MAP Train My Brain: Meditation Combined with Aerobic Exercise Reduces Stress and Rumination While Enhancing Quality of Life in Medical Students
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine April 20, 2020 Paul Lavadera, Emma M. Millon, T. Shors
Medical students who completed a combined mental and physical (MAP) training program—weekly sessions of instruction, silent meditation, and aerobic exercise plus one self-led session—reported significantly fewer ruminations (−17%), including depressive (−16%) and brooding ruminations (−24%), after 8 weeks compared to non-participants. They also reported greater quality of life and less perceived stress. The majority (84%) indicated they would recommend such practices to future patients.