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BACKGROUND: Prior data suggests the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: (MBI) Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) has good inter-rater reliability, but many raters knew teacher experience level. OBJECTIVE: We sought to further evaluate the MBI-TACs inter-rater reliability and obtain preliminary data on predictive validity. METHODS: We videorecorded 21 MBSR teachers from academic and community settings. We trained 19 experienced MBI teachers in using the MBI:TAC. MBSR teachers were rated by three assessors; teachers and their assessors did not know one another. To assess predictive validity, MBSR students in courses taught by 18 of the MBSR teachers were invited to complete PROMIS-29 measures before the MBSR course, at the end of the course (month 2), and month 4. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) representing a single rater ranged from 0.33 to 0.56 on the 6 MBI:TAC domains. Using an average of two raters, ICC estimates ranged from 0.48 to 0.71 and ICCs generalizing to an average of three raters ranged from 0.6 to 0.8. Among n = 152 participating MBSR students, we found improvements from baseline to 2 months and 4 months in PROMIS measures of Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Sleep, and Social Role function (range in improvement 2.3 to 6.3, P < 0.0001 for all comparisons except Social Role at 2 months, P = 0.007). Higher MBI:TAC ratings were associated with greater improvements in anxiety among MBSR students from baseline to 2 months, with a -0.31 lower participant anxiety score per 1 unit increase in MBI:TAC composite teaching rating (95% CI -0.58, -0.05, P = 0.019), but we did not find statistically significant relationships with improvements in other PROMIS-29 domains. CONCLUSIONS: ICCs indicated good reliability using an average of three ratings, but inter-rater reliability was only fair using a single rater. We found initial validation that higher MBI:TAC ratings predicted greater improvements in anxiety symptoms in MBSR participants.

Background: Prior data suggests the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: (MBI) Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) has good inter-rater reliability, but many raters knew teacher experience level. Objective: We sought to further evaluate the MBI-TAC's inter-rater reliability and obtain preliminary data on predictive validity. Methods: We videorecorded 21 MBSR teachers from academic and community settings. We trained 19 experienced MBI teachers in using the MBI:TAC. MBSR teachers were rated by three assessors; teachers and their assessors did not know one another. To assess predictive validity, MBSR students in courses taught by 18 of the MBSR teachers were invited to complete PROMIS-29 measures before the MBSR course, at the end of the course (month 2), and month 4. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) representing a single rater ranged from 0.33 to 0.56 on the 6 MBI:TAC domains. Using an average of two raters, ICC estimates ranged from 0.48 to 0.71 and ICCs generalizing to an average of three raters ranged from 0.6 to 0.8. Among n = 152 participating MBSR students, we found improvements from baseline to 2 months and 4 months in PROMIS measures of Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Sleep, and Social Role function (range in improvement 2.3 to 6.3, P < 0.0001 for all comparisons except Social Role at 2 months, P = 0.007). Higher MBI:TAC ratings were associated with greater improvements in anxiety among MBSR students from baseline to 2 months, with a −0.31 lower participant anxiety score per 1 unit increase in MBI:TAC composite teaching rating (95% CI −0.58, −0.05, P = 0.019), but we did not find statistically significant relationships with improvements in other PROMIS-29 domains. Conclusions: ICCs indicated good reliability using an average of three ratings, but inter-rater reliability was only fair using a single rater. We found initial validation that higher MBI:TAC ratings predicted greater improvements in anxiety symptoms in MBSR participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To evaluate the impact of an abbreviated (4-week) and asynchronous, mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on nurses' perceived stress and mindful attention and awareness. Design: An evidence-based quality improvement pilot program. Methods: The participants (n = 15 nurses) attended a 4-week, asynchronous MBI. The participants attended a 90-minute webinar on mindfulness as a prerequisite, followed by 4 weeks of guided meditation and informal mindfulness practice materials. The MBI was offered remotely with self-modulated practice. Participants also provided the number of days per week they participated in formal meditation practice. Project participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Project instruments included the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Findings: 12 complete pre-and post-intervention surveys were analyzed. Significant improvements were noted in participant mean MAAS scores post-intervention (p =.004). Cumulative PSS scores also decreased post-intervention (p =.009). Conclusion: The 4-week MBI demonstrated a statistically significant impact on nurses' perceived stress and mindful attention and awareness. Additionally, this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student led program was offered in an asynchronous and remote format, which was received well by program participants and may be a practical option for future MBIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing number of people aging with HIV represents a group vulnerable to the symptom burdens of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Among younger groups, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to help people living with HIV manage HIV-related and other life stress, and although there is some theoretical and empirical evidence that it may be effective among those with cognitive deficits, the approach has not been studied in older populations with HAND. Participants (n = 180) 55 years or older with HIV and cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to either an 8-week MBSR arm or a waitlist control. We assessed the impact of MBSR compared to a waitlist control on psychological outcomes [stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL)] and cognitive metrics (e.g., speed of information processing, working memory, attention, impulsivity) measured at baseline, immediately post intervention (8 weeks) and one month later (16 weeks). Intent to treat analyses showed significant improvement in the MBSR group compared to control on symptoms of depression from baseline to 8 weeks, however, the difference was not sustained at 16 weeks. The MBSR group also showed improvement in perceived QOL from baseline to 16 weeks compared to the waitlist control group. Cognitive performance did not differ between the two treatment arms. MBSR shows promise as a tool to help alleviate the symptom burden of depression and low QOL in older individuals living with HAND and future work should address methods to better sustain the beneficial impact on depression and QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The time of examination and evaluation is a stressful period where anxiety is at its highest levels. To some extent, a low level of stress can help motivate the students; however, more stress can be discouraging. It will make students exhausted, overwhelmed, and confused. High self-esteem promotes physical health and enhances coping with threat; on the other hand, low self-esteem is associated with mental health difficulties like anxiety, depression, and personality disorder. Hence, the present study focuses on assessing the academic test anxiety and self-confidence and finding out the efficacy of practicing mindfulness meditation to relieve test anxiety, thereby improving the self-confidence and self-esteem in their life. Objectives. Determine the pre-interventional academic test anxiety and self-confidence among undergraduates in experimental and control groups and determine the effectiveness of MBSR on academic test anxiety and self-confidence.

