{"id":6316,"date":"2011-12-20T05:00:34","date_gmt":"2011-12-20T10:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=6316"},"modified":"2011-12-16T21:07:20","modified_gmt":"2011-12-17T02:07:20","slug":"mind-body-research-update-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=6316","title":{"rendered":"Mind-Body Research Update"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mind-Body Medicine Research Update<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Compiled by Kevin Chen, Ph.D.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Effects of Tai Chi on pre-landing muscle response latency during stepping down while performing a concurrent mental task in older adults.<\/span><\/strong> <\/span>Eur. J Appl. Physiol.<\/span><\/a> 2011 Nov 22. by <\/span>Tsang WW<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Hui-Chan CW<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Fu SN<\/span><\/a>. From Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (SAR), China.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Abstract:<\/strong><\/span> To investigate whether elderly Tai Chi practitioners are better able to descend a step while performing a concurrent mental task than non-practitioners. The design includes cross-sectional study. The setting includes university-based rehabilitation center. The subjects were 16 young women, 29 elderly women, and 31 elderly women who had been practicing Tai Chi regularly for at least half a year. Pre-landing muscle response latencies in their tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles were measured during stepping down (single task) and stepping down while performing a concurrent mental activity (dual tasking). The non-practitioners had earlier onset of muscle activity in the TA in preparation for landing than the other subjects. The response latency of the Tai Chi practitioners was not significantly different from that of the young controls. When the cognitive task was added, the pre-landing response in the TA was significantly altered in both elderly groups. Response was significantly delayed among the non-practitioners, but significantly earlier among the Tai Chi subjects. The average change in response latency was significantly greater in the non-Tai Chi group compared with the young subjects and the Tai Chi practitioners (p\u00a0=\u00a00.006). Such findings suggest that practicing Tai Chi helps the elderly maintain the same strategy as much as younger subjects during stepping down. Tai Chi practitioners seem to have a greater capacity to shift attention between mental and physical tasks than other elderly women. <\/span>http:\/\/www.springerlink.com\/content\/g72n671158616345<\/span><\/a> [E-pub ahead of print]<\/span><\/p>\n

Mindful attention reduces neural and self-reported cue-induced craving in smokers.<\/span><\/strong> <\/span>Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci.<\/span><\/a> 2011 Nov 22. by <\/span>Westbrook C<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Creswell JD<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Tabibnia G<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Julson E<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kober H<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Tindle HA<\/span><\/a>. From\u00a0 University of Wisconsin. cwestbrook@wisc.edu.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Abstract:<\/strong><\/span> An emerging body of research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may be beneficial for smoking cessation and the treatment of other addictive disorders. One way that mindfulness may facilitate smoking cessation is through the reduction of craving to smoking cues. The present work considers whether mindful attention can reduce self-reported and neural markers of cue-induced craving in treatment seeking smokers. Forty-seven (n\u2009=\u200947) meditation-na\u00efve treatment-seeking smokers (12-h abstinent from smoking) viewed and made ratings of smoking and neutral images while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were trained and instructed to view these images passively or with mindful attention. Results indicated that mindful attention reduced self-reported craving to smoking images, and reduced neural activity in a craving-related region of subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC). Moreover, a psychophysiological interaction analysis revealed that mindful attention reduced functional connectivity between sgACC and other craving-related regions compared to passively viewing smoking images, suggesting that mindfulness may decouple craving neurocircuitry when viewing smoking cues. These results provide an initial indication that mindful attention may describe a ‘bottom-up’ attention to one’s present moment experience in ways that can help reduce subjective and neural reactivity to smoking cues in smokers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Impact of Relaxation Training According to Yoga in Daily Life(\u00ae) System on Self-Esteem After Breast Cancer Surgery.<\/span><\/strong> <\/span>J Altern Complement Med.<\/span><\/a> 2011 Nov 22. by <\/span>Kova\u010di\u010d T<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kova\u010di\u010d M<\/span><\/a>. from Centre for Education, Work and Care Dobrna , Dobrna, Slovenia .<\/span><\/h3>\n

