Abstract
Methods Community-recruited adults aged ≥ 50 years were randomized to one of three conditions: 8-week training in mindfulness meditation; matched 8-week training in moderate intensity sustained exercise; or wait-list observational control. The primary outcome was area-under-the-curve global illness severity over one cold and flu season, using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS24) to assess severity. Significance was set at p=0.025. Health care visits and days-of-missed-work were counted. Nasal wash collected during ARI illness was assayed for neutrophils, interleukin-8, and viral nucleic acid.
Highlights
This study was designed to evaluate potential preventive effects of meditation or exercise on incidence, duration, and severity of acute respiratory infection (ARI) illness
Nasal wash collected during ARI illness was assayed for neutrophils, interleukin-8, and viral nucleic acid
Global severity was significantly lower for meditation (p=0.0042)
Summary
Purpose This study was designed to evaluate potential preventive effects of meditation or exercise on incidence, duration, and severity of acute respiratory infection (ARI) illness
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