Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Amy L Ai |
Author | Daniel E Hall |
Abstract | We examined experiencing divine love as an indicator of affective spiritual growth in a prospective cohort of 200 patients surviving cardiac surgery. These patients previously completed two-wave preoperative interviews when standardized cardiac surgery data were also collected. The information included left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association Classification, baseline health (physical and mental), optimism, hope, religiousness, prayer coping, religious/spiritual coping, and demographics. We then measured divine love at 900 days postoperatively. Hierarchical linear regression indicated the direct effect of positive religious coping on experiences of divine love, controlling for other key variables. Postoperatively perceived spiritual support was entered at the final step as an explanatory factor, which appeared to mediate the coping effect. None of the other faith factors predicted divine love. Further research regarding divine love and spiritual support may eventually guide clinical attempts to support patients' spiritual growth as an independently relevant outcome of cardiac surgery. |
Publication | Journal of Aging Research |
Volume | 2011 |
Pages | 841061 |
Date | 2011 |
Journal Abbr | J Aging Res |
DOI | 10.4061/2011/841061 |
ISSN | 2090-2212 |
Short Title | Divine love and deep connections |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748012 |
Accessed | Wed Jul 13 18:15:27 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 21748012 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 08:54:25 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 08:54:25 2011 |
The authors examined experiencing divine love as an indicator of affective spiritual growth in a prospective cohort of 200 patients surviving cardiac surgery. These patients previously completed two-wave preoperative interviews when standardized cardiac surgery data were also collected. The information included left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association Classification, baseline health (physical and mental), optimism, hope, religiousness, prayer coping, religious/spiritual coping, and demographics. The authors then measured divine love at 900 days postoperatively. Hierarchical linear regression indicated the direct effect of positive religious coping on experiences of divine love, controlling for other key variables. Postoperatively perceived spiritual support was entered at the final step as an explanatory factor, which appeared to mediate the coping effect. None of the other faith factors predicted divine love. Further research regarding divine love and spiritual support may eventually guide clinical attempts to support patients' spiritual growth as an independently relevant outcome of cardiac surgery.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Amy L. Ai |
Author | E Mitchell Seymour |
Author | Terrence N. Tice |
Author | Ziad Kronfol |
Author | Steven F. Bolling |
Abstract | Spiritual struggle appeared consistently to predict poor health outcomes, including mortality. Despite surging interest in the health benefits of religion and spirituality, the health hassle of existential conflicts and proinflammatory cytokines as a potential physiological mechanism has been overlooked. Based on psychological and theological assumptions, we argue for the universal nature of spiritual struggle, a crisis-related existential conflict, and for investigating its physiological influence as essential to understanding human nature. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been linked with adverse health outcomes and negative emotions. This study thus examined spiritual struggle related to plasma IL-6 in 235 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, along with positive religious coping, general coping, and optimism, controlling for standardized clinical medical indicators. Multiple regression analysis, following a preplanned sequence, showed that spiritual struggle (p = .011), behavioral coping (p = .013) were positively associated with excess plasma IL-6, controlling for medical correlates (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction). We conclude that spiritual struggle, indicating the crisis in an existential relation, and behavioral coping strategies are associated with elevated pre-operative plasma IL-6. The interdisciplinary implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) |
Publication | Psychology of Religion and Spirituality |
Volume | 1 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 112-128 |
Date | May 2009 |
DOI | 10.1037/a0015775 |
ISSN | 1941-1022 |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Spiritual struggle appeared consistently to predict poor health outcomes, including mortality. Despite surging interest in the health benefits of religion and spirituality, the health hassle of existential conflicts and proinflammatory cytokines as a potential physiological mechanism has been overlooked. Based on psychological and theological assumptions, we argue for the universal nature of spiritual struggle, a crisis-related existential conflict, and for investigating its physiological influence as essential to understanding human nature. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been linked with adverse health outcomes and negative emotions. This study thus examined spiritual struggle related to plasma IL-6 in 235 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, along with positive religious coping, general coping, and optimism, controlling for standardized clinical medical indicators. Multiple regression analysis, following a preplanned sequence, showed that spiritual struggle (p = .011), behavioral coping (p = .013) were positively associated with excess plasma IL-6, controlling for medical correlates (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction). We conclude that spiritual struggle, indicating the crisis in an existential relation, and behavioral coping strategies are associated with elevated pre-operative plasma IL-6. The interdisciplinary implications are discussed.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Amy L. Ai |
Author | Connie S. Corley |
Author | Christopher Peterson |
Author | Bu Huang |
Author | Terrence N. Tice |
Abstract | Despite the growing evidence linking faith with health and well-being, national leaders noted the need to explore the mechanism underlying these linkages. The goal of this prospective study was to investigate the psychosocial mechanisms involved in the preoperative use of private prayer for coping and the effects of such act on short-term quality of life (SPQOL) in 294 patients following open-heart surgery. Using established instruments, three interviews were conducted with middle-aged and older patients (average age 62) at two weeks and two days preoperatively, then 36 days postoperatively. The endpoints were assessed with levels of distress (e.g., depression and anxiety) and fatigue symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical model. The final model showed the indirect influence of using prayer for coping on SPQOL through the mediation of cognitive coping and perceived social support. However, this mediation was not observed for behavioral, anger, and avoidant coping. Psychosocial factors may explain the potential role of using prayer for coping on short-term postoperative quality of life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) |
Publication | Social Work in Health Care |
Volume | 48 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 471-494 |
Date | May 2009 |
DOI | 10.1080/00981380802589829 |
ISSN | 0098-1389 |
Short Title | Private prayer and quality of life in cardiac patients |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Despite the growing evidence linking faith with health and well-being, national leaders noted the need to explore the mechanism underlying these linkages. The goal of this prospective study was to investigate the psychosocial mechanisms involved in the preoperative use of private prayer for coping and the effects of such act on short-term quality of life (SPQOL) in 294 patients following open-heart surgery. Using established instruments, three interviews were conducted with middle-aged and older patients (average age 62) at two weeks and two days preoperatively, then 36 days postoperatively. The endpoints were assessed with levels of distress (e.g., depression and anxiety) and fatigue symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical model. The final model showed the indirect influence of using prayer for coping on SPQOL through the mediation of cognitive coping and perceived social support. However, this mediation was not observed for behavioral, anger, and avoidant coping. Psychosocial factors may explain the potential role of using prayer for coping on short-term postoperative quality of life.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Amy Lee Ai |
Author | Kenneth Pargament |
Author | Ziad Kronfol |
Author | Terrence N. Tice |
Author | Hoa Appel |
Abstract | Using structural equation modeling, we estimated major pathways from preoperative distress, indicated by anxiety and other factors, to postoperative hostility in cardiac patients. Sequential interviews were conducted before and after surgery. Standardized medical and surgical indices were selected from a national database. Results showed that preoperative spiritual struggle mediated indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) immediately before surgery. The link between spiritual struggle and IL-6 further mediated the indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on postoperative hostility. Anger coping mediated the harmful influence of anxiety and counteracted the protection of positive religious coping on adjustment. |
Publication | Journal of Health Psychology |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 186-195 |
Date | Mar 2010 |
Journal Abbr | J Health Psychol |
DOI | 10.1177/1359105309345556 |
ISSN | 1461-7277 |
Short Title | Pathways to postoperative hostility in cardiac patients |
Accessed | Mon Mar 22 20:11:27 2010 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20207662 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
Using structural equation modeling, we estimated major pathways from preoperative distress, indicated by anxiety and other factors, to postoperative hostility in cardiac patients. Sequential interviews were conducted before and after surgery. Standardized medical and surgical indices were selected from a national database. Results showed that preoperative spiritual struggle mediated indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) immediately before surgery. The link between spiritual struggle and IL-6 further mediated the indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on postoperative hostility. Anger coping mediated the harmful influence of anxiety and counteracted the protection of positive religious coping on adjustment.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Amy L. Ai |
Author | Paul Wink |
Author | Terrence N. Tice |
Author | Steven F. Bolling |
Author | Marshall Shearer |
Abstract | This prospective study explores prayer, reverence, and other aspects of faith in postoperative complications and hospital length of stay of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Alongside traditional religiousness measures, we examined sense of reverence in religious and secular contexts. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 177 patients 2 weeks before surgery at a medical center. Medical variables were retrieved from the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Database. Logistic and multiple regression models were performed to predict outcomes. Prayer frequencies were associated with reduced complications but not hospitalization. Sense of reverence in secular contexts predicted fewer complications and shorter hospitalization. Controlling for complications reduced the initial influence of reverence on hospitalization, suggesting the potential mediation of complications. No interaction between demographics and faith factors was evident. The role of faith in medicine is complex and context-dependent. Future studies are needed on mediating factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
Publication | Journal of Behavioral Medicine |
Volume | 32 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 570-581 |
Date | December 2009 |
DOI | 10.1007/s10865-009-9228-1 |
ISSN | 01607715 |
URL | http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx? direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45362477&… |
Accessed | Thu Dec 31 11:20:45 2009 |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
This prospective study explores prayer, reverence, and other aspects of faith in postoperative complications and hospital length of stay of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Alongside traditional religiousness measures, we examined sense of reverence in religious and secular contexts. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 177 patients 2 weeks before surgery at a medical center. Medical variables were retrieved from the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Database. Logistic and multiple regression models were performed to predict outcomes. Prayer frequencies were associated with reduced complications but not hospitalization. Sense of reverence in secular contexts predicted fewer complications and shorter hospitalization. Controlling for complications reduced the initial influence of reverence on hospitalization, suggesting the potential mediation of complications. No interaction between demographics and faith factors was evident. The role of faith in medicine is complex and context-dependent. Future studies are needed on mediating factors
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | A L Ai |
Author | K L Ladd |
Author | C Peterson |
Author | C A Cook |
Author | M Shearer |
Author | H G Koenig |
Abstract | PURPOSE: despite the growing evidence for effects of religious factors on cardiac health in general populations, findings are not always consistent in sicker and older populations. We previously demonstrated that short-term negative outcomes (depression and anxiety) among older adults following open heart surgery are partially alleviated when patients employ prayer as part of their coping strategy. The present study examines multifaceted effects of religious factors on long-term postoperative adjustment, extending our previous findings concerning prayer and coping with cardiac disease. DESIGN AND METHODS: analyses capitalized on a preoperative survey and medical variables from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' National Database of patients undergoing open heart surgery. The current participants completed a mailed survey 30 months after surgery. Two hierarchical regressions were performed to evaluate the extent to which religious factors predicted depression and anxiety, after controlling for key demographics, medical indices, and mental health. RESULTS: predicting lower levels of depression at the follow-up were preoperative use of prayer for coping, optimism, and hope. Predicting lower levels of anxiety at the follow-up were subjective religiousness, marital status, and hope. Predicting poorer adjustment were reverence in religious contexts, preoperative mental health symptoms, and medical comorbidity. Including optimism and hope in the model did not eliminate effects of religious factors. Several other religious factors had no long-term influences. IMPLICATIONS: the influence of religious factors on the long-term postoperative adjustment is independent and complex, with mediating factors yet to be determined. Future research should investigate mechanisms underlying religion-health relations. |
