. Moor baths are one of the key therapeutic elements in our recently developed and evaluated 3-week prevention program for subjects with high stress level and increased risk of developing a burnout syndrome. An embedded pilot study add-on to this core project was carried out to assess the relaxing effect of a single moor bath. During the prevention program, 78 participants received a total of seven moor applications, each consisting of a moor bath (42 °C, 20 min, given between 02:30 and 05:20 p.m.) followed by resting period (20 min). Before and after the first moor application in week 1, and the penultimate moor application in week 3, salivary cortisol was collected, blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and mood state (Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire) was assessed. A Friedman test of differences among repeated measures was conducted. Post hoc analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A significant decrease in salivary cortisol concentration was seen between pre- and post-moor bath in week 1 (Z = -3.355, p = 0.0008). A non-significant decrease was seen between pre- and post-moor bath in week 3. Mood state improved significantly after both moor baths. This pilot study has provided initial evidence on the stress-relieving effects of single moor baths, which can be a sensible and recommendable therapeutic element of multimodal stress-reducing prevention programs. The full potential of moor baths still needs to be validated. A randomized controlled trial should be conducted comparing this balneo-therapeutic approach against other types of stress reduction interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Stier-Jarmer
- Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Marchioninistr. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - D Frisch
- Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Marchioninistr. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - C Oberhauser
- Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Marchioninistr. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - G Immich
- Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Marchioninistr. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - M Kirschneck
- Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Marchioninistr. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - A Schuh
- Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Marchioninistr. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Evidence has clearly demonstrated the importance of lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, physical activity, smoking) in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interventions targeting these behaviors may improve outcomes for CVD patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the effects of lifestyle interventions in individuals with established CVD. RECENT FINDINGS Most recent trials focused on diet, physical activity, stress reduction, or a combination of these. Findings were mixed, but most interventions improved at least some markers of cardiovascular risk. Few studies measured long-term clinical outcomes, but some suggested a possible benefit of stress reduction and multifaceted interventions on cardiovascular events. The benefits of lifestyle change for CVD patients have been established by decades of evidence. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal intensity, duration, and mode of delivery for interventions. Additional studies with long-term follow-up and measurement of clinical outcomes are also needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N Doughty
- Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, 130 Division Street, Derby, CT, 06418, USA
| | | | - Amanda Audette
- Department of Public Health, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David L Katz
- Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, 130 Division Street, Derby, CT, 06418, USA.
| |
Collapse
|