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

September 16, 2011 updated by: Herbert Benson, Massachusetts General Hospital
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).

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

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.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Anticipated)

30

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Massachusetts
      • Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
        • Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 49 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy subjects ages 18-49.

Description

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

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
1
Relaxation Response + Stress Management Curriculum
Behavioral: Relaxation Response + Stress Management Curriculum
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.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Herbert Benson, MD, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hosptial

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

December 1, 2006

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2011

Study Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2011

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 7, 2008

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 13, 2008

First Posted (Estimate)

March 14, 2008

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

September 19, 2011

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 16, 2011

Last Verified

September 1, 2011

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • MIT COUHES 577

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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