Research News

Improve the Psychological Health of Patients with Hypothyroidism with Tele-Yoga Practice

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By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Enhancing Quality of Life in Patients With Hypothyroidism Using a Scientific Yoga Module: Randomized Controlled Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12246764/) Nilkantham and colleagues performed a clinical trial of the effectiveness of 6 months of yoga practice presented over the internet in comparison to a wait-list control condition on the physical and psychological well-being of patients with hypothyroidism. They found that telehealth yoga resulted in significant improvements in mental health, energy, vitality, and role limitations.

 

Tele-Yoga is an effective treatment for the psychological symptoms of hypothyroidism.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Nilkantham S, Singh A, Majumdar V, K N H, Atmakur S. Enhancing Quality of Life in Patients With Hypothyroidism Using a Scientific Yoga Module: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jun 26;27:e54078. doi: 10.2196/54078. PMID: 40570327; PMCID: PMC12246764.

 

Abstract

Background

The impact of hypothyroidism on quality of life is extensively documented, highlighting its substantial physical, psychological, and social burden. Yoga has demonstrated promising therapeutic benefits in improving hypothyroidism outcomes. Leveraging telehealth’s growth, this study used a rigorously designed scientific yoga module specifically tailored for digital delivery for patients with hypothyroidism undergoing levothyroxine treatment.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the impact of a 6-month tele-yoga intervention in patients with hypothyroidism by comparing outcomes between those receiving levothyroxine combined with tele-yoga and those receiving only levothyroxine treatment.

Methods

A single-blinded, 2-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted for 6 months (April 1, 2022-September 30, 2022) with 134 clinically diagnosed patients with hypothyroidism recruited from the Arogyadhama Holistic Health Home registry (2013-2021). Participants were randomized to either a yoga intervention group or a waitlist control group with 67 in each group and assessed at 3 time points (before, in the middle of, and after the intervention) for primary and secondary outcomes. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey for health-related quality of life was used as a primary measure, whereas secondary measures included thyroid profile, BMI, blood pressure, the Fatigue Assessment Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Gita Inventory of Personality. Clinical data were collected via online questionnaires, and laboratory data (thyroid profile blood pressure and anthropometric measurements) were obtained in person using standardized instruments. A generalized linear model with repeated-measure ANOVA was used to evaluate both within- and between-group effects. In addition, in the yoga intervention group, performance was assessed using a yoga performance assessment scale, and satisfaction was measured through a structured feedback survey.

Results

The intervention showed highly significant effects across all domains of the primary outcome measure (P<.001), with the most notable effects on mental health (F2, 118=425.88; η2=0.88), energy and vitality (F2, 118=371.73; η2=0.86), and role limitations—emotional (F2, 118=335.45; η2=0.85). Secondary measures also showed significant improvements (P<.001), except for thyroxine (P<.014). Average yoga performance assessment scores increased significantly from 65.08 (SD 10.97) to 88.62 (SD 11.18; P<.001), indicating that most participants could easily perform the practices. Overall, 95% (64/67) of the participants in the yoga intervention group expressed high satisfaction with the tele-yoga intervention.

Conclusions

This clinical trial is the first to demonstrate the benefits of a digitally delivered scientific yoga module combined with levothyroxine treatment for hypothyroidism. It highlights the efficacy of instructor-led tele-yoga as a scalable eHealth intervention, enhancing accessibility, long-term engagement, and sustainable health outcomes. Patients receiving tele-yoga alongside levothyroxine showed significantly greater improvements than those on levothyroxine alone, highlighting the value of integrating eHealth into thyroid care for a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach.

Improve the Mental Health of Older Adults with Mindfulness

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Meditation for Depression: How It Works and Types to Try

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11863447/) Wang and colleagues studied the effectiveness of mindfulness teacher and social worker led Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for the relief of depression and stress in adults over 60 years of age. They found that the training significantly decreased depression and perceived stress and increased mindful non-reactivity in the older adults.

 

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) improves mental health in older adults.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Wang YH, Wang YL, Leung DKY, Ng ZLY, Chan OLH, Wong SMY, Chan RCL, Liu T, Wong GHY, Lum TYS. Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Feb 26;25(1):81. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04781-6. PMID: 40011881; PMCID: PMC11863447.

