Physiological Measures of Mindfulness by Annabelle Jin-Hendel

Different Measures of Mindfulness

2024-02-21 20:12:42 UTC

prolonged stress can negatively influence the development of executive functioning. How might a mindfulness intervention affect this connection?

Using Non Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

2024-02-21 20:17:04 UTC

One of the studies used a non-MBSR stress reduction technique in addition to an inactive control to examine MBSRs specifically

Effects on cortisol

2024-02-21 20:18:40 UTC

Intersubjective training (prosocial behavior) reduced cortisol levels while mindfulness training had no impact (Engert et al. 2017)

Yoga and Cortisol

2024-02-21 20:20:29 UTC

In addition to cortisol, what other biological markers are involved in using yoga for stress reduction? What would be the most effective physiological measure to measure the plasma cortisol effects of practicing yoga?

2024-02-21 20:23:20 UTC

continuing with the theme of a western focus on disease instead of health in literature (i.e. focusing on the frequency/quality of neagtive states (suffering, pain, etc.) as opposed to the qualities/physiological markers of health/relaxation/peace), 2 things emerged:

1) focus on molecules associated with stress/disease instead of health/relaxation

found that seratonin, oxytocin, and endorphins can be used as physioloigcal markers of 'peace and relaxation'

2) in addition to studying MBSR in disease populations, experiments should examine physioloigcal markers in professional meditators, beginners, and in diseased populations

"Together with observed increases in EEG coherence and aspects of brain function, such changes are consistent with growth towards a state of total brain functioning, i.e. development of full mental potential. They are usually accompanied by improved health parameters. How they may be seen to be consistent with growth of enlightenment will be the subject of a second article."

Effects of MBI on BDNF

2024-02-21 20:23:48 UTC

Study examined mindfulness based intervention intensive on weekends compared to "control-relaxation" group to determine its impact on BDNF, a marker of neuroplasticity as well as mitochondrial function and stress related neurohormonal activity (HRV). Found significant increase in in BDNF but no significant impact on cortisol or HRV. (Gomutbutra et al. 2022)

Mindfulness interventions and inflammation reduction

2024-03-03 20:06:37 UTC

Extended periods of stress can negatively impact our health in many ways, one of which is chronic inflammation. One prominent indicator of inflammation is CRP (c-reactive protein), and has been implicated in decreased survival and negative health effects. High levels of CRP have been linked to certain psychological factors. This study had 186 participants who had an elevated CRP level were randomly assigned to a control or active group which participated in a workplace mindfulness-based intervention. The results did show a decrease in CRP as compared to the control group, but the results were not statistically significant. They also seemed to find a connection between BMI and efficacy of the MBI on reducing CRP levels. While the results were not statistically significant, it is still an interesting finding that should be further investigated. (Malarkey et. al, 2012)