Publication | The Gerontologist |
Volume | 50 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 798-809 |
Date | Dec 2010 |
Journal Abbr | Gerontologist |
DOI | 10.1093/geront/gnq046 |
ISSN | 1758-5341 |
Short Title | Long-term Adjustment After Surviving Open Heart Surgery |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/20634280 |
Accessed | Tue Jan 18 18:59:24 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20634280 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 08:58:27 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 08:58:27 2011 |
A study examines multifaceted effects of religious factors on long-term postoperative adjustment, extending author's previous findings concerning prayer and coping with cardiac disease.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | V A Barnes |
Author | F A Treiber |
Author | J R Turner |
Author | H Davis |
Author | W B Strong |
Abstract | OBJECTIVE: Increased peripheral vasoconstriction (ie, total peripheral resistance, or TPR) has been implicated as playing an important role in the early development of essential hypertension. Some studies have demonstrated that Transcendental Meditation (TM) reduces high blood pressure, but the hemodynamic adjustments behind these blood pressure reductions have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary investigation of the acute effects of TM on TPR. METHODS: Subjects were 32 healthy adults (16 women and 16 men; 30 white and two African American; mean age, 46.4 +/- 3.9 years). Subjects were divided into a TM group of long-term TM practitioners (eight white women, nine white men, and one African American man; mean years of twice-daily TM practice, 22.4 +/- 6.7) and a control group (eight white women, five white men, and one African American man). Hemodynamic functioning was assessed immediately before and during three conditions: 20 minutes of rest with eyes open (all subjects), 20 minutes of TM (TM group), and 20 minutes of eyes-closed relaxation (control group). RESULTS: During eyes-open rest, the TM group had decreases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and TPR, compared with increases in the control group (SBP: -2.5 vs. +2.4 mm Hg, p < .01; TPR: -0.7 vs. +0.5 mm Hg/liter per minute, p < .004). During TM, there was a greater decrease in SBP due to a concomitantly greater decrease in TPR compared with the control group during eyes-closed relaxation (SBP: -3.0 vs. +2.1 mm Hg, p < .04; TPR: -1.0 vs. +0.3 mm Hg/liter per minute, p < .03). CONCLUSIONS: TPR decreased significantly during TM. Decreases in vasoconstrictive tone during TM may be the hemodynamic mechanism responsible for reduction of high blood pressure over time. The results of this study provide a preliminary contribution to the understanding of the underlying hemodynamic mechanisms responsible for the beneficial influence of TM on cardiovascular risk factors. |
Publication | Psychosomatic Medicine |
Volume | 61 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 525-531 |
Date | 1999 Jul-Aug |
Journal Abbr | Psychosom Med |
ISSN | 0033-3174 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/10443761 |
Accessed | Tue Oct 20 21:45:08 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 10443761 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Some studies have demonstrated that Transcendental Meditation (TM) reduces high blood pressure, but the hemodynamic adjustments behind these blood pressure reductions have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary investigation of the acute effects of TM on TPR. Conclusions: TPR decreased significantly during TM.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Melanie K Bean |
Author | Douglas Gibson |
Author | Maureen Flattery |
Author | Angela Duncan |
Author | Michael Hess |
Abstract | Advances in treatment have prolonged life in heart failure (HF) patients, leading to increased attention to quality of life (QOL) and psychological functioning. It is not clear if ethnic differences exist in factors associated with psychological well-being. We examined psychosocial factors associated with depression and anxiety in 97 HF patients. Medical records were reviewed and patients (M age 53, 50% African American) completed surveys examining social support, coping, spirituality, and QOL for their association with depression and anxiety. Multiple regressions suggested that psychosocial factors were associated with psychological health. Patients with lower social support, lower meaning/peace and more negative coping reported greater depression; positive coping, and lower meaning/peace were associated with higher anxiety. Ethnicity stratified models suggested that spiritual well-being was associated with depression only among African Americans and QOL partially mediated this relationship. Findings suggest the importance of considering the unique psychosocial needs of diverse populations to appropriately target clinical interventions. |
Publication | Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 131-140 |
Date | Dec 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Prog Cardiovasc Nurs |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1751-7117.2009.00051.x |
ISSN | 1751-7117 |
Short Title | Psychosocial factors, quality of life, and psychological distress |
Accessed | Sun Jan 24 17:24:05 2010 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20002337 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:35 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:35 2011 |
Advances in treatment have prolonged life in heart failure (HF) patients, leading to increased attention to quality of life (QOL) and psychological functioning. It is not clear if ethnic differences exist in factors associated with psychological well-being. We examined psychosocial factors associated with depression and anxiety in 97 HF patients. Medical records were reviewed and patients (M age 53, 50% African American) completed surveys examining social support, coping, spirituality, and QOL for their association with depression and anxiety. Multiple regressions suggested that psychosocial factors were associated with psychological health. Patients with lower social support, lower meaning/peace and more negative coping reported greater depression; positive coping, and lower meaning/peace were associated with higher anxiety. Ethnicity stratified models suggested that spiritual well-being was associated with depression only among African Americans and QOL partially mediated this relationship. Findings suggest the importance of considering the unique psychosocial needs of diverse populations to appropriately target clinical interventions.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Theresa A Beery |
Author | Linda S Baas |
Author | Christopher Fowler |
Author | Gordon Allen |
Abstract | Spiritual expression has been proposed as a dimension of quality of life. Persons with chronic diseases such as AIDS or cancer have described the value of spiritual expression in living with their illnesses. The authors examined the role spirituality plays in the lives of 58 people with heart failure being treated medically or by transplant. Instruments used included the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 and Index of Well-Being measures of quality of life, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and the Relative Importance Scale. Combined spirituality scores predicted 24% of the variance in global quality of life. There were no significant gender differences in spiritual well-being or quality of life. |
Publication | Journal of Holistic Nursing: Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association |
Volume | 20 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 5-25; quiz 26-30 |
Date | Mar 2002 |
Journal Abbr | J Holist Nurs |
ISSN | 0898-0101 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11898688 |
Accessed | Thu Nov 12 21:16:10 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11898688 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
The authors examined the role spirituality plays in the lives of 58 people with heart failure being treated medically or by transplant. Instruments used included the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 and Index of Well-Being measures of quality of life, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and the Relative Importance Scale. Combined spirituality scores predicted 24% of the variance in global quality of life. There were no significant gender differences in spiritual well-being or quality of life.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | David B Bekelman |
Author | Sydney M Dy |
Author | Diane M Becker |
Author | Ilan S Wittstein |
Author | Danetta E Hendricks |
Author | Traci E Yamashita |
Author | Sheldon H Gottlieb |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: In patients with chronic heart failure, depression is common and associated with poor quality of life, more frequent hospitalizations, and higher mortality. Spiritual well-being is an important, modifiable coping resource in patients with terminal cancer and is associated with less depression, but little is known about the role of spiritual well-being in patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between spiritual well-being and depression in patients with heart failure. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients aged 60 years or older with New York Heart Association class II-IV heart failure. MEASUREMENTS: Spiritual well-being was measured using the total scale and 2 subscales (meaning/peace, faith) of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being scale, depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF). RESULTS: The median age of participants was 75 years. Nineteen participants (32%) had clinically significant depression (GDS-SF > 4). Greater spiritual well-being was strongly inversely correlated with depression (Spearman's correlation -0.55, 95% confidence interval -0.70 to -0.35). In particular, greater meaning/peace was strongly associated with less depression (r = -.60, P < .0001), while faith was only modestly associated (r = -.38, P < .01). In a regression analysis accounting for gender, income, and other risk factors for depression (social support, physical symptoms, and health status), greater spiritual well-being continued to be significantly associated with less depression (P = .05). Between the 2 spiritual well-being subscales, only meaning/peace contributed significantly to this effect (P = .02) and accounted for 7% of the variance in depression. CONCLUSIONS: Among outpatients with heart failure, greater spiritual well-being, particularly meaning/peace, was strongly associated with less depression. Enhancement of patients' sense of spiritual well-being might reduce or prevent depression and thus improve quality of life and other outcomes in this population. |
Publication | Journal of General Internal Medicine |
Volume | 22 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 470-477 |
Date | Apr 2007 |
Journal Abbr | J Gen Intern Med |
DOI | 10.1007/s11606-006-0044-9 |
ISSN | 1525-1497 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17372795 |
Accessed | Fri Nov 13 17:31:19 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 17372795 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Objective: To identify the relationship between spiritual well-being and depression in patients with heart failure. Conclusions: Among outpatients with heart failure, greater spiritual well-being, particularly meaning/peace, was strongly associated with less depression.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Luciano Bernardi |
Author | Peter Sleight |
Author | Gabriele Bandinelli |
Author | Simone Cencetti |
Author | Lamberto Fattorini |
Author | Johanna Wdowczyc-Szulc |
Author | Alfonso Lagi |
Abstract | Objective To test whether rhythmic formulas such as the rosary and yoga mantras can synchronise and reinforce inherent cardiovascular rhythms and modify baroreflex sensitivity. Design Comparison of effects of recitation of the Ave Maria (in Latin) or of a mantra, during spontaneous and metronome controlled breathing, on breathing rate and on spontaneous oscillations in RR interval, and on blood pressure and cerebral circulation. Setting Florence and Pavia, Italy. Participants 23 healthy adults. Main outcome measures Breathing rate, regularity of breathing, baroreflex sensitivity, frequency of cardiovascular oscillations. Results Both prayer and mantra caused striking, powerful, and synchronous increases in existing cardiovascular rhythms when recited six times a minute. Baroreflex sensitivity also increased significantly, from 9.5 (SD 4.6) to 11.5 (4.9) ms/mm Hg, P<0.05. Conclusion Rhythm formulas that involve breathing at six breaths per minute induce favourable psychological and possibly physiological effects. |
Publication | BMJ: British Medical Journal |
Volume | 323 |
Issue | 7327 |
Pages | 1446-1449 |
Date | Dec. 22 - 29, 2001 |
ISSN | 09598138 |
Short Title | Effect Of Rosary Prayer And Yoga Mantras On Autonomic Cardiovascular Rhythms |
URL | http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/stable/25468612 |
Accessed | Sun Nov 8 23:13:54 2009 |
Library Catalog | JSTOR |
Extra | ArticleType: primary_article / Full publication date: Dec. 22 - 29, 2001 / Copyright © 2001 BMJ Publishing Group |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This study investigated whether rhythmic formulas such as the rosary and yoga mantras can synchronise and reinforce inherent cardiovascular rhythms and modify baroreflex sensitivity. The authors conclude that rhythm formulas that involve breathing at six breaths per minute induce favourable psychological and possibly physiological effects.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | James A Blumenthal |
Author | Michael A Babyak |
Author | Gail Ironson |
Author | Carl Thoresen |
Author | Lynda Powell |
Author | Susan Czajkowski |
Author | Matthew Burg |
Author | Francis J Keefe |
Author | Patrick Steffen |
Author | Diane Catellier |
Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To assess the prospective relationship between spiritual experiences and health in a sample of patients surviving an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with depression or low social support. METHODS: A subset of 503 patients participating in the enhancing recovery in coronary heart disease (ENRICHD) trial completed a Daily Spiritual Experiences (DSE) questionnaire within 28 days from the time of their AMI. The questionnaire assessed three spirituality variables-worship service/church attendance, prayer/meditation, and total DSE score. Patients also completed the Beck Depression Inventory to assess depressive symptoms and the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory to determine perceived social support. The sample was subsequently followed prospectively every 6 months for an average of 18 months to assess all-cause mortality and recurrent AMI. RESULTS: Of the 503 participants who completed the DSE questionnaire at the time of index AMI, 61 (12%) participants either died or sustained a recurrent MI during the follow-up period. After adjustment for gender, education level, ethnicity, and a composite medical prognosis risk score derived specifically for the ENRICHD trial, we observed no relationship between death or nonfatal AMI and total spirituality as measured by the DSE (p = .446), worship service attendance (p = .120), or frequency of prayer/meditation (p = .679). CONCLUSION: We found little evidence that self-reported spirituality, frequency of church attendance, or frequency of prayer is associated with cardiac morbidity or all-cause mortality post AMI in patients with depression and/or low perceived support. |
Publication | Psychosomatic Medicine |
Volume | 69 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 501-508 |
Date | 2007 Jul-Aug |
Journal Abbr | Psychosom Med |
DOI | 10.1097/PSY.0b013e3180cab76c |
ISSN | 1534-7796 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17636153 |
Accessed | Fri Nov 13 17:49:44 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 17636153 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Objective: To assess the prospective relationship between spiritual experiences and health in a sample of patients surviving an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with depression or low social support. Conclusion: We found little evidence that self-reported spirituality, frequency of church attendance, or frequency of prayer is associated with cardiac morbidity or all-cause mortality post AMI in patients with depression and/or low perceived support.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Anna C Buck |
Author | David R Williams |
Author | Marc A Musick |
Author | Michelle J Sternthal |
Abstract | Researchers have established the role of heredity and lifestyle in the occurrence of hypertension, but the potential role of psychosocial factors, especially religiosity, is less understood. This paper analyzes the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension using data taken from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, a probability sample of adults (N=3105) aged 18 and over living in the city of Chicago, USA. Of the primary religiosity variables examined here, attendance and public participation were not significantly related to the outcomes. Prayer was associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension, and spirituality was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure. The addition of several other religiosity variables to the models did not appear to affect these findings. However, variables for meaning and forgiveness were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and a decreased likelihood of hypertension outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of analyzing religiosity as a multidimensional phenomenon. This study should be regarded as a first step toward systematically analyzing a complex relationship. |
Publication | Social Science & Medicine (1982) |
Volume | 68 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 314-322 |
Date | Jan 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Soc Sci Med |
DOI | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.10.010 |
ISSN | 0277-9536 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19019516 |
Accessed | Mon Mar 28 18:23:36 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19019516 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Researchers have established the role of heredity and lifestyle in the occurrence of hypertension, but the potential role of psychosocial factors, especially religiosity, is less understood. This paper analyzes the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension using data taken from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, a probability sample of adults (N=3105) aged 18 and over living in the city of Chicago, USA. Of the primary religiosity variables examined here, attendance and public participation were not significantly related to the outcomes. Prayer was associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension, and spirituality was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure. The addition of several other religiosity variables to the models did not appear to affect these findings. However, variables for meaning and forgiveness were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and a decreased likelihood of hypertension outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of analyzing religiosity as a multidimensional phenomenon. This study should be regarded as a first step toward systematically analyzing a complex relationship.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Anna C Buck |
Author | David R Williams |
Author | Marc A Musick |
Author | Michelle J Sternthal |
Abstract | Researchers have established the role of heredity and lifestyle in the occurrence of hypertension, but the potential role of psychosocial factors, especially religiosity, is less understood. This paper analyzes the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension using data taken from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, a probability sample of adults (N=3105) aged 18 and over living in the city of Chicago, USA. Of the primary religiosity variables examined here, attendance and public participation were not significantly related to the outcomes. Prayer was associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension, and spirituality was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure. The addition of several other religiosity variables to the models did not appear to affect these findings. However, variables for meaning and forgiveness were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and a decreased likelihood of hypertension outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of analyzing religiosity as a multidimensional phenomenon. This study should be regarded as a first step toward systematically analyzing a complex relationship. |
Publication | Social Science & Medicine (1982) |
Volume | 68 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 314-322 |
Date | Jan 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Soc Sci Med |
DOI | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.10.010 |
ISSN | 0277-9536 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19019516 |
Accessed | Fri Nov 13 19:36:13 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19019516 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This paper analyzes the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension. Of the primary religiosity variables examined here, attendance and public participation were not significantly related to the outcomes. Prayer was associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension, and spirituality was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Aggie Casey |
Author | Bei-Hung Chang |
Author | James Huddleston |
Author | Narmin Virani |
Author | Herbert Benson |
Author | Jeffery Dusek |
Abstract | PURPOSE: Although cardiac rehabilitation programs have been shown to decrease cardiovascular risk, morbidity, and mortality, few programs have integrated a balanced mind/body approach in which patients are taught the relaxation response and utilize cognitive behavior skills for stress management, along with diet and exercise. We examined the medical and psychological outcomes of patients treated in such a cardiac rehabilitation program in a general hospital setting. METHODS: From 1997 to 2005, outcomes were measured in 637 patients with coronary artery disease at baseline and after a 3-month program. Components of the intervention included smoking cessation, moderate aerobic exercise, nutrition counseling, relaxation response training, and cognitive/behavioral skills. RESULTS: Men and women improved significantly with respect to medical outcomes (blood pressure, lipids, weight, exercise conditioning, frequency of symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath) and psychological outcomes (general severity index, depression, anxiety, and hostility) (P < .0001). Patients considered "at higher risk" for cardiac events due to high baseline measures improved their measures to a less than "at higher risk" level. Data indicate that specific components of the intervention, that is, increased relaxation response practice and exercise, significantly contributed to these improvements (P < .05). Furthermore, age and gender differences, particularly for psychological measures, were found; younger patients and female patients had greater improvements than older patients and male patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary data for a subsequent randomized control trial to test mind/body-based interventions to determine the most effective outcomes at an affordable cost. |
Publication | Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention |
Volume | 29 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 230-238 |
Date | July 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev |
DOI | 10.1097/HCR.0b013e3181a33352 |
ISSN | 1932-7501 |
Short Title | A Model for Integrating a Mind/Body Approach to Cardiac Rehabilitation |
Accessed | Tue Sep 8 19:25:25 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19451830 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:05:38 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:05:38 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Bei-Hung Chang |
Author | Aggie Casey |
Author | Jeffery A Dusek |
Author | Herbert Benson |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Studies have shown beneficial effects from practicing the relaxation response (RR). Various pathways for these effects have been investigated. Previous small studies suggest that spirituality might be a pathway for the health effects of the RR. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased spiritual well-being by eliciting the RR is one pathway resulting in improved psychological outcomes. METHODS: This observational study included 845 outpatients who completed a 13-week mind/body Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Patients self-reported RR practice time in a questionnaire before and after the 13-week program. Similarly, data on spiritual well-being, measured by the subscale of Spiritual Growth of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, were collected. The psychological distress levels were measured by the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. We tested the mediation effect of spiritual well-being using regression analyses. RESULTS: Significant increases in RR practice time (75 min/week, effect size/ES=1.05) and spiritual well-being scores (ES=0.71) were observed after participants completed the program (P<.0001). Patients also improved on measures of depression, anxiety, hostility and the global severity index with medium effect sizes (0.25 to 0.48, P<.0001). Greater increases in RR practice time were associated with enhanced spiritual well-being (beta=.08, P=.01); and enhanced spiritual well-being was associated with improvements in psychological outcomes (beta=-0.14 to -0.22, P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated a possible dose-response relationship among RR practice, spiritual and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the data support the hypothesis that spiritual well-being may serve as a pathway of how RR elicitation improves psychological outcomes. These findings might contribute to improved psychological care of cardiac patients. |
Publication | Journal of Psychosomatic Research |
Volume | 69 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 93-100 |
Date | Aug 2010 |
Journal Abbr | J Psychosom Res |
DOI | 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.01.007 |
ISSN | 1879-1360 |
Short Title | Relaxation response and spirituality |
Accessed | Tue Jul 27 11:54:14 2010 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20624507 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:02:43 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:02:43 2011 |
A study to test the hypothesis that increased spiritual well-being by eliciting the relaxation response is one pathway resulting in improved psychological outcomes. The data demonstrated a possible dose-response relationship among relaxation relationship, spiritual and psychological well-being.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M A Chesney |
Author | G W Black |
Author | G E Swan |
Author | M M Ward |
Abstract | This industry-based randomized study compared the effects of behavioral treatment (BT) and blood pressure monitoring (BPM) on blood pressure (BP) change in 158 unmedicated persons with mild hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 90 to 104 mm Hg). Participants recruited by a three-stage screening were randomly assigned to BT or BPM groups and stratified by entry diastolic blood pressure (DBP), age, and sex. BT participants received relaxation training, with or without the addition of biofeedback, cognitive restructuring, and health behavior change components. During the study, all participants were followed by their usual care physicians and received medical advice. At 18 weeks into the study, after the BT groups completed training, both the BT and BPM groups showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP assessed in the company medical clinic (7.4 and 9.0 mm Hg SBP and 4.5 and 5.9 mm Hg DBP, respectively). These reductions were maintained throughout the 36-week follow-up period. Reductions in BP assessed at the participants' worksite were similar for BT and BPM participants throughout most of the trial, indicating little advantage to the inclusion of behavioral interventions over monitoring alone. Differences in BP changes observed among participants receiving various combinations of behavioral treatment components indicated that the cognitive restructuring component reduced SBP in the worksite by an additional 5.4 mm Hg (p less than 0.05). Possible explanations for the BP changes observed in the BPM group and implications of the results for the treatment of unmedicated mild hypertensives are discussed. |
