A randomized controlled longitudinal naturalistic trial testing the effects of automatic self transcending meditation on heart rate variability in late life depression: study protocol

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence and socioeconomic cost of late life depression (LLD) is on the rise, while the response rate to antidepressant trials remains poor. Various mind-body therapies are being embraced by patients as they are considered safe and potentially effective, yet little is known regarding the effectiveness of such therapies to improve LLD symptoms. Among the mind-body therapies currently in practice, the results of our pilot study have shown that a particular meditation technique called Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, which belongs to the category of meditation termed automatic self-transcending meditation (ASTM) may have some promise in improving cardiovascular autonomic disturbances associated with LLD as well as ameliorating symptoms of depression and anxiety.Methods/DesignPatients between the ages of 60 and 85 with LLD will be randomized either to ASTM plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone to assess changes in cardiovascular autonomic parameters, neuropsychological symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as quality of life. The instructional phase of the intervention consists of 4 consecutive days of meditation training, after which participants are encouraged to meditate twice daily for twenty minutes each time at home. The intervention also includes once weekly follow up sessions for the subsequent 11 weeks. The planned study has one and a half year recruitment period. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks post intervention.DiscussionThis study should provide a unique data source from a randomized, controlled, longitudinal trial to investigate the effects of a form of ASTM on cardiovascular autonomic and neuropsychological health in LLD.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT02149810, date registered: 05/28/2014.

A training programme involving automatic self-transcending meditation in late-life depression: preliminary analysis of an ongoing randomised controlled trial - RETRACTED

“…The practice involves relaxed attention to a specific sound value (mantra); this permits the mind to experience a restful but alert state of consciousness. [4][5][6] The aim of this ongoing study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ASTM in alleviating cardiovascular and mood-related symptoms of late-life depression (see Amtul et al 7 for the complete study protocol). This report presents the preliminary results of adding ASTM to treatment-as-usual (TAU) on affective symptoms of late-life depression; an analysis of cardiovascular and affective symptoms post-ASTM training will be available upon study completion.…”

Feasibility study protocol to examine the role of mantra meditation at reducing psychological distress in emergency department staff

“…6 While less attention has been afforded to the potential gains for HCPs, a limited body of research demonstrates the efficacy of meditation (including mindfulness and mantra meditation) at improving wellbeing among this cohort.…”