This study aimed to compare dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) effects on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, quality of life (QOL), anxiety and depression among patients with IBS. Eighty three eligible patients with a Rome- IV diagnosis were randomly allocated in DBT, MBSR, ACT, and control groups (n = 22 per group). All the patients were evaluated for IBS symptoms by IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), QOL by irritable bowel syndrome quality of life (IBS-QOL), anxiety by Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and depression by Beck Depression Inventory- II (BDI-II) on the studied groups at the time of their inclusion in the study and 8 weeks after it. Each of the intervention groups took part in 8 group sessions. Conversely, the control group were evaluated without any intervention. 54 male and 29 female in 4 groups completed the study: DBT (n = 20), MBSR (n = 19), ACT (n = 22), and control groups (n = 22). The results showed significant differences between the groups based on the variables of the IBS-SSS, IBS-QOL, BAI and BDI-II (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ACT intervention had considerably lower levels of IBS symptoms, anxiety, and depression compared to the other groups; also, the significant impacts of the QOL variable showed the higher scores of the ACT compared to the treatment groups. The therapies could not be applied to other groups of people. Other shortcomings were the absence of a follow-up strategy. This research offers preliminary evidence that ACT is more successful than other therapy groups in reducing IBS symptoms, anxiety and sadness, and improving QOL in IBS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Stress-related disorders are a growing public health concern. While stress is a natural and adaptive process, chronic exposure to stressors can lead to dysregulation and take a cumulative toll on physical and mental well-being. One approach to coping with stress and building resilience is through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). By understanding the neural mechanisms of MBSR, we can gain insight into how it reduces stress and what drives individual differences in treatment outcomes. This study aims to establish the clinical effects of MBSR on stress regulation in a population that is susceptible to develop stress-related disorders (i.e., university students with mild to high self-reported stress), to assess the role of large-scale brain networks in stress regulation changes induced by MBSR, and to identify who may benefit most from MBSR. Methods This study is a longitudinal two-arm randomised, wait-list controlled trial to investigate the effects of MBSR on a preselected, Dutch university student population with elevated stress levels. Clinical symptoms are measured at baseline, post-treatment, and three months after training. Our primary clinical symptom is perceived stress, with additional measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms, alcohol use, stress resilience, positive mental health, and stress reactivity in daily life. We investigate the effects of MBSR on stress regulation in terms of behaviour, self-report measures, physiology, and brain activity. Repetitive negative thinking, cognitive reactivity, emotional allowance, mindfulness skills, and self-compassion will be tested as potential mediating factors for the clinical effects of MBSR. Childhood trauma, personality traits and baseline brain activity patterns will be tested as potential moderators of the clinical outcomes. Discussion This study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of MBSR in reducing stress-related symptoms in a susceptible student population and crucially, to investigate its effects on stress regulation, and to identify who may benefit most from the intervention. Trial registration Registered on September 15, 2022, at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05541263 .