Publication | Psychosomatic Medicine |
Volume | 49 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 250-263 |
Date | 1987 May-Jun |
Journal Abbr | Psychosom Med |
ISSN | 0033-3174 |
Short Title | Relaxation training for essential hypertension at the worksite |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3299442 |
Accessed | Thu Sep 3 00:58:45 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 3299442 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This industry-based randomized study compared the effects of behavioral treatment (BT) and blood pressure monitoring (BPM) on blood pressure (BP) change in 158 unmedicated persons with mild hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 90 to 104 mm Hg). At 18 weeks into the study, after the BT groups completed training, both the BT and BPM groups showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP assessed in the company medical clinic.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Colleen Delaney |
Author | Cynthia Barrere |
Abstract | Ecospirituality provides a framework for exploring the spiritual dimension of person and environment and the dynamic interplay between this sacred dyad and human health. The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the experience of environmental meditation by using a new, spirituality-based meditation intervention that focused on ecospirituality with patients with cardiovascular disease. A convenience sample of 6 women and 2 men with ages ranging from 42 to 64 years and a mean age of 57 years (SD = 8.33 years) participated in the study. From the 8 journals and the researchers' field notebooks, 85 significant phrases or sentences were extracted, transposed into formulated meanings, and later collapsed into 4 theme clusters: Entering a New Time Zone, Environmental Reawakening, Finding a New Rhythm, and Becoming a Healing Environment. The findings of this study provide beginning support for holistic nurses and other healthcare professionals to integrate the use of ecospirituality meditation into their care of patients with cardiovascular disease and the groundwork for further exploration of the spiritual dimension of person and environment. |
Publication | Holistic Nursing Practice |
Volume | 23 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 361-369 |
Date | 2009 Nov-Dec |
Journal Abbr | Holist Nurs Pract |
DOI | 10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181bf381c |
ISSN | 1550-5138 |
Short Title | Ecospirituality |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19901611 |
Accessed | Mon Nov 23 19:29:33 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19901611 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Ecospirituality provides a framework for exploring the spiritual dimension of person and environment and the dynamic interplay between this sacred dyad and human health. The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the experience of environmental meditation by using a new, spirituality-based meditation intervention that focused on ecospirituality with patients with cardiovascular disease. A convenience sample of 6 women and 2 men with ages ranging from 42 to 64 years and a mean age of 57 years (SD = 8.33 years) participated in the study. From the 8 journals and the researchers' field notebooks, 85 significant phrases or sentences were extracted, transposed into formulated meanings, and later collapsed into 4 theme clusters: Entering a New Time Zone, Environmental Reawakening, Finding a New Rhythm, and Becoming a Healing Environment. The findings of this study provide beginning support for holistic nurses and other healthcare professionals to integrate the use of ecospirituality meditation into their care of patients with cardiovascular disease and the groundwork for further exploration of the spiritual dimension of person and environment.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | DorAnne Donesky-Cuenco |
Author | Huong Q Nguyen |
Author | Steven Paul |
Author | Virginia Carrieri-Kohlman |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: There has been limited study of yoga training as a complementary exercise strategy to manage the symptom of dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a yoga program for its safety, feasibility, and efficacy for decreasing dyspnea intensity (DI) and dyspnea-related distress (DD) in older adults with COPD. METHODS: Clinically stable patients with COPD (n = 29; age 69.9 +/- 9.5; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) 47.7 +/- 15.6% predicted; female = 21) were randomized to a 12-week yoga program specifically designed for people with COPD or usual-care control (UC). The twice-weekly yoga program included asanas (yoga postures) and visama vritti pranayama (timed breathing). Safety measure outcomes included heart rate, oxygen saturation, dyspnea, and pain. Feasibility was measured by patient-reported enjoyment, difficulty, and adherence to yoga sessions. At baseline and at 12 weeks, DI and DD were measured during incremental cycle ergometry and a 6-minute walk (6MW) test. Secondary efficacy outcomes included physical performance, psychologic well-being, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS: Yoga training was safe and feasible for patients with COPD. While yoga training had only small effects on DI after the 6MW test (effect size [ES], 0.20; p = 0.60), there were greater reductions in DD in the yoga group compared to UC (ES, 0.67; p = 0.08). Yoga training also improved 6MW distance (+71.7 +/- 21.8 feet versus -27.6 +/- 36.2 feet; ES = 0.78, p = 0.04) and self-reported functional performance (ES = 0.79, p = 0.04) compared to UC. There were small positive changes in muscle strength and HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with COPD participated safely in a 12-week yoga program especially designed for patients with this chronic illness. After the program, the subjects tolerated more activity with less DD and improved their functional performance. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger, more sufficiently powered efficacy study. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 225-234 |
Date | Mar 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2008.0389 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
Short Title | Yoga therapy decreases dyspnea-related distress and improves functional performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
Accessed | Tue Feb 22 19:43:04 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19249998 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
The primary purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a yoga program for its safety, feasibility, and efficacy for decreasing dyspnea intensity and dyspnea-related distress in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.After the program, the subjects tolerated more activity with less dyspnea-related distress and improved their functional performance. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger, more sufficiently powered efficacy study.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Matthew Feinstein |
Author | Kiang Liu |
Author | Hongyan Ning |
Author | George Fitchett |
Author | Donald M Lloyd-Jones |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Religious involvement has been associated with improved health practices and outcomes; however, no ethnically diverse community-based study has examined differences in cardiac risk factors, subclinical cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events across levels of religiosity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 5474 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese participants who attended examination 2 of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We compared cross-sectional differences in cardiac risk factors and subclinical CVD and longitudinal CVD event rates across self-reported levels of religious participation, prayer/meditation, and spirituality. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were fitted to assess associations of measures of religiosity with risk factors, subclinical CVD, and CVD events. MESA participants (52.4% female; mean age, 63) with greater levels of religious participation were more likely to be female and black. After adjustment for demographic covariates, participants who attended services daily, compared with never, were significantly more likely to be obese (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.72) but less likely to smoke (adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.58). Results were similar for those with frequent prayer/meditation or high levels of spirituality. There were no consistent patterns of association observed between measures of religiosity and presence/extent of subclinical CVD at baseline or incident CVD events during longitudinal follow-up in the course of 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not confirm those of previous studies associating greater religiosity with overall better health risks and status, at least with regard to CVD. There was no reduction in risk for CVD events associated with greater religiosity. |
Publication | Circulation |
Volume | 121 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 659-666 |
Date | Feb 9, 2010 |
Journal Abbr | Circulation |
DOI | 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.879973 |
ISSN | 1524-4539 |
Short Title | Burden of cardiovascular risk factors, subclinical atherosclerosis, and incident cardiovascular events across dimensions of religiosity |
Accessed | Sat Feb 20 12:14:12 2010 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20100975 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
Religious involvement has been associated with improved health practices and outcomes; however, no ethnically diverse community-based study has examined differences in cardiac risk factors, subclinical cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events across levels of religiosity.The study included 5474 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese participants who attended examination 2 of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We compared cross-sectional differences in cardiac risk factors and subclinical CVD and longitudinal CVD event rates across self-reported levels of religious participation, prayer/meditation, and spirituality. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were fitted to assess associations of measures of religiosity with risk factors, subclinical CVD, and CVD events. MESA participants (52.4% female; mean age, 63) with greater levels of religious participation were more likely to be female and black. After adjustment for demographic covariates, participants who attended services daily, compared with never, were significantly more likely to be obese (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.72) but less likely to smoke (adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.58). Results were similar for those with frequent prayer/meditation or high levels of spirituality. There were no consistent patterns of association observed between measures of religiosity and presence/extent of subclinical CVD at baseline or incident CVD events during longitudinal follow-up in the course of 4 years. The results do not confirm those of previous studies associating greater religiosity with overall better health risks and status, at least with regard to CVD. There was no reduction in risk for CVD events associated with greater religiosity.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | George Fitchett |
Author | Lynda H Powell |
Abstract | Background There is reasonable evidence that religious beliefs and activities are associated with lower blood pressure and less hypertension. It is not known if daily spiritual experiences have similar effects. Purpose We examined the relationship between an eight-item version of the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hypertension. Methods With data from 1,060 Caucasian and 598 African-American midlife women participating in Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, in race-stratified models, we used regression equations, logistic regression, and mixed effects regression to estimate the relationship between DSES group and SBP and hypertensive status. Results We found little difference across DSES groups in adjusted mean SBP for either Caucasian or African-American women. Nor did DSES protect against 3-year increases in SBP, hypertensive status, or incident hypertension. Conclusions Daily spiritual experiences do not appear protective for SBP or hypertension in midlife women. Further research should examine factors that condition the religion–BP relationship. |
Publication | Annals of Behavioral Medicine: A Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine |
Volume | 37 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 257-267 |
Date | Jun 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Ann Behav Med |
DOI | 10.1007/s12160-009-9110-y |
ISSN | 1532-4796 |
Accessed | Tue Feb 22 18:41:30 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19662465 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
There is reasonable evidence that religious beliefs and activities are associated with lower blood pressure and less hypertension. It is not known if daily spiritual experiences have similar effects. The study examined the relationship between an eight-item version of the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hypertension. With data from 1,060 Caucasian and 598 African-American midlife women participating in Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, in race-stratified models, the authors used regression equations, logistic regression, and mixed effects regression to estimate the relationship between DSES group and SBP and hypertensive status. The authors found little difference across DSES groups in adjusted mean SBP for either Caucasian or African-American women. Nor did DSES protect against 3-year increases in SBP, hypertensive status, or incident hypertension. Daily spiritual experiences do not appear protective for SBP or hypertension in midlife women. Further research should examine factors that condition the religion–BP relationship.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Thomas W. Graham |
Author | Berton H. Kaplan |
Author | Joan C. Cornoni-Huntley |
Author | Sherman A. James |
Author | Caroline Becker |
Author | Curtis G. Hames |
Author | Siegfried Heyden |
Abstract | Blood pressure levels were examined with regard to church attendance patterns in a group of white male heads of households who appeared in the 1967–1969 follow-up examination of the Evans County Cardiovascular Epidemiologic Study. A consistent pattern of lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures among frequent church attenders was found compared to that of infrequent attenders which was not due to the effects of age, obesity, cigarette smoking, or socioeconomic status. |
