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Maity S, Abbaspour R, Bandelow S, Pahwa S, Alahdadi T, Shah S, Chhetri P, Jha AK, Nauhria S, Nath R, Nayak N, Nauhria S. The psychosomatic impact of Yoga in medical education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2024; 29:2364486. [PMID: 38861675 PMCID: PMC11168339 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2364486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Non-clinical approaches such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are popular traditional therapeutical interventions adopted by many educational institutions to improve the physical and mental well-being of learners. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga intervention in improving cardiopulmonary parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, pulmonary function tests and psychosomatic symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress in medical and dental students. Using the PRISMA protocol, a search from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase resulted in 304 relevant articles. After screening the title and abstracts, 47 papers were analyzed thoroughly and included in the qualitative analysis. 18 articles with homogenous statistical data on physiology and psychological parameters were included for meta-analysis. In comparison to the control group, the study showed a significant reduction of systolic blood pressure (SBP: 6.82 mmHg, z = -3.06, p = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP: 2.92 mmHg, z = -2.22, p = 0.03), and heart rate (HR: 2.55 beats/min, z = -2.77, p = 0.006). Additionally, data from 4 studies yielded a significant overall effect of a stress reduction of 0.77 on standardized assessments due to the yoga intervention (z = 5.29, p < 0.0001). Lastly, the results also showed a significant (z = -2.52, p = 0.01) reduction of 1.2 in standardized anxiety tests in intervention group compared to the control. The findings offer promising prospects for medical educators globally, encouraging them to consider reformation and policymaking in medical curricula to enhance academic success and improve the overall quality of life for medical students worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Maity
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Raman Abbaspour
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephan Bandelow
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Sehaj Pahwa
- Medical Student Research Institute, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Taraneh Alahdadi
- Medical Student Research Institute, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Sharan Shah
- Medical Student Research Institute, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Praghosh Chhetri
- Department of Physiology, St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Georgetown, Cayman Islands
| | - Ameet Kumar Jha
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Georgetown, Cayman Islands
| | - Shreya Nauhria
- Department of Child Protection, Cayman Islands Red Cross, Georgetown, Cayman Islands
| | - Reetuparna Nath
- Department of Education Service, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Narendra Nayak
- Department of Microbiology, St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Georgetown, Cayman Islands
| | - Samal Nauhria
- Department of Pathology, St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Georgetown, Cayman Islands
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Rajkumar RP. Are There Biological Correlates of Response to Yoga-Based Interventions in Depression? A Critical Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:543. [PMID: 38928543 PMCID: PMC11201983 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is the most common mental disorder worldwide. Both antidepressants and psychotherapy are effective in treating depression, but the response to these treatments is often incomplete. Yoga-based interventions (YBIs) have been advocated by some researchers as a promising form of alternative treatment for depression. Recent research has attempted to identify the biological mechanisms associated with the antidepressant actions of YBIs. In this scoping review, conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve research on biomarkers of response to YBIs in patients with depression. These studies were also critically reviewed to evaluate their methodological quality and any sources of bias. Nineteen studies were included in the review. Based on these studies, there is preliminary evidence that YBIs may be associated with increased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reduced serum cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with depression. However, many of these changes were also observed in the control arms, and the overall quality of the research was low. At present, it cannot be concluded that there are reliable biomarkers of response to YBIs in depression, though there are some potential biological correlates. Further advances in this field will depend critically on improvements in study design, particularly the minimization of sources of bias and the selection of more specific and sensitive biomarkers based on existing evidence from other treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Philip Rajkumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605 006, India
