A feasibility study on indoor therapeutic horticulture to alleviate sleep and anxiety problems: The impact of plants and activity choice on its therapeutic effect.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic horticulture (TH) is increasingly being applied for sub-health or patient mental health care. Whether plant and activity type will affect TH's effectiveness is unclear. AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of an indoor TH for alleviating the anxiety symptoms and sleeping problems of people with poor sleep quality, and explore the potential affection of plant and activity type on health benefits. METHOD: Thirty subjects (all with sleep problems and half with anxiety problems) were randomly assigned to three groups to do horticultural activities with ornamental plants, general aromatic plants, or aromatic plants with reported mental health functions, respectively. Six indoor TH activities were then held sequentially within two weeks. Psychological scales, subjective feedback questionnaires, and physiological indicators were used as evaluation indexes before and after horticulture activities. RESULTS: The TH relieved subjects' sleep and anxiety problems and was particularly effective in alleviating anxiety among people with high anxiety levels. Using ornamental plants was more effective in relieving stress while functional aromatic plants performed better in sleep improvement and satisfaction to TH. Each horticultural activity could improve mood state but showed different effects on the vitality of the participants. CONCLUSION: The above findings provided some basis for the potential benefits of selecting plants and activities based on psychological care needs in the development of TH plans. Future research that expands upon the current project is warranted. A larger sample size is beneficial for obtaining more powerful statistical results.

Training-related improvements in mental well-being through reduction in negative interpretation bias: A randomized trial of online socio-emotional dyadic and mindfulness interventions.

BACKGROUND: Effects of online contemplative practices, especially partner-based practices, on psychological well-being remain mixed, with sparse understanding of potential affective-cognitive mechanisms. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of two online contemplative interventions in improving depression, anxiety, emotion regulation (ER), and resilience, and to evaluate the mechanistic role of negative attention and interpretation biases. METHODS: Employing a randomized controlled design (n = 285), we compared the efficacy of 10-week online mindfulness-based and partner-based socio-emotional dyadic interventions, both supported by weekly coaching sessions. Mental health aspects were assessed using validated self-report measures and negative biases using the mouse-contingent Scrambled Sentences Task. RESULTS: Both interventions, compared to waitlist control, led to reductions in depression and ER difficulties, while trait anxiety decreased only after mindfulness training. Increases in multidimensional resilience were observed only after socio-emotional training and in stress recovery only after mindfulness-based training, both compared to waitlist control. Socio-emotional training led to significant reductions in negative interpretation bias and this mediated reductions in depression and trait anxiety. Neither training led to reductions in state anxiety or negative attention bias. LIMITATIONS: The subclinical nature and overrepresentation of females in the sample limits generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that online mindfulness-based and socio-emotional partner-based interventions, supported by online coaching sessions, can reduce depression and ER difficulties. Though mindfulness practice reduced trait anxiety and enhanced stress recovery, socio-emotional training increased multidimensional resilience. Socio-emotional training reduced negative interpretation bias, which emerged as an intervention-specific mechanism. These findings highlight the potential benefits of online contemplative intervention approaches for psychological well-being.

Efficacy of a single session mindfulness based intervention: A randomized clinical trial.

