Abstract
ObjectivesResearchers have begun delivering mindfulness and aerobic exercise training concurrently on the premise that a combination intervention will yield salutary outcomes over and above each intervention alone. An estimate of the effect of combination training on chronic psychosocial stress in a nonclinical population has not been established. The objective of this study was to establish protocol feasibility in preparation of a definitive RCT targeting healthy individuals, and to explore the preliminary effect of combination training on reducing chronic psychosocial stress in this population.MethodsTwenty-four participants were allocated to a single-arm pre-post study and subjected to 16 weeks of concurrent mindfulness psychoeducation and aerobic exercise training. Feasibility criteria were collected and evaluated. Within-group changes in chronic psychosocial stress, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and cardiorespiratory fitness were also assessed. Primary analyses were based on 17 participants.ResultsRetention rate, response rate, recruitment rate, and sample size analyses indicate a definitive trial is feasible for detecting most effects with precision. There was also a decline in our primary dependent measure of chronic psychosocial stress (dpretest = −0.56, 95% CI [ −1.14,−0.06]). With regard to secondary measures, there was an increase in the use of cognitive reappraisal, and a reduction in use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. We are insufficiently confident to comment on changes in mindfulness and aerobic capacity left (dot {V}O_{2max}right). However, there were subgroup improvements in aerobic economy at submaximal exercise intensities.ConclusionsWe recommend a definitive trial is feasible and should proceed.Trial registrationANZCTR (ID: ACTRN12619001726145). Retrospectively registered December 9, 2019.
Highlights
A growing body of research has implicated psychosocial stress with a range of deleterious health outcomes
Few studies have examined the effect of combining aerobic exercise and mindfulness-based training on mental health outcomes
This study comprised an aerobic exercise and mindfulness-based intervention delivered concurrently over 16 weeks, and was designed as a prevention-focused intervention to be used by healthy individuals rather than those presenting with specific mental health risk factors
Summary
A growing body of research has implicated psychosocial stress with a range of deleterious health outcomes. This includes a greater incidence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and a decline in wellbeing [1, 2], as well as impairments of physical health [3, 4] To address these problems, interventions involving aerobic exercise [5] and mindfulness [6] have been found effective for improving mental health outcomes. An estimate of the range and direction of the effect of a combination intervention on chronic psychosocial stress in a nonclinical population, is absent from the literature This pilot and feasibility study was conducted to guide future research on combination training with respect to its effect on chronic psychosocial stress, as well as its potential mechanisms.
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