Advances In Mind-body Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Effects of Mind Sound Resonance Technique (Yogic Relaxation) on Psychological States, Sleep Quality, and Cognitive Functions in Female Teachers: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
Rao M, Metri KG, Raghuram N … +1 more , Hongasandra NR
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Winter · PMID 28183071
Context • Several studies have revealed a high rate of physical and psychological problems from stress among schoolteachers. Yoga is one of the mind-body interventions known to alleviate stress and effects. The mind soun...
Context • Several studies have revealed a high rate of physical and psychological problems from stress among schoolteachers. Yoga is one of the mind-body interventions known to alleviate stress and effects. The mind sound resonance technique (MSRT), a yoga-based, mindfulness relaxation is recognized as having a positive influence on physical and psychological health. Objectives • The study intended to examine the effects of an MSRT intervention for 1 mo on perceived stress, quality of sleep, cognitive function, state and trait anxiety, psychological distress, and fatigue among female teachers. Design • The study was a randomized, controlled trial. Setting • The study occurred at 2 primary schools in Bangalore City, India. Participants • Sixty female teachers, aged between 30 and 55 y, from the 2 schools were enrolled in the study. Intervention • The participants were randomly divided into an MSRT group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Participants in the MSRT group participated in MSRT for 30 min/d, 5 d/wk, for the duration of 1 mo. The participants in the control group followed their normal daily routines. Outcome measures • Perceived stress, sleep quality, cognitive function, anxiety, psychological distress, fatigue, and self-esteem were assessed using standardized assessment tools at baseline and after 1 mo of the intervention. Results • In the MSRT group, a significant reduction occurred for 5 variables: (1) 47.01% for perceived stress (P < .001), (2) 28.76% for state anxiety (P < .001), (3) 13.35% for trait anxiety (P < .001), (4) 32.90% for psychological distress (P < .001), and (5) 44.79% for fatigue (P < .001). A significant improvement occurred for that group for 2 variables: (1) 44.94% for quality of sleep (P < .001), and (2) 12.12% for self-esteem (P < .001). An 11.88% increase occurred for the group for cognitive function, but the change was not significant (P = .111). On the other hand, the control group showed significant increases in 5 variables: (1) 55.56% for perceived stress (P < .001), (2) 13.32% for state anxiety (P < .001), (3) 21.28% for trait anxiety (P < .001), (4) 20.95% for psychological distress (P = .103), and (5) 16.44% for fatigue (P < .001). The group also showed significant decreases in 3 variables: (1) 3.51% for self-esteem (P < .001), (2) 21.39% for quality of sleep (P = .003), and (3) 17.60% for cognitive function (P = .002). A comparison between the 2 groups showed significant differences in 7 variables: (1) perceived stress (P < .001), (2) quality of sleep (P < .001), (3) state anxiety (P < .001), (4) trait anxiety (P < .001), (5) psychological distress (P = .006), (6) fatigue (P = .005), and (7) self-esteem (P < .001). No significant differences existed between the groups in cognitive function (P = .083). Conclusions • In the current study, the practice of MSRT facilitated a reduction in the levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue, and psychological distress. The relaxation technique also enhanced the levels of self-esteem and quality of sleep among female teachers working in primary schools.
Active Music Therapy and Physical Improvements From Rehabilitation for Neurological Conditions.
Kogutek DL, Holmes JD, Grahn JA … +2 more , Lutz SG, Ready E
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 Fall · PMID 27925608
Context • A variety of rehabilitation-based interventions are currently available for individuals with physical impairments resulting from neurological conditions, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speec...