Background: Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) is a workplace resilience-building intervention that has shown reductions in perceived stress and burnout, as well as increased resilience and work engagement in health care workers. Objective: To evaluate effects of MIM delivered in a synchronous virtual format on self-reported respiratory rates (RR), as well as perceived stress and resiliency of health care workers. Methods: Breath counts were self-reported by 275 participants before and after 8 weekly MIM sessions. MIM was delivered virtually in a group format as a structured, evidence-based workplace intervention including a variety of mindfulness, relaxation, and resilience-building techniques. Participants counted their breaths for 30 seconds, which was then multiplied by 2 to report RR. Additionally, participants completed Perceived Stress Scale and Connor–Davidson Resiliency Scale. Results: According to mixed effect analyses there were main effects of MIM Session (P <.001) and Weeks (P <.001), but no Session by Week interaction (P =.489) on RR. On average, RR prior to MIM sessions were reduced from 13.24 bpm (95% CI = 12.94, 13.55 bpm) to 9.69 bpm (95% CI = 9.39, 9.99 bpm). When comparing average Pre-MIM and Post-MIM RR throughout the MIM intervention, Week-2 (mean = 12.34; 95% CI = 11.89, 12.79 bpm) was not significantly different than Week-1 (mean = 12.78; 95% CI = 12.34, 13.23 bpm), but Week-3 through Week-8 demonstrated significantly lower average Pre-MIM and Post-MIM RR compared to Week-1 (average weekly difference range: 1.36 to 2.48 bpm, P <.05). Perceived stress was reduced from Week-1 (17.52 ± 6.25) to after Week-8 (13.52 ± 6.04; P <.001), while perceived resiliency was increased from Week-1 (11.30 ± 5.14) to after Week-8 (19.29 ± 2.58); P <.001). Conclusion: Thus far, completion of MIM sessions has shown acute and long-term effects on self-reported RR, but more research is required to determine the extent of improved parasympathetic (relaxed) states. Collectively, this work has shown value for mind–body stress mitigation and resiliency-building in high stress acute health care environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress-related disorders are a growing public health concern. While stress is a natural and adaptive process, chronic exposure to stressors can lead to dysregulation and take a cumulative toll on physical and mental well-being. One approach to coping with stress and building resilience is through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). By understanding the neural mechanisms of MBSR, we can gain insight into how it reduces stress and what drives individual differences in treatment outcomes. This study aims to establish the clinical effects of MBSR on stress regulation in a population that is susceptible to develop stress-related disorders (i.e., university students with mild to high self-reported stress), to assess the role of large-scale brain networks in stress regulation changes induced by MBSR, and to identify who may benefit most from MBSR. Methods: This study is a longitudinal two-arm randomised, wait-list controlled trial to investigate the effects of MBSR on a preselected, Dutch university student population with elevated stress levels. Clinical symptoms are measured at baseline, post-treatment, and three months after training. Our primary clinical symptom is perceived stress, with additional measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms, alcohol use, stress resilience, positive mental health, and stress reactivity in daily life. We investigate the effects of MBSR on stress regulation in terms of behaviour, self-report measures, physiology, and brain activity. Repetitive negative thinking, cognitive reactivity, emotional allowance, mindfulness skills, and self-compassion will be tested as potential mediating factors for the clinical effects of MBSR. Childhood trauma, personality traits and baseline brain activity patterns will be tested as potential moderators of the clinical outcomes. Discussion: This study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of MBSR in reducing stress-related symptoms in a susceptible student population and crucially, to investigate its effects on stress regulation, and to identify who may benefit most from the intervention. Trial registration: Registered on September 15, 2022, at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05541263. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the application effect of case management (CM) combined with mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy in patients with vulnerable heart failure. Methods A total of 90 patients with vulnerable heart failure were recruited using convenience sampling method, and randomly divided into the control group, the case group, and the combination group using a random number table method, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received routine heart failure care, the case group received heart failure CM, and the combination group received heart failure CM combined with MBSR therapy. The scores of the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS),self-perceived burden scale (SPBS), as well as the Minnesota heart failure quality of life score (MLHFQ) and readmission rate among the three groups of patients three months after discharge were compared. Results After three months of intervention, the SAS, SDS, SPBS and MLHFQ scores, and readmission rate of the combination group were lower than those of the control group and the case group, with statistically significant differences (P＜0.05). Conclusion The CM combined with MBSR can reduce the readmission rate, improve their psychological status and quality of life in patients with vulnerable heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provision of educational and health services to vulnerable women in drop-in centers can reduce their traumas. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group therapy is a psychological intervention to reduce perceived stress these women. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR group therapy in the perceived stress of 63 vulnerable women who referred to two drop-in centers in southeastern Iran. The participants were assigned into the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 33) groups. The intervention group members were required to attend the MBSR intervention held in eight 90-minute sessions. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered to collect data before and one month after the MBSR. Based on the findings, the pre-test scores of perceived stress were not significantly different between the intervention (38.16 ± 6.04) and control (39.06 ± 5.30) groups (t = −0.62, p = 0.53). However, the perceived stress scores reduced significantly in the intervention group (30.20 ± 2.89) than the control group scores (37.96 ± 4.18) in the posttest (t = −8.35, P = 0.001). Given the significant reduction of perceived stress in participants after attending the MBSR group therapy, expert counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists are recommended to conduct this therapy to reduce perceived stress in vulnerable women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is an illness that affects every aspect of a person's life. The poor glycemic control is the main reason for the development of diabetes related complications and the stressful life. The nature of the disorder, age, lifestyle practices and psychosocial factors are playing an important role in the management of diabetes. Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is a meditation therapy which promotes positive mindset, feeling of wellbeing and good medical outcomes without any side effects. Study was done to evaluate the beneficial effects of MBSR therapy on HbA1C, blood pressure, BMI, stress, depression and mindfulness among 138 type 2 diabetics. Participants were randomly assigned for intervention group and control group. The intervention group participants received 8 weeks MBSR and the control did not receive intervention. All participants in both groups received their routine medical treatment. Dependent variables were measured before andsix week after intervention. Follow-up was done at 10th week. Study results showed that MBSR had beneficial effect on HbA1C, blood pressure, BMI, stress, depression and mindfulness among participants in the intervention group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Stress among students is on the rise during early medical school and has been implicated in poor academic performance. Several methods are being discussed to efficiently reduce stress, among them mindfulness-based interventions. We therefore set out to assess how stress, mindfulness, and academic performance are connected and if an intervention on mindfulness based stress reduction could alleviate stress among medical students and improve their academic achievements. Methods A non-randomized controlled trial including 143 medical students in their preclinical years was performed in 2019. The students completed two surveys - one in the first, the other in the third term - recording perceived stress and mindfulness via validated scales (PSS-10 and MAAS). In between both, 41 students participated in a voluntary mindfulness-based intervention including six two-hours courses. 86 students served as controls. Scholarly success was assessed via the scores achieved in six exams written during the observation period. Results Stress was inversely related with mindfulness and with the results of the most challenging exam. The intervention on mindfulness based stress reduction helped to contain stress and maintain mindfulness during the observation period and this effect lasted for at least six months beyond completion of the intervention. In contrast, beneficial effects on scholarly success were transient and only detectable at completion of the intervention. Conclusion Our observation of short- and intermediate term effects resulting from six individual interventions on mindfulness based stress reduction is encouraging and calls for alternative strategies to induce long-lasting impacts.

Perawat lansia yang bekerja di panti werdha sangat rentan mengalami burnout dan dapat memengaruhi penurunan performa kerja. Salah satu intervensi yang dapat digunakan untuk membantu mengatasi stress, menurunkan tingkat burnout dan mengantisipasi terjadinya burnout yaitu Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) menggunakan pendekatan mindfulness, peserta diajak untuk menyadari situasi diri sini dan kini. Untuk mengantisipasi terjadinya burnout, penting juga untuk mengembangkan psychological capital (PsyCap), karakteristik positif yang dapat melindungi diri saat menghadapi situasi sulit, terutama aspek harapan dan optimisme. Peserta yang mengikuti intervensi ini yaitu delapan perawat lansia di Panti Werdha M di Jakarta Utara yang sudah bekerja selama minimal 1 tahun. Pemilihan peserta didasari dari skor burnout yang lebih dari rata-rata populasi perawat di panti tersebut dengan menggunakan instrumen Caregiver Burnout yang didasari teori burnout dari Maslach dan Leiter (2016) dan mengalami penurunan performa kerja berdasarkan evaluasi kinerja. Intervensi yang dilakukan terdiri dari tiga sesi MBSR dan satu sesi PsyCap dengan durasi sekitar 120 menit setiap sesi. Sesi follow-up dilakukan dua minggu setelah intervensi. Data kuantitatif dan kualitatif menunjukkan adanya penurunan tingkat burnout, meski dimensi personal accomplishment tidak menunjukkan perubahan signifikan. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan MBSR dan PCI sebagai intervensi yang cukup efektif untuk menurunkan tingkat burnout bagi perawat lansia.

