scholarly journals Exploring the relationship between mindfulness and rock-climbing: a controlled study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Wheatley
Keyword(s):  
Rock Climbing ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Control Activity ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Mixed Anova ◽  
Building Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractMindfulness is a meditative practice that has received increasing attention within positive psychology as an effective tool to increase wellbeing and decrease anxiety. Previous research has demonstrated that rock-climbers have a higher endorsement of mindfulness and life satisfaction than the general population; yet to date, no research has empirically explored the relationship between mindfulness and rock-climbing. In the current study fifty-nine participants ($$ \overline{\mathrm{x}} $$ x ¯ = 20.63, SD = 1.60) were asked to complete measures of mindfulness, wellbeing and anxiety before and after participating in an ‘intervention’. The intervention consisted of a mindfulness activity followed by either indoor bouldering (a form of rock-climbing) versus a physical activity control. A mixed ANOVA revealed that participation in bouldering increased the measure of mindfulness significantly more than the control activity; however, no significant group differences were found for the measures of wellbeing and anxiety. A regression analysis then revealed that group condition accounted for 33% of the variance in post-intervention mindfulness levels when controlling for baseline levels of mindfulness. This is the first study to experimentally demonstrate that engagement with rock-climbing increases mindfulness in young adults. Theoretically, the results have implications for our understanding of “flow” and optimal human experience. Practically, the study highlights the potential to implement rock-climbing as a resilience-building activity and integrate the sport within therapeutic frameworks.

The Relationship Between Pain, Self-Injury, and Other Problem Behaviors in Young Children With Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

2016 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea B. Courtemanche ◽  
William R. Black ◽  
R. Matthew Reese
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Problem Behaviors ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Children's Pain ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Research has suggested that individuals who engage in self-injurious behavior may have enhanced expressions of pain, which contradicts previous assertions of blunted pain sensitivity in this population. The purpose of this study was to measure expressions of pain among young children being evaluated for autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The frequency of pain-related behaviors was assessed during everyday routines using the Non-Communicating Children's Pain Checklist (NCCPC-R) for 51 children. Significant group differences between children with and without self-injury were found for the NCCPC-R total scores. The frequency and severity of self-injury, aggression, and stereotypy were also highly correlated with the total scores on the NCCPC-R. These results continue to support that individuals with self-injury may have enhanced expressions of pain.

scholarly journals Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation versus High-Intensity Resistance Exercise on Body Composition and Strength: A Randomized Controlled Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Kemmler ◽  
Marc Teschler ◽  
Anja Weißenfels ◽  
Michael Bebenek ◽  
Michael Fröhlich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Gold Standard Reference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Single Set

High-intensity (resistance) exercise (HIT) and whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) are both approaches to realize time-efficient favorable changes of body composition and strength. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of WB-EMS compared with the gold standard reference HIT, for improving body composition and muscle strength in middle-aged men. Forty-eight healthy untrained men, 30–50 years old, were randomly allocated to either HIT (2 sessions/week) or a WB-EMS group (3 sessions/2 weeks) that exercised for 16 weeks. HIT was applied as “single-set-to-failure protocol,” while WB-EMS was conducted with intermittent stimulation (6 s WB-EMS, 4 s rest; 85 Hz, 350 ms) over 20 minutes. The main outcome parameters were lean body mass (LBM) as determined via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and maximum dynamic leg-extensor strength (isokinetic leg-press). LBM changes of both groups (HIT 1.25 ± 1.44% versus WB-EMS0.93±1.15%) were significant (p=.001); however, no significant group differences were detected (p=.395). Leg-extensor strength also increased in both groups (HIT12.7±14.7%,p=.002, versus WB-EMS7.3±10.3%,p=.012) with no significant (p=.215) between-group difference. Corresponding changes were also determined for body fat and back-extensor strength.Conclusion. In summary, WB-EMS can be considered as a time-efficient but pricy option to HIT-resistance exercise for people aiming at the improvement of general strength and body composition.