Context • A variety of rehabilitation-based interventions are currently available for individuals with physical impairments resulting from neurological conditions, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology. Many individuals find participation in those therapies to be challenging. Alternative therapies have emerged as beneficial adjunctive treatments for individuals undergoing neurological rehabilitation, including music therapy (MT). Objective • The study intended to identify and collate systematically the evidence on MT interventions that address physical improvements in a rehabilitative setting. Design • The research team performed a literature review, searching electronic databases from their inception to April 2014, including Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest. The review included original studies that examined the use of active MT as an intervention that promotes physical improvements for adults >18 y of age. Articles were excluded if the studies focused primarily on psychosocial, emotional, or spiritual therapeutic goals. The review identified the studies' outcome measures for different populations and the MT approaches and interventions and obtained a general description of the clinical sessions, such as the frequency and duration of the therapy, interventions performed, sessions designs, populations, equipment used, and credentials of the therapists. Results • Eleven studies identified 2 major categories for the delivery of MT sessions: individual and group. One study included group sessions, and 10 studies included individual sessions. The studies included a total of 290 participants, 32 in the group MT, and 258 in the individual MT. The one study that used group therapy was based on active MT improvisation. For the individual therapy, 2 studies had investigated therapeutic instrument music performance and 8 used music-supported therapy. Conclusions • The findings of the review suggested that active MT can improve motor skills and should be considered as a potential adjunctive treatment.
Therapeutic Touch in the Management of Responsive Behavior in Patients With Dementia.
Kumarappah A, Senderovich H
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 Fall · PMID 27925607
Patients with dementia experience various behavioral symptoms in the course of their illnesses, which greatly affect their quality of life. Current treatment modalities are not always effective, and, thus, nonpharmacolog...
Patients with dementia experience various behavioral symptoms in the course of their illnesses, which greatly affect their quality of life. Current treatment modalities are not always effective, and, thus, nonpharmacological approaches are the preferred first-line therapy for managing such symptoms. They generally address the basic needs of the person with dementia and provide humane care, often producing noticeable improvements in symptoms. Thus, such therapies should precede pharmacological interventions. The following literature review of 5 publications from 2010 to 2015 evaluates the use of therapeutic touch (TT) in the management of responsive behavior in patients with dementia. The results of the review suggest that TT may be beneficial in reducing agitation in individuals with dementia; however, further research is needed to assess the use of TT.
Increasing Awareness and Acceptance Through Mindfulness and Somatic Education Movements.
Bloise PV, Andrade MC, Machado H … +1 more , Andreoli SB
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 Fall · PMID 27925606
Context • The main feature of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) is the encouragement of present moment awareness and of self-regulation, which are associated with health benefits. Meditating with the body in movement...
Context • The main feature of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) is the encouragement of present moment awareness and of self-regulation, which are associated with health benefits. Meditating with the body in movement has been referred to as one of the most accessible ways of reaching such awareness. An MBI program, Mindfulness and Movements of Integration (MMI), has the same structure as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) but puts more emphasis on the body and uses somatic education (SE) movements instead of yoga postures. Objectives • The study aimed to explore and describe the implementation of an MMI group and evaluate the effects on the main skills of mindfulness (ie, present moment awareness and acceptance). Design • The study used a pretest-posttest design. Setting • The study took place at the clinic of the Department of Psychiatry at the Federal University of São Paulo in São Paulo, Brazil. Participants • Participants were individuals 18 y old or older living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Intervention • The intervention was structured to have 8 weekly sessions of 2.5 h each and a 1-d retreat. Participants were taught the formal meditation practices derived of MBSR: (1) the body scan and (2) awareness of different focuses-breathing, body sensations, sounds, thoughts, feelings, and open awareness. From the third session until the end of the study, 4 SE series of movements were added. Outcome Measures • The Brazilian adapted and validated versions of both the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) were used to assess present moment awareness, and acceptance was assessed using only the latter scale. Results • Significant improvements were observed in the mean score on the MAAS for present moment awareness (Cohen's d = 1.58). The PHLMS mean scores also showed significant improvements related to the Awareness (Cohen's d = 0.85) and Acceptance (Cohen's d = 0.63) subscales. However, the correlation between the changes in scores in those subscales was not significant (r = .29; P = .29). Conclusions • The results point to the MMI program as a potentially acceptable and useful MBI by increasing awareness and acceptance through mindfulness and SE movements.
Effectiveness of Spiritist Passe (Spiritual Healing) on the Psychophysiological Parameters in Hospitalized Patients.