Loneliness, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of existing mindfulness and compassion-based intervention are effective, but are time-intensive, decreasing overall accessibility and scalability. Single-session interventions (SSIs) serve as a promising alternative. The current pre-registered randomized clinical trial evaluated a newly developed, manualized, mindfulness-based single-session intervention. 91 adults were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) one-hour mindfulness only telehealth intervention; (b) one-hour mindfulness and compassion telehealth intervention; or (c) one-week waitlist control (before randomization to an active intervention). Intervention sessions were conducted by graduate students in clinical psychology. The primary outcome was self-reported loneliness; secondary outcomes were self-reported perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Using Bayesian multilevel models, we found that compared to the waitlist-control, the inclusion of a compassion component led to meaningful reductions in perceived stress b = -3.75, 95% HDI [-6.95, -0.59], anxiety b = -3.79, 95% HDI [-6.99, -0.53], and depression b = -3.01, 95% HDI [-5.22, -0.78], but not loneliness at the 1-week follow-up. Results suggest that a single-session mindfulness and compassion intervention may lead to meaningful reductions in perceived stress, symptoms of anxiety, and symptoms of depression, but not loneliness. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Mobile-Delivered Mindfulness Intervention on Anxiety Level Among College Athletes: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: College athletes are a group often affected by anxiety. Few interventional studies have been conducted to address the anxiety issues in this population. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a mobile-delivered mindfulness intervention among college athletes to study its feasibility and efficacy in lowering their anxiety level and improving their mindfulness (measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire [FFMQ]). METHODS: In April 2019, we recruited 290 college athletes from a public university in Shanghai, China, and 288 of them were randomized into an intervention group and a control group (closed trial), with the former (n=150) receiving a therapist-guided, smartphone-delivered mindfulness-based intervention and the latter receiving mental health promotion messages (n=138). We offered in-person instructions during the orientation session for the intervention group in a classroom, with the therapist interacting with the participants on the smartphone platform later during the intervention. We used generalized linear modeling and the intent-to-treat approach to compare the 2 groups' outcomes in dispositional anxiety, precompetition anxiety, and anxiety during competition, plus the 5 dimensions of mindfulness (measured by the FFMQ). RESULTS: Our intent-to-treat analysis and generalized linear modeling found no significant difference in dispositional anxiety, precompetition anxiety, or anxiety during competition. Only the "observation" facet of mindfulness measures had a notable difference between the changes experienced by the 2 groups, whereby the intervention group had a net gain of .214 yet fell short of reaching statistical significance (P=.09). Participants who specialized in group sports had a higher level of anxiety (ß=.19; SE=.08), a lower level of "nonjudgemental inner experience" in FFMQ (ß=-.07; SE=.03), and a lower level of "nonreactivity" (ß=-.138; SE=.052) than those specializing in individual sports. CONCLUSIONS: No significant reduction in anxiety was detected in this study. Based on the participant feedback, the time availability for mindfulness practice and session attendance for these student athletes in an elite college could have compromised the intervention's effectiveness. Future interventions among this population could explore a more student-friendly time schedule (eg, avoid final exam time) or attempt to improve cognitive and scholastic outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900024449; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=40865.

Low-intensity mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively improves the clinical symptoms of social anxiety disorder. However, there are non-responders who cannot decrease their cost/probability bias significantly; hence, their social anxiety symptoms remain unaddressed. Mindfulness training and cognitive-behavioral approaches promote a reduction in cost/probability bias and social anxiety symptoms. This study examines the effectiveness of a four-session program of mindfulness and CBT (M-CBT) in a non-clinical sample of individuals with high social anxiety. METHODS: Participants were 50 Japanese undergraduate students (37 women and 13 men) randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 27) and a control group (n = 23). The intervention group underwent a four-session M-CBT program, while the control group did not receive any treatment. RESULTS: A group × time analysis of covariances showed significant interactions in the negative cognition generated when paying attention to others in probability bias, fear of negative evaluation by others, dispositional mindfulness, depressive symptoms, and subjective happiness. M-CBT also produced significant pre-post improvements in the above outcomes with moderate to high effect sizes (ds = .51-1.55). Conversely, there were no interactions in social anxiety symptoms and self-focused attention. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that M-CBT was effective for the negative cognition generated when paying attention to others in probability bias, fear of negative evaluation by others, dispositional mindfulness, depressive symptoms, and subjective happiness. The combination of mindfulness training with cognitive restructuring is proposed as potentially helpful for individuals with probability bias, leading to negative cognition from paying attention to others. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000036763. Registered May 16, 2019.

