Mindfulness-Based Student Training Improves Vascular Variability Associated With Sustained Reductions in Physiological Stress Response.
Andreas Voss, Martin Bogdanski, Mario Walther, Bernd Langohr, Reyk Albrecht, Georg Seifert, Mike Sandbothe
Frontiers in Public Health 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.863671 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal controlled evaluation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 65 |
| Population | University students |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Student Training (MBST) |
| Duration | 12-week intervention; follow-up up to 3 months and up to 1 year after intervention |
| Measures | pulse wave variability (PWV), heart rate variability, respiratory activity |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | University students Autonomic regulation Heart rate variability Higher education Mindfulness-based interventions Mindfulness-based stress reduction Non-linear dynamics Pulse wave variability |
| Key findings | The authors report that the Mindfulness-Based Student Training (MBST) produced significant positive changes in pulse wave variability (PWV) exclusively in the intervention group, with effects on vascular function persisting one year after the program ended. They suggest this indicates a physiologically reduced stress level and a beneficial preventive health care program for university students. |
Abstract
In today's fast-paced society, chronic stress has become an increasing problem, as it can lead to psycho-physiological health problems. University students are also faced with stress due to the demands of many courses and exams. The positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on stress management and self-regulation have already been studied. We have developed a new mindfulness intervention tailored for students-the Mindfulness-Based Student Training (MBST). In this study, we present longitudinal results of the MBST evaluation. Biosignal analysis methods, including pulse wave variability (PWV), heart rate variability, and respiratory activity, were used to assess participants' state of autonomic regulation during the 12-week intervention and at follow-up. The progress of the intervention group (IGR, N = 31) up to 3 months after the end of MBST was compared with that of a control group (CON, N = 34). In addition, the long-term effect for IGR up to 1 year after intervention was examined. The analysis showed significant positive changes in PWV exclusively for IGR. This positive effect, particularly on vascular function, persists 1 year after the end of MBST. These results suggest a physiologically reduced stress level in MBST participants and a beneficial preventive health care program for University students.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Cultivating Resilience: Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based Training for Nurse Stress and Burnout Mitigation. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services May 14, 2025
- Neuro-Informed Approaches and Vagus Nerve-Calming Practices for Resilience Integrative and Complementary Therapies June 5, 2026
Cites 8
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Stress Management Intervention for Healthy Individuals Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine July 22, 2014
- Long-term mindfulness training is associated with reliable differences in resting respiration rate Scientific Reports June 7, 2016
- Mindfulness and Other Simple Neuroscience-Based Proposals to Promote the Learning Performance and Mental Health of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Brain Sciences April 27, 2021
- Mindfulness Training Improves Cognition and Strengthens Intrinsic Connectivity Between the Hippocampus and Posteromedial Cortex in Healthy Older Adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience August 27, 2021
and 3 more in the library