Publication | Journal of Behavioral Medicine |
Volume | 1 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 37-43 |
Date | March 01, 1978 |
DOI | 10.1007/BF00846585 |
URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00846585 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 30 15:05:59 2009 |
Library Catalog | SpringerLink |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Blood pressure levels were examined with regard to church attendance patterns in a group of white male heads of households who appeared in the 1967–1969 follow-up examination of the Evans County Cardiovascular Epidemiologic Study. A consistent pattern of lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures among frequent church attenders was found compared to that of infrequent attenders which was not due to the effects of age, obesity, cigarette smoking, or socioeconomic status.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | K Griffiths |
Author | P M Camic |
Author | J M Hutton |
Abstract | Recently there has been a growth of interest in mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic approaches across a range of medical problems. Cardiac rehabilitation patients often suffer from stress, worry, anxiety and depression, all of which can lead to poor prognosis and worsening of cardiac symptoms. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) of participant experiences, this study reports on the first known Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy group adapted for cardiac rehabilitation. Analysis identified the development of awareness, commitment, within group experiences, relating to the material and acceptance as central experiential themes. The use of the approach was supported for this population. |
Publication | Journal of Health Psychology |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 675-681 |
Date | Jul 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Health Psychol |
DOI | 10.1177/1359105309104911 |
ISSN | 1359-1053 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19515682 |
Accessed | Sun Nov 1 10:43:21 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19515682 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Recently there has been a growth of interest in mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic approaches across a range of medical problems. Cardiac rehabilitation patients often suffer from stress, worry, anxiety and depression, all of which can lead to poor prognosis and worsening of cardiac symptoms. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) of participant experiences, this study reports on the first known Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy group adapted for cardiac rehabilitation. Analysis identified the development of awareness, commitment, within group experiences, relating to the material and acceptance as central experiential themes. The use of the approach was supported for this population.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Xinfeng Guo |
Author | Bin Zhou |
Author | Tsutomu Nishimura |
Author | Satoshi Teramukai |
Author | Masanori Fukushima |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of self-practiced qigong for treatment of essential hypertension. METHODS: Six major electronic databases were searched up to July 2006 to retrieve any potential randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of self-practiced qigong for essential hypertension reported in any language, with main outcome measures as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The quality of included studies were assessed with the Jadad Scale and a customized standard quality assessment scale. RESULTS: Ninety-two (92) studies were identified. Nine (9) of these studies qualified for meta-analysis, comprising a total of 908 cases. Results were as follows: (1) The mean decrease of SBP in those practicing qigong was a 17.03 mm Hg reduction (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.53-22.52) compared with nonspecific intervention controls, but not superior to that in drug controls (1.19 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.40-7.79) and conventional exercise controls (-1.51 mm Hg, 95% CI -6.98-3.95). (2) Mean decrease of DBP in those practicing qigong was 9.98 mm Hg (95% CI 2.55-17.41) compared with nonspecific intervention controls, but not superior to that in drug controls (2.49 mm Hg, 95% CI -0.16-5.13) and conventional exercise controls (-1.59 mm Hg, 95% CI -4.91-1.74). (3) No obvious side effects were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Self-practiced qigong for less than 1 year is better in decreasing BP in patients with essential hypertension than in no-treatment controls, but is not superior to that in active controls. More methodologically strict studies are needed to prove real clinical benefits of qigong, and to explore its potential mechanism. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 27-37 |
Date | 2008 Jan-Feb |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2007.7213 |
ISSN | 1075-5535 |
Short Title | Clinical effect of qigong practice on essential hypertension |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/18199012 |
Accessed | Mon Nov 2 13:06:52 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 18199012 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This study was designed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of self-practiced qigong for treatment of essential hypertension. Conclusions: Self-practiced qigong for less than 1 year is better in decreasing BP in patients with essential hypertension than in no-treatment controls, but is not superior to that in active controls.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Evangelos C Karademas |
Abstract | The aim of this study was to examine the role of illness cognitions as a possible pathway between religiousness and subjective health in chronic illness. A sample of 135 chronic cardiac patients completed questionnaires about intrinsic religiousness, frequency of church service attendance, basic illness cognitions (i.e., helplessness, illness acceptance, perceived benefits), and physical and emotional well-being. According to the results, religiousness was significantly associated with subjective health. However, this relationship was indirect, with helplessness and illness acceptance serving as mediators between intrinsic religiousness and health. This finding is significant for understanding the complex relation of religiousness to chronic patients' well-being. |
Publication | Journal of Health Psychology |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 239-247 |
Date | Mar 2010 |
Journal Abbr | J Health Psychol |
DOI | 10.1177/1359105309347585 |
ISSN | 1461-7277 |
Accessed | Mon Mar 22 20:11:10 2010 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20207667 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
The aim of this study was to examine the role of illness cognitions as a possible pathway between religiousness and subjective health in chronic illness. A sample of 135 chronic cardiac patients completed questionnaires about intrinsic religiousness, frequency of church service attendance, basic illness cognitions (i.e., helplessness, illness acceptance, perceived benefits), and physical and emotional well-being. According to the results, religiousness was significantly associated with subjective health. However, this relationship was indirect, with helplessness and illness acceptance serving as mediators between intrinsic religiousness and health. This finding is significant for understanding the complex relation of religiousness to chronic patients’ well-being.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | James E Kennedy |
Author | R Anne Abbott |
Author | Beth S Rosenberg |
Abstract | CONTEXT: Many epidemiological studies indicate that spirituality or religion are positively correlated with health measures, but research is needed on interventions that change spirituality to verify that it actually affects health and to justify suggestions that changes in spiritual practices or beliefs may have health benefits. However, it is not clear that health interventions can influence spirituality or which techniques are effective. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether participation in a retreat program for cardiac patients and their partners resulted in changes in spirituality and whether changes in spirituality were related to changes in well-being meaning in life, anger, and confidence in handling problems. DESIGN: Participants filled out questionnaires before and after participating in the retreat. SETTING: Retreats were sponsored by the Health Promotion and Wellness Program, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and were held in a remote training center. PARTICIPANTS: Notices were sent to cardiac rehabilitation programs and directly to heart patients, resulting in the enrollment of 72 first-time participants. INTERVENTION: The 2.5-day educational retreats included discussion and opportunities to experience healthy lifestyle options. Exercise, nutrition, stress management techniques, communication skills that enhance social support, and spiritual principles of healing were incorporated. Experiential practices included yoga, meditation, visualization, and prayer. RESULTS: Of the participants, 78% reported increased spirituality after the retreat. Changes in spirituality were positively associated with increased well-being meaning in life, confidence in handling problems, and decreased tendency to become angry. CONCLUSIONS: Programs that explore spirituality in a health context can result in increased spirituality that is associated with increased well-being and related measures. Many patients and their families want to integrate the spiritual and health dimensions of their lives. Further work is needed to develop healthcare settings that can support this integration. |
Publication | Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine |
Volume | 8 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 64-66, 68-70, 72-73 |
Date | 2002 Jul-Aug |
Journal Abbr | Altern Ther Health Med |
ISSN | 1078-6791 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/12126175 |
Accessed | Mon Nov 9 00:45:32 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 12126175 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Objective: To evaluate whether participation in a retreat program for cardiac patients and their partners resulted in changes in spirituality and whether changes in spirituality were related to changes in well-being meaning in life, anger, and confidence in handling problems. Conclusions: Programs that explore spirituality in a health context can result in increased spirituality that is associated with increased well-being and related measures.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Terry Larsen |
Publication | Journal of Cardiac Failure |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 8, Supplement 1 |
Pages | S103 |
Date | August 2010 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.cardfail.2010.06.360 |
ISSN | 1071-9164 |
Accessed | Mon Sep 13 20:46:32 2010 |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:02:43 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:02:43 2011 |
Research suggests that the heart failure (HF) population is particularly vulnerable to depression due to neurohormonal derangement and its psychological impact. HF patients with depression have been found to have more hospitalizations and poorer outcomes than those who are not depressed. The purpose of this study is to examine factors that predict health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with heart failure. Its aims are (1) to examine level of religious/spiritual coping, spiritual distress, demoralization, depression and HRQoL among adults with heart failure, (2) to examine the relationships of religious/spiritual coping, spiritual distress demoralization, depression and selected demographic variables (age, gender, race/ethnicity and length of living with HF) with HRQoL. The tests revealed significant differences for positive religious/spiritual coping t(113) = 2.72, 95, 84, p < .05 by gender. Women reported lower mean HRQoL scores 58.86 (SD 26.59) than men 68.57 (SD 24.77); and used more positive religious coping 20.95 (SD 4.97) than men 18.05(SD 6.20) p < .05. Correlation analysis found depression and demoralization to be highly correlated (r = .801; p < .05). A significant negative relationship between depression and HRQoL (r = -.645, p < .001), demoralization (r = -507; p < .001) and spiritual distress (r = -.218; p < .05) was found. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in KCCQ scores based upon the demographic variables. Trending towards statistical significance was found with Hispanics 21.26 (SD 5.04) who more likely to use positive religious/spiritual coping than non-Hispanic participants 17.96 (SD = 6.42, p = 0.54). Regression analysis indicate the overall model significantly predicted HRQOL R2 = 0.424, F (4,110) = 20.267, p < . 001. Depression was the only variable that significantly contributed to the model. A holistic approach to managing HF patients should consider the varied human responses of stress and coping, and be culturally sensitive and gender appropriate.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | David B. Larson |
Author | Harold G. Koenig |
Author | Berton H. Kaplan |
Author | Raymond S. Greenberg |
Author | Everett Logue |
Author | Herman A. Tyroler |
Abstract | Most clinical studies examining the relation between religion and blood pressure status have focused on church attendance, finding lower pressures among frequent attenders. The present study examines the effect on blood pressure status of a religious meaning variable, importance of religion, both by itself and together with frequency of church attendance. The relation between blood pressure, self-perceived importance of religion, and frequency of church attendance was examined among a rural sample of 407 white men free from hypertension or cardiovascular disease. The data confirmed an interaction between the effects of both religious variables on blood pressure status, with importance of religion having an even greater association with lower pressures than church attendance. Diastolic blood pressures of persons with high church attendance and high religious importance were significantly lower than those in the low attendance, low importance group. These differences persisted after adjusting the analyses for age, socioeconomic status, smoking, and weight-height ratio (Quetelet Index). The difference in mean diastolic pressures based on response to the religious importance variable alone was statistically and clinically significant, particularly among men aged 55 and over (6 mm) and among smokers (5 mm). These findings suggest that both religious attitudes and involvement may interact favorably in their effects on cardiovascular hemodynamics. |