Context: Health care providers (HCP) experience high stress and burnout rates. Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI) with biofeedback may help improve resiliency but require further research., Design and Study Participants: Aims were to evaluate changes in sleep patterns, nocturnal physiology, stress, mood disturbances, and perceived experience with biofeedback during the Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) intervention. Data from 66 HCP were included after removing those below 75 % compliance with wearable sensors and wellness surveys. Participants were enrolled in MIM, including eight weekly one-hour virtually delivered synchronous group meetings and ∼10 min of mindfulness home practice at least 3 times per week using a mobile application. Participants wore wearable sensors to monitor sleep and nocturnal physiology and completed short daily stress and mood disturbances., Results: According to mixed effect models, no sleep nor physiological metrics changed across MIM (p > 0.05). More time was spent in bed after MIM sessions (8.33±1.03 h) compared to night before (8.05±0.93 h; p = 0.040). Heart rate variability was lower nights after MIM (33.00±15.59 ms) compared to nights before (34.50±17.04 ms; p = 0.004) but was not clinically meaningful (effect= 0.033). Significant reductions were noted in perceived stress at weeks 3 through 8 compared to Baseline and lower Total Mood Disturbance at weeks 3, 5, 6, and 8 compared to Baseline (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Participating in the MIM with mobile applications and wearable sensors reduced perceived stress and mood disturbances but did not induce physiological changes. Additional research is warranted to further evaluate objective physiological outcomes while controlling for confounding variables (e.g., alcohol, medications)., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: With the increasing availability of Smartphones and wearable tracking devices, it is now feasible and affordable to apply such mobile devices to delivering mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and intermittent fasting (IF) to lower blood pressure, as traditional MBSR and IF incur the burden of commuting to the intervention sites for the patients. Our study will develop and scientifically evaluate an MBSR app, an IF app and an MBSR + IF app in terms of their effectiveness for lowering blood pressure. We will further explore the possible interaction effect (synergistic effect) between MBSR and IF intervention: will improved mindfulness enhance patients' adherence to the IF protocol? Methods: We will develop an MBSR app, an IF app, and an MBSR+IF app. We will then conduct an 8-week randomized controlled trial with a factorial design to evaluate the efficacy of these new apps, especially the interaction effect between MBSR and IF. Eligible individuals will be randomly assigned to Group 1 (MBSR app), Group 2 (IF app), Group 3 (MBSR + IF app) or Group 4 (usual care). Discussion: This will be the first attempt to explore the impact of mindfulness intervention on the adherence of a behavioral intervention. Nevertheless, our protocol is limited in that the effectiveness of intermittent fasting on lowering blood pressure has not been supported by large-sample randomized controlled trials. Thus if there is no significant effectiveness we cannot determine whether it is due to the intermittent fasting intervention itself or it is due to the limit of smartphone as a vehicle.

The Mindfulness to Meaning Theory provides a detailed process model of the mechanisms by which mindfulness may promote well‐being. Central to the Mindfulness to Meaning Theory is the mindful reappraisal hypothesis (MRH), which suggests mindfulness training promotes well‐being by facilitating positive reappraisal. Emerging evidence from interconnected domains of research supports the MRH. However, it remains unclear whether mindful reappraisal continues to develop after a mindfulness training course and whether this continued development encourages well‐being over time. As such, this randomized controlled study compared participants receiving a mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) course with participants receiving no mindfulness training on positive reappraisal use and well‐being over the course of 6 years. Latent growth curve modeling revealed that mindfulness training increased well‐being by significantly increasing the trajectory of positive reappraisal over time. The MRH was then unpacked by examining whether MBSR also stimulated decentering and broadened awareness, core components of the MRH. Multivariate path analysis revealed that mindfulness training increased decentering, which in turn broadened awareness, which was then associated with positive reappraisal, ultimately promoting well‐being. Taken together, these findings suggest that MBSR cultivates a downstream cascade of adaptive psychological processes that continue to promote quality of life 6‐years after mindfulness training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Amputation is the most disturbing and damaging thing a person may experience in his or her life. The aim of the present research was to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on anxious thoughts of wives of veterans with amputation. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study with pre-test post-test design with control group, 28 wives of veterans with amputation referring to veterans counseling center of Ahvaz were randomly chosen by available sampling method and they were assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 8 sessions of intervention based on MBSR. The instrument was the Wells’s Anxious Thoughts Inventory scale, which was filled out by participants in pre-test and post-test stages. Data analysis was performed, using SPSS 20 software by multivariate covariance analysis and Bonferroni post hoc test. Finding: By controlling the effects of pre-test, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the dimensions of the anxious thoughts in the experimental and control groups in the post-test (p0.05). Conclusion: Reducing MBSR decreases the anxious thoughts of wives of veterans with amputation.

Introduction: Epilepsy is a brain disease along with paramount neurobiological, cognitive, psychological and social consequences for patients. Aim: Present study is conducted to study the effectiveness of mindfulness based stress reduction on life quality and the number of convulsions in those patients who suffer from epilepsy. Method: In present semi-empirical study on clients to Isfahan Epilepsy Charity Association in 2016, 26 epileptics were selected by available sampling method and they were divided into two experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Life quality questionnaire for epileptics (1995) and structured demographical data questionnaires were used in three pretest, past-test and follow-up (75 days) steps). Acquired data was analyzed by variance analytical technique. Results: Data analysis findings indicated that the effectiveness of mindfulness based stress reduction improves components and aspects of life quality (P < 0.04) and reduces convulsions (p < 0.03) in epileptics in past test and follow-up steps significantly. Conclusion: This study suggests that mindfulness based stress reduction is effective in improving life quality and in reducing the convulsions of such patients.