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Lazarev A, Nath S, Nguyen CQ, Demian AM, Bertasi RAO, Bertasi TGO, Pujalte GGA. Sports and Weight Control in Children. Cureus 2024; 16:e53731. [PMID: 38455821 PMCID: PMC10919905 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric obesity is a global concern with distressing comorbid conditions, including mood disturbance, cardiovascular changes, endocrine imbalance, liver disease, sleep apnea, and orthopedic conditions. The primary treatment of this condition includes physical activity. Participating in organized sports has been shown to reduce weight and the complications of pediatric obesity more effectively than individual exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemii Lazarev
- Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Sahil Nath
- Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
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Boopalan D, Vijayakumar V, Ravi P, shanmugam P, Kunjumon B, Kuppusamy M. Effectiveness of antenatal yoga in reducing intensity of labour pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2023; 19:100214. [PMID: 37753519 PMCID: PMC10518512 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Yoga during pregnancy was found to be beneficial in various aspects of pregnancy including pain management during the time of labour. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of antenatal yoga practices in reducing pain during the time of labour. Methods We searched electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, till January 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which measured the effects of antenatal yoga practices on pain management during labour were included. The main outcome was the pain intensity measured with any validated questionnaire. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated by using a risk-of-bias assessment tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. For the effect size, standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were generated with a random effect model using R software (version 4.2.2). Results Eight studies including 576 antenatal women between the age of 14 and 40 years were included. Results of this meta-analysis showed that yoga is effective in reducing labour pain (SMD: -1.34 95% of CI: -1.86, -0.81) with significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 73%, p < 0.0008). Conclusion Antenatal yoga can be a promising intervention in the field of obstetrics to reduce the intensity of labour pain. However, we are still in need of RCT with a large sample size to confirm the reliability of the present meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deenadayalan Boopalan
- Senior Research Fellow, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Venugopal Vijayakumar
- Department of Yoga, Govt. Yoga & Naturopathy Medical College & Hospital, The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India
| | - Poornima Ravi
- Senior Research Fellow, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. Chennai, India
| | - Poonguzhali shanmugam
- Department of Community medicine, Govt. Yoga & Naturopathy Medical College & Hospital, The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India
| | - Bincy Kunjumon
- Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRMIST, Chennai, India
| | - Maheshkumar Kuppusamy
- Department of Physiology, Govt. Yoga & Naturopathy Medical College & Hospital, The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India
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Dai CL, Chen CC, Sharma M. Exploring Yoga Behaviors among College Students Based on the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6395. [PMID: 37510627 PMCID: PMC10379581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
During college years, perceived stress is the top reported hindrance to well-being and academic success. Data on the acceptance and perceived benefits of yoga among college students are limited. A purposive sample of college students (n = 79) from a course centered on Vinyasa Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation were recruited. Comprehensive yoga journaling data were collected, and a directed content analysis along the constructs of the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change was utilized. The advantages of yoga that emerged were improved physical performance, reduced perceived stress, acceptance of oneself, better well-being, and improved coping. The identified disadvantages were time commitment, lack of motivation, and other competing interests. Learning through small steps, modifications, and identifying multiple sources of confidence helped build behavioral confidence. Practicing at home or at a yoga studio was a common theme for support in the physical environment. Directing negative emotions into purposes was helpful in maintaining the yoga practice. Sustained commitment to the practice also helped maintain the regular performance of yoga. Finally, social support from family, friends, and instructors was vital for continued practice. The study has important ramifications for the development of survey tools for descriptive studies and designing behavior-change yoga interventions in this target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Liang Dai
- Department of Teaching and Learning, College of Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Ching-Chen Chen
- Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services, College of Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Manoj Sharma
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, & Internal Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
