Immunological and Psychological Efficacy of Meditation/Yoga Intervention Among People Living With HIV (PLWH): A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses of 19 Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background An expanding number of mind–body therapies are being used to reduce the psychological burden of peoples living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the effects on the immune system and mental health varied among studies. Purpose This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the randomized controlled trials to draw comprehensive conclusions regarding the psycho-immunological efficacy. Methods Random-effects models were used to assess the outcome of interest. Egger’s tests were used to identify publication bias. Subgroup and meta-regression were used to explore potential moderators. This review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42019148118). Results Nineteen randomized controlled trials with a total sample size of 1,300 were included in this meta-analysis. Regarding immune system outcome, mind–body therapy significantly improved CD4 T-cell counts (Cohen’s d = 0.214, p = .027) and maintained (0.427, p = .049). In addition, baseline CD4 T-cell counts and years since HIV diagnosis significantly moderated the efficacy of mind–body practices on CD4 improvement (all ps < .001). Regarding mental health outcome, mind–body therapy significantly reduced stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms (0.422, p < .001; 0.506, p < .001, and 0.709, p < .001, respectively) while improving quality of life (0.67, p < .001). Conclusions Meditation/yoga intervention could result in potential benefits with regard to improved CD4 T-cell counts immediately after the intervention and at long-term follow-up, while also improving their mental health. The cost-effective meditation/yoga intervention should be integrated into routine care for people living with HIV, especially for those with lower CD4 baseline and fewer years since diagnosis.

Associations between Leisure Preferences, Mindfulness, Psychological Capital, and Life Satisfaction

“…Various research has documented that leisure is one of the essential life quality domains and core ingredients of wellbeing [ 4 ]. Leisure activities reflect particular profiles corresponding to numerous variables, including age [ 5 , 6 , 7 ], health [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], goals and personality traits [ 11 ], gender [ 12 , 13 ], cultural contexts [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], emotions [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], intrinsic motivational orientation [ 22 ], among others.…”

Effects of Different Components of Yoga: A Meta-Synthesis

“…Meta-analyses on healthy populations reported no differences between meditation, mindfulness-based, or yoga interventions [5,8]. Similarly, no differences were observed between these interventions regarding hypertension [74], trauma symptoms [75], stress-related physiological measures [6], and immunological outcomes and mental health of people living with HIV [72]. However, these meta-analyses did not differentiate the components of yoga or mindfulness-based practices and are, thus, less informative than other meta-analyses that do.…”

Therapeutic role of yoga in neuropsychological disorders

“…Practicing yoga in patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder for at least 4 wk resulted in a significant reduction of cortisol values[ 144 ]. Yoga practices significantly reduce stress and anxiety in subjects living with human immunodeficiency virus[ 145 ], people with cancer[ 146 ], such as survivors of lung cancer[ 147 ] and patients with breast cancer[ 148 ], patients with systemic disease, like rheumatoid arthritis[ 149 , 150 ], and patients with neurologic disorders, such as PD[ 100 ]. Yoga exercises have also been suggested as a promising stress-relieving approach in pregnant women[ 151 , 152 ], in women receiving treatment for infertility[ 153 ], and in women who are trying to quit smoking[ 154 , 155 ].…”