Carneiro ÉM, Moraes GV, Terra GA
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 Summer · PMID 27874837
Context • The coexistence of affective disorders, especially anxiety and depression, with medical illness is a topic of considerable clinical and research interest. Complementary biofield modalities are therapies that in...
Context • The coexistence of affective disorders, especially anxiety and depression, with medical illness is a topic of considerable clinical and research interest. Complementary biofield modalities are therapies that involve touch or placement of the hands in or through biofields. Spiritual healing, or Spiritist passe (SP), is a kind of laying on of hands (LOH), and therefore is a biofield therapy. Objective • The current study intended to evaluate the effects of SP on psychological parameters such as anxiety and depression and on the perceptions of muscle tension and wellness as well as physiological parameters, such as pain intensity, heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Design • This study was a randomized, controlled trial. Setting • The study took place at the medical clinic of the clinical hospital of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (HC/UFTM) in Uberaba, Brazil. Participants • The participants were patients aged ≥18 y who had been hospitalized in the clinic between August 2014 and June 2015. Intervention • Participants in the no-SP and SP groups were instructed to direct their thoughts to Jesus with wishes to heal during the intervention. In the SP group, the patients underwent application of the SP, and in the no-SP group, workers, students, or volunteers at the Clinical Hospital of Uberaba practiced a kind of LOH in a nonspiritual therapy with intention to healing emitting sincere wishes of improvement to the patients by thought. All procedures in those groups were carried out during a 10-min period on 3 consecutive days. In the control group, the patients lay for 10 min during the same periods on the 3 days, with no intervention occurring. Outcome Measures • The study evaluated depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale as well as patients' pain using a visual analog scale (VAS). The study also measured their perceptions of muscle tension and wellness and their physiological parameters: HR and SpO2. Results • Seventy-two patients consented to participate in the study. The SP group showed statistically significant reductions in anxiety (P < .001) and depression (P = .008) between baseline and postintervention, with perceptions of muscle tension significantly decreasing on day 1 (D1) and day 3 (D3) of the study (both < .001) after the interventions and wellness significantly increasing between baseline and postintervention (P = .001) and when compared with the control and no-SP groups, with P = .001. The SP group presented the smallest numbers for HR after the interventions, but no significant differences were found between groups for HR, SpO2, and pain on the VAS. Conclusions • The current research team has concluded that the SP was effective in promoting a state of muscle relaxation, reducing anxiety and depression, decreasing muscle tension, and, consequently, raising the perceptions of wellness in hospitalized patients.
James S. Gordon, MD: A Transformative Approach to Depression.
Gordon JS
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 27541055
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Attitudes Toward Combining Psychological, Mind-Body Therapies and Nutritional Approaches for the Enhancement of Mood.
Lores TJ, Henke M, Chur-Hansen A
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 27541054
Context • Interest has been rising in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the promotion of health and treatment of disease. To date, the majority of CAM research has focused on exploring the demog...
Context • Interest has been rising in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the promotion of health and treatment of disease. To date, the majority of CAM research has focused on exploring the demographic characteristics, attitudes, and motivations of CAM users and on the efficacy of different therapies and products. Less is known with respect to the psychological characteristics of people who use CAM. Previous research has not investigated the usefulness of integrating mind-body therapies with natural products in a combined mood intervention. Objective • The study intended to investigate attitudes toward a proposed new approach to the treatment of mood, one that integrates psychological mind-body therapies and natural nutritional products. Design • Participants completed an online survey covering demographics, personality traits, locus of control, use of CAM, attitudes toward the proposed psychonutritional approach, and mood. Setting • This study was conducted at the University of Adelaide School of Psychology (Adelaide, SA, Australia). Participants • Participants were 333 members of the Australian general public, who were recruited online via the social-media platform Facebook. The majority were women (83.2%), aged between 18 and 81 y. Outcome Measures • Measures included the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale Form B, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Results • Participants were positive about the proposed approach and were likely to try it to enhance their moods. The likeliness of use of the combined approach was significantly higher in the female participants and was associated with higher levels of the personality trait openness and an internal health locus of control, after controlling for all other variables. Conclusions • Interest exists for an intervention for mood that incorporates both psychological and nutritional approaches. Further research into the development of targeted treatment programs for mood is warranted.
