Evaluating the impact of bioenergy economy-based health improvement (BEHI) as a mind-body intervention on laboratory, clinical and psychological factors in post-MI patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Background: Patients with ischemic heart disease often exhibit various psychological factors that increase the risk of future cardiovascular events. Therefore, in addition to rehabilitation programs, there is a need for more interventional psychotherapy. Bioenergy Economy-based Health Improvement (BEHI) is a mind-body intervention that may address these issues. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the BEHI program on laboratory, clinical, and psychological factors in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients.

Methods: In this study, 52 post-MI patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received cardiac rehabilitation combined with the BEHI program, while the other group received only cardiac rehabilitation. Laboratory data, clinical characteristics, and psychological variables were evaluated at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and four months post-intervention (follow-up).

Results: Among the participants, the mean age was 59.97 ± 6.32 years, and 98.07% were male. The results showed a significant improvement in the mean scores of metabolic equivalents (METs), depression, and anxiety in participants who received the BEHI program and the rehabilitation program (p values: 0.006, 0.038, and 0.028, respectively).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that incorporating mind-body interventions like the BEHI program into cardiac rehabilitation can enhance physical and psychological outcomes for patients recovering from MI.