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Li H, Su W, Cai J, Zhao L, Li Y. Effects of exercise of different intensities on withdrawal symptoms among people with substance use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1126777. [PMID: 37234417 PMCID: PMC10208401 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1126777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Exercise can effectively attenuate withdrawal symptoms and reduce relapse, but it is unknown whether exercise of different intensities produces different results. This study aimed to systematically review the effects of different exercise intensities on withdrawal symptoms among people with substance use disorder (SUD). Methods: Systematic searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on exercise, SUD, and abstinence symptoms were conducted via electronic databases, including PubMed, up to June 2022. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) for assessment of risk of bias in randomized trials. The meta-analysis was performed by calculating the standard mean difference (SMD) in outcomes of interventions involving light-, moderate-, and high-intensity exercise for each individual study using Review Manager version 5.3 (RevMan 5.3). Results: In total, 22 RCTs (n = 1,537) were included. Overall, exercise interventions had significant effects on withdrawal symptoms, but the effect size varied with exercise intensity and by outcome measure (i.e., for different negative emotions). Light-, moderate-, and high-intensity exercise reduced cravings after the intervention [SMD = -0.71, 95% CI = (-0.90, -0.52)], and there were no statistical differences between the subgroups (p > 0.05). Light-, moderate-, and high-intensity exercise reduced depression after the intervention [light, SMD = -0.33, 95% CI = (-0.57, -0.09); moderate, SMD = -0.64, 95% CI = (-0.85, -0.42); high, SMD = -0.25, 95% CI = (-0.44, -0.05)], with moderate-intensity exercise producing the best effect (p < 0.05). Only light- and moderate-intensity exercise relieved anxiety after the intervention [light, SMD = -0.48, 95% CI = (-0.71, -0.26); moderate, SMD = -0.58, 95% CI = (-0.85, -0.31)]. Only high-intensity exercise worked in alleviating stress [SMD = -1.13, 95% CI = (-2.22, -0.04)]. Both irritability and restlessness could be improved by light- and moderate-intensity exercise [irritability, SMD = -0.74, 95% CI = (-0.98, -0.50); restless, SMD = -0.72, 95% CI = (-0.98, -0.47)], and there were no statistical differences between the subgroups (p > 0.05). Moderate- and high-intensity exercise decreased withdrawal syndrome after the intervention [moderate, SMD = -0.30, 95% CI = (-0.55, -0.05); high, SMD = -1.33, 95% CI = (-1.90, -0.76)], with high-intensity exercise producing the best effects (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Overall, exercise leads to improvements in withdrawal symptoms in individuals with SUD, but these effects vary significantly between the exercise of different intensities and according to the type of withdrawal symptoms. Moderate-intensity exercise has the greatest benefits in improving depression and anxiety; high-intensity exercise has the greatest benefits in improving withdrawal syndrome. Systematic Review Registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier, CRD42022343791.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Wantang Su
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajia Cai
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Thompson C, Meller J, Naqvi M, Adesanya O, Vasylyeva TL. Restorative yoga therapy for third-year medical students in pediatrics rotation: Working to improve medical student well-being. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:76. [PMID: 37288410 PMCID: PMC10243430 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1027_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress experienced by medical students is a well-documented and widespread phenomenon that may have physical and psychological effects on their well-being. One solution is to provide students with the tools to recognize and cope with stress. The aim of this study was to incorporate restorative yoga training-a well-recognized tool for stress reduction-in the third-year medical student pediatrics clerkship and assess the intervention's impact on students' well-being. MATERIALS AND METHOD Restorative yoga, as a prospective intervention, was offered to third-year medical students at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center during their pediatrics rotation. The study was between March and August 2020. Each yoga session lasted 45-minutes, once a week for six weeks. Participants completed anonymous questionnaires before and after the intervention via the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). RESULT Over the six-month study period, 25 (71%) of 35 medical students, having been given the option, chose to participate. The WEMWBS contains 14 statements on well-being, and all but one from the list showed a positive increase in average rating from pre intervention to post intervention. The statements "I've been feeling more relaxed" and "I've been thinking clearly" showed the greatest average increase. Following Chi-squared testing, two statements were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) before intervention and after intervention: "I've been feeling more relaxed" and "I've been feeling good about myself." CONCLUSION Students' well-being is paramount to medical schools. Restorative yoga offers hopeful outcomes for effective mitigation of the stresses of medical education and may be recommended for wider use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Thompson
- School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA
| | - Janet Meller
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA
| | - Mubariz Naqvi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo Texas, USA
| | - Olubukunola Adesanya
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo Texas, USA
| | - Tetyana L. Vasylyeva
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nephrology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA
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Verdone L, Caserta M, Ben-Soussan TD, Venditti S. On the road to resilience: Epigenetic effects of meditation. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 122:339-376. [PMID: 36863800 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Many environmental and lifestyle related factors may influence the physiology of the brain and body by acting on fundamental molecular pathways, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the immune system. For example, stressful conditions created by adverse early-life events, unhealthy habits and low socio-economic status may favor the onset of diseases linked to neuroendocrine dysregulation, inflammation and neuroinflammation. Beside pharmacological treatments used in clinical settings, much attention has been given to complementary treatments such as mind-body techniques involving meditation that rely on the activation of inner resources to regain health. At the molecular level, the effects of both stress and meditation are elicited epigenetically through a set of mechanisms that regulate gene expression as well as the circulating neuroendocrine and immune effectors. Epigenetic mechanisms constantly reshape genome activities in response to external stimuli, representing a molecular interface between organism and environment. In the present work, we aimed to review the current knowledge on the correlation between epigenetics, gene expression, stress and its possible antidote, meditation. After introducing the relationship between brain, physiology, and epigenetics, we will proceed to describe three basic epigenetic mechanisms: chromatin covalent modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we will give an overview of the physiological and molecular aspects related to stress. Finally, we will address the epigenetic effects of meditation on gene expression. The results of the studies reported in this review demonstrate that mindful practices modulate the epigenetic landscape, leading to increased resilience. Therefore, these practices can be considered valuable tools that complement pharmacological treatments when coping with pathologies related to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Verdone
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy.
| | - Micaela Caserta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
- Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for Development and Communication, Assisi, Italy
| | - Sabrina Venditti
- Dept. of Biology and biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Pragya SU, Pragya SC, Griswold AJ, Gu E, Mehta ND, Uddin P, Veeramachaneni P, Mehta N, Mehta D, Abomoelak B. Preksha Dhyāna Meditation Effect on the DNA Methylation Signature in College Students. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:224-233. [PMID: 36749149 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The stress and psychological factors affect the human transcriptomic and epigenomic landscapes. Preksha Dhyana meditation (PM) was found to be effective, in novice healthy college student meditators, at the cognitive skills and transcriptomic levels. Recently published data showed that PM induced alterations at the transcriptome level in healthy and novice college students. Methods: To decipher potential mechanisms underlying the PM effect at the cellular level, array-based methylation analyses in peripheral blood were performed at baseline and 8 weeks postintervention in 34 participants. Results: Overall, 470 CpG sites were nominally differentially methylated (p ≤ 0.05 and change magnitude from ≥3% to ≤ -3%) between baseline and 8 weeks postintervention with 180 sites hypermethylated and 290 sites hypomethylated. Pathway analysis of the genes linked to the differentially methylated sites revealed the enrichment of several molecular and cellular signaling pathways, especially metabolic and brain function signaling pathways. Conclusions: Besides its beneficial effects on cognitive skills and transcriptome alterations, the current data indicate that PM meditation also affects the DNA methylation profile of novice and healthy college students 8 weeks postintervention. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03779269.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samani U Pragya
- Department of Religions and Philosophies, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samani C Pragya
- Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anthony J Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Esther Gu
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Neelam D Mehta
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Parvin Uddin
- College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Naina Mehta
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician, Behavioral and Developmental Center, Orlando Health, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Devendra Mehta
- Gastrointestinal Translational Laboratory, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Bassam Abomoelak
- Gastrointestinal Translational Laboratory, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL, USA
