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Effect of Heartfulness Meditation on Oxidative Stress and Mindfulness in Healthy Participants.

Cureus
June 1, 2024
Yogesh Patil et al. (8 authors)
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to determine whether Heartfulness meditation improves mindfulness responses and reduces oxidative stress in healthy individuals.

Results Summary

The study found that Heartfulness meditation reduced oxidative stress markers (lower MDA and higher nitrate levels) and improved mindfulness while decreasing psychological stress and experiential avoidance.

Population

60 healthy individuals aged 18-24.

Effective Dosage

Not specified (intervention involved Heartfulness meditation practice).

Duration

12 weeks.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
HFN meditation
no change
serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels
experimental group (healthy individuals aged 18-24)
no significant increase
did not show a significant increase
#1
-
increase
serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels
control group (healthy individuals aged 18-24)
p < 0.000
significant increase
#2
HFN meditation
increase
serum nitrate levels
experimental group (healthy individuals aged 18-24)
p < 0.05
exhibited a significant increase
#3
HFN meditation
decrease
psychological stress
experimental group (healthy individuals aged 18-24)
-
decreased
#4
HFN meditation
increase
mindfulness
experimental group (healthy individuals aged 18-24)
-
showing an increase
#5
HFN meditation
decrease
Experiential Avoidance (EA)
experimental group (healthy individuals aged 18-24)
-
decrease
#6
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mental health issues are a major cause of poor life outcomes. Heartfulness (HFN) meditation is recommended for stress management and daily awareness. Although studies have shown that HFN can improve burnout and well-being, the biological mechanism underlying oxidative stress markers in a healthy human is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether HFN meditation benefits mindfulness responses and also to examine the impact of HFN meditation on oxidative stress in healthy individuals. METHODS: This prospective study involved 60 healthy individuals aged 18-24, divided into experimental and control groups, and implemented an HFN meditation intervention over 12 weeks. Both groups' serum malondialdehyde and serum nitrate levels were examined before and after the intervention. Additionally, psychometric evaluations concerning mindfulness and experiential avoidance were conducted utilizing scales such as the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Experiential Avoidance (EA). RESULTS: Following a three-month intervention period, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the experimental group did not show a significant increase, whereas in the control group, there was a significant increase (p < 0.000). Conversely, serum nitrate levels in the experimental group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05). Additionally, psychological stress decreased, as indicated by various questionnaire tools such as MAAS, FFMQ, SCS, and EA, with mindfulness showing an increase. However, a decrease in EA was seen. CONCLUSION: Heartfulness meditation has a positive impact on both mindfulness and oxidative stress. This suggests that consistent, long-term participation in HFN meditation could enhance mental health and foster overall well-being.

Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety90
Efficacy85/10
Quality80/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.43
Normalized Score0.86
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