Research

14 pages, 665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) Improves Depression Symptoms in Older Adults

by Helané Wahbeh

Medicines 2018, 5(4), 119; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines5040119 - 02 Nov 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5823

Background: Older adults have fewer physiological reserves and are more likely to be affected by stress. Mindfulness meditation has the potential to be an effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on older adults. The primary objective of this study [...] Read more.

Background: Older adults have fewer physiological reserves and are more likely to be affected by stress. Mindfulness meditation has the potential to be an effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on older adults. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate depression symptom changes in older adults (55–80 years old) taking an Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) compared to a waitlist control. The secondary aims were to collect data on pain, perceived stress, resilience, mindfulness, sleep quality, and spirituality. Methods: Fifty older adults were randomized to either the Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention, a six-week online intervention with daily home practice, or a waitlist control. Measures were collected at baseline, after the six-week intervention period, and again six weeks later after the waitlist participants completed IMMI. Adherence to home practice was objectively measured with iMINDr. Changes in outcomes for the IMMI and waitlist participants were compared. All participants who completed IMMI were then combined for a within-participant analysis. Results: Adherence to the intervention was low, likely due to a traumatic event in the local area of the participants. Compared to the waitlist participants, those in IMMI had improved depression symptoms (p < 0.00005), perceived stress (p = 0.0007), insomnia symptoms ((p = 0.0009), and pain severity (p = 0.05). In the within-participant analysis of all data before and after IMMI (i.e., those initially randomized to IMMI and waitlist participants who took it), we found improvements in depression symptoms (p = 0.0001), perceived stress (p = 0.0001), insomnia symptoms (p < 0.00005), pain interference (p = 0.003), and spirituality (p = 0.018). A seven-week follow-up after the original six-week IMMI program showed sustained improvements in the IMMI participants. Conclusions: IMMI improved depression and related symptoms compared to controls despite minimal support from study staff. IMMI offers a low-dose, low-cost, easily accessible mindfulness meditation intervention for older adults with depression symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

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11 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Reflective Labyrinth Walking Assessed Using a Questionnaire

by Daniele S. Lizier, Reginaldo Silva-Filho, Juliane Umada, Romualdo Melo and Afonso Carlos Neves

Medicines 2018, 5(4), 111; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines5040111 - 17 Oct 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3156

Abstract

Background: Meditation as it is currently known is an ancient practice, which can be traced back to Asian traditions. With the proper technique, a state of physical relaxation and respiratory balance can be reached naturally and spontaneously. This paper considers meditative labyrinth walking [...] Read more.

Background: Meditation as it is currently known is an ancient practice, which can be traced back to Asian traditions. With the proper technique, a state of physical relaxation and respiratory balance can be reached naturally and spontaneously. This paper considers meditative labyrinth walking to be a unique expression of Dr. Lauren Artress’ work, who studied and applied the image of the labyrinth on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach. It is a cross-sectional non-randomized study, conducted at an institute for psychotherapies with a sample of 30 participants. Results: 99% of the group reported feeling emotional distress caused by the feeling of a longer walk on the way out, 21% reported feeling the same while walking the path, and 41% at the beginning. The remaining participants felt lost in time and space. Conclusions: This study showed that the practice of labyrinth walking is a physical, emotional, and sensory experience. On the clinical level, correlating this experience to the planning of care seems to be particularly relevant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

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16 pages, 11778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biopsychosocial Assessment of Pain with Thermal Imaging of Emotional Facial Expression in Breast Cancer Survivors

by David Alberto Rodríguez Medina, Benjamín Domínguez Trejo, Patricia Cortés Esteban, Irving Armando Cruz Albarrán, Luis Alberto Morales Hernández and Gerardo Leija Alva

Medicines 2018, 5(2), 30; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines5020030 - 30 Mar 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7104

Abstract

Background: Recent research has evaluated psychological and biological characteristics associated with pain in survivors of breast cancer (BC). Few studies consider their relationship with inflammatory activity. Voluntary facial expressions modify the autonomic activity and this may be useful in the hospital environment [...] Read more.