The interrelationship of beta endorphin, ACTH and cortisol in depressive illness: a controlled study

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Ball ◽  
Trevor Howlett ◽  
Trevor Silverstone ◽  
Lesley Rees
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Depressive Illness ◽  
Endogenous Opioids ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Beta Endorphin ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis

SynopsisPlasma cortisol, ACTH and beta endorphin were measured before and after dexamethasone in 8 severely depressed patients and 8 age- and sex-matched controls to examine the relationship of ACTH and endogenous opioids to cortisol in depression. Despite having significantly higher plasma levels of cortisol than the controls, the depressed patients did not have correspondingly elevated plasma levels of ACTH. Beta-endorphin levels were also similar in the two groups. All three hormones suppressed to some degree after dexamethasone, but cortisol suppressed less in patients than controls. Our findings suggest that in severe depressive illness abnormalities exist in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis peripherally as well as centrally.

On the Use of ‘Calibration Equations’ in Perception Research

Perception ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald H Mershon ◽  
Michael Kennedy ◽  
Gary Falacara
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Calibration Procedure ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Response Measure ◽  
Calibration Technique ◽  
Before And After ◽  
General Improvement ◽  
Response Measures ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Calibration Equations

Gogel's procedure or using ‘calibration equations’ to obtain reports of perceived distance which are at least partially independent of individual differences in response bias, was examined. The procedure involves determining the relationship between reported and physical distances in a full-cue viewing situation. By making four assumptions, this equation can be used to ‘calibrate’ responses gathered from other situations in which perceived distances are under investigation. In the present experiment, both verbal and string-pull measures of perceived distance were obtained for several objects under reduced viewing conditions. Calibration equations were determined for each response measure in a full-cue setting. The usefulness of the calibration technique was tested by comparing the differences between the two response measures for each object seen in reduced viewing, both before and after the application of the calibration procedure. The results indicated that, consistent with the usefulness of the calibration technique, group differences between the measures were almost always decreased by the procedure. However, no general improvement in the agreement of the measures was found when the data were examined on an individual basis. From the results, a modification of the method of calculating calibration equations was suggested that might increase its usefulness by simplifying the arithmetic operations required for the procedure.

Relationship Violence among Adolescent Mothers: Frequency, Dyadic Nature, and Implications for Relationship Dissolution and Mental Health

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Milan ◽  
Jessica Lewis ◽  
Kathleen Ethier ◽  
Trace Kershaw ◽  
Jeannette R. Ickovics
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Relationship Dissolution ◽  
Relationship Violence ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Violence Prevention Programs

This article examines whether the frequency, dyadic nature, and potential implications of relationship violence differ in parenting ( n = 163) and nulliparous (i.e., never given birth; n = 165) adolescent females from low-income, urban communities. We found the frequency and dyadic nature of violence did not differ between parental status groups. Over half of the adolescents in both groups reported relationship violence in the past year, with female-enacted violence more common than male-enacted violence. However, significant group differences emerged in the relationship between violence and subsequent relationship dissolution and mental health. Higher levels of female-enacted violence predicted relationship dissolution among nulliparous adolescents but predicted increases in depression in parenting adolescents. Findings highlight the need for violence prevention programs tailored specifically to the developmental and contextual needs of adolescent mothers.

scholarly journals An Examination Of A Brief Intervention Targeting Causal Attributions For Daytime Fatigue

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea L. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Brief Intervention ◽  
Causal Attributions ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Mood States ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Information Control ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
To Receive

Research has shown that poor sleepers focus primarily on their sleep as a cause of daytime fatigue rather than the multitude of other possible causes of fatigue. This can create sleep-related anxiety and further perpetuate the insomnia. In order to lessen the increased focus on sleep, the present study investigated whether people could learn to consider other attributions for fatigue via an information-based intervention, and whether this cognitive change would have implications for relevant mood states. Participants were randomized to receive either “causes of fatigue” information (FI), or generic sleep-information (control), and were tested pre- and post-intervention. FI participants were significantly more likely to consider non-sleep-related attributions for fatigue at post-intervention, relative to control participants. There were no significant group differences on relevant mood states. These results demonstrate that attributions or fatigue are amenable to change via an information-based intervention; thus, this research explores one avenue toward refining insomnia treatments.

scholarly journals Workplace-Based Exercise Intervention Improves Work Ability in Office Workers: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (15) ◽  
pp. 2633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Ting ◽  
Xiaoqi Chen ◽  
Venerina Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Significant Group

