The Effect of Humor Associated Mirthful Laughter Combined with Quiescence on Modulating C Reactive Protein Blood Levels: A Pilot Study

Abstract

IntroductionWith an increase in life expectancy, there exists a need for whole‐person care that enhances Quality of Life. Humor associated mirthful laughter has proven to yield numerous whole person health related benefits such as lowering the stress hormone cortisol and improving vascular function. High sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs‐CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker. There are no known studies that have shown an association between humor associated mirthful laughter and changes in acute hs‐CRP blood levels.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of humor associated mirthful laughter on acute CRP modulation in a humor group vs. a non‐humor control group.MethodsThirty two healthy adults were recruited and enrolled (humor group n = 16; control group n = 16). The humor group consisted of 8 males and 8 females with a mean age of 26.4 ± 4.4 years. The control group consisted of 8 males and 8 females with a mean age of 26.6 ± 2.9 years. The hs‐CRP levels were obtained through a finger stick blood test. The hs‐CRP levels were collected at three time points; immediately after signing the informed consent, immediately after watching a 20 minute humor video or sitting quietly for 20 minutes, and after 20 minutes of quiescence after the second hs‐CRP test. Blood pressure and heart rate were taken immediately before the first hs‐CRP sample and then five minutes after the first, second, and third hs‐CRP measurement. The humor group self‐selected a humor video of either 20 minutes of Russell Peters standup comedy or a montage of America's Funniest Home Videos. The control group sat quietly for 20 minutes and were not allowed to read, talk, sleep, or use their cell phone.ResultsThere were significant differences in mean CRP levels, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate over time (p=0.04, p=0.01, and p< 0.001, respectively). For the humor group, 1) CRP levels decreased from 1.65 ± 0.3 mg/L at baseline to 1.42 ± 0.3 mg/L post humor (p=0.05), 2) systolic blood pressure decreased from baseline to humor + quiescence (p=0.02), and 3) heart rate decreased from baseline to post humor (p=0.01) and baseline to post humor + quiescence (p=0.001).ConclusionsThe overall, complimentary health benefits of combining enjoyable humor associated mirthful laughter with a quiescent period showed a decrease in inflammation (hs‐CRP), systolic blood pressure, and heart rate and thus, is more beneficial than being quiescent alone. Our pilot research shows potential clinical and rehabilitative benefits that can be applied to whole person wellness programs. Humor and laughter appear to be beneficial, thus providing components in enhancing Quality of Life. Further research will be done to expand these positive findings.