 

Abstract

Background

Emerging evidence has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective in improving depressive symptoms in the older population. However, the accessibility to MBCT is limited by the shortage of psychotherapists or mindfulness teachers. One potential solution is to involve social workers, who have the knowledge and skills to promote individual and community well-being in various settings, in delivering modified MBCT to enhance its accessibility and sustainability. This study examined the effectiveness of an eight-week age-modified MBCT led by different mental health professionals (mindfulness teacher only vs. mindfulness teacher and social worker) in improving mental health outcomes as compared with a control group.

Methods

Older adults (N = 112) were recruited through five community-based centres for older adults and mental wellness in Hong Kong. Participants were allocated to one of three groups: (1) mindfulness teacher-led modified MBCT, (2) social worker/teacher co-led modified MBCT (50% led by social workers and 50% led by mindfulness teacher), or (3) control (care as usual). The age-modified MBCT consisted of eight weekly sessions, with age-related modifications including more sitting meditation, shortened duration of each session, and the removal of the retreat. Outcome variables (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and mindfulness) were assessed at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1), and four weeks after the intervention (T2), through self-reported questionnaires. Linear mixed models were performed while controlling for demographic variables to examine changes in outcome variables between the groups.

Results

Participants from the age-modified MBCT intervention groups (teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led) showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and stress, as well as greater increase in mindful non-reactivity, compared to the control group post-intervention. No significant interaction effect of time and group was found for anxiety and both overall mindfulness and its other facets. The improvements in mental health and mindfulness outcomes post-intervention were not significantly different between the teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led MCBT groups.

Discussion

Age-modified MBCT is beneficial in managing depressive and stress symptoms and in improving mindful non-reactivity among older adults at risk for depression. The findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of partial task-shifting in the delivery of MBCT to trained social workers. Future studies may explore the possibility for social workers in leading MBCTs independently to further improve its scalability and service accessibility for older adults in the community.

 

Improve Mental Health with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

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Figure 4

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900371/) Gkintoni and colleagues Review and summarize the published research studies of the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for the treatment of psychological issues. They report that MBCT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress and to improve cognitive function and the regulation of emotions.

 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is and effective therapy for a variety of psychological issues.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Gkintoni E, Vassilopoulos SP, Nikolaou G. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 3;14(5):1703. doi: 10.3390/jcm14051703. PMID: 40095733; PMCID: PMC11900371.

 

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review outlines the neurocognitive outcomes and mechanisms of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) that influence subjective well-being. MBCT is a clinical intervention that integrates cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices to prevent depression relapses and improve mental health. Methods: The review focuses on the effects of MBCT on brain structure changes, cognitive processes, and emotional regulation, which are related to improvements in subjective well-being. A total of 87 studies were included in the review to assess the effectiveness of MBCT. Results: Evidence from the studies highlights the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. MBCT was also shown to enhance cognitive functions and emotional regulation across diverse populations. These findings point to the potential for MBCT to induce neuroplastic changes in the brain and widen the applicability of the treatment for a variety of disorders, calling for further research into long-term benefits and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Conclusions: The review emphasizes the potential of MBCT to bring about neuroplastic changes, calling for further research into its long-term benefits and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. This study underlines the need to incorporate multidisciplinary measures by integrating psychology and neuroscience to comprehend comprehensively the effects of MBCT.

Improve PTSD with Transcendental Meditation

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PTSD Meditation: How It Works and How to Try It

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transcendental Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12028398/) Orme-Johnson and colleagues reviewed, summarized and performed a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of transcendental meditation for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in both military and civilian populations. They report that the controlled trials demonstrated that transcendental meditation produced significant clinically meaningful improvements in PTSD symptoms in both populations and genders regardless of age.

 

Transcendental meditation improves post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Orme-Johnson DW, Barnes VA, Rees B, Tobin J. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transcendental Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025 Apr 3;61(4):659. doi: 10.3390/medicina61040659. PMID: 40282950; PMCID: PMC12028398.

