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

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT00636129

Enrollment

Registered

2008-03-14

Start date

2006-12-31

Completion date

2011-03-31

Last updated

2011-09-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Stress

Keywords

relaxation, relaxation response, meditation, nitric oxide, stress management, stress, Relaxation Techniques

Brief summary

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).

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.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALRelaxation 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.

Study design

Observational model

CASE_ONLY

Time perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 49 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

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

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026