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Yadav R, Swetanshu, Singh P. The molecular mechanism of obesity: The science behind natural exercise yoga and healthy diets in the treatment of obesity. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102345. [PMID: 38103823 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The review centers on the scientific evidence underlying obesity, providing a detailed examination of the role of perilipin in this condition. It explores potential causes of obesity and delves into therapeutic approaches involving exercise, yoga, and herbal treatments. The paper discusses natural sources that can contribute to combating obesity and underscores the importance of exercise in a scientific context for overcoming obesity. Additionally, it includes information on herbal ingredients that aid in reducing obesity. The review also examines the impact of exercise type and intensity at various time intervals on muscle development. It elucidates triglyceride hydrolysis through different enzymes and the deposition of fatty acids in adipose tissue. The mechanisms by which alpha/beta hydrolase domain-containing protein 5 (ABHD5) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) target and activate their functions are detailed. The inflammatory response in obesity is explored, encompassing inflammatory markers, lipid storage diseases, and their classification with molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, the hormonal regulation of lipolysis is elaborated upon in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Yadav
- Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida-201310, Uttar Pradesh, India; Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
| | - Swetanshu
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, U.P, India
| | - Pratichi Singh
- School of Biological and Life Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida-203201, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Berryman K, Lazar SW, Hohwy J. Do contemplative practices make us more moral? Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:916-931. [PMID: 37574378 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Contemplative practices are a staple of modern life and have historically been intertwined with morality. However, do these practices in fact improve our morality? The answer remains unclear because the science of contemplative practices has focused on unidimensional aspects of morality, which do not align with the type of interdependent moral functioning these practices aspire to cultivate. Here, we appeal to a multifactor construct, which allows the assessment of outcomes from a contemplative intervention across multiple dimensions of moral cognition and behavior. This offers an open-minded and empirically rigorous investigation into the impact of contemplative practices on moral actions. Using this framework, we gain insight into the effect of mindfulness meditation on morality, which we show does indeed have positive influences, but also some negative influences, distributed across our moral functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Berryman
- Monash Centre for Consciousness & Contemplative Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sara W Lazar
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jakob Hohwy
- Monash Centre for Consciousness & Contemplative Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Sedlmeier P, Beckel A, Conrad S, Husmann J, Kullrich L, Lange R, Müller AL, Neumann A, Schaaf T, Schaub A, Tränkner A, Witzel B. Mindfulness Meditation According to the Satipatthana Sutta: A Single-Case Study With Participants as Collaborators. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1-14. [PMID: 37362190 PMCID: PMC10256959 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02160-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives We explored the effects of a mindfulness program based on the satipatthana sutta (instead of a contemporary Western program), with participants as collaborators, using a single-case experimental design. The main question was whether such a training has positive effects and, if so, whether and how the effects vary across participants and measures. Method Participants chose the design (multiple baseline) and the measures to be repeatedly collected. Then they took part in a 6-week mindfulness training based on the satipatthana sutta; finally, they performed a preliminary data analysis of their own results. Reported are a selection of the visual analyses, intraindividual effect sizes (Tau-U), and the results of single-case meta-analyses over participants, as well as a multivariate graphical analysis of interindividual differences. Results Substantial training effects were found on average and for the majority of participants for concentration, mind wandering, decentering, positive affect, and well-being. Effects were small for negative affect, and no effects were found for emotion regulation. However, interindividual variation was high, both in respect to specific measures and concerning the overall effect of the training program. Participants' motivation was found to be very high throughout the study. Conclusion Our findings indicate that a traditional mindfulness program yields effects that are roughly comparable to the effects of secular mindfulness training regimens. Regarding participants as collaborators appears to have a strong motivating effect. And finally, the study demonstrates that using single-case experimental designs (instead of group designs) allows for a more fine-grained analysis of meditation effects. The high interindividual variation points to the possibility that the amount of unexplained variance in group studies is severely underestimated. Results from studies like the current one could have benefits for both theoretical advancement and custom-tailored assignment of specific forms of meditation to specific people with specific aims. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02160-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sedlmeier
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Alica Beckel
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Samuel Conrad
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Jan Husmann
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Luisa Kullrich
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Rico Lange
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Müller
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Alexandra Neumann
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Teresa Schaaf
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Ayla Schaub