 

Abstract

Background and Objectives. Our recent systematic review and meta-analysis of all studies on meditation as treatment for PTSD (61 studies) found a moderate effect size of Hedges’s g = −0.67 for post-minus-pre change in symptom scores. Separate tests of the four meditation categories found a large effect size of g = −1.13 for the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique that is significantly greater than for each other category. The present follow-up used a different method, calculating effects relative to internal controls, to better characterize the effects of this meditation technique. Materials and Methods. Our study followed Prisma guidelines. Major databases, research anthologies, and bibliographies were searched for studies that used TM for treating PTSD, all military and civilian populations, and all age groups. Results. The searches located 15 controlled trials on TM that met the inclusion criteria (longitudinal and reporting sufficient statistics to calculate effect sizes), 1248 subjects total, mean age 40.5 years (range 20.6 to 54.4 years), and 46.9% males (range 0% to 100%). Using the random effects model, the pooled effect across all studies of TM compared to other treatments was g = −1.01, 95% CI = −1.29 to −0.74, p < 0.000000001. One-study removed analysis found that no study reduced the pooled effect to less than −1.0. Funnel plots indicated no risk of bias. TM was non-inferior to prolonged exposure therapy, p = 0.0001, and it worked significantly faster (p = 0.04 at week six). Conclusions. TM produced clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD for civilian and military personnel, young and older adults, and for both men and women. We recommend phase-III multisite studies comparing TM with known first-line treatments for PTSD.

 

Tai Chi and Qigong Reduce Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Diabetes or Hypertension

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graphic file with name 2317-6385-eins-23-eAO1076-gf01.jpg

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12002851/ )  Santos and colleagues examined the effects of a 13 week Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on the psychological health of patients with diabetes or hypertension. They found that Tai Chi and Qigong significantly reduced the levels of anxiety and stress in these patients.

 

Reduce anxiety and stress in patients with diabetes or hypertension with Tai Chi and Qigong.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Santos LRAC, Taíra A, Possobon RF, Meneghim MC, Su CL, Lavin P, Rej S, Ambrosano GMB, Cortellazzi KL. Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2025 Mar 24;23:eAO1076. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2025AO1076. PMID: 40353827; PMCID: PMC12002851.

 

In Brief

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention reduced anxiety and stress in middle-aged and older Brazilian patients with diabetes and hypertension. With significant improvements in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and PSS14 scores, this practice shows potential as an effective adjunctive therapy in primary care.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong practice over 13 weeks on anxiety and perceived stress levels in middle-aged or older Brazilian hypertensive and diabetic individuals assisted in a primary healthcare setting.

Methods:

Ninety-one patients with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension diagnosed and followed up at a primary care center were randomized to the Tai Chi/Qigong intervention (n = 45) or waitlist (n = 46) group for 13 weeks. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at 6 and 13 weeks for anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale – PSS14). The primary endpoint of the study was 13 weeks. We used a linear mixed-effects model to analyze the primary and secondary outcomes, considering the treatment group and time as covariates and treating the subject as a random effect.

Results:

Of the included 91 participants, 53 completed the 6-week assessment, and 42 completed the 13-week assessment. After 13 weeks, the Tai Chi/Qigong Group had lower scores for anxiety (STAI Estimate = -6.421; SD = 2.679; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = [-11.615,-1.224]; p = 0.018) and stress (PSS14 Estimate = -9.290; SD= 2.262; 95%CI= [-13.678,-4.906]; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention was efficacious in lowering anxiety and perceived stress scores in middle-aged and older patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension and can potentially be used in primary care centers as an adjunct therapy.

 

Highlights

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong program significantly reduced anxiety and stress in Brazilian patients with diabetes and hypertension.

Tai Chi/Qigong offers an effective complementary therapy to improve health outcomes in primary care settings.

This study highlights the potential of Tai Chi/Qigong for enhancing mental and physical well-being in chronic disease management.

 

Yoga Practice Improves Mental Health in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

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24. Benefits Of Yoga For Type 2 Diabetes

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “The Impact of Yoga Intervention on Physical and Mental Health of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12068464/ )  Subramani and colleagues examined the effectiveness of yoga practice on the mental health of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. They found that yoga practice produced significant reductions in depression and stress and increases in cognitive function and mindfulness.

 

Yoga improves mental health in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Subramani P, Mohan AR, Satish L, Karthikeyan S, Ravi P, Ulagamathesan V, Kannikan V, Viswanathan M. The Impact of Yoga Intervention on Physical and Mental Health of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Yoga. 2025 Jan-Apr;18(1):67-73. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_219_24. Epub 2025 Apr 22. PMID: 40365367; PMCID: PMC12068464.

 

Abstract

Aim:

To assess the impact of a yoga intervention on the physical and mental health of adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

This study was conducted at Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, for 6 months. Participants aged 18–65 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ranging from ≥7.0% to ≤10.5% were recruited. One hundred and fifty-two participants were randomized in 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or control arm by simple random method. The intervention included structured yoga practice for 35 min, every 2 weeks for a period of 12 weeks, and followed up for 3 months. Participants in the control arm received the standard care for diabetes. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, and blood samples were collected at baseline and final visit. Standard questionnaires were administered for assessing mental health parameters.