Using Animal-assisted Therapy to Enrich Psychotherapy.
Amerine JL, Hubbard GB
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 27541053
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many psychological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AAT can b...
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many psychological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AAT can be used as an adjunct to other forms of psychotherapy. With AAT, the animal becomes a part of the treatment plan. Outcomes for clients that are associated with the use of AAT include (1) increased sense of comfort and safety, (2) increased motivation, (3) enhanced self-esteem, (4) increased prosocial behaviors, and (5) decreased behavioral problems. AAT provides a bridge for the therapist to develop a therapeutic relationship with a client, and the animal can provide supportive reassurance for the therapist. The amount of data that supports the benefits of AAT for the treatment of those with mental illnesses is growing, but evidence-based research that supports its use is lacking. Further research is needed.
Effects of Isha Hatha Yoga on Core Stability and Standing Balance.
Carneiro ÉM, Moraes GV, Terra GA
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 27541052
Context • The coexistence of affective disorders, especially anxiety and depression, with medical illness is a topic of considerable clinical and research interest. Complementary biofield modalities are therapies that in...
Context • The coexistence of affective disorders, especially anxiety and depression, with medical illness is a topic of considerable clinical and research interest. Complementary biofield modalities are therapies that involve touch or placement of the hands in or through biofields. Spiritual healing, or Spiritist passe (SP), is a kind of laying on of hands (LOH), and therefore is a biofield therapy. Objective • The current study intended to evaluate the effects of SP on psychological parameters such as anxiety and depression and on the perceptions of muscle tension and wellness as well as physiological parameters, such as pain intensity, heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Design • This study was a randomized, controlled trial. Setting • The study took place at the medical clinic of the clinical hospital of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (HC/UFTM) in Uberaba, Brazil. Participants • The participants were patients aged ≥18 y who had been hospitalized in the clinic between August 2014 and June 2015. Intervention • Participants in the no-SP and SP groups were instructed to direct their thoughts to Jesus with wishes to heal during the intervention. In the SP group, the patients underwent application of the SP, and in the no-SP group, workers, students, or volunteers at the Clinical Hospital of Uberaba practiced a kind of LOH in a nonspiritual therapy with intention to healing emitting sincere wishes of improvement to the patients by thought. All procedures in those groups were carried out during a 10-min period on 3 consecutive days. In the control group, the patients lay for 10 min during the same periods on the 3 days, with no intervention occurring. Outcome Measures • The study evaluated depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale as well as patients' pain using a visual analog scale (VAS). The study also measured their perceptions of muscle tension and wellness and their physiological parameters: HR and SpO2. Results • Seventy-two patients consented to participate in the study. The SP group showed statistically significant reductions in anxiety (P < .001) and depression (P = .008) between baseline and postintervention, with perceptions of muscle tension significantly decreasing on day 1 (D1) and day 3 (D3) of the study (both < .001) after the interventions and wellness significantly increasing between baseline and postintervention (P = .001) and when compared with the control and no-SP groups, with P = .001. The SP group presented the smallest numbers for HR after the interventions, but no significant differences were found between groups for HR, SpO2, and pain on the VAS. Conclusions • The current research team has concluded that the SP was effective in promoting a state of muscle relaxation, reducing anxiety and depression, decreasing muscle tension, and, consequently, raising the perceptions of wellness in hospitalized patients.
Case Report: Outcomes of Feldenkrais Movements on Self-reported Cognitive Decline in Older Adults.
Ullmann G
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 27250213
UNLABELLED: Context • A lack of cognitive health can limit a person's well-being and may compromise independent living. The potential for cognitive decline is a major concern for aging individuals. Regular physical activ...
