Advances in Mind-Body Medicine最新文献

Objective: Hypertension is a global target for noncommunicable diseases, and meditation-based interventions (MBIs) benefit patients with hypertension (HTN). The primary objective of this scoping review is to map the globally published MBI studies on patients with HTN. The secondary goal is to identify the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in HTN.

Methods: Based on the Arksey and O'Malley protocol of the Joanna Briggs Institute framework for scoping review, 5 electronic databases were searched with search terms related to HTN and meditation. The open-access articles in the English language published between 1985 and 2024 were selected. The selected articles involved MBIs. All the studies were uploaded to the Rayyan software. Two reviewers worked independently and in duplicate to screen the studies first for title and abstract, and then for full text. Data were extracted based on the template for the intervention description and replication checklist. The data were summarized and reported as a narrative summary.

Results: In total, 966 studies were identified. After removing 429 duplicates, 537 studies were screened for their titles and abstracts. 467 studies were excluded based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 were not retrieved, and 20 were excluded with reasons. Finally, the full texts of 70 studies were read. 32 eligible studies were included in this review. The studies were divided into 3 categories based on meditation and into 7 categories based on outcome. Moreover, no study involving human subjects has analyzed the level of BDNF in HTN patients receiving MBIs.

Conclusion: MBIs have shown promising results among HTN patients. There is a research gap in studies related to BDNF and meditation among hypertensive patients. The limitation of the review is the inclusion of open-access articles published only in the English language.

Keywords: Hypertension, Meditation, Mindfulness, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.

Background: Menopause is a natural life stage marked by hormonal shifts that often affect women's well-being. Reflexology, a safe and non-pharmacological therapy, may help support wellness during this transition.

Objective: To present an overview of the literature on the effect of reflexology on menopausal problems and quality of life.

Methods: The review followed the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) scoping review framework. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Web of Science using combinations of terms related to perimenopause/menopause, women, reflexology (zone therapy, foot/palm massage), and outcomes such as sleep, fatigue, stress, vasomotor and perimenopausal symptoms, depression, physiological parameters, and health-related quality of life. Article screening and reporting adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Results: Based on the inclusion criteria adopted, 11 articles were included in the scoping review. Among them, three explored the impact of reflexology on menopausal symptoms, two assessed its effectiveness in reducing depression, and another two investigated its influence on both menopausal symptoms and quality of life. One study evaluated its effect on menopausal symptoms and cortisol levels, one examined the outcomes related to sleep quality and fatigue, another focused on sleep, and one investigated quality of life. Of these studies, six were randomized controlled trials, three employed a quasi-experimental design, and two utilized a pre- and post-test control group design.

Conclusion: Research on reflexology among menopausal women shows promising benefits, including reductions in menopausal symptoms, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances, and improvement in the overall quality of life. Further rigorous and controlled research is necessary to support the evidence before reflexology can be endorsed as a routine clinical approach for managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing women's quality of life.

Keywords: menopausal symptoms, depression, fatigue, sleep, quality of life, scoping review.

Background: Yoga is reported to have a beneficial impact on mental well-being, thus improving attention. Research efforts have focused on understanding how yoga influences various aspects, such as short-term memory and self-esteem, particularly among adolescents.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of yogic techniques on short-term memory and self-esteem in school students.

Methods: The study conducted at Srinanda High School in Bolpur, West Bengal, investigated the effects of asanas, pranayama, chanting, and meditation on short-term memory and self-esteem among school students aged 12-15 years. With a sample size of 40, comprising 14 males and 26 females, the study included physically and mentally healthy participants who had provided informed consent. The study employed a single-group pre- and post-design, where participants underwent assessments using the Trail Making Test (A & B) to measure short-term memory and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to assess self-esteem before and after engaging in yogic techniques.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in short-term memory among the participants after practicing yogic techniques for one and a half months. The P values for both components of the Trail Making Test (A and B) were less than .001, indicating enhanced memory function. However, a reduction in Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores was observed post-intervention.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Yoga can be effective in enhancing the short-term memory of adolescents. In the future, longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials should be conducted in this area to generalize the results.

Keywords: yoga, self-esteem, short-term memory, adolescents, school students.

Background: Burnout is a debilitating syndrome associated with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. For medical students, studies suggest that burnout related to stress may begin as early as their first year and can be associated with poor academic performance, general distress, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.

Primary study objective: Previous literature suggests that mindfulness training, breathing exercises, and social support can be protective against the effects of burnout. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a new wellness program consisting mainly of brief, daily, mindfulness-based micro-habit training sessions.

Methods/design: The study adopted a single-group before-and-after design for a duration of eight weeks.

Participants: Twelve medical students consented to participate (7 female); mean age = 26.25 years (SD = 4.4).

Intervention: The micro-habit intervention is delivered by a mobile app and is supported by weekly peer-circle meetings. The micro-habits are taught by listening to self-contained 90-second mindfulness exercises, at least once daily, five days per week.