Abstract:<\/strong><\/span> Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to gather information on the immediate and short-term effects of relaxation training according to the Yoga In Daily Life(\u00ae) system on the self-esteem of patients with breast cancer. Design: This is a parallel-groups design. Settings\/location: Baseline interventions took place at the Institute for Oncology of Ljubljana (Slovenia). At discharge, the experimental group was issued with audiocassette recordings containing the instructions for relaxation training to be practiced individually at home for an additional 3 weeks. Subjects: The convenience sample of 32 patients with breast cancer was recruited from an accessible population of hospitalized women. Patients were randomized to the experimental (n=16) and to the control group (n=16). Interventions: Both groups received the same standard physiotherapy for 1 week, while the experimental group additionally received a group relaxation training sessions according to the Yoga in Daily Life(\u00ae) system. At discharge, the experimental group was issued with audiocassette recordings containing similar instructions for relaxation training to be practiced individually at home for an additional 3 weeks. Outcome measures: Outcome measures were obtained by blinded investigators (physiotherapists) using standardized questionnaires (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) at baseline (after the surgery); at 1 week (1 week postattendance; at discharge); and at 4 weeks (4 weeks postattendance); prior the commencement of radiation. Results: Analysis of variance showed that there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control group in all measuring self-esteem scores over the study period (p<0.0005). At the same time, the control group’s scores remained unchanged over the study period (p>0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that relaxation training according to the Yoga in Daily Life system could be a useful clinical physiotherapy intervention for patients who have breast cancer and who are experiencing low self-esteem. Although this kind of relaxation training can be applied to clinical oncology in Slovenia, more studies need to be done.<\/span><\/p>\n

Effects of yoga exercise on serum adiponectin and metabolic syndrome factors in obese postmenopausal women. <\/span><\/strong> <\/span>Menopause.<\/span><\/a> 2011 Nov 14. by <\/span>Lee JA<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kim JW<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kim DY<\/span><\/a> From the Department of Physical Education, Kyungsung University, Busan, South Korea.<\/span><\/h3>\n

OBJECTIVE:<\/strong><\/span> Regular and continuous yoga exercise is one of the most important nonpharmacological methods of improving serum lipid concentrations, adipose tissue, and metabolic syndrome factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of yoga exercise on serum adiponectin and metabolic syndrome factors in obese postmenopausal Korean women.\u00a0 METHODS<\/strong><\/span>: Sixteen healthy postmenopausal women aged 54.50 \u00b1 2.75 years with more than 36% body fat were randomly assigned to either a yoga exercise group (n = 8) or to a “no exercise” control group (n = 8). The variables of body composition, visceral fat, serum adiponectin, and metabolic syndrome factors were measured in all the participants before and after the 16-week study.\u00a0 RESULTS:<\/strong><\/span> Body weight, percentage of body fat, lean body mass, body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral fat area had significantly decreased. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin had significantly increased, but total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, and homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance had significantly decreased. Serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly correlated with waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, and homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance in the postyoga exercise group. <\/span>CONCLUSIONS:<\/strong><\/span> Our findings indicate that yoga exercise improves adiponectin level, serum lipids, and metabolic syndrome risk factors in obese postmenopausal women. Consequently, yoga exercise will be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease caused by obesity in obese postmenopausal Korean women.<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n

Effect of short-term pranayama and meditation on cardiovascular functions in healthy individuals.<\/span><\/strong>Heart Views.<\/span><\/a> 2011 Apr;12(2):58-62. by <\/span>Ankad RB<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Herur A<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Patil S<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Shashikala GV<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Chinagudi S<\/span><\/a>. from Department of Physiology, S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.<\/span><\/h3>\n