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Yi L, Lian Y, Ma N, Duan N. A randomized controlled trial of the influence of yoga for women with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. J Transl Med 2022; 20:162. [PMID: 35382845 PMCID: PMC8985332 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Survivors in motor vehicle accident (MVA) may have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yoga is a complementary approach for PTSD therapy. Methods This randomized controlled trial explored whether yoga intervention has effects on reducing the symptoms of PTSD in women survived in MVA. Participants (n = 94) were recruited and randomized into control group or yoga group. Participants attended 6 45-minuite yoga sessions in 12 weeks. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were used to assess psychological distress. Results Post-intervention IES-R total score of yoga group was significantly lower than that of control group (p = 0.01). At both post-intervention and 3-months post intervention, the DASS-21 total scores of yoga group were both significantly lower than those of control group (p = 0.043, p = 0.024). Yoga group showed lower anxiety and depression level compared to control group at both post-intervention (p = 0.033, p < 0.001) and post-follow-up (p = 0.004, p = 0.035). Yoga group had lower levels of intrusion and avoidance compared to control group after intervention (p = 0.002, p < 0.001). Conclusion Results illustrate that yoga intervention may alleviate anxiety and depression and improve the symptoms of PTSD in women with PTSD following MVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yi
- The Third Department, Qingdao Mental Health Center, No. 299 Nan Jing Road, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China
| | - Yunling Lian
- Department of Geriatrics, Qingdao Mental Health Center, No. 299 Nan Jing Road, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Ma
- The Third Department, Qingdao Mental Health Center, No. 299 Nan Jing Road, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China
| | - Ni Duan
- The Third Department, Qingdao Mental Health Center, No. 299 Nan Jing Road, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China.
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Bulaj G, Clark J, Ebrahimi M, Bald E. From Precision Metapharmacology to Patient Empowerment: Delivery of Self-Care Practices for Epilepsy, Pain, Depression and Cancer Using Digital Health Technologies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:612602. [PMID: 33972825 PMCID: PMC8105510 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.612602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve long-term outcomes of therapies for chronic diseases, health promotion and lifestyle modifications are the most promising and sustainable strategies. In addition, advances in digital technologies provide new opportunities to address limitations of drug-based treatments, such as medication non-adherence, adverse effects, toxicity, drug resistance, drug shortages, affordability, and accessibility. Pharmaceutical drugs and biologics can be combined with digital health technologies, including mobile medical apps (digital therapeutics), which offer additional clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness. Promises of drug+digital combination therapies are recognized by pharmaceutical and digital health companies, opening opportunities for integrating pharmacotherapies with non-pharmacological interventions (metapharmacology). Herein we present unique features of digital health technologies which can deliver personalized self-care modalities such as breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, yoga, physical activity, adequate sleep, listening to preferred music, forgiveness and gratitude. Clinical studies reveal how aforementioned complimentary practices may support treatments of epilepsy, chronic pain, depression, cancer, and other chronic diseases. This article also describes how digital therapies delivering “medicinal” self-care and other non-pharmacological interventions can also be personalized by accounting for: 1) genetic risks for comorbidities, 2) adverse childhood experiences, 3) increased risks for viral infections such as seasonal influenza, or COVID-19, and 4) just-in-time stressful and traumatic circumstances. Development and implementation of personalized pharmacological-behavioral combination therapies (precision metapharmacology) require aligning priorities of key stakeholders including patients, research communities, healthcare industry, regulatory and funding agencies. In conclusion, digital technologies enable integration of pharmacotherapies with self-care, lifestyle interventions and patient empowerment, while concurrently advancing patient-centered care, integrative medicine and digital health ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Skaggs Pharmacy Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jacqueline Clark
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Maryam Ebrahimi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Elizabeth Bald
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Skaggs Pharmacy Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Venditti S, Verdone L, Reale A, Vetriani V, Caserta M, Zampieri M. Molecules of Silence: Effects of Meditation on Gene Expression and Epigenetics. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1767. [PMID: 32849047 PMCID: PMC7431950 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have consistently demonstrated an epigenetic link between environmental stimuli and physiological as well as cognitive responses. Epigenetic mechanisms represent a way to regulate gene activity in real time without modifying the DNA sequence, thus allowing the genome to adapt its functions to changing environmental contexts. Factors such as lifestyle, behavior, and the practice of sitting and moving mindful activities have been shown to be important means of environmental enrichment. Such practices, which include mindfulness meditation, Vipassana, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Quadrato Motor Training, have been reported to positively impact well-being. In fact, they can be considered emotional and attentional regulatory activities, which, by inducing a state of greater inner silence, allow the development of increased self-awareness. Inner silence can therefore be considered a powerful tool to counteract the negative effects of overabundant environmental noise, thanks to its power to relieve stress-related symptoms. Since all these positive outcomes rely on physiological and biochemical activities, the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms influenced by different mindful practices have recently started to be investigated. Here, we review some of the findings that could allow us to uncover the mechanisms by which specific practices influence well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Venditti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Verdone