Background: Recent research has evaluated psychological and biological characteristics associated with pain in survivors of breast cancer (BC). Few studies consider their relationship with inflammatory activity. Voluntary facial expressions modify the autonomic activity and this may be useful in the hospital environment for clinical biopsychosocial assessment of pain. Methods: This research compared a BC survivors group under integral treatment (Oncology, Psychology, Nutrition) with a control group to assess the intensity of pain, behavioral interference, anxiety, depression, temperament-expression, anger control, social isolation, emotional regulation, and alexithymia and inflammatory activity, with salivary interleukin 6 (IL-6). Then, a psychophysiological evaluation through repeated measures of facial infrared thermal imaging (IRT) and hands in baseline—positive facial expression (joy)—negative facial expression (pain)—relaxation (diaphragmatic breathing). Results: The results showed changes in the IRT (p < 0.05) during the execution of facial expressions in the chin, perinasal, periorbital, frontal, nose, and fingers areas in both groups. No differences were found in the IL-6 level among the aforementioned groups, but an association with baseline nasal temperature (p < 0.001) was observable. The BC group had higher alexithymia score (p < 0.01) but lower social isolation (p < 0.05), in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: In the low- and medium-concentration groups of IL-6, the psychophysiological intervention proposed in this study has a greater effect than on the high concentration group of IL-6. This will be considered in the design of psychological and psychosocial interventions for the treatment of pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

10 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mind-Body Approaches to Prevention and Intervention for Alcohol and Other Drug Use/Abuse in Young Adults

by Crystal L. Park, Beth S. Russell and Michael Fendrich

Medicines 2018, 5(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030064 - 27 Jun 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5340

Abstract

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) misuse is highly prevalent among young adults and creates myriad long-term problematic social, economic, and health consequences. Current treatments aimed at preventing or alleviating AOD misuse have demonstrated fairly inconsistent and weak effectiveness and, thus, are far from [...] Read more.

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) misuse is highly prevalent among young adults and creates myriad long-term problematic social, economic, and health consequences. Current treatments aimed at preventing or alleviating AOD misuse have demonstrated fairly inconsistent and weak effectiveness and, thus, are far from a complete solution. In this review, we describe the current state of AOD interventions for young adults and present an alternative emotion regulation framework for understanding AOD use/misuse. We then describe implications of this framework for interventions to promote healthier emotion regulation to successfully reduce AOD use/misuse. In particular, we assert that mind–body approaches, such as meditation, distress tolerance, and yoga, may promote emotion regulation skills that allow young adults to manage their stressful experiences and distressing emotions without AOD use. We review the available literature on mind–body interventions targeting AOD use/misuse in young adults and offer suggestions for future intervention development and research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

Effects of Qigong Exercise on Non-Motor Symptoms and Inflammatory Status in Parkinson’s Disease: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

by Sanghee Moon, Caio V. M. Sarmento, Irina V. Smirnova, Yvonne Colgrove, Kelly E. Lyons, Sue M. Lai and Wen Liu

Medicines 2019, 6(1), 13; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines6010013 - 18 Jan 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3923

Abstract

Background: Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance, cognitive decline, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) impact quality of life. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in individuals with PD have been reported, which may contribute to non-motor symptoms. A mind-body exercise, Qigong, [...] Read more.

Background: Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance, cognitive decline, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) impact quality of life. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in individuals with PD have been reported, which may contribute to non-motor symptoms. A mind-body exercise, Qigong, has demonstrated benefits across different medical conditions. However, a lack of evidence causes clinicians and patients to be uncertain about the effects of Qigong in individuals with PD. This study will examine the effects of Qigong on non-motor symptoms and inflammatory status in individuals with PD. Methods: Sixty individuals with PD will be recruited. Qigong and sham Qigong group (n = 30 for each) will receive a 12-week intervention. Participants will practice their assigned exercise at home (2×/day) and attend routinely group exercise meetings. Results: Clinical questionnaires and neuropsychological tests will measure non-motor symptoms including sleep quality (primary outcome). Biomarker assays will measure inflammatory status. A two-way mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be utilized. Conclusions: This study may generate evidence for the benefits of Qigong on non-motor symptoms of PD and the effect on inflammatory status. Findings may lead to the development of a novel, safe, and cost-effective rehabilitation approach for individuals with PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

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8 pages, 233 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Qigong and a Tale of Two Back Complaints

by Joseph Baumgarden, Penelope Klein and George Picard

Medicines 2018, 5(3), 60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines5030060 - 21 Jun 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3014

Abstract

Background: Chronic back pain is one of the leading causes of disability and decreased quality of life for people in both their personal and professional lives. In addition to modern medical intervention, many individuals seek relief through complementary and alternative therapies. Design: This [...] Read more.