CONTEXT:<\/strong><\/span> Asana, pranayama, and meditation are three main techniques of yoga practiced in India over thousands of years to attain functional harmony between the body and mind. Recent studies on long-term yogic practices have shown improvements in cardiovascular functions.\u00a0 AIM:<\/strong><\/span> The present study was conducted to ascertain if a short-term practice of pranayama and meditation had improvements in cardiovascular functions in healthy individuals with respect to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). DESIGN: This interventional study was conducted in the Department of physiology of S.N. Medical College, Bagalkot.\u00a0 METHODS:<\/strong><\/span> Fifty healthy subjects (24 males and 26 females) of 20-60 years age group, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent two hours daily yoga program for 15 days taught by a certified yoga teacher. Pre and post yoga cardiovascular functions were assessed by recording pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure. The parameters were analyzed by Student’s t test.\u00a0 RESULTS:<\/strong><\/span> There was significant reduction in resting pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure after practicing pranayama and meditation for 15 days. The response was similar in both the genders, both the age groups, <40 yrs and >40 yrs and both the groups with BMI, <25 kg\/m(2) and >25 kg\/m(2). CONCLUSION:<\/strong><\/span> This study showed beneficial effects of short term (15 days) regular pranayama and meditation practice on cardiovascular functions irrespective of age, gender, and BMI in normal healthy individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tai Chi Enhances the Effects of Endurance Training in the Rehabilitation of Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure. <\/span><\/strong>Rehabil Res Pract.<\/span><\/a> 2011; 2011:761958.\u00a0\u00a0 by <\/span>Caminiti G<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Volterrani M<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Marazzi G<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Cerrito A<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Massaro R<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Arisi A<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Franchini A<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Sposato B<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Rosano G<\/span><\/a>. from Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Centre for Clinical and Basic Research, IRCCS San Raffaele, via della Pisana 235, 00163 Roma, Italy.<\/span><\/h3>\n

PURPOSE:<\/strong><\/span> To assess if Tai Chi added to endurance training (ET) is more effective than ET alone in improving exercise tolerance and quality of life (QOL) of elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Design. Sixty CHF patients, age 73.8 \u00b1 6 years, M\/F 51\/9, were enlisted. Thirty pts were randomized to combined training (CT) performing Tai Chi +ET and 30 patients to ET (ET only). Methods. At baseline and after 12 weeks all patients underwent 6-minute walking test (6MWT), assessment of amino terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and peak torque (PT), QOL questionnaire (MacNewQLMI), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR). All patients performed 4 sessions of exercise\/week. Results. Distance at 6mwt improved in both groups with significant between-groups differences (P\u2009=\u2009.031). Systolic BP and NT-proBNP decreased significant in the CT group compared to ET (P\u2009=\u2009.025) and P\u2009=\u2009.015), resp.). CT group had a greater significant improvement in physical perception (P\u2009=\u2009.026) and a significant increase of PT compared to ET group. Conclusions. The association of Tai Chi and ET improves exercise tolerance and QOL of patients with CHF more efficiently than ET. <\/span>http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3195859<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A perception theory in mind-body medicine: guided imagery and mindful meditation as cross-modal adaptation.<\/span><\/strong>Psychon Bull Rev.<\/span><\/a> 2011 Nov 8. by <\/span>Bedford FL<\/span><\/a>. From University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210068, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA, bedford@u.arizona.edu.<\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/h3>\n

ABSTRACT:<\/strong><\/span> A new theory of mind-body interaction in healing is proposed based on considerations from the field of perception. It is suggested that the combined effect of visual imagery and mindful meditation on physical healing is simply another example of cross-modal adaptation in perception, much like adaptation to prism-displaced vision. It is argued that psychological interventions produce a conflict between the perceptual modalities of the immune system and vision (or touch), which leads to change in the immune system in order to realign the modalities. It is argued that mind-body interactions do not exist because of higher-order cognitive thoughts or beliefs influencing the body, but instead result from ordinary interactions between lower-level perceptual modalities that function to detect when sensory systems have made an error. The theory helps explain why certain illnesses may be more amenable to mind-body interaction, such as autoimmune conditions in which a sensory system (the immune system) has made an error. It also renders sensible erroneous changes, such as those brought about by “faith healers,” as conflicts between modalities that are resolved in favor of the wrong modality. The present view provides one of very few psychological theories of how guided imagery and mindfulness meditation bring about positive physical change. Also discussed are issues of self versus non-self, pain, cancer, body schema, attention, consciousness, and, importantly, developing the concept that the immune system is a rightful perceptual modality. Recognizing mind-body healing as perceptual cross-modal adaptation implies that a century of cross-modal perception research is applicable to the immune system. <\/span>http:\/\/www.springerlink.com\/content\/382662243226423l<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Which health conditions cause the most unhappiness? <\/span><\/strong>Health Econ.<\/span><\/a> 2011 Dec;20(12):1431-47.\u00a0 by <\/span>Graham C<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Higuera L<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Lora E<\/span><\/a>. from\u00a0 Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, USA; University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.<\/span><\/h3>\n

