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International Journal of Yoga 2024Infertility, a widespread medical condition affecting numerous couples globally, persists as a challenge despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs),... (Review)
Review
Infertility, a widespread medical condition affecting numerous couples globally, persists as a challenge despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), often burdened by financial, physical, and emotional strains. Complementary and alternative approaches, notably yoga, have garnered attention for potentially enhancing fertility outcomes. Studies reveal yoga's influence on factors contributing to infertility, including reduced oxidative stress (OS) and oxidative DNA damage (ODD). OS, linked to mutagenic base formation, higher malondialdehyde levels, abnormal methylation, and altered gene expression, can impair sperm genome integrity. Yoga's efficacy is evident in lowering OS, positively affecting signal transmission, gene expression, and physiological systems. Furthermore, yoga has a positive impact on addressing the dysregulation of apoptosis, resulting in improved processes such as spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and motility, while also reducing DNA fragmentation. OS correlates with genome-wide hypomethylation, telomere shortening, and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to genome instability. Yoga and meditation significantly reduce OS and ODD, ensuring proper reactive oxygen levels and preserving physiological systems. The review explores potential mechanisms underlying yoga's positive impact on infertility, including enhanced blood flow, reduced inflammation, relaxation response, and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the literature reveals substantial evidence supporting the positive effects of yoga on infertility factors. These include oxidative stress (OS), oxidative DNA damage (ODD), epigenetic changes, hormonal balance, ovarian function, menstrual irregularities, and stress reduction. In summary, yoga emerges as a promising adjunctive therapy for infertility, demonstrating the potential to mitigate key factors influencing reproductive success. Although preliminary evidence indicates the positive effects of yoga on infertility, further clinical research is imperative to define specific benefits, molecular mechanisms associated, optimal protocols, and long-term effects in infertility treatment plans.
PubMed: 38899142
DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_211_23 -
International Journal of Yoga 2024Depression has been expected to be the second-leading cause of disability, followed by autism, attention and hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder. Yoga therapy... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Depression has been expected to be the second-leading cause of disability, followed by autism, attention and hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder. Yoga therapy has found to be beneficial in managing psychiatric disorders.
AIM
The present study undertakes a scoping review of research on yoga therapy in psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents.
METHODS
Online database was used to identify papers published 2004-2023, from which we selected 11 publications from the United States, Canada, Iran, India, and Australia that used yoga therapy as a primary outcome variable among participants aged 3 years or older.
RESULTS
The papers reviewed were randomized controlled trials. All studies examined yoga therapy, but one study used mindfulness-based therapy and used few techniques of yoga therapy. The studies examined the effect of yoga therapy on early childhood and adolescence on various psychiatric symptoms such as stress, inattention, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and many more.
CONCLUSION
While the quality of studies is generally high, research on yoga therapy among children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders would benefit from careful selection of methods and reference standards, suitability for yoga therapy, and prospective cohort studies linking early childhood exposures with yoga therapy outcomes throughout childhood and adolescence.
PubMed: 38899134
DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_227_23 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Although Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most often used intervention in forensic treatment, its effectivity is not consistently supported. Interventions...
INTRODUCTION
Although Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most often used intervention in forensic treatment, its effectivity is not consistently supported. Interventions incorporating knowledge from neuroscience could provide for more successful intervention methods.
METHODS
The current pilot study set out to assess the feasibility and usability of the study protocol of a 4-week neuromeditation training in adult forensic outpatients with impulse control problems. The neuromeditation training, which prompts awareness and control over brain states of restlessness with EEG neurofeedback, was offered in addition to treatment as usual (predominantly CBT).
RESULTS
Eight patients completed the neuromeditation training under guidance of their therapists. Despite some emerging obstacles, overall, the training was rated sufficiently usable and feasible by patients and their therapists.
DISCUSSION
The provided suggestions for improvement can be used to implement the intervention in treatment and set up future trials to study the effectiveness of neuromeditation in offender treatment.
PubMed: 38899124
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354997 -
Global Advances in Integrative Medicine... 2024Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are supported by clinical practice guidelines as effective non-pharmacologic interventions for common symptoms experienced by...
BACKGROUND
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are supported by clinical practice guidelines as effective non-pharmacologic interventions for common symptoms experienced by cancer patients, including anxiety, depression, and fatigue. However, the evidence predominately derives from White breast cancer survivors. Racial and ethnic minority patients have less access to integrative oncology care and worse cancer outcomes. To address these gaps, we designed and piloted a series of mindfulness-based group medical visits (MB-GMVs), embedded into comprehensive cancer care, for racially and ethnically diverse patients in cancer treatment.
METHODS
As a quality improvement project, we launched a telehealth MB-GMV series for patients undergoing cancer treatment, delivered as four weekly 2-hour visits billable to insurance. Content was concordant with evidence-based guidelines and established MBIs and adapted to improve cultural relevance and fit (eg, access-centered, trauma-informed, with inclusive communication practices). Program structure was adapted to address barriers to participation, with ≥50% slots per series reserved for racial and ethnic minority patients. Intake surveys incorporated a demographic questionnaire and symptom assessments. Evaluations were sent following the visits.