Background: Chronic back pain is one of the leading causes of disability and decreased quality of life for people in both their personal and professional lives. In addition to modern medical intervention, many individuals seek relief through complementary and alternative therapies. Design: This study was designed as a retrospective descriptive review presented as two case studies. Methods: Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with two volunteer subjects of convenience who each had a medical diagnosis of chronic back pain. Intervention: Both individuals practiced a daily, standardized regimen of 24-Posture Qigong. Results: Both individuals experienced clinically significant symptomatic relief and functional benefit from their practice of qigong. Conclusion: Positive outcomes are theoretically attributed to relief of inflammation systemically and locally, reversal of sensitization and structural restorative reparation. These results provide justification for further prospective, controlled, long-term investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

16 pages, 1782 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Accreditation Standard Guideline Initiative for Tai Chi and Qigong Instructors and Training Institutions

by Byeongsang Oh, Albert Yeung, Penelope Klein, Linda Larkey, Carolyn Ee, Chris Zaslawski, Tish Knobf, Peter Payne, Elisabet Stener-Victorin, Richard Lee, Whanseok Choi, Mison Chun, Massimo Bonucci, Hanne-Doris Lang, Nick Pavlakis, Fran Boyle, Stephen Clarke, Michael Back, Peiying Yang, Yulong Wei, Xinfeng Guo, Chi-hsiu D. Weng, Michael R. Irwin, Aymen A. Elfiky and David Rosenthal Show full author list Hide full author list

Medicines 2018, 5(2), 51; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines5020051 - 08 Jun 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6540

Abstract

Evidence of the health and wellbeing benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong (TQ) have emerged in the past two decades, but TQ is underutilized in modern health care in Western countries due to lack of promotion and the availability of professionally qualified TQ [...] Read more.

Evidence of the health and wellbeing benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong (TQ) have emerged in the past two decades, but TQ is underutilized in modern health care in Western countries due to lack of promotion and the availability of professionally qualified TQ instructors. To date, there are no government regulations for TQ instructors or for training institutions in China and Western countries, even though TQ is considered to be a part of Traditional Chinese medicine that has the potential to manage many chronic diseases. Based on an integrative health care approach, the accreditation standard guideline initiative for TQ instructors and training institutions was developed in collaboration with health professionals, integrative medicine academics, Tai Chi and Qigong master instructors and consumers including public safety officers from several countries, such as Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Sweden and USA. In this paper, the rationale for organizing the Medical Tai Chi and Qigong Association (MTQA) is discussed and the accreditation standard guideline for TQ instructors and training institutions developed by the committee members of MTQA is presented. The MTQA acknowledges that the proposed guidelines are broad, so that the diversity of TQ instructors and training institutions can be integrated with recognition that these guidelines can be developed with further refinement. Additionally, these guidelines face challenges in understanding the complexity of TQ associated with different principles, philosophies and schools of thought. Nonetheless, these guidelines represent a necessary first step as primary resource to serve and guide health care professionals and consumers, as well as the TQ community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

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241 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Are We Ready for a True Biopsychosocial–Spiritual Model? The Many Meanings of “Spiritual”

by Marcelo Saad, Roberta De Medeiros and Amanda Cristina Mosini

Medicines 2017, 4(4), 79; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines4040079 - 31 Oct 2017

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 17250

Abstract

The biopsychosocial model is a modern humanistic and holistic view of the human being in health sciences. Currently, many researchers think the biopsychosocial model should be expanded to include the spiritual dimension as well. However, “spiritual” is an open and fluid concept, and [...] Read more.

The biopsychosocial model is a modern humanistic and holistic view of the human being in health sciences. Currently, many researchers think the biopsychosocial model should be expanded to include the spiritual dimension as well. However, “spiritual” is an open and fluid concept, and it can refer to many different things. This paper intends to explore the spiritual dimension in all its meanings: the spirituality-and-health relationship; spiritual–religious coping; the spirituality of the physician affecting his/her practice; spiritual support for inpatients; spiritual complementary therapies; and spiritual anomalous phenomena. In order to ascertain whether physicians would be willing to embrace them all in practice, each phrase from the Physician’s Pledge on the Declaration of Geneva (World Medical Association) was “translated” in this paper to its spiritual equivalent. Medical practice involves a continuous process of revisions of applied concepts, but a true paradigm shift will occur only when the human spiritual dimension is fully understood and incorporated into health care. Then, one will be able to cut stereotypes and use the term “biopsychosocial–spiritual model” correctly. A sincere and profound application of this new view of the human being would bring remarkable transformations to the concepts of health, disease, treatments, and cure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind-Body Medicine Approaches)

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