Background: Train driver is a job with a high level of occupational stress. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness mindfulness-based stress reduction on occupational stress and general health among train drivers. Method: This study was a quasi-experimental pretest - posttest with control group. Utilization of voluntary sampling method, 30 people were selected among the train drivers in Kashan City and were assigned into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 8 sessions of mindfulness based stress reduction. General health questionnaire and occupational stress questionnaires (Devis & et al) were also used to collect data. Results: In terms of occupational stress, the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the pretest stage were 32.27 and 34.63, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean scores of the experimental and control group in the posttest stage were 24.86 and 34.17, respectively. In terms of general health, the mean scores of the experimental and control groups at the pretest were 26.14 and 28.34, respectively. In the meantime, the mean scores of the mentioned groups in the posttest stage were 19.23 and 27.98. In other words, mindfulness based on stress reduction had effect on increasing the general health and reducing occupational stress. Conclusion: According to the research findings, mindfulness based stress reduction is an appropriate intervention to reduce occupational stress and it is effective in increasing mental health of train drivers.

Background: Stress among students is on the rise during early medical school and has been implicated in poor academic performance. Several methods are being discussed to efficiently reduce stress, among them mindfulness-based interventions. We therefore set out to assess how stress, mindfulness, and academic performance are connected and if an intervention on mindfulness based stress reduction could alleviate stress among medical students and improve their academic achievements. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial including 143 medical students in their preclinical years was performed in 2019. The students completed two surveys - one in the first, the other in the third term - recording perceived stress and mindfulness via validated scales (PSS-10 and MAAS). In between both, 41 students participated in a voluntary mindfulness-based intervention including six two-hours courses. 86 students served as controls. Scholarly success was assessed via the scores achieved in six exams written during the observation period. Results: Stress was inversely related with mindfulness and with the results of the most challenging exam. The intervention on mindfulness based stress reduction helped to contain stress and maintain mindfulness during the observation period and this effect lasted for at least six months beyond completion of the intervention. In contrast, beneficial effects on scholarly success were transient and only detectable at completion of the intervention. Conclusion: Our observation of short- and intermediate term effects resulting from six individual interventions on mindfulness based stress reduction is encouraging and calls for alternative strategies to induce long-lasting impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness training has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cognitive flexibility. However, little is known about the mediators that produce this effect. Cross-sectional studies show that there might be a link between Non-judgment, Non-reactivity and cognitive flexibility. Longitudinal studies examining whether Non-judgment or Non-reactivity mediate the effectiveness of mindfulness training on improving cognitive flexibility are lacking. The present study aims to test the effect of mindfulness training on increasing cognitive flexibility and to test whether this effect is mediated by Non-judgment or Non-reactivity. We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial in 54 nonclinical high-stress participants between October 2018 and January 2019. Participants were randomly assigned to a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group or a waitlist control group. The experimenters were blind to the group assignment of participants. The MBSR group received 8-weekly sessions (2.5-h per week) and a one-day retreat (6-h), and was required to accomplish a 45-min daily formal practice during the intervention. The waitlist control group did not receive any intervention during the waiting period and received a 2-day (6-h per day) mindfulness training after the post-intervention. The primary outcome was self-report cognitive flexibility and perceived stress administered before and after MBSR. The secondary outcome was self-report mindfulness skills (including Non-reactivity and Non-judgment) measured at pre-treatment, Week 3, Week 6, and post-intervention. For cognitive flexibility, mixed-model repeated-measure ANOVA results showed that there were significant main effects of Time, Group and a significant interaction of Time by Group. Follow-up ANOVA indicated that the MBSR group was associated with greater improvements in cognitive flexibility than the waitlist. Path analysis results showed that the effect of the treatment on cognitive flexibility at post-treatment was fully mediated by Non-reactivity at Week 6. The mediation effects of Non-reactivity at Week 3, and Non-judgment at Week 3 and Week 6 were not significant. Our findings support the efficacy of MBSR on improving cognitive flexibility. Non-reactivity is an important element of the effectiveness of MBSR training on cognitive flexibility.

Abstract Background Breast cancer survivors have an elevated risk of cognitive impairment compared to age-matched women without cancer. Causes of this impairment are complex, including both treatment and psychological factors. Mindfulness-based interventions, which have been shown to improve cognitive function in the general population, may be one approach to mitigate cognitive impairment in this survivor population. Our objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of studies on the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on cognition among breast cancer survivors. Methods We conducted searches of three electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) in September 2017 for studies pertaining mindfulness and cognitive function among breast cancer survivors. Abstracts were manually searched by two reviewers and additional articles were identified through reference lists. Results A total of 226 articles were identified through our systematic search and six met inclusion criteria for this review. The reviewed studies lacked consistency in terms of the cognition domains studied (e.g. executive function, recent memory, etc) and in the measures used to assess cognition. Of the included studies, two found no association between mindfulness interventions and cognitive function, two found improvement that was not sustained at the follow-up, and another two found sustained improvement at 2- or 6-months. Conclusions Mindfulness-based interventions have shown some evidence for improving cognition among breast cancer survivors, but further research using validated and comprehensive cognitive assessments is needed. More research is also needed related to the timing, duration and content of mindfulness interventions.

Abstract Background Psychological distress with symptoms of depression and anxiety is common and unrecognized in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Efforts have been made to treat psychological distress in CAD with both conventional methods, such as antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy, and non-conventional methods, such as stress management courses. However, studies focusing on the experiences of mindfulness training in this population are still scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore immediate experiences of mindfulness practice among CAD patients with depressive symptoms. Methods A qualitative content analysis of diary entries, written immediately after practice sessions and continuously during an 8-week long Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course (MBSR), was applied. Results Twelve respondents participated in the study. The main category: a journey through chaos and calmness captured the participants’ concurrent experiences of challenges and rewards over time. This journey appears to reflect a progressive development culminating in the harvesting of the fruits of practice at the end of the mindfulness training. Descriptions of various challenging facets of mindfulness practice – both physical and psychological - commonly occurred during the whole course, although distressing experiences were more predominant during the first half. Furthermore, the diary entries showed a wide variety of ways of dealing with these struggles, including both constructive and less constructive strategies of facing difficult experiences. As the weeks passed, participants more frequently described an enhanced ability to concentrate, relax and deal with distractions. They also developed their capacity to observe the content of their mind and described how the practice began to yield rewards in the form of well-being and a sense of mastery. Conclusions Introducing MBSR in the aftermath of a cardiac event, when depressive symptoms are present, is a complex and delicate challenge in clinical practice. More nuanced information about what to expect as well as the addition of motivational support and skillful guidance during the course should be given in accordance with the participants’ experiences and needs. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT03340948).