Results:

53 of 76 (70%) participants from the intervention arm and 70 of 76 (92%) participants from the control arm completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 53 ± 7.5 years. The mean duration of diabetes of the participants was 10 ± 6.9 years. HbA1c showed reduction postintervention, but this was not statistically significant compared to control. The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in depression, stress, cognitive function, and mindfulness compared to the control arm.

Conclusion:

Yoga is helpful in reducing depression and stress and enhancing mindfulness and cognitive function in patients with T2DM.

Long-Term Meditation Changes the Brain Toward Processing of the Immediate Environment

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By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Long-term mindfulness meditation increases occurrence of sensory and attention brain states” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743700/ ) Panitz and colleagues examined brain activity in experienced meditators in comparison to meditation naive participants. They report that at rest the brains of experienced meditators had enhanced activity in the visual and dorsal attention networks. This suggests that long-term meditation practice shifts the brain to emphasize immediate stimulus environments.

 

Meditation changes the brain toward processing of the more immediate sensory environment.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Panitz DY, Mendelsohn A, Cabral J, Berkovich-Ohana A. Long-term mindfulness meditation increases occurrence of sensory and attention brain states. Front Hum Neurosci. 2025 Jan 6;18:1482353. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1482353. PMID: 39834400; PMCID: PMC11743700.

 

Abstract

Interest has been growing in the use of mindfulness meditation (MM) as a therapeutic practice, as accumulating evidence highlights its potential to effectively address a range of mental conditions. While many fMRI studies focused on neural activation and functional connectivity during meditation, the impact of long-term MM practice on spontaneous brain activity, and on the expression of resting state networks over time, remains unclear. Here, intrinsic functional network dynamics were compared between experienced meditators and meditation-naïve participants during rest. Our analysis revealed that meditators tend to spend more time in two brain states that involve synchrony among cortical regions associated with sensory perception. Conversely, a brain state involving frontal areas associated with higher cognitive functions was detected less frequently in experienced meditators. These findings suggest that, by shifting attention toward enhanced sensory and embodied processing, MM effectively modulates the expression of functional network states at rest. These results support the suggested lasting effect of long-term MM on the modulation of resting-state networks, reinforcing its therapeutic potential for disorders characterized by imbalanced network dynamics. Moreover, this study reinforces the utility of analytic approaches from dynamical systems theory to extend current knowledge regarding brain activity and evaluate its response to interventions.

 

Mindfulness Meditation Improves the Mental Health of Police

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Improve the Psychological Well-Being of Police with Mindfulness | Contemplative Studies

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Short Video App Guided Mindfulness Meditation on Policemen’s Communication Anxiety, PTSD, Anger Management, and Mood Disorders” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12110842/ ) Liu and colleagues performed a randomize controlled trial of the effects of daily practice with a mindfulness meditation app on the mental health of police. They report that the police who used the app had significant increases in anger management and decreases in communications anxiety and mood disorders.

 

Mindfulness improves police mental health.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Liu C, Lin LJ, Zhang KJ, Liu TH, Chiou WK. Effects of Short Video App Guided Mindfulness Meditation on Policemen’s Communication Anxiety, PTSD, Anger Management, and Mood Disorders. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 May 21;13(10):1213. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13101213. PMID: 40428049; PMCID: PMC12110842.

 

Abstract

Background: Law enforcement is a high-stress profession, with officers frequently exposed to traumatic events, leading to mental health challenges such as communication anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger management difficulties, and mood disorders. Mindfulness meditation (MM), particularly when guided through short video applications, has shown promise in addressing these issues by enhancing emotional regulation and resilience. Objective: This study explores the effects of an 8-week MM intervention, delivered via short video apps, on communication anxiety, PTSD, anger management, and mood disorders in police officers. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 110 full-time police officers aged 25–55 in China. The final 92 eligible participants were divided into two groups: the MM group (n = 46) and the control group (n = 46). The intervention consisted of daily 10–15 min video-guided MM sessions. Pre- and post-intervention measures included validated questionnaires assessing communication anxiety (PRCA-24), PTSD (PCL-5), anger management (STAXI-2), and mood disorders (DASS-21). Data analysis was performed using MANOVA. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in communication anxiety (F = 8.505, p = 0.004), PTSD (F = 25.831, p < 0.001), anger management (F = 4.968, p = 0.027), and mood disorders (F = 13.058, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. These improvements were supported by significant interaction effects between group and time, indicating that the MM intervention had a positive impact on these mental health variables. Conclusions: Video-guided MM delivered via short video apps significantly reduced communication anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and mood disorders, and improved anger management among police officers. These findings highlight the potential of digital MM interventions as a scalable and accessible tool for enhancing mental well-being and resilience in law enforcement personnel.

Mindfulness is Associated with Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction in Committed Couples

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By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “A Machine Learning Approach for Investigating Variable Importance in Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction: The Role of Interpersonal Mindfulness and Psychological Safety” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12022470/) Dias Martins and colleagues examined the relationships between interpersonal mindfulness and relationship and sexual satisfaction in committed couple relationships. They found that interpersonal mindfulness was strongly positively related to the couples’ relationship and sexual satisfaction.

 

Mindful couples have greater relationship and sexual satisfaction,

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Dias Martins C, Vergara RC, Khoury B. A Machine Learning Approach for Investigating Variable Importance in Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction: The Role of Interpersonal Mindfulness and Psychological Safety. J Marital Fam Ther. 2025 Apr;51(2):e70026. doi: 10.1111/jmft.70026. PMID: 40275608; PMCID: PMC12022470.

 

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness is positively associated with relationship and sexual satisfaction. However, most have examined the benefits of intrapersonal or trait mindfulness, rather than directly investigating interpersonal mindfulness or considering polyvagal theory. Our main objective was to determine the variable importance of interpersonal mindfulness and psychological safety for relationship and sexual satisfaction using random forests and regression trees and to explore the importance of demographics, social and couple‐related factors, and emotional wellbeing in this analysis. 356 adults in committed romantic relationships were recruited for a self‐report survey. Results suggested that mindfulness in couple relationships, psychological safety, conflict strategies, and depression symptoms were of top importance for relationship and sexual satisfaction. Limitations and future directions involving dyadic data and physiological measures were discussed. The findings will inform the development of interpersonal mindfulness‐ and polyvagal‐based interventions aimed at promoting safety and stability in relationships while enhancing personal wellbeing.

 

Sexual mindfulness can help increase arousal and desire

Decrease Pain and Dysfunction with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain with Qigong Practice

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integrated tai chi and qigong class

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effect of qigong on pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11849339/)  Yu and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published randomized controlled research studies on the effectiveness of Qigong practice for the relief of Chronic non-specific low back pain. They report that the published research found that Qigong practice significantly decreased pain and the degree of dysfunction to a greater extent than control short-term or long-term interventions.

 

Qigong practice improves chronic non-specific low back pain.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Yu D, Wu M, Zhang J, Song W, Zhu L. Effect of qigong on pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Feb 24;20(1):194. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05576-8. PMID: 39994723; PMCID: PMC11849339.

 

Abstract

Background

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is a common health problem worldwide. Patients with CNLBP often suffer from persistent pain, with a few being disabled by their pain, affecting their daily functioning and social participation. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of pain and dysfunction in Qigong patients with chronic non-specific back pain through systematic evaluation and gathered analysis of random control test data.

Methods

We searched nine databases from their inception dates until April 2024. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Patients were assessed for pain using the Visual Analog Scale and Numeric Pain Rating Scale and for disability using the Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. CMA V3.0 was used to analyze data.

Results

Sixteen RCTs involving 1175 participants were included. These studies have different designs, and the participants are mainly around 60 years old. The results showed that the qigong practice improved pain significantly more than the control measures ([Mean Difference MD] = − 1.34, 95% confidence intervals [CI] − 1.76 to − 0.92, p < 0.001 Minimal Clinically Important Differences MCID = 1.5), and the efficacy of short-term interventions (MD = − 1.88, 95% CI − 2.87 to − 0.9, p < 0.001) was superior to that of long-term interventions (MD = − 1.07, 95% CI − 1.49 to − 0.65, p < 0.001). For improvement in the degree of dysfunction, qigong practice showed a higher effect size (MD = − 5.88, 95% CI − 7.98 to − 3.78, p < 0.001 MCID = 5) than that observed in the control group.

Conclusion

Qigong practice is effective in improving disability in patients with CNLBP, but has no significant effect on improving pain. However, due to the high heterogeneity, the results need to be interpreted with caution.