Efficacy of acupuncture for anxiety and depression in functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating depression and anxiety in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, Sinomed, and VIP Database were searched until April 30, 2023 for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture to placebo or drugs for symptom alleviation. Two independent reviewers conducted the study search, data extraction, and bias risk assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was employed to evaluate the evidence level. RESULTS: A total of 16 RCTs involving 1315 participants were included. Acupuncture demonstrated marked superiority over placebo (MD = -7.07, 95%CI: -11.03 to -3.10, very low quality evidence) in mitigating Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores and was found to be more effective in reducing Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores than either placebo (MD = -4.63, 95%CI: -6.28 to -2.98, low quality evidence) or first-line drugs (MD = -2.71, 95%CI: -5.19 to -0.23, very low quality evidence). In terms of attenuating Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores, acupuncture consistently outperformed both placebo (HAMA: MD = -2.58, 95%CI: -4.33 to -0.83, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -1.89, 95%CI: -3.11 to -0.67, low quality evidence) and first-line drugs (HAMA: MD = -5.76, 95%CI: -10.18 to -1.35, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -5.59, 95%CI: -7.59 to -3.59, very low quality evidence). However, no significant difference was observed between acupuncture and placebo in terms of improvement in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current clinical evidence, acupuncture might have a positive effect on depression and anxiety in patients with FD. Further large-sample, multi-center, high-quality RCTs validation are required, as the conclusion is limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies.

Effect of mHealth-based relaxation program on stress coping and anxiety levels in mothers of children with cancer: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effects of a mHealth-based relaxation program on anxiety and stress coping levels in mothers of children with cancer. METHODS: This randomized controlled, single-blind, parallel-group trial was conducted in the pediatric hematology-oncology unit of a university hospital. The study was completed by 50 mothers (intervention group: n = 25; control group: n = 25). The mothers in the intervention group participated in a mHealth-based relaxation program for eight weeks (including progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and the four-leaf clover of mindfulness). Videos of the relaxation program were sent to mothers' WhatsApp accounts. The mothers in the control group received routine care. The State-Trait Anxiety and Stress Coping Scales were administered during the first and eighth weeks. The registration number of this study on ClinicalTrials.gov is NCT05807295. RESULTS: Mothers who participated in the relaxation program had lower anxiety levels and higher stress-coping scores than those in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Progressive muscle relaxation exercises, guided imagery, and cognitive-based therapeutic approaches were effective in reducing mothers' anxiety and stress coping. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pediatric oncology nurses can apply mHealth-based relaxation programs to support caregivers, particularly mothers. In this way, ensuring the continuity and integrity of care is easy.

Maternal mood, anxiety and mental health functioning after combined myo-inositol, probiotics, micronutrient supplementation from preconception: Findings from the NiPPeR RCT.

Observational studies have reported associations between nutrition during pregnancy and mental wellbeing. As secondary outcomes, the NiPPeR double-blind randomized trial in women planning conception investigated whether a myo-inositol, probiotics and enriched micronutrients formulation (intervention) taken preconception and throughout pregnancy could improve mental wellbeing during pregnancy and post-delivery, compared with a standard micronutrient supplement (control). Mood and anxiety symptoms were ascertained (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-state)) at preconception (baseline), 7, 28 and 34 weeks gestation, 3-weeks and 6-months post-delivery. EPDS>=13 was categorised as low mood; STAI-state>=45 as high anxiety. Change in mental health functioning was assessed as difference between preconception baseline and 6-month post-delivery 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12v2) mental component scores. Adjusting for site, ethnicity and baseline scores, there were no robust differences in EPDS and STAI-state scores between intervention and control groups across pregnancy (n = 630) and post-delivery (n = 532). Compared to controls, intervention group women averaged a 1.21 (95 %CI 0.04,2.39) higher change in SF-12v2 mental component score from preconception to 6-months post-delivery. Taking a myo-inositol, micronutrient and probiotic supplement during preconception/pregnancy had no effect on mood and anxiety, but there was evidence of a modest improvement in mental health functioning from preconception to 6-months post-delivery.