ABSTRACT<\/strong><\/span>: This paper assesses the effects of different health conditions on happiness. Based on new data for Latin America, we examine the effects of different conditions across age, gender, and income cohorts. Anxiety and pain have stronger effects than physical problems, likely because people adapt better to one-time shocks than to constant uncertainty. The negative effects of health conditions are very large when compared with the effects of income on happiness. And, while higher peer income typically elicits envy, better peer health provides positive signals for life and health satisfaction. Health norms vary widely across countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health and Gross National Happiness: review of current status in Bhutan. <\/span><\/strong>J Multidiscip Healthc.<\/span><\/a> 2011;4:293-8. by <\/span>Tobgay T<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Dophu U<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Torres CE<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Na-Bangchang K<\/span><\/a>. from Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kawajangsa, Bhutan;<\/span><\/h3>\n

ABSTRACT:<\/strong><\/span> Worldwide, contemporary measures of the success of health development programs have been mostly in terms of the reduction of mortality and morbidity as well as increasing longevity. While these goals have yielded much-needed health improvements, the subjective outcomes of these improvements, as experienced by individuals and the communities, have not been considered. Bhutan, under the overarching policy of Gross National Happiness, has provided due consideration to these subjective indicators. Here, we report on the current status of health and happiness in Bhutan as revealed by conventional objective indicators and subjective Gross National Happiness indicators. The current literature on health in Bhutan in relation to the Gross National Happiness Survey conducted by the Centre of Bhutan Studies has been reviewed. Bhutan has made great strides within a short period of modernization, as shown by both objective and subjective indicators. Tremendous challenges lie ahead to achieve the ultimate goal of health and happiness, and how Bhutan articulates its path to modernization may be a lesson for the rest of the world. <\/span>http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3155859<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Association between perceived happiness levels and peripheral circulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in middle-aged adults in Japan. <\/span><\/strong>Neuro Endocrinol Lett.<\/span><\/a> 2011;32(4):458-63. by <\/span>Matsunaga M<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Isowa T<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Yamakawa K<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Tsuboi H<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kawanishi Y<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kaneko H<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kasugai K<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Yoneda M<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Ohira H<\/span><\/a>. from Department of Cerebral Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan.<\/span><\/h3>\n

OBJECTIVES:<\/strong><\/span> The idea that perceived happiness may be associated with health and well-being is a recent topic of focus. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the positive effects of happiness on psychological and physiological wellness remain obscure. In this study, we attempted to clarify the association between systemic inflammation and happiness. METHODS: <\/strong><\/span>We recruited 160 healthy volunteers for experiment 1 and compared peripheral inflammatory markers, namely the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, between perceived high-happiness and low-happiness groups. Subsequently, we recruited 7 romantic couples for experiment 2 and investigated changes in peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokine levels after the evocation of happiness, which was induced by warm physical contact with the partner.\u00a0 RESULTS:<\/strong><\/span> We found that circulating levels of interferon-\u03b3 (IFN-\u03b3), which can affect brain functions and induce depressive symptoms, were lower in the high-happiness group than in the low-happiness group. A negative correlation between the levels of perceived happiness and IFN-\u03b3 concentrations was also observed. Furthermore, we also found that experimentally induced happiness could reduce peripheral IFN-\u03b3 levels.\u00a0 CONCLUSIONS:<\/strong><\/span> These results revealed an association between the perception of happiness and systemic inflammation. Increased happiness may suppress the peripheral circulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>[Kevin Chen, Ph.D., MPH<\/strong> is an associate professor at the Center for Integrative Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine (USA). \u00a0Dr. Chen was educated in the universities of both China and the United States, and has\u00a0years of experience and training in blending eastern and western perspectives, and in\u00a0the practice of life-nurturing methods. As a long-time practitioner of Qigong Yang Sheng, he is one of the few scientists in the U.S. to have both hands-on knowledge of mind-body practice, and an active research career in mind-body medicine, which is funded through grants by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and various foundations.\u00a0 Dr. Chen devotes his career and life to the practice of Yang Sheng, and promotion of self-healing and mind-body-spirit integration through the non-profit organization, World Institute for Self Healing (WISH) (http:\/\/www.wishus.org<\/a>).]
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