Objective: This three‐armed randomized controlled feasibility trial tested the acceptability and acute effects of aerobic exercise and technology‐guided mindfulness training (relative to standalone interventions) on cancer‐related fatigue among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: BCS recruited from Central Illinois completed pre‐ and post‐testing using established measures and were randomized to one of three groups (combined aerobic exercise with guided‐mindfulness relaxation, aerobic exercise only, and relaxation only), conducted in three 90 min sessions over the course of 7 days in a fitness room and research office on a university campus. Results: We enrolled 40 BCS (Mage = 57.33 ± 8.75), MBMI = 27.38 ± 5.27, Mfatigue = 4.56 ± 1.81 as measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale. More favorable post‐intervention evaluations were reported by the combined group, compared to aerobic exercise or relaxation only (p < 0.05). Reductions in fatigue favoring the combined group (p = 0.05) showed a modest effect size (Cohen's d = 0.91) compared to aerobic exercise only. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility of combining evidence‐based techniques to address fatigue among BCS. The combined approach, incorporating mobile health technology, presents an efficacious and well‐received design. If replicated in longer trials, the approach could provide a promising opportunity to deliver broad‐reaching interventions for improved outcomes in BCS. Preregistered‐ClinicalTrials NCT03702712 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness training has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cognitive flexibility. However, little is known about the mediators that produce this effect. Cross-sectional studies show that there might be a link between Non-judgment, Non-reactivity and cognitive flexibility. Longitudinal studies examining whether Non-judgment or Non-reactivity mediate the effectiveness of mindfulness training on improving cognitive flexibility are lacking. The present study aims to test the effect of mindfulness training on increasing cognitive flexibility and to test whether this effect is mediated by Non-judgment or Non-reactivity. We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial in 54 nonclinical high-stress participants between October 2018 and January 2019. Participants were randomly assigned to a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group or a waitlist control group. The experimenters were blind to the group assignment of participants. The MBSR group received 8-weekly sessions (2.5-h per week) and a one-day retreat (6-h), and was required to accomplish a 45-min daily formal practice during the intervention. The waitlist control group did not receive any intervention during the waiting period and received a 2-day (6-h per day) mindfulness training after the post-intervention. The primary outcome was self-report cognitive flexibility and perceived stress administered before and after MBSR. The secondary outcome was self-report mindfulness skills (including Non-reactivity and Non-judgment) measured at pre-treatment, Week 3, Week 6, and post-intervention. For cognitive flexibility, mixed-model repeated-measure ANOVA results showed that there were significant main effects of Time, Group and a significant interaction of Time by Group. Follow-up ANOVA indicated that the MBSR group was associated with greater improvements in cognitive flexibility than the waitlist. Path analysis results showed that the effect of the treatment on cognitive flexibility at post-treatment was fully mediated by Non-reactivity at Week 6. The mediation effects of Non-reactivity at Week 3, and Non-judgment at Week 3 and Week 6 were not significant. Our findings support the efficacy of MBSR on improving cognitive flexibility. Non-reactivity is an important element of the effectiveness of MBSR training on cognitive flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many older adults cope with various chronic physical health conditions, and in some cases, with mental health and/or cognitive difficulties. Mindfulness-based interventions offer an evidence-based, mind-body complementary treatment approach for a wide range of comorbidities, yet most investigations were conducted with young or middle-aged adults. The purpose of this review was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of two leading mindfulness-based interventions conducted with older adults. Methods: Our search of five databases identified seven RCT investigations of either Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) conducted exclusively with older adults. Results: Results generally supported the use of MBSR for chronic low back pain, chronic insomnia, improved sleep quality, enhanced positive affect, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improved memory and executive functioning. In a sample of older adults exhibiting elevated anxiety in the absence of elevated depression, MBCT effectively reduced symptoms of anxiety. Conclusions: This review highlights the feasibility and possible benefits of MBSR and MBCT for older adults. Additional large scale RCTs conducted with older adults coping with the range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges older adults commonly face still are needed. Clinical Implications: MBSR may be a promising intervention for older adults experiencing a variety of health concerns and possibly even cognitive decline. MBCT may reduce geriatric anxiety, although its effects on geriatric depression were not measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Epilepsy is a brain disease along with paramount neurobiological, cognitive, psychological and social consequences for patients. Aim: Present study is conducted to study the effectiveness of mindfulness based stress reduction on life quality and the number of convulsions in those patients who suffer from epilepsy. Method: In present semi-empirical study on clients to Isfahan Epilepsy Charity Association in 2016, 26 epileptics were selected by available sampling method and they were divided into two experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Life quality questionnaire for epileptics (1995) and structured demographical data questionnaires were used in three pretest, past-test and follow-up (75 days) steps). Acquired data was analyzed by variance analytical technique. Results: Data analysis findings indicated that the effectiveness of mindfulness based stress reduction improves components and aspects of life quality (P < 0.04) and reduces convulsions (p < 0.03) in epileptics in past test and follow-up steps significantly. Conclusion: This study suggests that mindfulness based stress reduction is effective in improving life quality and in reducing the convulsions of such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing availability of Smartphones and wearable tracking devices, it is now feasible and affordable to apply such mobile devices to delivering mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and intermittent fasting (IF) to lower blood pressure, as traditional MBSR and IF incur the burden of commuting to the intervention sites for the patients. Our study will develop and scientifically evaluate an MBSR app, an IF app and an MBSR + IF app in terms of their effectiveness for lowering blood pressure. We will further explore the possible interaction effect (synergistic effect) between MBSR and IF intervention: will improved mindfulness enhance patients’ adherence to the IF protocol? Methods: We will develop an MBSR app, an IF app, and an MBSR+IF app. We will then conduct an 8-week randomized controlled trial with a factorial design to evaluate the efficacy of these new apps, especially the interaction effect between MBSR and IF. Eligible individuals will be randomly assigned to Group 1 (MBSR app), Group 2 (IF app), Group 3 (MBSR + IF app) or Group 4 (usual care). Discussion: This will be the first attempt to explore the impact of mindfulness intervention on the adherence of a behavioral intervention. Nevertheless, our protocol is limited in that the effectiveness of intermittent fasting on lowering blood pressure has not been supported by large-sample randomized controlled trials. Thus if there is no significant effectiveness we cannot determine whether it is due to the intermittent fasting intervention itself or it is due to the limit of smartphone as a vehicle.