Neck pain is a burden to employers and employees amenable to improvement with neck/shoulder strengthening exercises. However, the benefits of such interventions on office workers’ work ability remains unknown. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week combined ergonomics and neck/shoulder strengthening exercise intervention (EET, n = 177, mean age 41.7 years, 26% female), versus a 12-week combined ergonomics and health promotion intervention (EHP, n = 173, mean age 43 years, 29% female) on work ability among office workers. Work ability was measured by a single question. Differences in the work ability score were analyzed using the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (i.e., adherence ≥70%) analyses for between- and within-group differences at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 months. A sub-group analysis was performed for neck cases, defined as reporting neck pain as ≥3 (out of 10). No significant between-group differences for work ability were observed in the general population, and subgroup of neck cases. A significant group-by-time interaction effect at 12 weeks and the trend for significance at 12 months favored the EET group in the per-protocol analysis of the neck cases. EET was effective in increasing work ability post-intervention and potentially, in the long-term, in symptomatic participants with ≥70% adherence to the intervention. However, EET was not superior to EHP.

scholarly journals Stress, Hope, and Depression Among Older Adults Living in Public Housing

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 338-338
Author(s):  
Mignon Montpetit ◽  
LaKeesha James-Smith ◽  
Amy Gourley
Keyword(s):  
Public Housing ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Initial Questionnaire ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Individuals living in public housing often experience myriad stressors related to poverty and mental illness. The current study explores how hope impacts the relationship between stress and depression in a sample of adults (aged 51-90 years; Mage= 63.3 years; SDage= 8.6 years) living in public housing. Questionnaire data were collected before and after running an intervention geared toward improving residents’ well-being. Results of the initial questionnaire study suggest that hope moderates the stress -> depression relationship (p = .001), with effects in the expected directions: individuals exhibiting higher-than-average levels of stress and below-average hope reported the highest levels of depression. Data further suggest modest increases in hope post-intervention (p = .06). Overall, results suggest that hope may be important in helping mitigate the impact of life stress on vulnerable individuals, and that it can be augmented in the context of a short-term, cost-effective intervention.

scholarly journals The Role of Mindfulness Colouring and Dispositional Mindfulness on University Students’ Test Anxiety and State Mindfulness

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Dana Carsley ◽  
Francis Charlebois ◽  
Polina Titova ◽  
Nancy L. Heath
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Control Activity ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
State Mindfulness ◽  
The Relationship

Test anxiety is a concern among university students. Mindfulness-based colouring activities (mandalas) have been found to be effective for reducing university students’ generalized anxiety and for decreasing test anxiety in youth; however, studies have not used this method to address test anxiety with university students. Given that university students may struggle with higher test anxiety than youth, it is critical to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness colouring for test anxiety in a university setting. This study compared the effectiveness of mindfulness colouring, free draw/colouring, and a non-colouring control activity for university students’ test anxiety. In addition, this study assessed the relationship of dispositional mindfulness and response to intervention on mindfulness and test anxiety states. Participants were 167 university students (81.4% female; Mage=21.29 years, SD=4.46) randomly assigned to a mandala (n=57), free draw/colouring (n=58), or non-colouring condition (n=52). Participants completed standardized measures assessing test anxiety and state mindfulness pre-post-activity before completing a test, and two dispositional mindfulness measures. Results from two repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant decreases in test anxiety and significant increases in state mindfulness pre-post-intervention for both colouring conditions; however, significant increases in test anxiety were found for the control condition. Furthermore, mediation analyses showed that the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and post-intervention state mindfulness and test anxiety were fully mediated by participants’ pre-intervention state mindfulness and test anxiety. Findings from this research provide practical implications for universities, students, and teachers, as well as future directions for research on mindfulness-based art to support students’ well-being.

The Relationship Between Plasma Oxytocin and Executive Functioning in Huntington’s Disease: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Emily R. Fisher ◽  
Natalia P. Rocha ◽  
Diego A. Morales-Scheihing ◽  
Venugopal Reddy Venna ◽  
Erin E. Furr-Stimming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Plasma Measurement ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Functioning Assessment

The role of oxytocin (OT) in social cognition of patients with Huntington’s disease (HD) has been studied, but its impact on executive functioning has not been explored yet. Healthy controls, premanifest HD, and manifest HD participants underwent executive functioning assessment and OT plasma measurement. There were no significant group differences in plasma OT levels. Higher OT levels were associated with better executive functioning in premanifest HD participants. Our findings revealed an association between OT levels and depressive symptoms in premanifest and manifest HD participants. The potential role of OT in HD deserves further investigation.

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