A comparative randomised controlled trial of the effects of brain wave vibration training, iyengar yoga, and mindfulness on mood, well-being, and salivary cortisol.
Deborah Bowden, Claire Gaudry, Seung Chan An, John Gruzelier
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine December 15, 2011 DOI: 10.1155/2012/234713 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 35 |
| Population | Healthy adults |
| Interventions | Brain Wave Vibration (BWV) training Iyengar yoga Mindfulness |
| Duration | 10 75-minute classes over five weeks, with pre- and postintervention assessment |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | BWV and Iyengar yoga both improved overall mood and vitality, while only BWV improved depression and sleep latency. Mindfulness produced a comparatively greater increase in absorption. All three practices improved stress and mindfulness, with no changes in health, memory, or salivary cortisol. |
Abstract
This randomised trial compared the effects of Brain Wave Vibration (BWV) training, which involves rhythmic yoga-like meditative exercises, with Iyengar yoga and Mindfulness. Iyengar provided a contrast for the physical components and mindfulness for the "mental" components of BWV. 35 healthy adults completed 10 75-minute classes of BWV, Iyengar, or Mindfulness over five weeks. Participants were assessed at pre- and postintervention for mood, sleep, mindfulness, absorption, health, memory, and salivary cortisol. Better overall mood and vitality followed both BWV and Iyengar training, while the BWV group alone had improved depression and sleep latency. Mindfulness produced a comparatively greater increase in absorption. All interventions improved stress and mindfulness, while no changes occurred in health, memory, or salivary cortisol. In conclusion, increased well-being followed training in all three practices, increased absorption was specific to Mindfulness, while BWV was unique in its benefits to depression and sleep latency, warranting further research.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 23
- Meta-analytic evidence for effects of mindfulness training on dimensions of self-reported dispositional mindfulness. Psychological Assessment 2016
- The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Neuropsychology Review August 4, 2021
- Differences in Functional Connectivity of the Insula Between Brain Wave Vibration in Meditators and Non-meditators Mindfulness March 19, 2018
- Altered states of consciousness caused by a mindfulness-based programme up to a year later: Results from a randomised controlled trial. PLoS One July 17, 2024
- A cross‐sectional study on the relationship between meditation training and emotional intelligence in women Nursing Open November 27, 2020
and 18 more in the library
Cites 5
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- The toronto mindfulness scale: Development and validation Journal of Clinical Psychology 2006
- The psychological and neurophysiological concomitants of mindfulness forms of meditation Acta Neuropsychiatrica April 1, 2007
- The effects of mind-body training on stress reduction, positive affect, and plasma catecholamines. Neuroscience Letters July 26, 2010