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Alexandra Tränkner
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Bianca Witzel
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
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Matko K, Burzynski M, Pilhatsch M, Brinkhaus B, Michalsen A, Bringmann HC. How Does Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification Affect Pain Intensity, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Chronic Pain Patients? An Experimental Single-Case Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113778. [PMID: 37297973 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pain is a growing worldwide health problem and complementary and integrative therapy options are becoming increasingly important. Multi-component yoga interventions represent such an integrative therapy approach with a promising body of evidence. METHODS The present study employed an experimental single-case multiple-baseline design. It investigated the effects of an 8-week yoga-based mind-body intervention, Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM), in the treatment of chronic pain. The main outcomes were pain intensity (BPI-sf), quality of life (WHO-5), and pain self-efficacy (PSEQ). RESULTS Twenty-two patients with chronic pain (back pain, fibromyalgia, or migraines) participated in the study and 17 women completed the intervention. MBLM proved to be an effective intervention for a large proportion of the participants. The largest effects were found for pain self-efficacy (TAU-U = 0.35), followed by average pain intensity (TAU-U = 0.21), quality of life (TAU-U = 0.23), and most severe pain (TAU-U = 0.14). However, the participants varied in their responses to the treatment. CONCLUSION The present results point to relevant clinical effects of MBLM for the multifactorial conditions of chronic pain. Future controlled clinical studies should investigate its usefulness and safety with larger samples. The ethical and philosophical aspects of yoga should be further explored to verify their therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Matko
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Meike Burzynski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Maximilian Pilhatsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Elblandklinikum, 01445 Radebeul, Germany
| | - Benno Brinkhaus
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger C Bringmann
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Krankenhaus Spremberg, 03130 Spremberg, Germany
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Zeng X, Zheng Y, Gu X, Wang R, Oei TPS. Meditation Quality Matters: Effects of Loving-Kindness and Compassion Meditations on Subjective Well-being are Associated with Meditation Quality. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 24:211-229. [PMID: 36373088 PMCID: PMC9638456 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00582-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Loving-kindness and compassion meditations (LKCM) are considered a promising practice for increasing long-term well-being. While previous studies have mainly focused on meditation practice quantity, the current study provides an initial exploration of the quality of meditation during multiweek LKCM training. Data were collected through offline (Study 1; N = 41) and online (Study 2; N = 243) LKCM interventions. Quality of meditation was measured using two kinds of difficulties experienced during LKCM each week/unit (i.e., difficulty in concentration and difficulty in generating prosocial attitudes). Subjective well-being (SWB) was assessed by life satisfaction before and after training as well as positive and negative emotions each week/unit. Two studies consistently suggested that meditation quality was significantly associated with changes in SWB. Study 1 even showed that quality had a stronger association with SWB than did meditation quantity. Moreover, both short-term (measured each week/unit) and long-term (measured across the entire training period) associations between the quality of meditation and SWB were significant. Focusing on meditation quality, our findings provide theoretical and methodological pathways for understanding the contribution of meditation practice to LKCM training, which is helpful for guiding future research and best practices. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-022-00582-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Zeng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Beijing Normal University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Beijing Normal University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodan Gu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Beijing Normal University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Rong Wang
- College of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Tian PS. Oei
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
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How Chanting Relates to Cognitive Function, Altered States and Quality of Life. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12111456. [DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chanting is practiced in many religious and secular traditions and involves rhythmic vocalization or mental repetition of a sound or phrase. This study examined how chanting relates to cognitive function, altered states, and quality of life across a wide range of traditions. A global survey was used to assess experiences during chanting including flow states, mystical experiences, mindfulness, and mind wandering. Further, attributes of chanting were assessed to determine their association with altered states and cognitive benefits, and whether psychological correlates of chanting are associated with quality of life. Responses were analyzed from 456 English speaking participants who regularly chant across 32 countries and various chanting traditions. Results revealed that different aspects of chanting were associated with distinctive experiential outcomes. Stronger intentionality (devotion, intention, sound) and higher chanting engagement (experience, practice duration, regularity) were associated with altered states and cognitive benefits. Participants whose main practice was call and response chanting reported higher scores of mystical experiences. Participants whose main practice was repetitive prayer reported lower mind wandering. Lastly, intentionality and engagement were associated with quality of life indirectly through altered states and cognitive benefits. This research sheds new light on the phenomenology and psychological consequences of chanting across a range of practices and traditions.
