Psychoneuroimmunology and Mind-Body Interventions
30 Years
65 Years
Female
Healthy
Trial Information
Psychoneuroimmunology and Mind-Body Interventions
This study is designed to examine the effects of hatha yoga on autonomic, immune, and
endocrine function. The data from both inexperienced and experienced groups will help us
better understand how longer-term practice of yoga may be beneficial. The study consists of
one 3-hour screening session and three 6-hour activity sessions with 30 minute follow-up
appointments the following morning scheduled 2 - 4 weeks apart. Each participant will
complete the 3 activity sessions, which will consist of either yoga, mild movement, or a
neutral activity (watching a videotape), in randomly assigned order. Thus, both novices and
experts will participate in 3 activity sessions each (yoga, movement control, video
control). The order in which each participant goes through the activity sessions is
counterbalanced. Data for each activity session will be aggregated by group (i.e. novice or
expert). We will measure responses to tape stripping to assess skin barrier repair, and
evaluate responses to computer tasks, self-report measures, and a battery of unobtrusive
behavioral measures. We will also collect blood and saliva samples to measure immune and
endocrine outcomes.
Inclusion Criteria:
- healthy female adults
- relatively inexperienced with yoga (beginner)
- experienced with yoga (advanced practitioner)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Treatment with medication that has immunological or endocrinological consequences
- Chronic health problems that affect immune or endocrine systems
- Anemia
- Use of psychoactive drugs or mood-altering medication
- Smoking
- Needle or blood phobias
- Tape or bandage allergies
- Pregnancy or nursing within the previous 3 months
- Heart problems
- History of hip or knee replacement surgery, displaced vertebrae, and any other
physical limitations that would prevent full participation in the program
- use of statins, beta blockers
- excessive alcohol use
- convulsive disorders
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30.
Type of Study:
Interventional
Study Design:
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Outcome Measure:
Number of Participants With Detectable C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Outcome Description:
High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) assessed once at baseline, at each of the three visits. The hsCRP assay was performed using chemiluminescence methodology with the Immulite 1000 (Siemens Medical Solutions, Los Angeles, Ca.) The lowest level of detection is .3 mg/dL. 43% of the values were below this lower bound, thus hsCRP was dichotomized as undetectable/detectable.
Outcome Time Frame:
8:30 a.m. at each of the three visits, scheduled at least 2 weeks apart
Safety Issue:
No
Principal Investigator
Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD
Investigator Role:
Principal Investigator
Investigator Affiliation:
Ohio State University
Authority:
United States: Federal Government
Study ID:
2005H0068
NCT ID:
NCT00371397
Start Date:
September 2005
Completion Date:
September 2008
Related Keywords:
- Healthy
- yoga
- immune function
- stress
- health
- mood
- skin barrier repair
Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Ohio State University Clinical Research Center | Columbus, Ohio 43210 |