RESULTS
In our first ten cohorts (n = 78), 80% of referred patients enrolled. Participants were: 22% Asian, 14% Black, 17% Latino, 45% non-Latino White; 65% female; with a median age of 54 years (range 27-79); and 80% had metastatic cancer. Common baseline symptoms included lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, and worrying. Most patients (90%) attended ≥3 visits. On final evaluations, 87% patients rated the series as "excellent"; 81% "strongly agreed" that they liked the GMV format; and 92% would "definitely" recommend the series to others. Qualitative themes included empowerment and connectedness.
CONCLUSION
Telehealth GMVs are a feasible, acceptable, and financially sustainable model for increasing access to MBIs. Diverse patients in active cancer treatment were able to participate and reported high levels of satisfaction with this series that was tailored to center health equity and inclusion.
PubMed: 38895040
DOI: 10.1177/27536130241263486 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), recently identified internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), recently identified internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition warranting more research, and few empirically validated treatments exist. Mindfulness meditation (MM) has multiple health benefits; however, its efficacy in treating IGD and potential neural mechanisms underlying MM treatment of the disorder remain largely unknown.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the efficacy of MM used to treat adults with IGD and to identify neural mechanisms underlying MM.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This randomized clinical trial was performed from October 1 to November 30, 2023, at Hangzhou Normal University in Hangzhou, China. Adults (aged ≥18 years) who met at least 6 of the 9 DSM-5-TR proposed criteria for IGD were recruited to receive either MM or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Data analysis was performed on December 1, 2023.
INTERVENTION
Participants underwent MM training (an 8-session meditation program that focuses on attention and acceptance) and PMR training (an 8-time program for body relaxation) delivered in groups that met 2 times each week for 4 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
This per-protocol analysis included only participants who finished the pretest assessment, 8 training sessions, and posttest assessment. The main outcomes were addiction severity (measured with the DSM-5-TR proposed criteria for IGD and with Internet Addiction Test scores), gaming craving (measured with Questionnaire for Gaming Urges scores), and blood oxygen level-dependent signals assessed with cue-craving tasks on fMRI. Behavioral and brain measurements were compared using analysis of variance. Functional connectivity (FC) among identified brain regions was measured to test connectivity changes associated with MM.
RESULTS
This study included 64 adults with IGD. A total of 32 participants received MM (mean [SD] age, 20.3 [1.9] years; 17 women [53%]) and 32 received PMR (mean [SD] age, 20.2 [1.5] years; 16 women [50%]). The severity of IGD decreased in the MM group (pretest vs posttest: mean [SD], 7.0 [1.1] vs 3.6 [0.8]; P < .001) and in the PMR group (mean [SD], 7.1 [0.9] vs 6.0 [0.9]; P = .04). The MM group had a greater decrease in IGD severity than the PMR group (mean [SD] score change for the MM group vs the PMR group, -3.6 [0.3] vs -1.1 [0.2]; P < .001). Mindfulness meditation was associated with decreased brain activation in the bilateral lentiform nuclei (r = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.60; P = .02), insula (r = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.60; P = .047), and medial frontal gyrus (MFG; r = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.70; P = .01). Increased MFG-lentiform FC and decreased craving (pretest vs posttest: mean [SD], 58.8 [15.7] vs 33.6 [12.0]; t = -8.66; ƞ2 = 0.30; P < .001) was observed after MM, and changes in MFG-lentiform FC mediated the relationship between increased mindfulness and decreased craving (mediate effect, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.08; P = .03).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this study, MM was more effective in decreasing addiction severity and gaming cravings compared with PMR. These findings indicate that MM may be an effective treatment for IGD and may exert its effects by altering frontopallidal pathways.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2300075869.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Male; Female; Internet Addiction Disorder; Adult; Meditation; Young Adult; Treatment Outcome; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; China; Video Games
PubMed: 38888924
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16684 -
Experimental Gerontology Jun 2024This study aims to explore the efficacy of Relaxation Response Meditation Training (RRMT) on elderly individuals with different levels of vividness of visual imagery.
Vividness of visual imagery is associated with the effect of relaxation response meditation training in elderly people with nonorganic insomnia: A randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to explore the efficacy of Relaxation Response Meditation Training (RRMT) on elderly individuals with different levels of vividness of visual imagery.
METHODS
In this randomized controlled, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial, we recruited a total of 136 elderly individuals who were over 60 years with nonorganic sleep disorders to participate in a 4-week RRMT intervention from October 2020 to October 2022. The intervention occurred twice a week, totaling eight times. These individuals were divided into high and low groups based on the vividness of visual imagery, and then randomly assigned to either the control or intervention groups, as follows: low-visualizers intervention group (LI group); low-visualizers control group (LC group); high-visualizers intervention group (HI group); high-visualizers control group (HC group). Their social and psychological parameters were assessed before and after the intervention by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Revised Piper's fatigue scale (RPFS), General well-being scale (GWB), and Satisfaction rating. The alpha waves of patients were also collected through electroencephalogram to assess their level of relaxation.
