PMID: 

Med Hypotheses. 2020 Apr 22 ;142:109780. Epub 2020 Apr 22. PMID: 32353795

Abstract Title: 

Mindfulness with paced breathing reduces blood pressure.

Abstract: 

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a major avoidable cause of premature morbidity and mortality in the United States (US) and worldwide, due primarily to increased risks of stroke as well as myocardial infarction. While there are therapeutic lifestyle changes and adjunctive pharmacologic medications of proven benefit, recent interest has increasingly focused on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in particular, Mind-Body Interventions. With respect to BP, it is tempting to speculate that mindfulness with paced breathing will have beneficial effects in the short run that may translate into lowered risks of stroke in the long run. Paced breathing is deep diaphragmatic breathing with typical rates equal to or less than 5-7 breaths per minute compared with the usual rate of 12-14. One plausible mechanism of benefit is that paced breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which alters neuronal function in specific areas of the brain and reduces stress chemicals. The hypothesis that mindfulness with paced slow breathing reduces BP could be directly tested in randomized trials designed a priori to do so. Subsequently, a finding that mindfulness with paced breathing reduces BP would also lead to direct tests in randomized trials of reductions of carotid atherosclerosis and, if so, a larger scale trial to test whether there is a direct impact of mindfulness with paced breathing on reducing the risks of stroke and MI. If rigorous testing of this medical hypothesis led to positive results this would have large and important clinical and policy implications in the US and worldwide.

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PMID: 

Heliyon. 2020 Apr ;6(4):e03834. Epub 2020 Apr 28. PMID: 32373739

Abstract Title: 

Mindfulness interventions reduce blood pressure in patients with non-communicable diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

Purpose: Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) are an emerging area of empirical study, not only in positive psychology, but also in clinical health care. This research aims to synthesize the evidence about whether MBIs reduce blood pressure (BP) in patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).Methods: Relevant studies were identified via PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase and the CINAHL database between 2009 and 2019. The papers selected focused on mindfulness and the effect of these on the BP of patients with NCDs. The change in SBP and DBP were meta-analyzed, stratified by type of intervention (Breathing awareness meditation (BAM), Mindfulness Meditation (MM), and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR).Results: Fourteen articles met eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Among the studies using the type and duration of intervention, systolic BP was reduced after the mindfulness-based stress reduction for 8 weeks (-6.90 mmHg [95% CI: -10.82, -2.97],

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PMID: 

Rehabil Psychol. 2020 May 7. Epub 2020 May 7. PMID: 32378922

Abstract Title: 

Mindfulness training for emotion dysregulation in multiple sclerosis: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) report greater emotion dysregulation, which is associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Given the transdiagnostic significance of emotion dysregulation, the current study was designed to assess the feasibility and treatment effects of mindfulness meditation in reducing emotion dysregulation for PwMS.METHOD: Sixty-one PwMS were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: 4-week mindfulness-based training (MBT), 4-week adaptive cognitive training (aCT), or a waitlist control group. Using self-report and behavioral measures, we examined the effects of MBT on emotion dysregulation, use of emotion regulation strategies, experience of negative and positive affect, and overall quality of life.RESULTS: Mindfulness training was associated with reduced emotion dysregulation compared with the adaptive cognitive training and the waitlist control group (η² = .20). Relative to the waitlist group, the MBT group also demonstrated reductions on a composite score of preservative cognition, measuring rumination and worry (η² = .15). However, there was no differential use of emotion regulation strategies or between-groups differences in overall quality of life as a function of training.CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study provides preliminary support for MBT to reduce self-reported emotion dysregulation in PwMS. Given the widespread prevalence of mental health disturbances in this population, MBT can serve as a promising rehabilitation tool for PwMS (clinicaltrials.gov # NCT02717429). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

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PMID: 

J Altern Complement Med. 2020 May 5. Epub 2020 May 5. PMID: 32379976

Abstract Title: 

