Biochemical and Physiological Changes Associated With Differing Durations of Relaxation Response Training

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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We are looking at the effects of Stress Management and Relaxation Response training on stress hormones (like adrenalin and cortisol), immune function and physiology (heart rate, breathing rate, muscle tension).

Detailed Description
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The primary aim of this study is to determine whether differing durations of relaxation response (RR) training will be associated with different degrees of change in physiological, psychological, hormonal, molecular and immunological markers. Prior studies have reported reduction on many of these parameters after 8 weeks of RR training. However, we now seek to understand the degree to which incremental decreases in these parameters are exhibited at 0, 4, and 8 weeks of RR practice in 30 healthy adults. Furthermore, we will explore correlations between levels of exhaled nitric oxide or plasma nitrites/nitrates and oxygen consumption during RR elicitation. We will also examine any associations between changes in oxygen consumption and psychological factors, physiological parameters, and biochemical outcomes. Lastly, we will bank plasma and peripheral blood cells from these samples for future assessments of immune markers, cell typing and gene expression.

Official Title
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Biochemical and Physiological Changes Associated With Differing Durations of Relaxation Response Training

Conditions
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Stress

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Relaxation Response + Stress Management Curriculum


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-49 Healthy subjects Exclusion Criteria: Taking medication Asthma or allergies Prior regular relaxation practice Body Mass Index >39 Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score indicates possible clinical depression Current mental health treatment Diagnosis of severe mental illness Using hormonal birth control Females: pregnant or trying to conceive Exhaled Nitric Oxide (NO) levels > 60PPB Hematocrit < 32% Blood glucose < 50 or > 200 Creatinine > 1.3

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 49 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| 1<br>Relaxation Response + Stress Management Curriculum | Behavioral: Relaxation Response + Stress Management Curriculum<br>* Subjects will receive 8 weeks of Stress Management curriculum and guidance through 20 minute Relaxation Response with a research coordinator. They will also practice 20 minutes of Relaxation Response at home daily.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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relaxation, relaxation response, meditation, nitric oxide, stress management, stress, Relaxation Techniques