scholarly journals The Interrelated Physiological and Psychological Effects of EcoMeditation

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 2515690X1875962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Groesbeck ◽  
Donna Bach ◽  
Peta Stapleton ◽  
Katharina Blickheuser ◽  
Dawson Church ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Inadequate Sample Size ◽  
Physiological Markers ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Salivary Immunoglobulin A

This study investigated changes in psychological and physiological markers during a weekend meditation workshop (N = 34). Psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and happiness were assessed. Physiological markers included cortisol, salivary immunoglobulin A (SigA), heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), and resting heart rate (RHR). On posttest, significant reductions were found in cortisol (−29%, P < .0001), RHR (−5%, P = .0281), and pain (−43%, P = .0022). Happiness increased significantly (+11%, P = .0159) while the increase in SigA was nonsignificant (+27%, P = .6964). Anxiety, depression, and PTSD all declined (−26%, P = .0159; −32%, P = .0197; −18%, P = .1533), though changes in PTSD did not reach statistical significance. No changes were found in BP, HRV, and heart coherence. Participants were assessed for psychological symptoms at 3-month follow-up, but the results were nonsignificant due to inadequate sample size (n = 17). EcoMeditation shows promise as a stress-reduction method.

scholarly journals Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 2515690X1882369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Bach ◽  
Gary Groesbeck ◽  
Peta Stapleton ◽  
Rebecca Sims ◽  
Katharina Blickheuser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Physiological Markers ◽  
Mental Well Being

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an evidence-based self-help therapeutic method and over 100 studies demonstrate its efficacy. However, information about the physiological effects of EFT is limited. The current study sought to elucidate EFTs mechanisms of action across the central nervous system (CNS) by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and heart coherence (HC); the circulatory system using resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP); the endocrine system using cortisol, and the immune system using salivary immunoglobulin A (SigA). The second aim was to measure psychological symptoms. Participants (N = 203) were enrolled in a 4-day training workshop held in different locations. At one workshop (n = 31), participants also received comprehensive physiological testing. Posttest, significant declines were found in anxiety (−40%), depression (−35%), posttraumatic stress disorder (−32%), pain (−57%), and cravings (−74%), all P < .000. Happiness increased (+31%, P = .000) as did SigA (+113%, P = .017). Significant improvements were found in RHR (−8%, P = .001), cortisol (−37%, P < .000), systolic BP (−6%, P = .001), and diastolic BP (−8%, P < .000). Positive trends were observed for HRV and HC and gains were maintained on follow-up, indicating EFT results in positive health effects as well as increased mental well-being.

Health Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele L. Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
History Of ◽  
Salivary Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Significant Health

The use of animals in the promotion or improvement of health is long-standing, yet this complementary healing modality is not widely integrated into mainstream health care. This article describes the history of animals in therapeutic healing, defines animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), and reviews current research. Indications and contraindications for use with patients and clients and issues of safety, cost, reimbursement, and certification are discussed. AAIs result in statistically significant health benefits with improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and salivary immunoglobulin A levels and in depression, anxiety, perceived quality of health, and loneliness. Although some studies are weak in experimental design, overall research reveals multiple indications with few contraindications for use of AAIs. Adherence to safety and pursuit of certifications helps ensure the success of AAIs. For the continued support and expansion of AAIs, further research is needed into the mechanism of action, settings, characteristics and species of animals, illness conditions, and client populations.

scholarly journals Age-Specific Salivary Immunoglobulin A Response to Streptococcus mutans GbpB

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 804-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchele D. Nogueira ◽  
Alessandra C. Alves ◽  
William F. King ◽  
Reginaldo B. Gonçalves ◽  
José F. Höfling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Salivary Immunoglobulin A

ABSTRACT In a follow-up study of children infected with Streptococcus mutans at an early age (children previously shown to respond poorly to S. mutans GbpB), there was a delay in their immune response, rather than a complete inability to respond to this antigen. Epitopes in the N-terminal third of GbpB were identified as targets for naturally induced immunoglobulin A antibody in children at an early age.

scholarly journals Changes in Psychological Symptoms and Heart Rate Variability During EMDR Treatment: A Case Series of Subthreshold PTSD

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Frustaci ◽  
Gaetano A. Lanza ◽  
Isabel Fernandez ◽  
Massimo di Giannantonio ◽  
Gino Pozzi
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Holter Ecg ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
Report Symptom