The Benefits offor Older Adults with Chronic Back Pain: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract: 

To determine the perceived benefits ofin older adults with chronic low-back pain (cLBP).A qualitative analysis from a randomized controlled feasibility trial.Eighteen participants (65+ years old) with cLBP of at least moderate intensity.A 36-week intervention beginning with twice weekly classes for 12 weeks, weekly classes for 6 weeks, biweekly classes for 6 weeks, and monthly classes for 12 weeks. Participants were asked to practice at home on nonclass days and videos were provided to assist in that process.Participants in the focus groups were asked to provide feedback on their experiences with the study as well as the benefits of theirpractice. We used demographic and class attendance data to describe the sample.Regarding the benefits ofpractice, five major themes were identified: functional benefits, pain reduction/pain relief, psychospiritual benefits, the importance of social support in learning, and the integration ofinto daily activities. The most common functional benefits were improvements in balance, flexibility, leg strength, and posture. Some reported pain reduction or pain relief, but others did not. Increased relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of connectedness were subthemes that emerged from psychospiritual benefits. Social support benefits included motivation to attend class and group support while learning a new skill. Finally, improved body awareness allowed participants to integrateskills into their daily activities.This qualitative analysis demonstrates the multifaceted benefits offor older adults living with cLBP.

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PMID: 

J Pediatr Nurs. 2020 Mar 23 ;52:76-81. Epub 2020 Mar 23. PMID: 32213455

Abstract Title: 

An integrative review of yoga and mindfulness-based approaches for children and adolescents with asthma.

Abstract: 

PROBLEM: Asthma affects almost 15% of children in the United States. Despite the availability of treatments and educational methods, children with asthma continue to report an impaired quality of life, including symptoms of anxiety and inability to participate in physical activity. As complementary health approaches are becoming more popular and show promise in the management of many chronic diseases, the purpose of this integrative review is to examine the state of the science regarding popular complementary health approaches- yoga and mindfulness- for children and adolescents with asthma.ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A comprehensive search of five databases for peer reviewed articles was performed to identify experimental and non-experimental studies. The search for each database was performed from the inception of each to January 2020 and limited to the English language. The search included terminology that addressed the concepts of"asthma","yoga"and"mindfulness".SAMPLE: A total of eleven articles met the criteria for review from the years 1991 to 2019.RESULTS: Nine publications focused on the use of yoga in children and adolescents with asthma and two publications focused on mindfulness in adolescents with asthma.CONCLUSIONS: Interventions involving either mindfulness or yoga may be effective in reducing stress and anxiety and improving quality of life and lung function in this population.IMPLICATIONS: Mindfulness intervention studies in the pediatric and adolescent asthma population are warranted as are additional studies that include the use of yoga with skills in mindfulness in order to evaluate their physiological and psychological effects.

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PMID: 

Explore (NY). 2020 Feb 26. Epub 2020 Feb 26. PMID: 32222372

Abstract Title: 

Role of yoga in the prevention and management of various cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors: A comprehensive scientific evidence-based review.

Abstract: 

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. CVDs are the leading cause of deaths worldwide. Though yoga is gaining popularity as a therapy, especially in CVD patients, there is a lack of a comprehensive review reporting its role in the management of various CVDs and their risk factors. Thus, we performed a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed/Medline electronic database. An aggregate of 603 articles published from inception were screened and 85 articles that are applicable were reported. This review suggests that yoga may play a role as an adjuvant in the management of various CVDs and their risk factors. However, many studies had a small sample size, different types and durations of the yoga interventions, and did not provide the details of mechanisms behind the improvements. Thus, further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms of the impacts of yoga.

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PMID: 

J Clin Med. 2020 Apr 7 ;9(4). Epub 2020 Apr 7. PMID: 32272758

Abstract Title: 

Yoga and Mindfulness as a Tool for Influencing Affectivity, Anxiety, Mental Health, and Stress among Healthcare Workers: Results of a Single-Arm Clinical Trial.