Primary outcome measures: Maslach burnout inventory, a well-established 22-item self-report survey; Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), a 21-item version of the DASS42; and Weekly Stress Scale, for which participants reported their stress level in terms of one of the categories (i.e., green, amber, or red) each week.

Results: The six participants who completed the post-intervention Maslach inventory exhibited a significant decline in emotional exhaustion (P = .03, 1-tailed) with a large effect size (d = 0.99). The five participants who completed the DASS21 at post-intervention averaged a considerable but non-significant decline in anxiety (d = 0.57).

Conclusion: Despite the small sample size, it is encouraging that even a brief micro-habit intervention, one suited to busy medical students, can produce a considerable decrease in burnout symptoms, warranting a study with a larger cohort.

Keywords: burnout, mindfulness, habits, micro-habits, stress, wellness, medical students.

Background: Aging is a complex biological process, defined as a gradual decline in physiological function and accumulation of cellular damage. Cellular damage occurs due to many reasons - deoxyribonucleic acid damage by reactive oxygen species, chemicals like benzo(a)pyrene, Ultraviolet/ Infrared radiation, and DNA replication error, hence influencing aging. Yoga, as an adjunct therapy, has shown potential in reversing aging markers, such as oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, oxidative DNA damage, and leukocyte telomere shortening. This narrative review aims to consolidate and clarify how yoga contributes to these anti-aging benefits while distinguishing its specific therapeutic effects.

Methodology: PubMed was searched for articles published from 2000 to 2025, with keywords "yoga AND oxidative stress" and "yoga AND aging". 10 randomised clinical trials relevant to our study were identified. These involved yogic interventions, and their outcome measures included parameters such as malondialdehyde, Reduced Glutathione, Oxidized Glutathione, Glutathione Reductase activity, Total Antioxidant Status, and 8-Hydroxy-deoxyguanosine.

Results and discussion: Oxidative stress is one of the key factors that affects aging, which is not balanced by antioxidants. Reportedly, yoga can improve the levels of biomarkers associated with aging. The purpose of this review is to collate research evidence claiming the anti-aging benefit of traditional yoga practice.

Conclusion: This narrative review indicates that yoga, as a lifestyle intervention, has significant potential in counteracting aging by mitigating oxidative stress and improving the body's antioxidant capacity. By improving cellular health and reducing oxidative damage indicators like malondialdehyde and DNA damage, yoga appears to be a powerful, non-pharmacological tool. This review suggests that adopting yoga can be an effective strategy in promoting healthy aging and combating the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Keywords: Yoga, Oxidative Stress, Aging, Glutathione.

Background: Asthma Bath is a hydrotherapeutic intervention used in naturopathy, typically administered in clinical settings, where water at varying temperatures is applied to enhance respiratory function.

Aim: To assess the immediate effect of Asthma Bath on the physiological changes in respiratory functions among healthy individuals.

Materials and methods: Two hundred healthy male and female participants, aged 20 to 40 years, were recruited from the Yoga and Naturopathy College of North India. The participants were randomized to an intervention group (n=100) and a control group (n=100). The intervention group received Asthma Bath for 20 minutes, while the control group was advised to sit and breathe normally for 20 minutes. The data were collected at baseline and immediately after intervention.

Results: Asthma Bath showed significant improvement in FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second), SBP (systolic blood pressure), DBP (Diastolic Blood Pressure), RR (Respiratory rate), pulse rate, and SpO2 (P < .05), while no significant change was observed in FEV1/FVC ratio. The control group showed significant changes in FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC.

Conclusion: This study reveals that Asthma Bath helps improve pulmonary function in healthy individuals.

Keywords: Asthma Bath, pulmonary function, naturopathy, hydrotherapy, blood pressure.

Background: Urolithiasis is a common condition that leads to serious health complications. Urinary stones have afflicted humans for millennia, with records dating back to 4800 BC. Preventing renal stone recurrence remains a common human health concern. Renal stones have been linked to an increased risk of chronic end-stage renal disease, renal failure, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and hypertension. Although conventional medicine provides multiple treatment options, Unani medicine offers an alternative approach, focusing on herbal remedies and holistic therapeutic practices.

Aims and objectives: This paper explores the Unani perspective on urolithiasis, examining its conceptualization and therapeutic approaches. It provides an overview of urolithiasis pathophysiology, associated risk factors, preventive measures, differential diagnosis, and its management.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted by scrutinizing classical Unani texts and contemporary scientific knowledge. Classical texts like Kāmil us Sana', Al Qānūn fit Tibb, Zakhīra Khw̄arzim Shāhi, Kitāb Al Miah, Ghina Muna, Kitab al Mukhtārāt fit Tibb, Kitāb ut Taisīr, and Kitāb al Kullīyāt were surveyed and examined. Conventional databases, including PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, Benthem Science, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were explored and scanned using the terms "urolithiasis" and Hīṣāt al Kulya. Manuscripts were assessed from both theoretical and clinical perspectives on urolithiasis, and these were featured in the study.