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Vetriani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Caserta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Inner Engineering Practices and Advanced 4-day Isha Yoga Retreat Are Associated with Cannabimimetic Effects with Increased Endocannabinoids and Short-Term and Sustained Improvement in Mental Health: A Prospective Observational Study of Meditators. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:8438272. [PMID: 32595741 PMCID: PMC7293737 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8438272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Anxiety and depression are common in the modern world, and there is growing demand for alternative therapies such as meditation. Meditation can decrease perceived stress and increase general well-being, although the physiological mechanism is not well-characterized. Endocannabinoids (eCBs), lipid mediators associated with enhanced mood and reduced anxiety/depression, have not been previously studied as biomarkers of meditation effects. Our aim was to assess biomarkers (eCBs and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) and psychological parameters after a meditation retreat. Methods This was an observational pilot study of adults before and after the 4-day Isha Yoga Bhava Spandana Program retreat. Participants completed online surveys (before and after retreat, and 1 month later) to assess anxiety, depression, focus, well-being, and happiness through validated psychological scales. Voluntary blood sampling for biomarker studies was done before and within a day after the retreat. The biomarkers anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), 1-arachidonoylglycerol (1-AG), docosatetraenoylethanolamide (DEA), oleoylethanolamide (OLA), and BDNF were evaluated. Primary outcomes were changes in psychological scales, as well as changes in eCBs and BDNF. Results Depression and anxiety scores decreased while focus, happiness, and positive well-being scores increased immediately after retreat from their baseline values (P < 0.001). All improvements were sustained 1 month after BSP. All major eCBs including anandamide, 2-AG, 1-AG, DEA, and BDNF increased after meditation by > 70% (P < 0.001). Increases of ≥20% in anandamide, 2-AG, 1-AG, and total AG levels after meditation from the baseline had weak correlations with changes in happiness and well-being. Conclusions A short meditation experience improved focus, happiness, and positive well-being and reduced depression and anxiety in participants for at least 1 month. Participants had increased blood eCBs and BDNF, suggesting a role for these biomarkers in the underlying mechanism of meditation. Meditation is a simple, organic, and effective way to improve well-being and reduce depression and anxiety.
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14
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Chen M, Pritchard C, Fortune D, Kodi P, Grados M. Hydrogen sulfide: a target to modulate oxidative stress and neuroplasticity for the treatment of pathological anxiety. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 20:109-121. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1668270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Chen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Diandra Fortune
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Priyadurga Kodi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marco Grados
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Thakur P, Mohammad A, Rastogi YR, Saini RV, Saini AK. Yoga as an intervention to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2019; 11:114-117. [PMID: 31248778 PMCID: PMC7329713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, demyelinating, inflammatory disease of central nervous system (CNS) which is characterized by spasticity, fatigue, depression, anxiety, bowel and bladder dysfunction, impaired mobility, cognitive impairment etc. and affects approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. Disease modifying therapies for MS which help in preventing accumulation of lesions in white matter of CNS are costly and have significant adverse effects. Therefore, patients with MS are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and Yoga is one of the most popular form of CAM which is being used immensely to reduce or overcome the symptoms of MS. In the current review attempted to present the potential impact of yoga practices on reducing MS related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Thakur
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Ashu Mohammad
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Yash Raj Rastogi
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Reena V Saini
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Adesh K Saini
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India; Center of Research on Himalayan Sustainability and Development, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India.
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