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Effects of behavioral stress reduction Transcendental Meditation intervention in persons with HIV.

Sumedha Chhatre, David S Metzger, Ian Frank, Jean Boyer, Edward Thompson, Sanford Nidich, Luis J Montaner, Ravishankar Jayadevappa

AIDS Care 2013 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2013.764396 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 22
Population Community-dwelling adults with HIV
Intervention Transcendental Meditation
Duration 6 months
Topics Meditation
Key findings The TM group showed significant improvement in vitality, and significant between-group differences were observed for generic and HIV-specific health-related quality of life. The authors conclude that TM stress reduction is feasible in community-dwelling adults with HIV and can enhance health-related quality of life, while noting the small sample may have limited detection of other differences.

Abstract

Stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of HIV. The Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a behavioral stress reduction program that incorporates mind-body approach, and has demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes via stress reduction. We evaluated the feasibility of implementing TM and its effects on outcomes in persons with HIV. In this community-based single blinded Phase-I, randomized controlled trial, outcomes (psychological and physiological stress, immune activation, generic and HIV-specific health-related quality of life, depression and quality of well-being) were assessed at baseline and at six months, and were compared using parametric and nonparametric tests. Twenty-two persons with HIV were equally randomized to TM intervention or healthy eating (HE) education control group. Retention was 100% in TM group and 91% in HE control group. The TM group exhibited significant improvement in vitality. Significant between group differences were observed for generic and HIV-specific health-related quality of life. Small sample size may possibly limit the ability to observe significant differences in some outcomes. TM stress reduction intervention in community dwelling adults with HIV is viable and can enhance health-related quality of life. Further research with large sample and longer follow-up is needed to validate our results.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

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