Online mindfulness-based stress reduction improves anxiety and depression status and quality of life in caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders. / ç½‘ç»œæ­£å¿µå‡åŽ‹ç–—æ³•å¯æ”¹å–„ä¸¥é‡ç²¾ç¥žéšœç¢æ‚£è€ ç §æ–™è€ ç„¦è™‘æŠ‘éƒçŠ¶æ€åŠå ¶ç”Ÿæ´»è´¨é‡.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the anxiety and depression status, and quality of life in the caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders. METHODS: Ninety-three caregivers for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, who were hospitalized in Yunnan Provincial Mental Hospital in March 2021, were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n=47) and MBSR intervention group (n=46). Both groups received basic health education and rehabilitation skill training, while the intervention group received additional online MBSR for 8 weeks. The anxiety and depression status, and the quality of life of the caregivers were evaluated by Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) before and 8 weeks after intervention, respectively. RESULTS: Thirteen caregivers dropped out of the study, and 80 subjects (40 in each group) were included in the final analysis. At the baseline, there were no significant differences in SAS, SDS and SF-36 scores between two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the baseline, SAS and SDS scores in the intervention group significantly decreased after 8 weeks of intervention (both P<0.01) and were significantly lower than those in the control group (both P<0.01). There were no significant changes in the control group (all P>0.05). Except the physiological function dimension, the total score and the scores of each dimension of SF-36 in the intervention group were significantly increased after 8-week intervention (all P<0.05), and were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.01). There were no significant changes in the control group before and after intervention (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Online MBSR can reduce the anxiety and depression levels, improve the quality of life in the caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders.

Experiences of a Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Group Intervention for People with Common Mental Disorders on Sick-Leave.

Common mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and stress-related disorders are increasing worldwide, resulting in long-term sick leave and lower quality of life. Traditional treatment is often insufficient to facilitate the recovery process, and the need for holistic interventions that enable successful recovery is evident. Equine-assisted interventions have shown promising results in health promotion among people with mental disorders, and further research is needed to implement them within the range of available care. The aim of the study is therefore to describe experiences of a therapeutic equine-assisted group intervention for people with common mental disorders on sick leave. The study has a descriptive qualitative design with an inductive approach. Ten participants with common mental disorders on sick leave were interviewed after participating in a 12-week equine-assisted intervention and the data were analysed with conventional content analysis. The analysis generated the overall theme "The equine-assisted group intervention facilitates recovery," which summons the four categories "The environment of the horses contributes to relaxation and an ability to be in the present," "The presence of the horses facilitates supportive relationships in the group," "Interplay with the horses entails physical activity and bodily improvements" and "Emotional interactions with the horses strengthen inner power." In conclusion, equine-assisted interventions have the potential to facilitate recovery for people with common mental disorders by providing relaxation, promoting the ability to be in the present, cultivating supportive relationships and providing physical activity and bodily improvements as well as emotional interactions that strengthen the participants' inner power.

Effectiveness and reliability of hypnosis in stereotaxy: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) may experience pain during stereotactic frame (SF) fixation in deep brain stimulation (DBS). We assessed the role of hypnosis during the SF fixation in PD patients undergoing awake bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS. METHODS: N = 19 patients were included (N = 13 males, mean age 63 years; N = 10 allocated to the hypnosis and N = 9 allocated to the control groups). Patients were randomly assigned to the interventional (hypnosis and local anesthesia) or non-interventional (local anesthesia only) groups. The primary outcome was the pain perceived (the visual analogue scale (VAS)). Secondary outcomes were stress, anxiety, and depression, as measured by the perceived stress scale (PSS) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Procedural distress was measured using the peritraumatic distress inventory (PDI-13). RESULTS: In the hypnosis group, VASmean was 5.6 ± 2.1, versus 6.4 ± 1.2 in the control group (p = 0.31). Intervention and control groups reported similar VASmax scores (7.6 ± 2.1 versus 8.6 ± 1.6 (p = 0.28), respectively). Both groups had similar HADS scores (6.2 ± 4.3 versus 6.7 ± 1.92, p = 0.72 (HADSa) and 6.7 ± 4.2 versus 7.7 ± 3, p = 0.58 (HADSd)), so were the PSS scores (26.1 ± 6.3 versus 25.1 ± 7, p = 0.75). Evolutions of VASmean (R2 = 0.93, 95% CI [0.2245, 1.825], p = 0.03) and PDI-13 scores (R2 = 0.94, 95% CI [1.006, 6.279], p = 0.02) significantly differ over follow-up with patients in the hypnosis groups showing lower scores. CONCLUSION: In this unblinded, randomized study, hypnosis does not influence pain, anxiety, and distress during awake SF fixation but modulates pain memory over time and may prevent the integration of awake painful procedures as a bad experience into the autobiographical memory of patients suffering from PD. A randomized controlled study with more data is necessary to confirm our findings.

The effect of classical foot massage on insomnia and anxiety in preeclamptic pregnant women: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Preeclamptic pregnant women may experience insomnia and anxiety. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial with 71 preeclamptic women. In the experimental group, a foot massage was done for 3 days in a week. In the control group, any applications were not done. These groups were assessed for insomnia and anxiety levels. RESULTS: In this study, it was found that classical foot massage significantly reduced (12.45±5.74 vs. 33.4±6.41) insomnia and anxiety compared with the control group (18.8±6.44 vs. 39.19±8.31, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The classical foot massage can effectively decrease insomnia and anxiety symptoms.

Meditation, Compassionate Love, and Mental Health in Later Life.

PURPOSE: Understanding of the mechanisms by which meditation imparts beneficial effects on later-life mental health is limited. The current study assessed the role of compassionate love in mediating the relationship between meditation and mental health in later life. METHOD: Using data from a nationwide web-based survey (N = 1,861), we examined the indirect effects of meditation on depressive symptoms and anxiety via compassionate love. RESULTS: Participants who practiced meditation (compared to those who did not) had significantly higher feelings of being loved (b = 0.11, p < 0.05); those who experienced more love had lower depressive symptoms (b = -2.10, p < 0.001) and anxiety (b = -0.99, p < 0.001). Meditation also had significant indirect effects (via compassionate love) on depressive symptoms (b = -0.23, p < 0.05) and anxiety (b = -0.11, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for contemplative interventions that foster compassionate love to improve mental health in later life. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(3), 40-50.].

How often should I meditate? A randomized trial examining the role of meditation frequency when total amount of meditation is held constant.

Meditation apps are the most commonly used mental health apps. However, the optimal dosing of app-delivered meditation practice has not been established. We examined whether the distribution of meditation practices across a day impacted outcomes in a distressed population. We investigated the effects of meditation practice frequency in a 2-week compassion-based meditation intervention delivered via the Healthy Minds Program app. Undergraduates with clinically elevated depression and/or anxiety (N = 351) were randomized to a massed (one 20-min meditation per day) or distributed condition (two 10-min meditations per day). Psychological distress (primary outcome; composite of depression and anxiety), experiential avoidance, fear of missing out, loneliness, and self-compassion were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Psychological distress, loneliness, and informal meditation practice were also assessed daily. Practice time and frequency were assessed using app data. Results support feasibility of the study design, success of the manipulation, and acceptability of the intervention. Pooled across conditions, participants exhibited pre-post improvements on all outcomes (absolute value of ds = 0.12-0.63, p ≤ .010) and trajectories of improvement on daily distress and loneliness (p ≤ .010). No between-group differences were observed on changes in pre-post or daily measures (ps = .158-.729). When total amount of meditation practice per day is held constant, the distribution of practice may not influence outcomes for distressed beginners. Although only a first test of dose frequency effects, findings support flexibility in the distribution of meditation throughout the day, which may increase accessibility. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of comprehensive nursing care for the liver cancer patients undergoing interventional therapy in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: This review aims to assess the effect of comprehensive nursing care on liver cancer patients undergoing interventional therapy in China. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed randomized controlled trials and observational studies assessing the effect of comprehensive nursing care against standard care on liver cancer patients undergoing specific interventional therapies in China, including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and CINAHL till June 2023. Data synthesis was conducted using a random-effects model and reported as pooled odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD). RESULTS: Ten Chinese studies with 1682 participants were evaluated. Comprehensive nursing care significantly enhanced patient outcomes in liver cancer treatment. Quality of life improved markedly (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.06-0.41). Notable reductions were observed in anxiety (MD: -8.96, 95% CI: -11.52 to -6.40) and depression (MD: -9.47, 95% CI: -11.79 to -7.14). Patients also experienced increased physical (SMD: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.15-2.25), social (SMD: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.14-2.16) and activity scores (SMD: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.49-2.39), alongside a decrease in post-treatment complications (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.21-0.37), demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of comprehensive care. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive nursing care may improve patient outcomes in liver cancer treatment, offering potential benefits in reducing the side effects of interventional therapy.

Virtual Reality Breathing Interventions for Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Breathing exercises have been shown to reduce mental health problems among clinical and non-clinical populations. Although virtual reality (VR) breathing interventions are assumed to have potential benefits, it remains unclear whether VR breathing interventions are more effective at improving mental health than non-VR breathing interventions. We conducted a systematic literature search in six electronic databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and PubMed) from inception to 30th September, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials in adults evaluating effects of VR compared to non-VR breathing interventions on primary outcomes of mental health (stress, anxiety and mood), and secondary outcomes of physiological stress measures (e.g., heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV)). Within these selected studies, we explored differences in likeability and future use between VR and non-VR breathing interventions. 2.848 records were identified of which 65 full-text articles were assessed. Six RCTs were included, of which five were suitable for meta-analyses. Comparing VR to non-VR breathing interventions, there were no significant differences in overall mental health, stress, anxiety or mood, nor in HR or HRV. There was no evidence that participants liked VR breathing interventions more than non-VR, nor would use them more in the future. These results suggest that there is no evidence that VR breathing interventions are more effective than non-VR in improving mental health outcomes, HR, HRV. Further research is required to determine whether there may be advantages to longer-term VR-implementation and practice, and explore possible mechanisms.

Effects of acupressure on sleep quality and anxiety of patients with second- or third-degree burns: a randomized sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although acupressure is proposed to boost sleep quality and alleviate anxiety in various disorders, no trials have yet documented these consequences in burn victims. Considering the high importance of managing sleep quality and anxiety among burn patients utilizing adjunctive non-pharmacological measures, this study sought to investigate the impacts of acupressure on sleep quality and anxiety among a population of Iranian patients with burn injuries. METHODS: This trial was performed on 72 patients with second- or third-degree burns, who were divided into two equal arms to receive routine care plus 10-minute acupressure on either real acupoints (i.e., Yintang and Shen men) or sham points for three consecutive nights. Sleep quality and anxiety were investigated at baseline (T1) and on the fourth day (T2) by using St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire (SMHSQ) and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for State Anxiety (STAI-S), respectively. RESULTS: The mean scores of SMHSQ and STAI-S were significantly lower in the real acupressure arm at T2 (P < 0.001 in two cases), implying better sleep quality improvement and higher anxiety alleviation. Also, the reduction in mean changes of SMHSQ and STAI-S scores from T1 to T2 was significantly more in the real acupressure arm (P < 0.001 in two cases). CONCLUSION: Acupressure, as a low-cost complementary method, could be potentially helpful in enhancing sleep quality and decreasing the anxiety of burn patients. Additional long-term trials are required to identify the sustainability of the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NO: IRCT20130424013110N13 (Registration date: 19/03/2021, https://www.irct.ir/trial/55076 ).

Symptom effects and central mechanism of acupuncture in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review based on fMRI studies.

BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are closely related to disorders of brain-gut interaction. FGIDs are the dominant disease of acupuncture treatment, which can improve the symptoms and emotional state. AIM: To evaluate the results and quality of the available clinical evidence and to summarize the central mechanism and effect of acupuncture on FGIDs. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched by computer to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which contained central mechanisms via fMRI research of acupuncture in the treatment of FGIDs patients. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to June 22, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality. RESULTS: Ten RCTs involving fMRI data were included in this study, including 4 Functional dyspepsia (FD) studies, 3 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) studies, and 3 functional constipation (FC) studies. The score of improvements in both gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological symptoms showed that acupuncture could significantly improve the clinical symptoms of FGIDs patients, including abdominal pain, abdominal distension, frequency of defecation, and stool characteristics, and could relieve anxiety and depression symptoms of patients. Acupuncture could regulate brain functional connections and functional activity in FGIDs patients, mainly including insula, anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala and other brain regions. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological status in FGIDs patients, and regulate functional connectivity and activity of brain regions such as insula, ACC, PFC, thalamus, HIPP, amygdala, etc. These changes in brain activity may related to visceral sensation, pain regulation, emotion, but further studies of high quality are still necessary.

Psychological and attentional outcomes following acute mindfulness induction among high anxiety individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Training outcomes of mindfulness interventions for anxiety have been extensively researched. Less is known about the acute effects of mindfulness induction and associated mechanisms. This systematic review aimed to identify 1) the effect of mindfulness induction on pre-post measures of state anxiety and attention among adults experiencing high levels of anxiety; and 2) the impact of predictors, mediators and moderators on post-induction changes in anxiety and attention. State distress and mindfulness were included as secondary outcomes. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in November 2021 in electronic databases using relevant search terms. Five studies (four randomised controlled trials and one non-randomised controlled trial) were included, comprising a total of 277 participants with elevated trait/generalised anxiety. Each study used a brief audio-based mindfulness induction exercise. RESULTS: The meta-analysis indicated mindfulness induction had medium and large effects on state anxiety (k = 3, n = 100, g = -0.60, 95%CI [-1.04, -0.16]; p = .008) and state mindfulness (k = 2, n = 110, g = 0.91, 95%CI [0.52, 1.30], p < .001), respectively, when compared with non-therapeutic control conditions. Furthermore, two studies showed small and moderate effects of mindfulness on state anxiety when compared to therapeutic active controls, but were not pooled in a meta-analysis. While results could not be pooled for attention, there was limited evidence of behavioural improvements on tasks measuring aspects of attention following mindfulness induction. However, one study found an increase in Low Beta to High Beta ratio and a reduction in Beta activity in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex following mindfulness induction. Moreover, another study found aspects of state mindfulness mediated reductions in state anxiety. LIMITATIONS: A small number of studies were included in the review, with high risk of bias and low certainty of evidence present. CONCLUSION: The findings support the use of mindfulness induction to reduce state anxiety in anxious individuals but suggest gains in state mindfulness may be a more realistic expected outcome. Further controlled trials are needed to delineate the relative effects of objectively assessed anxiety outcomes from mindfulness induction in clinically defined samples.

Coping with Depression, Anxiety & Stress: The Healing Effects of a Jail-Based Trauma Sensitive Yoga Program.

Stress, anxiety and depression, often linked to internalizing/externalizing behaviors, are remarkedly high in a jail-based setting when one's future is uncertain. While research demonstrates that carceral yoga programs can provide physiological/psychological benefits, persons who are incarcerated, who have high rates of trauma-related experiences and mental illness, might benefit more from a trauma sensitive approach. Empirical studies examining the specific impact of trauma sensitive yoga (TSY) on populations who are incarcerated appear unavailable, necessitating this exploratory investigation with male residents in a TSY intervention at a New York jail. Through pre and post-test interviewing and a mixed methods data analysis, data indicated that those who participated in TSY experienced statistically significant increases in overall health, in addition to statistically significant reductions in stress, anxiety, depression and institutional misconduct. Qualitative analyses suggested that male participants experienced transcendence of the jail environment, easing the monotony of the correctional setting. TSY also provided them with new opportunities, the ability to regulate emotions/behaviors and initiate personal growth/changes within. Hence, this research implies that TSY, a benign intervention, easily implemented in a correctional setting, has the ability to beget benefits for persons who are incarcerated within a short period of time. This is vital to providing rehabilitative options within the transient nature of the jail setting.