Publication | Journal of Religion and Health |
Volume | 28 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 265-278 |
Date | December 01, 1989 |
DOI | 10.1007/BF00986065 |
URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00986065 |
Accessed | Tue Oct 20 21:31:37 2009 |
Library Catalog | SpringerLink |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
The present study examines the effect on blood pressure status of a religious meaning variable, importance of religion, both by itself and together with frequency of church attendance.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | A. Leonaite |
Author | A. Vainoras |
Abstract | A. Leonaite, A. Vainoras. Heart Rate Variability during two Relaxation Techniques in Post-MI Men // Electronics and Electrical Engineering. - Kaunas: Technologija, 2010. - No. 5(101). - P. 107-110. This study examines the short-term effect of two relaxation techniques on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with ischemic heart disease The focus of our work was on whether progressive muscular relaxation and body scan meditation produce any reliable changes of HRV and whether these changes are any different from those produced by a comparable period of just lying quietly. A computerized ECG analysis system "Kaunas-load", developed by the Institute of Cardiology of Kaunas Medical University, was applied for 12-lead ECG recording and analysis ECG was recorded with the patient lying quietly for 5 min before each performed technique, for 20 min during each relaxation activity and for 5 min after each performed technique Participants listened via headphone to audio-recorded relaxation instructions The changes in HRV were analyzed. The results indicate both similarities and differences in the HRV responses to different relaxing activities III 7, bibl 12 (in English, abstracts in English, Russian and Lithuanian). |
Publication | Electronics and Electrical Engineering |
Volume | 5 |
Issue | 101 |
Pages | 107-110 |
Date | 2010 |
ISSN | 1392-1215 |
Accessed | Tue Jun 15 11:03:01 2010 |
Library Catalog | ISI Web of Knowledge |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Jeffrey S. Levin |
Author | Harold Y. Vanderpool |
Abstract | Epidemiologic studies of the effects of religion on blood pressure suggest that religious commitment is inversely associated with blood pressure and that several religious denominations or groups have relatively low rates of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. In this review, we examine the implication that certain characteristics and functions of religion account for this association, and we posit 12 possible explanations for this finding. We propose that a salutary effect of religion on blood pressure can be explained by some combination of the following correlates or sequelae of religion: the promotion of health-related behavior; hereditary predispositions in particular groups; the healthful psychosocial effects of religious practice; and, the beneficial psychodynamics of belief systems, religious rites, and faith. Since past epidemiologic studies may have been methodologically limited or flawed, possible explanations for the findings of these studies also include epistemological confusion, measurement problems, and analytical errors. Finally, for the sake of completeness, two more speculative hypotheses are identified: superempirical and supernatural influences or pathways. |
Publication | Social Science & Medicine |
Volume | 29 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 69-78 |
Date | 1989 |
DOI | 10.1016/0277-9536(89)90129-9 |
ISSN | 0277-9536 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6VBF-469WW2W-1J/2/ba793086478c6c6fbc74c8141f7d38b9 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 30 15:42:20 2009 |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This review examines the implication that certain characteristics and functions of religion account for the association between religion and reduced hypertension and posits 12 possible explanations for this finding.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Antoine Lutz |
Author | Lawrence L Greischar |
Author | David M Perlman |
Author | Richard J Davidson |
Abstract | The brain and the cardiovascular system influence each other during the processing of emotion. The study of the interactions of these systems during emotion regulation has been limited in human functional neuroimaging, despite its potential importance for physical health. We have previously reported that mental expertise in cultivation of compassion alters the activation of circuits linked with empathy and theory of mind in response to emotional stimuli. Guided by the finding that heart rate increases more during blocks of compassion meditation than neutral states, especially for experts, we examined the interaction between state (compassion vs. neutral) and group (novice, expert) on the relation between heart rate and BOLD signal during presentation of emotional sounds presented during each state. Our findings revealed that BOLD signal in the right middle insula showed a significant association with heart rate (HR) across state and group. This association was stronger in the left middle/posterior insula when experts were compared to novices. The positive coupling of HR and BOLD was higher within the compassion state than within the neutral state in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex for both groups, underlining the role of this region in the modulation of bodily arousal states. This state effect was stronger for experts than novices in somatosensory cortices and the right inferior parietal lobule (group by state interaction). These data confirm that compassion enhances the emotional and somatosensory brain representations of others' emotions, and that this effect is modulated by expertise. Future studies are needed to further investigate the impact of compassion training on these circuits. |
Publication | NeuroImage |
Volume | 47 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 1038-1046 |
Date | Sep 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Neuroimage |
DOI | 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.04.081 |
ISSN | 1095-9572 |
Accessed | Tue Feb 22 19:11:11 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19426817 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
The brain and the cardiovascular system influence each other during the processing of emotion. The study of the interactions of these systems during emotion regulation has been limited in human functional neuroimaging, despite its potential importance for physical health. We have previously reported that mental expertise in cultivation of compassion alters the activation of circuits linked with empathy and theory of mind in response to emotional stimuli. Guided by the finding that heart rate increases more during blocks of compassion meditation than neutral states, especially for experts, we examined the interaction between state (compassion vs. neutral) and group (novice, expert) on the relation between heart rate and BOLD signal during presentation of emotional sounds presented during each state. Our findings revealed that BOLD signal in the right middle insula showed a significant association with heart rate (HR) across state and group. This association was stronger in the left middle/posterior insula when experts were compared to novices. The positive coupling of HR and BOLD was higher within the compassion state than within the neutral state in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex for both groups, underlining the role of this region in the modulation of bodily arousal states. This state effect was stronger for experts than novices in somatosensory cortices and the right inferior parietal lobule (group by state interaction). These data confirm that compassion enhances the emotional and somatosensory brain representations of others' emotions, and that this effect is modulated by expertise. Future studies are needed to further investigate the impact of compassion training on these circuits.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | JOSEPH L. LYON |
Author | HARRY P. WETZLER |
Author | JOHN W. GARDNER |
Author | MELVILLE R. KLAUBER |
Author | ROGER R. WILLIAMS |
Abstract | Cardiovascular mortality In the State of Utah Is among the lowest In the United States. The religion of 72% of the state residents (Mormon) proscribes the use of tobacco and alcohol; a large number of Mormons adhere to this proscription. This study analyzed the 6108 cardiovascular disease deaths between 1969-1971 in Utah of members In the Mormon Church. For both sexes, Mormons had 35% less mortality than expected from US rates for ischemlc heart disease, while non-Mormons were not significantly different from US whites. These results support the relationship between cigarette smoking and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Mormon men also had lower mortality from hypertensive heart disease and Mormon women from rheumatic heart disease than non-Mormons in Utah. |
Publication | Am. J. Epidemiol. |
Volume | 108 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 357-366 |
Date | November 1, 1978 |
URL | http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/108/5/357 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 30 14:56:49 2009 |
Library Catalog | HighWire |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This study analyzed the 6108 cardiovascular disease deaths between 1969-1971 in Utah of members in the Mormon Church. For both sexes, Mormons had 35% less mortality than expected from US rates for ischemic heart disease.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Ravinder Mamtani |
Author | Ronac Mamtani |
Abstract | Ayurveda is derived from 2 Sanskrit words, namely, "Ayus" and "Veda," meaning life and knowledge, respectively. It literally means science of life. Ayurveda, of which yoga is an integral part, is widely practiced in India and is gaining acceptance in many countries around the world. It is a comprehensive and a holistic system, the focus of which is on the body, mind, and consciousness. The Ayurvedic treatment consists of the use herbal preparations, diet, yoga, meditation, and other practices. Based on the review of available studies, the evidence is not convincing that any Ayurvedic herbal treatment is effective in the treatment of heart disease or hypertension. However, the use of certain spices and herbs such as garlic and turmeric in an overall healthy diet is appropriate. Many herbs used by Ayurvedic practitioners show promise and could be appropriate for larger randomized trials. Yoga, an integral part of Ayurveda, has been shown to be useful to patients with heart disease and hypertension. Yoga reduces anxiety, promotes well-being, and improves quality of life. Its safety profile is excellent. Its use as a complementary therapeutic regimen under medical supervision is appropriate and could be worth considering. |
Publication | Cardiology in Review |
Volume | 13 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 155-162 |
Date | 2005 May-Jun |
Journal Abbr | Cardiol Rev |
ISSN | 1061-5377 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/15834238 |
Accessed | Mon Nov 2 02:33:07 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 15834238 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Based on the review of available studies, the evidence is not convincing that any Ayurvedic herbal treatment is effective in the treatment of heart disease or hypertension. However, the use of certain spices and herbs such as garlic and turmeric in an overall healthy diet is appropriate. Yoga, an integral part of Ayurveda, has been shown to be useful to patients with heart disease and hypertension.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Mourya |
Author | AS Mahajan |
Author | NP Singh |
Author | AK Jain |
Abstract | Objectives: Breathing exercises practiced in various forms of meditations such as yoga may influence autonomic functions. This may be the basis of therapeutic benefit to hypertensive patients. Design: The study design was a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study using three groups. Subjects: The subjects comprised 60 male and female patients aged 20-60 years with stage 1 essential hypertension. Intervention: Patients were randomly and equally divided into the control and other two intervention groups, who were advised to do 3 months of slow-breathing and fast-breathing exercises, respectively. Baseline and postintervention recording of blood pressure (BP), autonomic function tests such as standing-to-lying ratio (S/L ratio), immediate heart rate response to standing (30: 15 ratio), Valsalva ratio, heart rate variation with respiration (E/I ratio), hand-grip test, and cold presser response were done in all subjects. Results: Slow breathing had a stronger effect than fast breathing. BP decreased longitudinally over a 3-month period with both interventions. S/L ratio, 30: 15 ratio, E/I ratio, and BP response in the hand grip and cold pressor test showed significant change only in patients practicing the slow-breathing exercise. Conclusions: Both types of breathing exercises benefit patients with hypertension. However, improvement in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic reactivity may be the mechanism that is associated in those practicing the slow-breathing exercise. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 7 |
Pages | 711-717 |
Date | JUL 2009 |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2008.0609 |
ISSN | 1075-5535 |
URL | http://apps.isiknowledge.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/full_record.do? product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&… |
Accessed | Sun Nov 1 10:37:20 2009 |
Library Catalog | ISI Web of Knowledge |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S.N. Murthy |
Author | N.S.N. Rao |
Author | Babina Nandkumar |
Author | Avinash Kadam |
Abstract | Aim The primary aim was to study the effect of naturopathy and yoga interventions in treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.Design The variables of interest were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention using a pre-post design.Setting The study was conducted by INYS medical research society in Jindal Nature Cure Institute, Bangalore.Subjects A total of 104 subjects, already diagnosed with mild to moderate hypertension and on treatment with antihypertensive medicines were included in study.Interventions The intervention consisted of various inpatient administration of different naturopathy treatments, yoga therapies, low calorie and low sodium diet for 21 days. Antihypertensive medicines were withdrawn for some patients in one week based upon response to the treatment.Outcome measures The outcome measures were values of diastolic and systolic blood pressure and body weight. Subjects were followed for a period of one year after every 3 months.Results After starting nonpharmacological approach of naturopathy and yoga, Systolic blood pressure came down from mean of 139.6 to 129.6 where as it came down from 91.2 to 86.1 for diastolic blood pressure. At the same time favorable effect was also seen in other variables like lipid profile and body weight. At the end of one year out of 57 patients who came for follow-up, 14 cases were found to have blood pressure within normal ranges without any medication over the previous 12 months.Conclusion Naturopathy and yoga therapy can be considered as a valuable nonpharmacoloical approach in treatment of hypertension |
