Effect of intensive weekend mindfulness-based intervention on BDNF, mitochondria function, and anxiety. A randomized, crossover clinical trial.
Patama Gomutbutra, Tiam Srikamjak, Ladarat Sapinun, Sukonta Kunaphanh, Nalinee Yingchankul, Nattayaporn Apaijai, Krekwit Shinlapawittayatorn, Rochana Phuackchantuck, Nipon Chattipakorn, Siriporn Chattipakorn
Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology August 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100137 (opens in new tab)
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Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled crossover trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Healthy meditation-naïve female nursing and occupational therapy students in Thailand |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based intervention Relaxation on-site |
| Duration | 8-hour weekend session per period, with a three-month washout between periods |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Bdnf Clinical neuropsychiatry Cortisol Hrv Mindfulness mechanism Oxphos, oxidative phosphorelation Oxidative stress |
| Key findings | Short intensive mindfulness-based intervention increased serum BDNF and reduced anxiety more than relaxation on-site, with a greater reduction in OXPHOS complex-1 suggesting oxidative stress as a sensitive indicator. |
Abstract
The previous metanalysis found that Mind-body intervention (MBI) improves neuropsychologic well-being and may increase brain-derived growth factor (BDNF). BDNF is a neurotrophic factor related to neuroplasticity. To evaluate the effect of the short intensive MBI compared to control-relaxation on Site on BDNF and examine if this change is related to mitochondria function or stress-related neurohormonal activity. Randomized, controlled, two-period cross-over trial conducted in a medical center in Thailand. Healthy-meditation naive Nurse and Occupational Therapy Students, 23 assigned randomly to MBI, and 24 relaxations at the site for 8 h during the weekend. The wash-out period was three months between the two periods. All volunteers took the blood test for BDNF, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), Cortisol, and Heart rate variability (HRV) measurement before and Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A), forward and backward digit span after each period. A total of 40 participants finished the trials. The cross over trial analysis showed a significant treatment effect between MBI and Relaxation on-site for the mean VAS-A as 9.89 (95% CI 4.81 to 19.47; P = 0.001), serum BDNF as 1.24 (95% CI 0.16 to 2.32; P = 0.04), and OXPHOS complex-1 was decreased 0.41 (95% CI 0.03-0.29 p = 0.03). There were no significant differences for digit span, cortisol, and HRV. In healthy meditation naïve females, even a short period of MBI may increase serum BDNF and reduce anxiety more than relaxation on-site. The more reduction of OXPHOS complex-1 in the mindfulness group suggests oxidative stress may be a more sensitive indicator than stress-related neurohormonal activity.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Mental Health Outcomes in Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The journal of nursing research : JNR December 1, 2023
- Discussion on the Application of Mindfulness Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review Psychology Research and Behavior Management August 1, 2025
- Autonomic and psychophysiological effects of a 13-week mindfulness-based intervention in university students Frontiers in Psychology February 4, 2026
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- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials Frontiers in Psychology September 15, 2020
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction-related changes in posterior cingulate resting brain connectivity Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience July 1, 2019
and 6 more in the library