UNLABELLED: Context • A lack of cognitive health can limit a person's well-being and may compromise independent living. The potential for cognitive decline is a major concern for aging individuals. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive processes. However, functional limitations frequently prevent older adults from participating in conventional exercise programs. Given the gentle nature of mind-body exercises, interventions such as the Feldenkrais may provide an alternative. Objective • The study intended to investigate whether Feldenkrais lessons can offset cognitive decline among older adults. DESIGN: The study was a case series with 2 participants. Setting • The study took place in the wellness center of a retirement community. Participants • Participants were 2 female residents in the community, with self-reported cognitive challenges. Intervention • The Feldenkrais method awareness through movement (ATM) was used. The lessons were based on common Feldenkrais themes, such as the relationship between eye organization and body movement, coordination of muscles, breathing, and an exploration of the participants' habits. Outcome Measures • The Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) and Trail Making Tests B (TMT-B) were used to measure cognitive function at baseline and after the Feldenkrais intervention. Results • Both participants improved their performance on the TMT-A and TMT-B after completing the Feldenkrais intervention. Neither of the 2 participants reported any adverse events related to the lessons. Conclusion • The beneficial results warrant further research into the efficacy of Feldenkrais as complementary, alternative therapy for preserving cognitive function on a larger scale and in populations with diagnosed cognitive impairments.
Salutogenesis and the Monks of Athos, Greece: A Spiritual Health Promotion?
Merakou K, Kyklou E, Antoniadou E … +3 more , Karageorgos G, Doufexis E, Barbouni A
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 27250212
Context • A cohort of studies on secular populations has indicated the role that religiosity plays in psychological well-being. An increase in the participation in religious activity has been shown to have a positive cor...
Context • A cohort of studies on secular populations has indicated the role that religiosity plays in psychological well-being. An increase in the participation in religious activity has been shown to have a positive correlation with beneficial mental health outcomes. Internationally, few studies exist regarding the sense of coherence (SOC) of monks. SOC is a health asset related to stress management skills. Objective • The study aimed to assess the SOC of monks who lived at Mount Athos, Greece, and to determine its correlation with demographic characteristics. Design • The type of design was a descriptive cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. Setting • The study took place at Mount Athos in 2 monasteries and 1 skete, which is an organized community that consists of several monastic huts that belong to a communal monastery. Participants • Of the 215 monks living in the 2 monasteries and the skete, 166 monks participated. Outcome Measures • Data were collected from May-August 2012, using a structured questionnaire that was divided into 2 parts: (1) a demographic section (8 items) and (2) the Sense of Coherence (SOC-13) survey. Results • The mean age of participants was 45.5 y ± 13.0. Of the 166 monks participating, 139 (83.7 %) lived in communal monasteries, and the mean time of participation in monasticism was 18.4 ± 12.1 y. The mean value on the SOC-13 scale was 65.7 ± 6.5. According to the multiple regression analyses, the number of years in monasticism presented a positive correlation with the SOC score (β = 0.12, SE = 0.04, P = .003), whereas the number of daily hours of sleep presented a negative correlation with the SOC score (β = -1.34, SE = 0.50, P = .008). Conclusions • The monks seemed to have a strong SOC and, therefore, adequate stress management skills. Religious spirituality may help individuals in coping with daily life. More evidence-based studies need to be implemented to highlight the correlation between Orthodox Christian monasticism and SOC.
Effects of Isha Hatha Yoga on Core Stability and Standing Balance.
Kumar S, Prasad S, Balakrishnan B … +2 more , Muthukumaraswamy K, Ganesan M
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 27250211
Context • Isha Hatha yoga is a form of yoga practice that practitioners claim can improve health. Gaining a scientific understanding of its effects on health is a crucial step in claiming health benefits. Objective • The...