RESULTS
Compared to the LI group, the HI group had a greater reduction rate in the PSQI score [25.2 % (18.8 % to 31.7 %), P < 0∙001], shorter sleep latency (P = 0.001), lower frequency of sleep medication (P < 0.001), lower PSQI scores (P < 0.001), and higher GWB scores (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in all indicators in the HI group vs. HC group and in the LI group vs. LC group. In the first five relaxation training sessions, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of α waves between the LI group and the LC group; however, from the sixth session onward, we observed a statistically significant difference (t = 2.86, P = 0.019),while The HI group and HC group showing significant differences in the first relaxation training session (t = 4.464, P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in subjective satisfaction between the intervention group and the control group (x = 49.605, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
In this study, we found that most elderly people benefitted from RRMT regardless of their vividness of visual imagery. However, low-visualizers experienced slower and less effective results, so these patients may benefit more from alternative approaches.
PubMed: 38879094
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112486 -
La Revue de Medecine Interne Jun 2024Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly... (Review)
Review
Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly understood, and their management is often inadequately defined. Medications typically show limited effectiveness, while mind-body approaches play a central role, guided by three key principles: establishing an empathetic, respectful, and sincere doctor-patient relationship; promoting regular and gradual physical activity; and implementing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Special attention must be devoted to establishing a trustworthy relationship between the physician and the patient. Recognizing the reality and severity of symptoms and providing a positive diagnosis as well as an explanatory model to account for them rationally are fundamental aspects of patient management. Cognitive and behavioral maintenance factors should be investigated and constitute therapeutic targets. Cognitive factors include focused attention on body functioning and catastrophizing. Patients frequently display avoidance behaviors, particularly in relation to physical exertion, and it is crucial to motivate them to reintroduce gradual physical activity customized to their abilities. This approach has demonstrated efficacy in improving fatigue, pain, and the physical and mental quality of life for patients with FSD. Among psychotherapeutic approaches, the benefit of CBT is well-established. The combination of gradual physical activity and CBT appears to be complementary. Other mind-body approaches such as mindfulness meditation might help although their level of evidence is weaker. Given the prevalence of FSD in the general population, it seems necessary for all physicians to be trained in managing this condition.
PubMed: 38876948
DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.05.025 -
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38876947
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100965 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Theory U is a process-driven, learning, progress-directed, transformative, and relational approach to social change. This approach is predicated on the idea that... (Review)
Review
Theory U is a process-driven, learning, progress-directed, transformative, and relational approach to social change. This approach is predicated on the idea that spirituality may be used to create communal consciousness through change management. Dealing with spiritual hurdles, practicing meditation, improving sensing, staying in flow, and conceiving are just a few of the special skills needed for success on the U-journey. Spiritual intelligence also includes adaptive problem solving and goal achievement approaches. Theory-U holds that sources other than the outmoded paradigms that gave rise to complex problems are where answers to them must come from. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how individuals exposed to workplace spirituality can make better use of their spiritual intelligence. By using spiritual intelligence, people can attain the kind of awareness and engagement required for collective awareness, and this makes sense when we examine awareness awakening processes from the perspective of the U-journey.
PubMed: 38873505
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1359562 -
PloS One 2024The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of MediYoga as a group treatment to conventional treatment provided by a physiotherapist for people with perceived... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of MediYoga as a group treatment to conventional treatment provided by a physiotherapist for people with perceived stress-related symptoms.
DESIGN
Randomized controlled trial.
SETTINGS
Primary care rehabilitation, Gothenburg Sweden.
SUBJECTS
Fifty-five patients with stress-related symptoms were invited to participate. Nine patients declined, and a total of 46 patients aged 26-70 years (mean 47), 44 women and two men were randomized, 23 to the MediYoga group and 23 to the physiotherapy treatment as usual group.
INTERVENTIONS
The MediYoga group performed MediYoga for one hour a week during an 8-week period. The control group received physiotherapy treatment as usual.
MAIN MEASURES
Data were mainly collected by self-reported questionnaires. For primary outcome the Swedish version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used. Secondary outcomes were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and EuroQol-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). Thoracic excursion was the only physical measurement. Mixed effect model was used for analyse.
RESULTS
For the primary outcome PSS, there was a close to statistically significant group effect over time advantaging MediYoga over physiotherapy (P = 0.06). For secondary outcomes, the group effect over time was statistically significant in HADS anxiety (P = 0.01) and EQ-VAS (P = 0.03). There was a group trend over time advantaging MediYoga in HADS depression (P = 0.08).
CONCLUSION
Despite a large dropout in both groups, MediYoga can be recommended as a treatment option for people suffering from stress-related symptoms.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registered in: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02907138.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Male; Adult; Aged; Physical Therapy Modalities; Stress, Psychological; Primary Health Care; Sweden; Treatment Outcome; Surveys and Questionnaires; Meditation; Anxiety
PubMed: 38870156
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300756