Abstract: 

Mindfulness-based interventions have emerged as unique approaches for addressing a range of clinical and subclinical difficulties such as stress, chronic pain, anxiety, or recurrent depression. Moreover, there is strong evidence about the positive effects of yoga practice on stress management and prevention of burnout among healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to conduct a single-arm clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of an intervention based on mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga in improving healthcare workers' quality of life. Healthcare workers of two hospitals in Rome were enrolled in a 4-week yoga and mindfulness course. Four questionnaires were administered at different times (Short Form-12 (SF-12), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Y1 and Y2, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)) to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention. Forty participants took part to the study (83.3 %). The Mental Composite Score-12, that is part of the quality of life assessment, passed from a median of 43.5 preintervention to 48.1 postintervention (= 0.041), and the negative affect passed from a score of 16 in the preintervention to 10 in the postintervention (

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Researchers have investigated the effects of black mulberry leaf on sufferers of these symptoms and found favorable effects

PMID: 

PLoS One. 2020 ;15(4):e0231299. Epub 2020 Apr 13. PMID: 32282842

Abstract Title: 

Yoga in school sports improves functioning of autonomic nervous system in young adults: A non-randomized controlled pilot study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Yoga in school is a beneficial tool to promote the good health and well-being of students by changing the way they react to stress. The positive effects of yoga-taught in schools-on children, youth and young adults have been demonstrated in former studies using mostly subjective psychometric data.AIM: The present trial aims to evaluate the potential effects of yoga on autonomic regulation in young adults by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV).METHODS: This study is a non-randomized, explorative, two-arm-pilot study with an active control group. Fourteen healthy young adults took part in a 10-week yoga program (90 min once a week) in school and were compared to a control group of 11 students who participated in conventional school sports (90 min once a week over 10 weeks). 24-hour electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded at baseline and following the 10-week intervention. From 20-minute of nocturnal sleep phases, HRV parameters were calculated from linear (time and frequency domain) and nonlinear dynamics (such as symbolic dynamics and Poincaré plot analysis). Analyses of variance (ANOVA) followed by t-tests as post-hoc tests estimating both statistical significance and effect size were used to compare pre-post-intervention for the two groups.RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the interaction effects did not reveal a significant group and time interaction for the individual nocturnal HRV indices. Almost all indices revealed medium and large effects regarding the time main effects. The changes in the HRV indices following the intervention were more dramatic for the yoga group than for the control group which is reflected in predominantly higher significances and stronger effect sizes in the yoga group.CONCLUSION: In this explorative pilot trial, an increase of HRV (more parasympathetic dominance and overall higher HRV) after ten weeks of yoga in school in comparison to regular school sports was demonstrated, showing an improved self-regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

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PMID: 

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2020 Apr 14. Epub 2020 Apr 14. PMID: 32285088

Abstract Title: 

Regular Mindful Yoga Practice as a Method to Improve Androgen Levels in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Abstract: 

Background: Holistic approaches are needed to complement existing therapies for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common disorder affecting the health of reproductive-aged females.Objective: To determine whether thrice-weekly mindful yoga practice improves endocrine, cardiometabolic, or psychological parameters in women with PCOS.Methods: Thirty-one women with PCOS between the ages of 23 and 42 years and living in Erie County, Pennsylvania, were recruited for this randomized, controlled study arm, which was part of a larger 3-part investigation. Women were randomly assigned to either a mindful yoga intervention group or no intervention (control) group. Group classes were 1 hour, thrice weekly. Initial endocrine, cardiometabolic, and psychological measurements were compared with measurements taken after the 3-month intervention period. Measurements included free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, and anxiety and depression scores.Results: Twenty-two women completed the 3-month intervention period, 13 in the mindful yoga group and 9 in the control group. Paired comparisons of pre- and postintervention parameters indicated that women who completed the mindful yoga intervention had significantly lower free testosterone levels (5.96 vs 4.24 pg/mL; P

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