Conclusion: Unani medicine, rooted in humoral theory, emphasizes health and disease based on the Kayfiyāt (qualities): hot, cold, dry, and wet, rather than molecular explanations. The holism-based principles already validated through diverse research data demonstrate a rational approach to treatment with practical relevance. While modern medicine may differ in methodology, it can benefit from Unani's empirical observations. This paper explores the Unani perspective on Urolithiasis, showcasing its clinical relevance even today.

Keywords: Bladder calculi, Botanical medicine, Renal stone, Urolithiasis, Unani medicine.

Background: Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) is an integrative healthcare approach that employs practices such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and Tai Chi to promote well-being. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in MBM to offer data-driven, real-time, and adaptive interventions. While the impact of AI on diagnostics and treatment in healthcare is well documented, its efficacy and challenges in MBM are less studied.

Objective: This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of AI-based MBM interventions in improving mental and physiological health outcomes, compares AI-based MBM with traditional MBM interventions, compares the performance of different AI models in MBM interventions, and identifies data privacy challenges, AI explainability, and ethical concerns in AI-based MBM interventions.

Methods: The literature search was conducted across five major academic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed journal articles on AI-based MBM interventions with quantitative health outcomes in stress levels, heart rate variability (HRV), electroencephalography (EEG) activity, anxiety, or depression were included. Meta-analysis was performed using Cohen's d to determine effect sizes, and statistical heterogeneity was estimated using I² statistics.

Results: 15 studies were selected for final analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. AI-based MBM interventions were found to significantly improve both mental and physiological health outcomes, such as cortisol levels, anxiety and depression scores, HRV, and EEG alpha wave activity. Although AI-assisted MBM was found to outperform the traditional approach in personalization, engagement, and adherence rate, concerns exist about data privacy, algorithmic bias, AI explainability, and user trust issues. Furthermore, AI-driven interventions showed variability in effectiveness depending on the training datasets, with a potential risk of bias in AI-generated recommendations.

Conclusion: AI-driven MBM interventions have immense scope in upgrading classic mind-body techniques by delivering truly personalized, adaptive, and timely interventions. However, further research and consideration are warranted to overcome ethical concerns and biases.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Mind-Body Medicine, Holistic Health, Biofeedback, Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi.

Background: Metabolic Syndrome is a group of interrelated physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic factors that significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and overall mortality. This study aims to evaluate the impact of naturopathy and yogic interventions on vitality and metabolic responses in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Methods: This study is a single-center randomized controlled trial conducted at the Nature Cure and Yoga Centre in Karnataka state of Southern India. 76 Participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention (n=38) or control group (n=38). The intervention group received intensive naturopathy and yoga treatments for 10 days, while the control group was not provided with any specific interventions. Primary outcomes were assessed through measurements of heart rate variability, blood pressure, lipid profile, anthropometric data, a vitality questionnaire (by Ryan and Frederick, 1997), and the Framingham Risk Score conducted at baseline and after 10 days of intervention.

Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose compared to the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, participants in the intervention group reported increased vitality (P < .05) compared to the control group. Also, vitality scores showed a positive correlation with SDRR (ρ = -0.38, P = .02) and negative correlation with HR (ρ = -0.35, P = .04) and FRS (ρ = -0.3, P = .01).

Conclusion: Naturopathy and yoga significantly improved metabolic markers, cardiovascular risk, and vitality in patients with metabolic syndrome. The intervention showed favorable changes in BMI, blood pressure, lipids, and glucose. Vitality correlated positively with HRV and inversely with heart rate and Framingham Risk Score. These findings support integrative therapies as beneficial adjuncts in metabolic syndrome management.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome, naturopathy, yoga, vitality.

Abstract: Trauma can have a significant and long-lasting impact on people; it frequently shows up as anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The interaction between the physiological and psychological reactions to trauma emphasizes the significance of holistic healing approaches. Studies suggest that conventional therapeutic approaches might not adequately tackle the intricacies of trauma, which has led to the investigation of body-based therapies like yoga. Trauma-Informed Yoga (TIY) places a strong emphasis on comprehending how trauma affects the body and mind while fostering safety and security that values empowerment, choice, and building trust. Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) emphasizes physical practices that can be fundamental in healing by encouraging awareness and a connection to the body. This method integrates psychological therapy to assist people in navigating their trauma in a safe environment. Both strategies aim to create a secure and encouraging environment that promotes healing via bodily awareness and mindfulness. In clinical research, the relative effectiveness of different approaches is poorly understood. The present work assesses TIY and TSY therapies based on trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. PTSD, anxiety, and depression results were reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published in the past ten years. The results show that TIY and TSY have unique benefits. It is challenging to validate the efficacy of these approaches based on current clinical outcomes. The efficacy of these approaches is specific to trauma history and intensity, gender, age, duration, and mode of practice. Further clinical studies focusing on these variables would help better understand the approaches in clinical settings.

Keywords: trauma-informed, trauma-sensitive, yoga intervention, yoga clinical trials.