Background: Breast cancer survivors have an elevated risk of cognitive impairment compared to age-matched women without cancer. Causes of this impairment are complex, including both treatment and psychological factors. Mindfulness-based interventions, which have been shown to improve cognitive function in the general population, may be one approach to mitigate cognitive impairment in this survivor population. Our objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of studies on the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on cognition among breast cancer survivors.Methods: We conducted searches of three electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) in September 2017 for studies pertaining mindfulness and cognitive function among breast cancer survivors. Abstracts were manually searched by two reviewers and additional articles were identified through reference lists.Results: A total of 226 articles were identified through our systematic search and six met inclusion criteria for this review. The reviewed studies lacked consistency in terms of the cognition domains studied (e.g. executive function, recent memory, etc) and in the measures used to assess cognition. Of the included studies, two found no association between mindfulness interventions and cognitive function, two found improvement that was not sustained at the follow-up, and another two found sustained improvement at 2- or 6-months.Conclusions: Mindfulness-based interventions have shown some evidence for improving cognition among breast cancer survivors, but further research using validated and comprehensive cognitive assessments is needed. More research is also needed related to the timing, duration and content of mindfulness interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The neuroticism is persons tend to experience the negative emotions as anxiety, depression and anger and considered as a risk factor for a wide spectrum from affective disorders. Aim: The purpose of this study wase to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness based stress reduction on executive function, cognitive flexibility in women with neuroticism. Method: The method this research was quasi –experimental with per –test and post –test follow –up design whit control and experimental groups. The statistical population consisted of all women with neuroticism in Esfahan city in spring 2017 that among they 30 women with this trait selected with available sampling and were randomly devidfd in to an experimental and a control group (15 each). All subject assessed in each group by stroop test (lezak, 2004), the tower of London test ( Tehrani doost at all , 2003 (at pre and past test. for experimental group conducted mindfulness based strees reduction sessions. Results: According to the finding this research could use from mindfulness based stress reduction on executive function and cognitive flexibility in women. Conclusion: The result of analysis of covariance showed that at post test, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in self efficacy and its sub-scales inclouding executive function and cognitive flexibility (p <0/05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Undergraduate and graduate students frequently experience psychological distress that often results in impairment and psychopathology. and effective interventions are thus needed. This work represents a replication of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to reduce psychological distress; secondary objectives include: evaluating participant characteristics related to differential outcomes; exploring predictors of attrition; testing dose-response relations between attendance and practice, and psychological distress. Method: Twenty-one postsecondary students enrolled in MBSR. Using a non-experimental longitudinal design, student data collection included: psychological distress, trait mindfulness, attendance, and home-practice. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA yielded statistically significant reductions to psychological distress and increases in trait mindfulness. Mindfulness did not significantly moderate intervention effectiveness; no measured variable predicted attrition; and there was no observed dose-response relation. Conclusions: MBSR can reduce psychological distress in postsecondary students, however more research using larger samples is needed to fully understand this contemplative intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Recovery of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) is depended on several physical and psychological factors. Therefore, the authors aimed to examine the efficacy of mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) as a mind-body intervention on quality of life and pain severity of female patients with nonspecific chronic LBP (NSCLBP). Effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on pain and quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain Eighty-eight patients diagnosed as NSCLBP by physician and randomly assigned to experimental (MBSR+ usual medical care) and the control group (usual medical care only). The subjects assessed in 3 times frames; before, after and 4 weeks after intervention by Mac Gil pain and standard brief quality of life scales. Data obtained from the final sample analyzed by ANCOVA using SPSS software. Results: The findings showed MBSR was effective in reduction of pain severity and the patients who practiced 8 sessions meditation reported significantly lower pain than patients who only received usual medical care. There was a significant effect of the between subject factor group (F [1, 45] = 16.45, P < 0.001) and (F [1, 45] = 21.51, P < 0.001) for physical quality of life and (F [1, 45] = 13.80, P < 0.001) and (F [1, 45] = 25.07, P < 0.001) mental quality of life respectively. Conclusion: MBSR as a mind-body therapy including body scan, sitting and walking meditation was effective intervention on reduction of pain severity and improvement of physical and mental quality of life of female patients with NSCLBP.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility of using an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) to teach lifestyle modifications to urban women.Methods: Women were randomized to either 1) an ECA (content included: mindfulness, stress management, physical activity, and healthy eating) or 2) patient education sheets mirroring same content plus a meditation CD/MP3 once a day for one month. General outcome measures included: number of stress management techniques used, physical activity levels, and eating patterns.Results: Sixty-one women ages 18 to 50 were enrolled. On average, 51% identified as white, 26% as black, 23% as other races; and 20% as Hispanic. The major stress management techniques reported at baseline were: exercise (69%), listening to music (70%), and social support (66%). After one month, women randomized to the ECA significantly decreased alcohol consumption to reduce stress (p=0.03) and increased daily fruit consumption by an average of 2 servings compared to the control (p=0.04).Conclusion: It is feasible to use an ECA to promote health behaviors on stress management and healthy eating among diverse urban women.Practice Implications: Compared to patient information sheets, ECAs provide promise as a way to teach healthy lifestyle behaviors to diverse urban women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A core focus for PRAXIS Holistic Health is the facilitation of stress reduction techniques and to provide a variety of environments, both geophysical and virtual-immersive that are conducive to a patient's wellbeing. Through continuous seamless patient feedback via tablet-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR), we have been able to customize and provide innovative inclusive health care design while ensuring that each patients needs are addressed. Our "Wellpad" EMR also allows us to seamlessly glimpse at patient progress, allowing us to continuously taper technologically enhanced multimodal meditation (TEMM) treatment and learn what therapeutic programs are most effective for that particular patient. The growing palate of customized programs available through TEMM treatment allow us to target various medical and psychosomatic conditions while continuously adjusting target programs and parameters, marking PRAXIS Holistic Health's unique inclusive health care design for mental health. It is important to note that with iterative patient feedback, recorded every time a patient is treated, we are able to observe trends to inform which TEMM programs fit optimally for particular medical conditions, promoting optimized patient health care. Increasingly, virtual meditative experiences are also employed to inspire patients towards health- and wellness-oriented praxis, i.e., action. We touch upon seamless diagnostic evaluation and clinical utility of Wellpad, our EMR system developed using an iterative inclusive design approach. We place our multisensory meditation therapy within the scope of Virtual Environment Therapy (VET) and suggest the mechanism of action as an induced leisure or flow state to potentiate relaxation, stress-reduction, resilience and personal transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Given the public health crisis of opioid overprescribing for pain, there is a need for evidence-based non pharmacological treatment options that effectively reduce pain and depression. We aim to examine the effectiveness of the Integrative Medical Group Visits (IMGV) model in reducing chronic pain and depressive symptoms, as well as increasing pain self-management. Methods This paper details the study design and implementation of an ongoing randomized controlled trial of the IMGV model as compared to primary care visits. The research aims to determine if the IMGV model is effective in achieving: a) a reduction in self-reported pain and depressive symptoms and 2) an improvement in the self-management of pain, through increasing pain self-efficacy and reducing use of self-reported pain medication. We intend to recruit 154 participants to be randomized in our intervention, the IMGV model (n = 77) and to usual care (n = 77). Conclusions Usual care of chronic pain through pharmacological treatment has mixed evidence of efficacy and may not improve quality of life or functional status. We aim to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the IMGV model as compared to usual care in reducing self-reported pain and depressive symptoms as well as increasing pain management skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article discusses the researches undertaken over the last two decades on the role of mindfulness based stress reduction therapy in enhancing well-being of Cancers patients in alleviating the stress, pain, fatigue and also enhancing the feeling of hopefulness, coping skill, quality of life. The researches delineated have been published in various sources such as PsycINFO, Science Direct, Wiley online Library, Medline and Pub Med database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) course in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) outpatients, who after eight weeks of an appropriate dose of traditional therapy had not yet achieved remission. Subjects: The adult participants (18-65 years) were outpatients with a primary diagnosis of GAD with or without comorbidities on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Participants had a minimum of eight weeks standard treatment with an appropriate dose of a standard prescription anxiolytic, a clinician global impression-severity (CGI-S) score of 5-7, a Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A) total score ≥20 including a score of >2 on the anxious mood and tension items. Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients were enrolled in an open-label trial of the SKY course as an adjunct to standard treatment of GAD at the START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, a tertiary care mood and anxiety disorder clinic in Toronto. The SKY course was administered over five days (22 h total). Subjects were encouraged to practice the yoga breathing techniques at home for 20 min per day after the course and were offered group practice sessions for 2 h once a week led by certified yoga instructors. The primary outcome measure was the mean change from pre-treatment on the HAM-A scale. Psychological measures were obtained at baseline and four weeks after completing the intervention. Results:Thirty-one patients completed the program (mean age 42.6 ± 13.3 years). Among completers, significant reductions occurred in the pre- and post-intervention mean HAM-A total score (t=4.59; P