Context • Isha Hatha yoga is a form of yoga practice that practitioners claim can improve health. Gaining a scientific understanding of its effects on health is a crucial step in claiming health benefits. Objective • The study intended to investigate the effects of Isha Hatha yoga on core stability and standing balance in healthy volunteers. Design • The research team designed a quasiexperimental study. Setting • The setting was at Isha Yoga Center at Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, India. Participants • Participants were individuals registered for a residential program providing training in Isha Hatha yoga at the Isha Yoga Center. Intervention • The training consisted of 21 d of training in Isha Hatha yoga, including Upa yoga, Surya Kriya, Angamardhana, Bhuta Suddhi, and asanas. Outcome Measures • The single-leg stork test and the plank test were conducted before and after the training. Results • Significant increases occurred in the standing-stork test scores on the right (P = .014) and left (P = .033) sides and in the plank test scores (P < .001). Conclusions • The current study concluded that healthy volunteers who underwent 21 d of training in Isha Hatha yoga showed significant improvements in core strength and balance.
Should Psychiatrists Resurrect the Body?
Benning TB
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 26878681
The current article interrogates the mind-body dualism that characterizes modern psychiatry and contends that the dualism is manifested by the relative neglect by psychiatrists of the body, or soma. The article argues th...
The current article interrogates the mind-body dualism that characterizes modern psychiatry and contends that the dualism is manifested by the relative neglect by psychiatrists of the body, or soma. The article argues that the state of affairs has several consequences, including psychiatrists' underappreciation of the somatic manifestations of mental disorders and of the therapeutic potential of somatic or body-based therapies. Empirical data attest to the association of a range of mental illnesses with somatic pathologies, as does the fact that a range of somatic therapies, including yoga and t'ai chi, are increasingly being shown to be efficacious in the treatment of a range of mental illnesses. The current article contextualizes contemporary Western psychiatry's relative neglect of the body by drawing on some historical as well as cross-cultural perspectives. Although their overall effect has been minimal, various theoretical perspectives in Western psychiatry, including Jungian thought, psychoanalytical psychosomatics, Reichian and related schools, and the phenomenological tradition, have sought to overcome psychiatry's mind-body dualism. Neither has psychiatry incorporated the values of various non-Western schools of medicine that maintain a far more integrated conceptualization of the relationship between mind and body than is seen in modern Western psychiatry. The field of psychosomatics could potentially influence general psychiatry to reverse its bifurcated mind-body relationship, but that field's increasingly narrow mandate and organizational separation from general psychiatry conspire to militate against the latter's incorporation of psychosomatic medicine's conceptual advances or pragmatic insights in any convincing or enduring manner.
Evolution of the Perception of the Relationship Between Doctor and Breast Cancer Patient.
Wendling CA
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 26878680
The current article discusses the author's study of the evolution of the subjective perception of the relationship between physicians and breast cancer patients during recent decades. The article is based on 18 testimoni...
The current article discusses the author's study of the evolution of the subjective perception of the relationship between physicians and breast cancer patients during recent decades. The article is based on 18 testimonials, mainly autobiographies dating from 1975-2008, which provide relevant information about the psychological experience of breast cancer care. The pathographies show that many patients nowadays still have an intensely negative perception of their therapeutic interactions with health care professionals, which may have a detrimental effect on their affective states, immunity, and outcomes.
Can Joan of Arc Serve as an Enduring Model of Empowerment for Women With a Cancer Diagnosis?
Roseman JL
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 26878679
CONTEXT: Many research studies have shown that arts-based medicine is a viable and effective medical strategy to help people with cancer improve the quality of their lives. The use of arts-based strategies that employ a...
CONTEXT: Many research studies have shown that arts-based medicine is a viable and effective medical strategy to help people with cancer improve the quality of their lives. The use of arts-based strategies that employ a figure from history as a source of support to help improve the quality of life has not been documented. OBJECTIVE: The current limited study allowed the author the ability to use the materials in her book, If Joan of Arc Had Cancer: Finding Courage, Faith, and Healing From History's Most Inspirational Woman Warrior, to provide support to women who were cancer survivors and to see if the use of Joan of Arc as a healing guide would be relevant. The primary intention was to find out how the book would be received by women with cancer and also to have the opportunity to determine what was helpful and what was not useful for them. DESIGN: The study was a pilot study. SETTING: The study took place at the Gilda's Club, a national support community for people with cancer and their families, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA, one of the satellite programs sponsored by the Wellness Community. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 10 female survivors of cancer who were members of the Gilda's Club. INTERVENTION: Participants took part in a 6-wk workshop. The workshop included arts-based medicine and meditations, based on a book written by the current author. OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed surveys both pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: The program had 10 participants, but only 3 women finished the 6-wk program and completed the postintervention survey. After the workshop, the 3 participants indicated in a survey that they were feeling less anxiety and fear and noted that they felt that they had an improved quality of life and felt more empowered with respect to their psychological frames of mind. In addition, when asked on the survey about the effectiveness of their communications with their physicians (ie, their ability to express and discuss their psychosocial and physical needs combined), they also indicated that they felt that their communications had improved. CONCLUSIONS: The current study, conducted with a small group of women who were cancer survivors, has shown that the use of arts-based medicine can be effective and, most particularly, that the use of Joan of Arc as a model for empowerment can be particularly effective.