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Matko K, Sedlmeier P, Bringmann HC. Embodied Cognition in Meditation, Yoga, and Ethics-An Experimental Single-Case Study on the Differential Effects of Four Mind-Body Treatments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811734. [PMID: 36142006 PMCID: PMC9517053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Yoga is an embodied contemplative practice considered as a path toward long-term well-being, which fosters an integrated processing of bodily and emotional stimuli. However, little is known about how the different components of yoga contribute to these processes. This was the aim of this single-case multiple-baseline study. Herein, we explored how different yoga components affect body awareness, emotion regulation, affectivity, self-compassion, and distress tolerance. Forty-two randomly assigned participants (from initially fifty-seven) completed one of four 8-week treatments: Mantra meditation alone (MA), meditation plus physical yoga (MY), meditation plus ethical education (ME), and meditation plus yoga and ethical education (MYE). Participants had no prior regular yoga or meditation practice. Data were analyzed using visual inspection, effect size estimation, and multilevel modeling. Surprisingly, all four treatments similarly improved body awareness (Tau-UMA = 0.21 to Tau-UMY = 0.49), emotion regulation (Tau-UMYE = -0.43 to Tau-UME = -0.52), self-compassion (η2 = 0.08), and distress tolerance (η2 = 0.13). These effects were maintained until follow-up at 2 and 12 months after the study, even though home practice declined. The MA condition had the least favorable effect on affective experience (Tau-UMA = -0.14 and 0.07), while the ME condition enhanced valence the most (Tau-UME = 0.10) and the MY condition was the most effective in preventing negative affective responses. Although mantra meditation on its own negatively influenced daily affect, it can be assumed as the driving force behind the improvement in the other variables. This points to the central role of meditation in increasing interoception, self-awareness, and embodied processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Matko
- Institute of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Peter Sedlmeier
- Institute of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Holger C. Bringmann
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Krankenhaus Spremberg, 03130 Spremberg, Germany
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Matko K, Berghöfer A, Jeitler M, Sedlmeier P, Bringmann HC. Who Benefits Most? Interactions between Personality Traits and Outcomes of Four Incremental Meditation and Yoga Treatments. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154553. [PMID: 35956171 PMCID: PMC9369882 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mind–Body Medicine (MBM) includes a broad range of interventions with proven preventive and clinical value, such as yoga and meditation. However, people differ in their preferences and response to different MBM treatments and it remains unclear who benefits most from what type of practice. Thus, finding moderators of treatment outcome seems to be a promising approach. This was the aim of the present study. We conducted a single-case multiple-baseline study investigating the outcomes and moderators of four different MBM treatments. Fifty-seven healthy participants with no prior experience were randomly assigned to three baselines (7, 14, and 21 days) and four eight-week treatments: mantra meditation alone, meditation plus physical yoga, meditation plus ethical education and meditation plus yoga and ethical education. We analysed the data using effect size estimation, multiple regression and cluster analyses. High anxiety, high absorption, low spirituality, low openness and younger age were associated with a range of positive outcomes, such as increased wellbeing or decentering and decreased mind wandering. Receiving ethical education consistently improved wellbeing, while engaging in physical yoga reduced mind wandering. In the cluster analysis, we found that participants with a more maladaptive personality structure enhanced their emotion regulation skills more. Consequently, people do differ in their response to MBM interventions and more vulnerable people, or those high in absorption, seem to benefit more. These findings could support the development of custom-tailored MBM interventions and help clinicians to make scientifically sound recommendations for their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Matko
- Institute of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Anne Berghöfer
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 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, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Sedlmeier
- Institute of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Holger C. Bringmann
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Krankenhaus Spremberg, 03130 Spremberg, Germany
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Bringmann HC, Michalsen A, Jeitler M, Kessler CS, Brinkhaus B, Brunnhuber S, Sedlmeier P. Meditation-based lifestyle modification in mild to moderate depression-A randomized controlled trial. Depress Anxiety 2022; 39:363-375. [PMID: 35312137 DOI: 10.1002/da.23249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression is a global key challenge in mental health care. The implementation of effective, low-risk and cost-effective interventions to reduce its disease burden is a necessity. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the new Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) program, a "second-generation" mindfulness-based intervention, in depressive outpatients. METHODS Eighty-one patients with mild to moderate depression were randomized into three groups: intervention group (MBLM), control group (CONTROL), and treatment as usual group (TAU). The primary outcome was the change of depressive symptoms as administered by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) after 4 and 8 weeks. Secondary outcome variables included the Brief Symptom Checklist-18 and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. A 6-month follow-up was conducted. RESULTS A greater reduction of depressive symptoms was found in MBLM participants compared to CONTROL (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.11, d = 0.70) and TAU ( p<.001,ηp2=0.10,d=0.67$p\lt .001,{\eta }_{{\rm{p}}}^{2}=0.10,d=0.67$ ) with a 13.15 points reduction of BDI-II score versus 1.71 points (CONTROL) and 3.34 points (TAU) after 8 weeks. Between-group post hoc tests for all secondary outcomes and at follow-up also yielded significant between-group differences with medium to large effect sizes in favor of MBLM. CONCLUSIONS Study results showed beneficial effects of MBLM in depressed outpatients. Further high-quality controlled clinical studies including qualitative research are needed to investigate the specific and unspecific effects of the MBLM program in depression and other medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger C Bringmann
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Diakoniekliniken Zschadrass, Colditz, Germany
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Jeitler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian S Kessler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benno Brinkhaus
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Brunnhuber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Diakoniekliniken Zschadrass, Colditz, Germany
| | - Peter Sedlmeier
- Institute of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
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Bringmann HC, Bogdanski M, Seifert G, Voss A. Impact of Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification on HRV in Outpatients With Mild to Moderate Depression: An Exploratory Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:808442. [PMID: 35757223 PMCID: PMC9218213 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.808442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scientific evaluation of mind-body-interventions (MBI), including yoga and meditation, has increased significantly in recent decades. However, evidence of MBI's efficacy on biological parameters is still insufficient. OBJECTIVES In this study, we used HRV analysis to evaluate a novel MBI as a treatment of outpatients with mild to moderate depressive disorder. The Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) program incorporates all major elements of classical yoga, including ethical principles of yoga philosophy, breathing exercises, postural yoga, and meditation. METHODS In this exploratory randomized controlled trial, we compared the changes in HRV indices of a MBLM group (N = 22) and a minimal treatment group (MINIMAL, drugs only, N = 17) with those of a multimodal treatment-as-usual group (TAU, according to best clinical practice, N = 22). Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were derived from a Holter monitoring device, and HRV indices have been extracted from nearly stationary 20-min periods. RESULTS Short-term HRV analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the pre-to-post changes between MBLM and TAU. In particular, the vagal tone mediating RMSSD and the Rényi entropy of symbolic dynamics indicated HRV gains in MBLM participants compared with TAU. Almost no alterations were observed in the MINIMAL group. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a benefit in selected HRV parameters for outpatients with mild to moderate depression participating in the MBLM program. For further investigations, we propose analysis of complete 24-h HRV recordings and additional continuous pulse wave or blood pressure analysis to assess long-term modulations and cardiovascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger C Bringmann
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Spremberg Hospital, Spremberg, Germany
| | - Martin Bogdanski
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Voss
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics (BMTI), Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
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Tseng AA. Scientific Evidence of Health Benefits by Practicing Mantra Meditation: Narrative Review. Int J Yoga 2022; 15:89-95. [PMID: 36329765 PMCID: PMC9623891 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_53_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mantra meditation (MM) is one of the simplest and most effective meditative practices suitable for both novice and skillful meditators. It has attracted a significant number of practitioners for various health benefits or for spiritual inspiration. The scope of this review article focuses on the examination of the health benefits of practicing MM without considering the motivation by spiritual rewarding or cultivation. Through the examination, we attempt to confirm and to add scientific evidence on the benefits of mental and physical health to the practitioners. We review a large number of the recent studies of MM for understanding the mechanism in yielding medical benefits and for analyzing the quantitative evidence of the trial outcomes. The review covers four important areas: stress, anxiety, hypertension, and immunity, with the hope to evoke more studies to refine the current evidence and to encourage more studies in other promising areas. Furthermore, the review gives more attention or discussion on more recent, original, and stronger studies. The discussion can include the strong or weak points of the reviewed studies. The review discovers evidence that MM can provide various degrees of beneficial effects on the four areas considered. Studies with larger participants, superior quality, and a few others are recommended to draw firm conclusions. Several promising research areas and directions are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ampere A. Tseng
- Director and Professor Emeritus, Manufacturing Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA,Address for correspondence: Prof. Ampere A. Tseng, Arizona State University, ECG301, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA. E-mail:
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