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is challenging to treat with its significant psychological and cognitive behavioural element involved. Mindfulness meditation helps alter the behavioural response in chronic pain situations. Significant body of research in the filed of mindfulness meditation comes from the work of Dr Kabat-Zinn. The current evidence in the field, though not grade one, shows that there is a place for mindfulness meditation in managing chronic pain conditions including CLBP. Further research to test the usefulness of mindfulness in CLBP should involve good quality randomized controlled trials of pure mindfulness based technique in matched subjects.

Unlabelled: The objective of the current study was to systematically review the evidence of the effect of secular mindfulness techniques on function and structure of the brain. Based on areas known from traditional meditation neuroimaging results, we aimed to explore a neuronal explanation of the stress-reducing effects of the 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program.Methods: We assessed the effect of MBSR and MBCT (N=11, all MBSR), components of the programs (N=15), and dispositional mindfulness (N=4) on brain function and/or structure as assessed by (functional) magnetic resonance imaging. 21 fMRI studies and seven MRI studies were included (two studies performed both).Results: The prefrontal cortex, the cingulate cortex, the insula and the hippocampus showed increased activity, connectivity and volume in stressed, anxious and healthy participants. Additionally, the amygdala showed decreased functional activity, improved functional connectivity with the prefrontal cortex, and earlier deactivation after exposure to emotional stimuli.Conclusion: Demonstrable functional and structural changes in the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, insula and hippocampus are similar to changes described in studies on traditional meditation practice. In addition, MBSR led to changes in the amygdala consistent with improved emotion regulation. These findings indicate that MBSR-induced emotional and behavioral changes are related to functional and structural changes in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at assessing the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on cardiac patients' blood pressure (BP), perceived stress, and anger. In total, 60 cardiac patients were recruited between April and June 2015 from a specialized private cardiac clinic located in Kashan, Iran. Patients were allocated to the intervention and control groups. Patients in the experimental group received MBSR in eight 2.5-hour sessions, while patients in the control group received no psychological therapy. The main outcomes were BP, perceived stress, and anger. Analysis of covariance revealed a significant difference between the study groups regarding the posttest values of systolic BP, perceived stress, and anger ( P < .001). However, the study groups did not differ significantly in terms of diastolic BP ( P = .061; P = .17). This study reveals that MBSR is effective in reducing cardiac patients' systolic BP, perceived stress, and anger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]