BackgroundChronic stress affects many Americans. Stress management programs may be prohibitively expensive or have limited access.PurposeThis study aims to determine feasibility of an 8-week Internet-based stress management program (ISM) based on mindfulness principles in reducing stress in a 12-week, parallel, randomized, controlled trial.MethodsParticipants were randomly allocated to ISM, ISM plus online message board (ISM+), or control groups. Perceived stress, mindfulness, self-transcendence, psychological well-being, vitality, and quality of life were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 12 using standard validated questionnaires.ResultsISM and ISM+ groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements compared with control on all measures except vitality and physical health.ConclusionsThe ISM program effectively and sustainably reduced measures of stress. The magnitude of improvement is comparable to traditional mindfulness programs, although fewer participants were engaged. This feasibility study provides strong support for online stress management programs, which increase access at a fraction of cost of traditional programs.

Objective:The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an 8-week web-based, mindfulness stress management program (WSM) in a corporate call center and added benefit of group support.Methods:One hundred sixty-one participants were randomized to WSM, WSM with group support, WSM with group and expert clinical support, or wait-list control. Perceived stress, burnout, emotional and psychological well-being, mindfulness, and productivity were measured at baseline, weeks 8 and 16, and 1 year.Results:Online usage was low with participants favoring CD use and group practice. All active groups demonstrated significant reductions in perceived stress and increases in emotional and psychological well-being compared with control. Group support improved participation, engagement, and outcomes.Conclusion:A self-directed mindfulness program with group practice and support can provide an affordable, effective, and scalable workplace stress management solution. Engagement may also benefit from combining web-based and traditional CD delivery.

Some small clinical trials seem to show that coenzyme Q10 supplements can be used to lower blood pressure and to treat or prevent myalgia caused by hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins). However, larger trials are needed to determine if they are truly effective for these purposes. The authors examine the evidence and also discuss issues such as bioavailability, elimination, safety, and cost.

No abstract

PurposeStress is inherent in our society and results in great suffering, increased healthcare cost, and impaired work performance. An online program can offer a cost effective and practical solution that can help cope better with stress. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week online mindfulness stress reduction (OSR) program in reducing work related stress and burnout and in improving well-being in a corporate call center. We also evaluated whether 1-hour weekly group practice and experience sharing at the workplace would improve program retention and engagement.Methods 161 participants were randomized either to wait-list control (CTL, N=37), OSR (N=54) or OSR and weekly group meetings (OSR+grp, N=70). The Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory (professional efficacy and exhaustion subscales), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and SF36 (emotional well-being and role functioning subscales) were administered at baseline, post intervention and at 8-week follow-up. ResultsWe observed overall a greater post intervention decrease in stress and exhaustion and increase in mindfulness, emotional well-being and role functioning in the OSR+grp (cohen d=1.3, 0.8, 0.6, 1.4 respectively) compared to OSR (d=1, 0.4, 0.5, 0.8) and wait-list control (d<0.4). This overall improvement was also maintained at follow-up for most measures. The improvement was significantly greater for the OSR compared to CTL for stress and emotional well-being, and for OSR+grp compared to CTL for all outcomes except for professional efficacy. OSR+grp improved significantly more than OSR for stress, emotional wellbeing and emotional role functioning. Weekly group practice significantly increased program engagement and reduced dropout rate (13% for OSR+grp compared to 55% for OSR). ConclusionAn online mindfulness stress management program when combined with weekly group practice can offer a practical and cost-effective approach to decrease stress and burnout and improve mindfulness and well-being at the workplace.