Commentary on "Effect of Laughter Yoga on Psychological Well-being and Physiological Measures".
Paulson DS
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 26878678
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Effect of Laughter Yoga on Psychological Well-being and Physiological Measures.
Miles C, Tait E, Schure MB … +1 more , Hollis M
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 26878677
CONTEXT: In 2014, laughter yoga (LY) achieved the intermediate level, tier 2, under the Title III-D Evidence-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program through the Administration on Aging (AOA). Further resear...
CONTEXT: In 2014, laughter yoga (LY) achieved the intermediate level, tier 2, under the Title III-D Evidence-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program through the Administration on Aging (AOA). Further research is needed to qualify LY under the criteria for the highest tier, tier 3, to assure continued funding for LY classes at senior centers. OBJECTIVES: The study intended to demonstrate further the benefits of LY and to qualify LY as tier 3 under Title III-D. DESIGN: Using a quasi-experimental design, the research team conducted a preintervention/postintervention study in 3 phases. SETTING: The study was done in a variety of community centers. Phase 1, a pilot phase, was limited to North Carolina, and phase 2 was conducted in multiple states. Phase 3 was held at the North Carolina Area Agency on Aging's annual Volunteer Appreciation meeting. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in phases 1 (n = 109) and 2 (n = 247) enrolled in LY classes. Classes were advertised by fliers posted in community and in retirement centers. The ability of participants to participate in a class was based solely on their desire to participate, regardless of age, ability, health status, or physical impairment. Phase 3 (n = 23) was a convenience sample only. All phases were voluntary. OUTCOME MEASURE: The pre- and posttests for all 3 phases were Likert-scale surveys, 10 questions on the Psychological Outcomes of Well-being (POWB) survey. Pulse and other physiological measurements were also assessed pre- and postintervention. Analysis included a t test on each of the 10 POWB and physiological measures for all phases. RESULTS: All 10 POWB measures for phases 1 and 2 showed significant improvements between the pre- and postintervention testing (P < .001). Phase 3, the control, showed no significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The initial study demonstrated that LY meets the criteria to qualify for tier 3 under the Title III-D Evidence-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program and that a large number of Americans, regardless of age and physical ability, could benefit from LY.
Effects of a Supplement Containing Apoaequorin on Verbal Learning in Older Adults in the Community.
Moran DL, Underwood MY, Gabourie TA … +1 more , Lerner KC
Adv Mind Body Med · 2016 · PMID 26878676
CONTEXT: The changes in verbal learning and working memory that often occur with aging may result in reduced social and intellectual interactions. These changes significantly affect an individual's quality of life. As hu...