Elevated psychophysiological parameters and heightened physiological reactivity to trauma-related cues are acquired changes following trauma exposure. Measuring improvement in these variables is an appropriate evaluation of outcome in treatment studies. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a computerized measure of physiological responsivity derived from Holter ECG recording. Four female outpatients with persistent post-traumatic symptoms and personal impairment following “small t” trauma exposure underwent a course of EMDR treatment and were assessed at baseline, end of treatment, day 30 and day 90 of follow-up, using self-report symptom scales and 90-min Holter ECG recordings. Symptom scores decreased between baseline and end of treatment, with improvement maintained at follow-up. Several HRV measures changed favorably in different recording intervals. HRV is a feasible and sensitive method to measure physiological changes in the treatment of individuals distressed by “small t” trauma. Further investigation is advisable to expand these preliminary data.

scholarly journals Stress- and smoke free pregnancy study protocol: a randomized controlled trial of a personalized eHealth intervention including heart rate variability-biofeedback to support pregnant women quit smoking via stress reduction

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willeke van Dijk ◽  
Mirjam Oosterman ◽  
Imke Jansen ◽  
Wieke de Vente ◽  
Anja Huizink
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Ehealth Intervention

Abstract Background Maternal smoking and stress during pregnancy are associated with adverse health effects for women themselves and are risk factors for adverse developmental outcomes of the unborn child. Smoking and stress seem to be intertwined in various ways. First, the majority of smoking pregnant women is of lower socio-economic status, which is associated with higher levels of perceived stress. Second, smoking women often report to smoke because they feel stressed. Third, quitting smoking often increases perceived stress levels initially. Therefore, effective interventions are needed to support women with smoking cessation by reducing stress. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of an eHealth intervention on stress reduction and smoking cessation. Methods/design The Stress- and Smoke Free Start of Life (SSFSL) study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing a personalized eHealth intervention with a control condition. Inclusion criteria for the women are: (1) > 18 years of age, (2) < 28 weeks pregnant at recruitment, (3) currently smoking. Consenting participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Participants allocated to the intervention group will receive an 8-week intervention delivered on their smartphone. The application includes psycho-education on pregnancy, stress, and smoking (cessation); stress-management training consisting of Heart Rate Variability-biofeedback; and a personalized stop-smoking-plan. Participants in the control condition will be invited to visit a webpage with information on pregnancy, stress, and smoking (cessation). Study outcomes will be collected via online questionnaires, at four timepoints: pre-intervention (baseline; t0), post-intervention (8 weeks + 1 day after t0; t1), follow up at two weeks after birth (t2), and follow up at three months after birth (t3). The primary outcome measure is self-reported smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes include daily self-reported number of cigarettes smoked, perceived stress, pregnancy experience, birth outcomes, and negative affectivity scores of the baby. Moreover, the mediating effect of stress reduction on smoking cessation will be examined, and possible moderators will be tested. Discussion If the eHealth intervention is effective in smoking cessation among pregnant smoking women, it can be implemented as a tool into the health care in the Netherlands. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register, ID: NL8156. Registered on 11 November 2019.

scholarly journals Brief EcoMeditation Associated With Psychological Improvements: A Preliminary Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 216495612098414
Author(s):  
Dawson Church ◽  
Peta Stapleton ◽  
Debbie Sabot
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Training Workshop ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Convenience Sample

Background A growing body of clinical research attests to the psychological and physiological benefits of meditation. EcoMeditation is a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach used to promote health and well-being, comprising four evidence-based techniques: The Quick Coherence Technique for regulating heart rate variability (HRV), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), mindfulness, and neurofeedback. Objectives This study investigated changes in psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pain, and happiness following a one-day EcoMeditation training workshop delivered in a large-group format and at 3-months post-intervention. Methods A convenience sample of 208 participants (137 women, 71 men) aged between 21 and 87 years ( M = 55.4 years; SD = 12.8 years) attended a one-day EcoMeditation training workshop. Participants completed a pen-and-paper survey pre-workshop and post-workshop, and an online survey three months following the EcoMeditation intervention. Results Post-workshop results revealed significant reductions in anxiety (−23.4%, p <  .001), depression (−15.8%, p =  .011), PTSD (−11.8%, p <  .001), and pain (−18.5%, p <  .001), while happiness scores increased significantly (+8.9%, p <  .001). At 3-month follow-up, one-way repeated-measures ANOVA ( N =  65) found significant decreases in anxiety between pre-test and post-test, and pain between pre-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Differences in depression and PTSD scores were not significant over time. Happiness scores significantly increased from pre-test to 3-month follow-up. However, post-hoc analyses suggested that the final sample size was inadequate to detect significant differences between time points. Conclusion Findings provide preliminary support for EcoMeditation as a brief group-based stress reduction intervention with benefits for improved psychological functioning.

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