Publication | Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice |
Volume | 17 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 9-12 |
Date | February 2011 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.08.005 |
ISSN | 1744-3881 |
Accessed | Tue Mar 15 14:49:35 2011 |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 08:56:57 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 08:56:57 2011 |
A study conducted by INYS medical research society in Jindal Nature Cure Institute, Bangalore on the effects of naturopathy and yoga interventions in treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Erin L Olivo |
Author | Brooke Dodson-Lavelle |
Author | Anava Wren |
Author | Yixin Fang |
Author | Mehmet C Oz |
Abstract | Extensive research has led to the development of a psychobiological model of cardiovascular disease. This model suggests that psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, hostility, and stress may affect the development and progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Recent studies have also demonstrated that meditation-based stress reduction programs are useful interventions for patients with various medical and psychological symptoms. The objective of this pilot study was to gather preliminary information regarding the feasibility of implementing a brief meditation-based stress management (MBSM) program for patients with CHD, and those at high risk for CHD, at a major metropolitan hospital that serves a predominately non-local patient population. The secondary aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that such an intervention might reduce depression, as well as perceived stress, anxiety, and hostility, while improving general health scores. The overall feasibility results indicate that this MBSM intervention was highly feasible with regard to both recruitment and retention of participants. In fact, 40% of patients requested further training. In addition, after completion of the 4-week intervention, participants reported significant reductions in depression and perceived stress. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the brief meditation-based stress management program was well-received by patients and can successfully be used as a supportive program for patients at risk or diagnosed with CHD. |
Publication | Psychology, Health & Medicine |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 513-523 |
Date | Oct 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Psychol Health Med |
DOI | 10.1080/13548500902890087 |
ISSN | 1465-3966 |
Short Title | Feasibility and effectiveness of a brief meditation-based stress management intervention for patients diagnosed with or at risk for coronary heart disease |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19844830 |
Accessed | Wed Nov 4 22:25:56 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19844830 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:04:55 2011 |
Extensive research has led to the development of a psychobiological model of cardiovascular disease. This model suggests that psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, hostility, and stress may affect the development and progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Recent studies have also demonstrated that meditation-based stress reduction programs are useful interventions for patients with various medical and psychological symptoms. The objective of this pilot study was to gather preliminary information regarding the feasibility of implementing a brief meditation-based stress management (MBSM) program for patients with CHD, and those at high risk for CHD, at a major metropolitan hospital that serves a predominately non-local patient population. The secondary aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that such an intervention might reduce depression, as well as perceived stress, anxiety, and hostility, while improving general health scores. The overall feasibility results indicate that this MBSM intervention was highly feasible with regard to both recruitment and retention of participants. In fact, 40% of patients requested further training. In addition, after completion of the 4-week intervention, participants reported significant reductions in depression and perceived stress. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the brief meditation-based stress management program was well-received by patients and can successfully be used as a supportive program for patients at risk or diagnosed with CHD.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Ajay Pal |
Author | Neena Srivastava |
Author | Sunita Tiwari |
Author | N.S. Verma |
Author | V.S. Narain |
Author | G.G. Agrawal |
Author | S.M. Natu |
Author | Kamakhya Kumar |
Abstract | Objectives To observe the effect of regular yogic practices and self-discipline in reducing body fat and elevated lipids in CAD patients. Method In this study one hundred seventy (170) subjects, of both sexes having coronary artery disease were randomly selected form Department of Cardiology. Subjects were divided in to two groups randomly in yoganext term group and in non-previous termyoganext term group, eighty five (85) in each group. Out of these (170 subjects), one hundred fifty four (154) completed the study protocol. Time line The yogic intervention consisted of 35–40 min/day, five days in a week till six months in the Department of Physiology CSMMU UP Lucknow. Body fat testing and estimation of lipid profile were done of the both groups at zero time and after six months of yogic intervention in previous termyoganext term group and without yogic intervention in non previous termyoganext term group. Results In present study, BMI (p < 0.04), fat % (p < 0.0002), fat free mass (p < 0.04), SBP (p < 0.002), DBP (p < 0.009), heart rate (p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (p < 0.0001), triglycerides (p < 0.0001), HDL (p < 0.0001) and low density lipoprotein (p < 0.04) were changed significantly. Conclusion Reduction of SBP, DBP, heart rate, body fat%, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL after regular yogic practices is beneficial for cardiac and hypertensive patients. Therefore yogic practices included in this study are helpful for the patients of coronary artery disease. |
Publication | Complementary Therapies in Medicine |
Volume | 19 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 122-127 |
Date | 6/2011 |
Journal Abbr | Complementary Therapies in Medicine |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ctim.2011.05.001 |
ISSN | 09652299 |
URL | http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0965229911000550 |
Accessed | Wed Jul 13 18:38:27 2011 |
Library Catalog | CrossRef |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 08:54:25 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 08:54:25 2011 |
To observe the effect of regular yogic practices and self-discipline in reducing body fat and elevated lipids in CAD patients.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Luca Pomidori |
Author | Federica Campigotto |
Author | Tara Man Amatya |
Author | Luciano Bernardi |
Author | Annalisa Cogo |
Abstract | PURPOSE: Yoga-derived breathing has been reported to improve gas exchange in patients with chronic heart failure and in participants exposed to high-altitude hypoxia. We investigated the tolerability and effect of yoga breathing on ventilatory pattern and oxygenation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Patients with COPD (N = 11, 3 women) without previous yoga practice and taking only short-acting beta2-adrenergic blocking drugs were enrolled. Ventilatory pattern and oxygen saturation were monitored by means of inductive plethysmography during 30-minute spontaneous breathing at rest (sb) and during a 30-minute yoga lesson (y). During the yoga lesson, the patients were requested to mobilize in sequence the diaphragm, lower chest, and upper chest adopting a slower and deeper breathing. We evaluated oxygen saturation (SaO2%), tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (E), respiratory rate (i>f), inspiratory time, total breath time, fractional inspiratory time, an index of thoracoabdominal coordination, and an index of rapid shallow breathing. Changes in dyspnea during the yoga lesson were assessed with the Borg scale. RESULTS: During the yoga lesson, data showed the adoption of a deeper and slower breathing pattern (VTsb L 0.54[0.04], VTy L 0.74[0.08], P = .01; i>fsb 20.8[1.3], i>fy 13.8[0.2], P = .001) and a significant improvement in SaO2% with no change in E (SaO2%sb 91.5%[1.13], SaO2%y 93.5%[0.99], P = .02; Esb L/min 11.2[1.1], Ey L/min 10.2[0.9]). All the participants reported to be comfortable during the yoga lesson, with no increase in dyspnea index. CONCLUSION: We conclude that short-term training in yoga is well tolerated and induces favorable respiratory changes in patients with COPD. |
Publication | Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention |
Volume | 29 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 133-137 |
Date | 2009 Mar-Apr |
Journal Abbr | J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev |
DOI | 10.1097/HCR.0b013e31819a0227 |
ISSN | 1932-7501 |
Short Title | Efficacy and tolerability of yoga breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
Accessed | Tue Feb 22 19:33:03 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19305239 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Tapas Pramanik |
Author | Hari Om Sharma |
Author | Suchita Mishra |
Author | Anurag Mishra |
Author | Rajesh Prajapati |
Author | Smriti Singh |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) for 5 minutes on heart rate and blood pressure and the effect of the same breathing exercise for the same duration of time (5 minutes) following oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan), a parasympathetic blocker drug. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Heart rate and blood pressure of volunteers (n = 39, age = 25-40 years) was recorded following standard procedure. First, subjects had to sit comfortably in an easy and steady posture (sukhasana) on a fairly soft seat placed on the floor keeping head, neck, and trunk erect, eyes closed, and the other muscles reasonably loose. The subject is directed to inhale through both nostrils slowly up to the maximum for about 4 seconds and then exhale slowly up to the maximum through both nostrils for about 6 seconds. The breathing must not be abdominal. These steps complete one cycle of slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min). During the practice the subject is asked not to think much about the inhalation and exhalation time, but rather was requested to imagine the open blue sky. The pranayama was conducted in a cool, well-ventilated room (18-20 degrees C). After 5 minutes of this breathing practice, the blood pressure and heart rate again were recorded in the aforesaid manner using the same instrument. The other group (n = 10) took part in another study where their blood pressure and heart rate were recorded following half an hour of oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide 20 mg. Then they practiced the breathing exercise as stated above, and the abovementioned parameters were recorded again to study the effect of parasympathetic blockade on the same pranayama. RESULTS: It was noted that after slow bhastrika pranayamic breathing (respiratory rate 6/min) for 5 minutes, both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly with a slight fall in heart rate. No significant alteration in both blood pressure and heart rate was observed in volunteers who performed the same breathing exercise for the same duration following oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide. DISCUSSION: Pranayama increases frequency and duration of inhibitory neural impulses by activating pulmonary stretch receptors during above tidal volume inhalation as in Hering Bruer reflex, which bring about withdrawal of sympathetic tone in the skeletal muscle blood vessels, leading to widespread vasodilatation, thus causing decrease in peripheral resistance and thus decreasing the diastolic blood pressure. After hyoscine-N-butylbromide, the parasympathetic blocker, it was observed that blood pressure was not decreased significantly as a result of pranayama, as it was observed when no drug was administered. CONCLUSIONS: Vagal cardiac and pulmonary mechanisms are linked, and improvement in one vagal limb might spill over into the other. Baroreceptor sensitivity can be enhanced significantly by slow breathing (supported by a small reduction in the heart rate observed during slow breathing and by reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure). Slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) exercise thus shows a strong tendency to improving the autonomic nervous system through enhanced activation of the parasympathetic system. |
Publication | Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 293-295 |
Date | Mar 2009 |
Journal Abbr | J Altern Complement Med |
DOI | 10.1089/acm.2008.0440 |
ISSN | 1557-7708 |
Accessed | Tue Feb 22 19:43:13 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19249921 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) for 5 minutes on heart rate and blood pressure and the effect of the same breathing exercise for the same duration of time (5 minutes) following oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan), a parasympathetic blocker drug. Results showed that Vagal cardiac and pulmonary mechanisms are linked, and improvement in one vagal limb might spill over into the other. Baroreceptor sensitivity can be enhanced significantly by slow breathing (supported by a small reduction in the heart rate observed during slow breathing and by reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure). Slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) exercise thus shows a strong tendency to improving the autonomic nervous system through enhanced activation of the parasympathetic system.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Jenny Rosendahl |
Author | Katharina Tigges-Limmer |
Author | Jan Gummert |
Author | Ralf Dziewas |
Author | Johannes Maximilian Albes |
Author | Bernhard Strauss |