CONTEXT: The changes in verbal learning and working memory that often occur with aging may result in reduced social and intellectual interactions. These changes significantly affect an individual's quality of life. As humans age, the body's ability to regulate and maintain calcium levels is diminished. Pharmacological manipulation of the entry of free calcium (Ca2+) has been shown to be effective in increasing some aspects of cognitive function in the aged brain. Apoaequorin has been shown in laboratory studies to regulate levels of intracellular calcium in neuronal cells and to provide protection against ischemic cell death. OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to assess the effects of a supplement of apoaequorin on verbal learning and working memory. DESIGN: The current study, the Madison Memory Study, was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: The study occurred in Madison, WI, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 218 community-dwelling adults, aged 40-91 y, with self-reported memory concerns. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either apoaequorin (apoaequorin group) or a matched placebo (control group) for 90 d. OUTCOME MEASURES: The study used quantitative, computerized tools for cognitive assessment the CogState International Shopping List (ISL) and the CogState ISL-Delayed Recall (ISL-DR). Scores from computerized cognitive tasks were measured at baseline and at several points during the 90-d study. RESULTS: No significant differences existed between the intervention and control groups in any parameter at baseline. The intervention group (apoaequorin group) showed a statistically significant improvement in verbal learning and recall on the ISL and the ISL-DR, respectively, during the 90-d study. Apoaequorin was tolerated very well in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated a strong relationship between apoaequorin and improvements on a quantitative measure of cognitive function, specifically verbal learning. The study found that apoaequorin is a well-tolerated supplement that improved cognitive function in aging adults. The results suggest potential utility for apoaequorin in addressing the declines in cognitive function associated with aging.
SPECT Perfusion Imaging Demonstrates Improvement of Traumatic Brain Injury With Transcranial Near-infrared Laser Phototherapy.
Henderson TA, Morries LD
Adv Mind Body Med · 2015 · PMID 26535475
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing health concern affecting civilians and military personnel. Near-infrared (NIR) light has shown benefits in animal models and human trials for stroke and in animal models for TBI....
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing health concern affecting civilians and military personnel. Near-infrared (NIR) light has shown benefits in animal models and human trials for stroke and in animal models for TBI. Diodes emitting low-level NIR often have lacked therapeutic efficacy, perhaps failing to deliver sufficient radiant energy to the necessary depth. In this case report, a patient with moderate TBI documented in anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) received 20 NIR treatments in the course of 2 mo using a high-power NIR laser. Symptoms were monitored by clinical examination and a novel patient diary system specifically designed for this patient population. Clinical application of these levels of infrared energy for this patient with TBI yielded highly favorable outcomes with decreased depression, anxiety, headache, and insomnia, whereas cognition and quality of life improved. Neurological function appeared to improve based on changes in the SPECT by quantitative analysis. NIR in the power range of 10-15 W at 810 and 980 nm can safely and effectively treat chronic symptoms of TBI.
School-based Yoga Programs in the United States: A Survey.
Butzer B, Ebert M, Telles S … +1 more , Khalsa SB
Adv Mind Body Med · 2015 · PMID 26535474
CONTEXT: Substantial interest has begun to emerge around the implementation of yoga interventions in schools. Researchers have found that yoga practices may enhance skills such as self-regulation and prosocial behavior,...
CONTEXT: Substantial interest has begun to emerge around the implementation of yoga interventions in schools. Researchers have found that yoga practices may enhance skills such as self-regulation and prosocial behavior, and lead to improvements in students' performance. These researchers, therefore, have proposed that contemplative practices have the potential to play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of US public education. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to provide a summary and comparison of school-based yoga programs in the United States. DESIGN: Online, listserv, and database searches were conducted to identify programs, and information was collected regarding each program's scope of work, curriculum characteristics, teacher-certification and training requirements, implementation models, modes of operation, and geographical regions. SETTING: The online, listserv, and database searches took place in Boston, MA, USA, and New Haven, CT, USA. RESULTS: Thirty-six programs were identified that offer yoga in more than 940 schools across the United States, and more than 5400 instructors have been trained by these programs to offer yoga in educational settings. Despite some variability in the exact mode of implementation, training requirements, locations served, and grades covered, the majority of the programs share a common goal of teaching 4 basic elements of yoga: (1) physical postures, (2) breathing exercises, (3) relaxation techniques, and (4) mindfulness and meditation practices. The programs also teach a variety of additional educational, social-emotional, and didactic techniques to enhance students' mental and physical health and behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that the present study was able to find a relatively large number of formal, school-based yoga programs currently being implemented in the United States suggests that the programs may be acceptable and feasible to implement. The results also suggest that the popularity of school-based yoga programs may continue to grow.
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