None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The aim of the proposed research is to investigate the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial of relaxation practice for outcomes of subclinical anxiety, stress, and worry in a healthy adult population via a smaller feasibility trial. A secondary aim is to determine the preliminary efficacy of two different relaxation practices when compared to each other practice across these outcomes. Lastly, the aim of the proposed research is to further understand the neurological mechanisms involved in relaxation practice and whether they may be associated with any clinical outcomes found.
Interventions
Relaxation training (yoga nidra), 8 week training, 2x30 min per week
Of the two sessions, one session is face-to-face, and at least one session is received online via audio recording that can be accessed via an online link
Participants will be instructed verbally by the teacher (psychologist) during the session, with no additional tools or props used
The yoga nidra training uses different components, including imagery, breathing, body scan and awareness, as well as light movements
Participants
Relaxation training (yoga nidra), 8 week training, 2x30 min per week Of the two sessions, one session is face-to-face, and at least one session is received online via audio recording that can be accessed via an online link Participants will be instructed verbally by the teacher (psychologist) during the session, with no additional tools or props used The yoga nidra training uses different components, including imagery, breathing, body scan and awareness, as well as light movements Participants remain in a supine position for the relaxation intervention, using a mat, and blankets as needed to be comfortable The adherence will be monitored by attendance lists (face-to-face), and an online log (online sessions) The same intervention will be during the EEG (electroencephalography) sub-study, only that it will be carried out in the EEG lab, and in a comfortable chair, where the brain activity will be measured during yoga nidra. A total of 20 participants across both groups (ideally 10 each) will participate in the EEG study.
Sponsors
Southern Cross University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
- Healthy - Aged 18 or older - Mild anxiety (5-15 points on the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) - Access to computer or smartphone for access to online session material - Availability for the duration of the eight week in-person intervention as well as availability one week before and after for pre-screening, filling out before and after questionnaires, and completion of documents
Exclusion criteria
- Clinical diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorder - Use of psychotropic medication (e.g., tranquillizers, sedatives or hypnotics) - Risky alcohol consumption, or illicit drug use (specifically hallucinogenic substances) - Adults with conditions interfering with the exercises (light stretching, relaxation in supine position) - Pregnancy - Regular meditation or relaxation practice in the past 6 months Those participating in the EEG sub-study also have the following criteria: - History of claustrophobia, i.e. intense fear of enclosed spaces - medical, psychiatric, or drug usage that might alter brain functioning
Outcome results
None listed