Abstract | Effects of psychological as well as spiritual interventions on outcome in cardiac surgery have mostly been studied with a focus on presurgical interventions. Systematically controlled analyses of the effects of psychological and spiritual interventions depending on the patients' preference have not been performed so far, although these studies would help to assign patients to an adequate support. The By.pass study is a bicenter, controlled trial of patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and coronary bypass surgery combined with valve replacement surgery in 2 different German hospitals. Patients are assigned to 1 of 5 conditions, mainly according to their personal therapeutic preference: preference for psychological interventions (group 1), preference for spiritual interventions (group 2), or preference for no intervention (group 5). Patients who are open for any kind of intervention are randomly assigned either to psychological (group 3) or spiritual interventions (group 4). Six months before the start and 6 months after the end of the treatment phase, patients were assigned to the control groups. These were asked about their subjective preference (psychological, spiritual, no intervention, or no specific preference) as well but received no interventions. Patients will be enrolled from October 2006 to December 2009. The 6-month follow-up will be completed in July 2010. |
Publication | American Heart Journal |
Volume | 158 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 8-14.e1 |
Date | July 2009 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ahj.2009.04.017 |
ISSN | 0002-8703 |
Short Title | Bypass surgery with psychological and spiritual support (the By.pass study) |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6W9H-4WJH0Y8-5/2/c236f195f4a345cfcce97863e473f509 |
Accessed | Mon Sep 14 22:58:53 2009 |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:05:38 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:05:38 2011 |
The By.pass study is the first controlled trial systematically examining the effects of either psychological or spiritual support considering patient's preference and preoperative psychosocial risk on recovery after coronary bypass surgery.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Peter Seer |
Author | John M. Raeburn |
Abstract | Meditation training appears to be a promising psychological approach to the control of hypertension. However, most studies to date have had serious deficiencies. This study attempted to correct many of these deficiencies. Forty-one unmedicated hypertensives referred by general practitioners were randomly allocated to three groups. The treatment group (SRELAX) underwent training procedures based on Transcendental Meditation; a placebo control group (NSRELAX) underwent identical training but without a mantra. Both procedures were compared with a no-treatment control group. The results showed modest reductions in blood pressure in both SRELAX and NSRELAX groups, compared with the no-treatment controls, with diastolic percentage reductions reaching significance (p<0.05). There was considerable subject variation in response, with overall a mean decline in diastolic blood pressure of 8–10% on 3-month follow-up. Possible indicators to predict the response of subjects are considered and reasons for the similarity in the effectiveness of the SRELAX and NSRELAX conditions are discussed. |
Publication | Journal of Behavioral Medicine |
Volume | 3 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 59-71 |
Date | March 01, 1980 |
DOI | 10.1007/BF00844914 |
Short Title | Meditation training and essential hypertension |
URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00844914 |
Accessed | Thu Sep 3 01:09:17 2009 |
Library Catalog | SpringerLink |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This study investigates the effects of mantra-based vs. non-mantra-based meditation on hypertension.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Martin J Sullivan |
Author | Laura Wood |
Author | Jennifer Terry |
Author | Jeff Brantley |
Author | Ann Charles |
Author | Vicky McGee |
Author | Diane Johnson |
Author | Mitchell W Krucoff |
Author | Beth Rosenberg |
Author | Hayden B Bosworth |
Author | Kirkwood Adams |
Author | Michael S Cuffe |
Abstract | BACKGROUND The Support, Education, and Research in Chronic Heart Failure (SEARCH) study was designed to assess the impact of a mindfulness-based psychoeducational intervention on clinical outcomes, depression, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Although research has shown that psychosocial factors including depression are important risk factors for adverse events in patients with CHF, no large clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to reduce these factors in this population. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of 208 adults with left ventricular ejection fraction < or =40% and CHF geographically assigned to treatment or control groups with follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months. Treatment groups met weekly for 8 consecutive weeks for training in mindfulness meditation, coping skills, and support group discussion. RESULTS Subjects had a mean age of 61 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 26%, and median New York Heart Association class II. The majority were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (80%) and beta-blockers (86%). At baseline, patients in the treatment group had more severe CHF with higher New York Heart Association class (P = .0209) and more severe psychological distress (Center of Epidemiology - Depression, Profile of Mood States; P < .05). When compared with controls, treatment resulted in lower anxiety (Profile of Mood States, P = .003), depression (Center of Epidemiology - Depression, P = .05), improved symptoms (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire symptom scale, P = .033) and clinical scores (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical score, P = .024) over time. There were no treatment effects on death/rehospitalization at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS An 8-week mindfulness-based psychoeducational intervention reduced anxiety and depression; this effect was attenuated at 1 year. Importantly, the intervention led to significantly better symptoms of CHF at 12 months compared to control subjects. Our results suggest that interventions of this type might have a role in optimal therapy for CHF. |
Publication | American Heart Journal |
Volume | 157 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 84-90 |
Date | Jan 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Am. Heart J |
DOI | 10.1016/j.ahj.2008.08.033 |
ISSN | 1097-6744 |
Short Title | The Support, Education, and Research in Chronic Heart Failure Study (SEARCH) |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19081401 |
Accessed | Mon Mar 28 18:18:24 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19081401 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011 |
The Support, Education, and Research in Chronic Heart Failure (SEARCH) study was designed to assess the impact of a mindfulness-based psychoeducational intervention on clinical outcomes, depression, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Although research has shown that psychosocial factors including depression are important risk factors for adverse events in patients with CHF, no large clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to reduce these factors in this population.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Shirley Telles |
Author | Nilkamal Singh |
Author | Acharya Balkrishna |
Abstract | UNLABELLED ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND Pre and post comparison after one minute of high frequency yoga breathing (HFYB) suggested that the HFYB modifies the autonomic status by increasing sympathetic modulation, but its effect during the practice was not assessed. METHODS Thirty-eight male volunteers with group average age ± S.D., 23.3 ± 4.4 years were each assessed on two separate days in two sessions, (i) HFYB and (ii) breath awareness. Each session was for 35 minutes, with 3 periods, i.e., pre (5 minutes), during HFYB or breath awareness (15 minutes) and post (5 minutes). RESULTS There was a significant decrease in NN50, pNN50 and the mean RR interval during and after HFYB and after breath awareness, compared to the respective 'pre' values (p < 0.05) (repeated measures ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis). The LF power increased and HF power decreased during and after breath awareness and LF/HF ratio increased after breath awareness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that there was reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after HFYB and increased sympathetic modulation with reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after breath awareness. |
Publication | BioPsychoSocial Medicine |
Volume | 5 |
Pages | 4 |
Date | 2011 |
Journal Abbr | Biopsychosoc Med |
DOI | 10.1186/1751-0759-5-4 |
ISSN | 1751-0759 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21486495 |
Accessed | Mon May 9 18:59:23 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 21486495 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 08:55:31 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 08:55:31 2011 |
A study on the Pre and post comparison after one minute of high frequency yoga breathing (HFYB) suggested that the HFYB modifies the autonomic status by increasing sympathetic modulation, but its effect during the practice was not assessed. Thirty-eight male volunteers with group average age ± S.D., 23.3 ± 4.4 years were each assessed on two separate days in two sessions, (i) HFYB and (ii) breath awareness. Each session was for 35 minutes, with 3 periods, i.e., pre (5 minutes), during HFYB or breath awareness (15 minutes) and post (5 minutes). Results showed that there was a significant decrease in NN50, pNN50 and the mean RR interval during and after HFYB and after breath awareness, compared to the respective 'pre' values (p < 0.05) (repeated measures ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis). The LF power increased and HF power decreased during and after breath awareness and LF/HF ratio increased after breath awareness (p < 0.05). The results suggest that there was reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after HFYB and increased sympathetic modulation with reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after breath awareness.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Michael W Vollman |
Author | Lynda L LaMontagne |
Author | Kenneth A Wallston |
Abstract | This study examined the relationship between spiritual well-being (SWB) and perceived control (PC) in adult patients with heart failure (HF). The sample included 75 adults ranging in age from 27 to 82 years. Participants verbally completed study questionnaires in a clinic room selected for privacy. Multiple linear regression results indicated that increased existential spiritual well-being (a subscale of SWB) predicted increased PC. Thus, patients with HF who adjust to personal changes and who also connect with others may develop meaning and purpose in life and may perceive increased control over their heart disease. |
Publication | Applied Nursing Research: ANR |
Volume | 22 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 198-203 |
Date | Aug 2009 |
Journal Abbr | Appl Nurs Res |
DOI | 10.1016/j.apnr.2008.02.001 |
ISSN | 1532-8201 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19616168 |
Accessed | Fri Nov 13 20:08:21 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 19616168 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
This study examined the relationship between spiritual well-being (SWB) and perceived control (PC) in adult patients with heart failure (HF).
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Gloria Y Yeh |
Author | Ellen P McCarthy |
Author | Peter M Wayne |
Author | Lynne W Stevenson |
Author | Malissa J Wood |
Author | Daniel Forman |
Author | Roger B Davis |
Author | Russell S Phillips |
Abstract | BACKGROUND Preliminary evidence suggests that meditative exercise may have benefits for patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF); this has not been rigorously tested in a large clinical sample. We sought to investigate whether tai chi, as an adjunct to standard care, improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients with HF. METHODS A single-blind, multisite, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial evaluated 100 outpatients with systolic HF (New York Heart Association class I-III, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%) who were recruited between May 1, 2005, and September 30, 2008. A group-based 12-week tai chi exercise program (n = 50) or time-matched education (n = 50, control group) was conducted. Outcome measures included exercise capacity (6- minute walk test and peak oxygen uptake) and disease-specific quality of life (Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire). RESULTS Mean (SD) age of patients was 67 (11) years; baseline values were left ventricular ejection fraction, 29% (8%) and peak oxygen uptake, 13.5 mL/kg/min; the median New York Heart Association class of HF was class II. At completion of the study, there were no significant differences in change in 6-minute walk distance and peak oxygen uptake (median change [first quartile, third quartile], 35 [-2, 51] vs 2 [-7, 54] meters, P = .95; and 1.1 [-1.1, 1.5] vs -0.5 [-1.2, 1.8] mL/kg/min, P = .81) when comparing tai chi and control groups; however, patients in the tai chi group had greater improvements in quality of life (Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire, -19 [-23, -3] vs 1 [-16, 3], P = .02). Improvements with tai chi were also seen in exercise self-efficacy (Cardiac Exercise Self-efficacy Instrument, 0.1 [0.1, 0.6] vs -0.3 [-0.5, 0.2], P < .001) and mood (Profile of Mood States total mood disturbance, -6 [-17, 1] vs -1 [-13, 10], P = .01). CONCLUSION Tai chi exercise may improve quality of life, mood, and exercise self-efficacy in patients with HF. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00110227. |
Publication | Archives of Internal Medicine |
Volume | 171 |
Issue | 8 |
Pages | 750-757 |
Date | Apr 25, 2011 |
Journal Abbr | Arch. Intern. Med |
DOI | 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.150 |
ISSN | 1538-3679 |
Short Title | Tai chi exercise in patients with chronic heart failure |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21518942 |
Accessed | Mon May 9 18:57:24 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 21518942 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 08:55:31 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 08:55:31 2011 |
This study aimed to investigate whether tai chi, as an adjunct to standard care, improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure.