Effect of intensive weekend mindfulness-based intervention on BDNF, mitochondria function, and anxiety. A randomized, crossover clinical trial.
Comprehensive psychoneuroendocrinology August 1, 2022 Patama Gomutbutra, Tiam Srikamjak, Ladarat Sapinun et al.
A short intensive mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) increased serum BDNF and reduced anxiety more than relaxation alone in healthy meditation-naïve female nursing and occupational therapy students. In a randomized crossover trial with 40 participants, MBI led to a significantly greater reduction in anxiety (VAS-A difference 9.89) and a greater increase in BDNF (1.24) compared to relaxation. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex-1 decreased more with MBI, suggesting oxidative stress may be a more sensitive marker of mindfulness effects than cortisol or heart rate variability. No significant differences were found for digit span, cortisol, or HRV.