Mindful Breathing Research Articles

The Effect of Mindfulness and Spiritual Combination Breathing Exercises towards Anxiety, Depression and Blood Pressure of Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Ischemic stroke causes serious ongoing problems in the lives of sufferers, including biological, psychological and spiritual changes so that comprehensive and multidisciplinary nursing care is necessary. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of Mindfulness and Spiritual Combination Breathing Exercises towards anxiety, depression and blood pressure of ischemic stroke patients. Methods: This research is a quantitative research that uses a quasy experimental research design with a pretest - posttest control group design approach. The population of all ischemic stroke patients at RSAU dr. M.Munir Lanud Abdulrachman Saleh Malang as many as 108 people. The sample size is 50 respondents. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. The intervention group was given a combination of Mindfulness and SpiritualityBreathing Exerciseswithin 10-15 minutes 2 times a day for 5 days and the control group was given intervention according to hospital standards. Analysis used the Manova test with a significant p value <0.05. Results: The results of the study using the Manova test showed that there was a significant effect between anxiety, depression and blood pressure after giving the Combination of Spiritual Mindfulness and Breathing Exercise sshowed that p value = 0.000, with the highest partial Eta Squared value of 0.643 anxiety followed by 0.579 depression and 0.263 blood pressure. Conclusion: A combination of Spiritual Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises effectively reduce the level of anxiety, depression and blood pressure of ischemic stroke patients.

Factors Influencing The Usage of Stress Relief Applications: From The Psychological Perspective

Stress remains one of the most difficult challenges in responding to various situations. It elicits negative thoughts and feelings in the person. Counseling, training, exercise, and other methods effectively reduce stress. However, with the advancement of technology, different approaches to dealing with it have emerged. One of the types of digital health applications was stress relief applications. This application was starting to become famous as an alternative to help individuals manage their stress levels. Numerous stress-management or stress-relief applications are available for smartphones and tablets. These applications include a variety of stress-reduction techniques, including meditation, mindfulness breathing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques. This review paper explores the psychological factors influencing the usage of stress relief applications. In this review paper, researchers focused on perceived stress, motivation for self-care, and cognitive engagement. Understanding these psychological factors can help the individual experiencing high stress levels to utilize the stress relief application. Besides, for the application developers, it gives the idea to create compelling digital tools that cater to users' specific needs and preferences, ultimately promoting better stress management and overall well-being.

Mind-Body Classroom Strategies: Techniques to Reduce Elementary Student Stress Following Active Shooter Drills

Active shooter drills are widely used in schools throughout the United States, with more than 92% of public schools having an active shooter plan. These drills can increase student stress and anxiety and can have a variety of negative effects, such as somatic complaints, anxiety, poor self-regulation of emotions and behaviors, risk for depression, and prevalence of obesity and eating disorders. This article describes the efficacy of physical activity breaks, mindful breathing techniques, and emotional regulation strategies to reduce stress reactivity and enhance recovery in elementary-age students following active shooter safety drills. A list of example activities is provided for each of the three stress management categories. Each of the activities can be adapted to various developmental levels (i.e., K-12), settings (i.e., classroom, hallway, outdoors), and time availability (i.e., one minute to 10 minutes). The strategies may also be utilized following other emergency drills or during other times of high student and classroom stress.

Recommended Physiotherapy Modalities for Oncology Patients with Palliative Needs and Its Influence on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: A Systematic Review.

This review aims to explore the role of physiotherapy in early and traditional palliative care (PC) for oncology patients, focusing on its impact on six patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), namely fatigue, pain, cachexia, quality of life (QoL), physical functioning (PHF), and psychosocial functioning (PSF). The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of various physiotherapy interventions and identify gaps in the current research to understand their potential benefits in PC better. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, concluding on 21 December 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the articles for inclusion. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 was employed to assess the risk of bias, while the GRADE approach was used to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with most showing a high risk of bias, particularly in outcome measurement and missing data. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the only intervention that significantly reduced fatigue, enhanced PHF, and improved QoL and emotional functioning. Graded exercise therapy (GET) did not yield significant results. Combined interventions, such as education with problem-solving or nutritional counseling with physical activity, showed no significant effects. Massage significantly improved QoL and reduced pain, while physical application therapies were effective in pain reduction. Mindful breathing exercises (MBE) improved QoL but had a non-significant impact on appetite. The overall certainty of the evidence was low. Physiotherapy can positively influence PROMs in oncology PC; however, the low quality and high risk of bias in existing studies highlight the need for more rigorous research to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice.

Virtual Reality for Subacute Pain After Orthopedic Traumatic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

Acute orthopedic traumatic musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent, costly, and often lead to persistent pain and functional limitations. Psychological risk factors (eg, pain catastrophizing and anxiety) exacerbate these outcomes but are often overlooked in acute orthopedic care. Addressing gaps in current treatment approaches, this mixed-methods pilot study explored the use of a therapeutic virtual reality (VR; RelieVRx ), integrating principles of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, for pain self-management at home following orthopedic injury. We enrolled 10 adults with acute orthopedic injuries and elevated pain catastrophizing or pain anxiety from Level 1 Trauma Clinics within the Mass General Brigham health care system. Participants completed daily RelieVRx sessions at home for 8 weeks, which included pain education, relaxation, mindfulness, games, and dynamic breathing biofeedback. Primary outcomes were a priori feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, satisfaction, and safety. Secondary outcomes were pre-post measures of pain, physical function, sleep, depression, and hypothesized mechanisms (pain self-efficacy, mindfulness, and coping). The VR and study procedures met or exceeded all benchmarks. We observed preliminary improvements in pain, physical functioning, sleep, depression, and mechanisms. Qualitative exit interviews confirmed high satisfaction with RelieVRx and yielded recommendations for promoting VR-based trials with orthopedic patients. The results support a larger randomized clinical trial of RelieVRx versus a sham placebo control to replicate the findings and explore mechanisms. There is potential for self-guided VR to promote evidence-based pain management strategies and address the critical mental health care gap for patients following acute orthopedic injuries.

Exploring Mindful Teaching Practices: Strategies for Enhancing Early Childhood Education

Mindful teaching practices have gained increasing attention as effective strategies for enhancing early childhood education. This article explores the integration of mindfulness into teaching methods, focusing on how these practices can improve both educators' and young learners' experiences. Mindfulness in education involves bringing present-moment awareness to the teaching and learning process, which can help educators manage stress, increase emotional regulation, and create a more nurturing learning environment. The article discusses various strategies for implementing mindful teaching practices, including mindful breathing exercises, reflective listening, and the incorporation of mindfulness activities into daily routines. These practices not only support the social and emotional development of young children but also promote their cognitive growth by fostering greater focus, empathy, and resilience. The article reviews research findings that demonstrate the positive impact of mindfulness on early childhood education, such as improved classroom behavior, enhanced teacher-student relationships, and increased academic achievement. Additionally, the challenges of adopting mindful practices, such as time constraints and the need for professional development, are addressed. The article concludes with practical recommendations for educators seeking to integrate mindfulness into their teaching, emphasizing the importance of consistency, community support, and ongoing reflection. By adopting mindful teaching practices, educators can create a more supportive and effective learning environment, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of young children.

Acceptability, engagement, and preliminary efficacy of a college human physiology course with integrated mindfulness practice to support student wellbeing.

To evaluate the acceptability of and engagement with an undergraduate human physiology course embedded with mindfulness practice. To assess its preliminary efficacy on student mindfulness and wellbeing. Students (N = 36, 17% freshman, 33% sophomore, 22% junior, and 28% senior) answered online surveys at course completion. Primary outcomes were course ratings, assignment and assessment completion rates, minutes, types of mindfulness practice, changes in trait mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-reported wellbeing outcomes. We ran Chi-square goodness of fit tests and paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to decide if the outcomes differed significantly post-class. We tested the dose-response relation between mindfulness practice time and trait mindfulness and whether the out-of-class practice time was consistent across the weeks with generalized linear mixed-effect models. All participants reported finding the course enjoyable and that they would recommend it to their friends. They practiced for an average of 66 (SD = 27) min per week in the class and 112 (SD = 59) min on their own. The most common out-of-class practices were mindful movements, sitting meditation, and breathing. Per self-reports, the course increased student understanding of specific mindfulness practices and appreciation for their body. It improved wellbeing and trait mindfulness (MAAS mean within-person change = 1.2, SD = 0.8, p < 0.00001). We found no does-response relation between practice time and trait mindfulness. This pilot study supports that incorporating mindfulness practice into college-level courses may promote student wellbeing and such approaches warrant further investigation.

What is the Most Helpful Body‐Scan Posture for People with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Tendency?

AbstractWe explored body‐scan postures suitable for people with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendency by developing and validating the Mindfulness Encouraging/Discouraging Reactions Scales (MERS/MDRS), using university students. In Study 1, we conducted a survey to collect typical positive and negative reactions during mindfulness exercises from 21 participants and created the preliminary items. In Study 2, 192 participants completed existing state/trait mindfulness scales and the preliminary MERS and MDRS after mindful breathing. Based on an item response model, we developed and validated MERS and MDRS. In Study 3, 19 participants were categorized into one of four groups: (a) combined, (b) hyperactive/impulsive, (c) inattentive, and (d) without ADHD tendencies. They performed body‐scan meditations with each of the counterbalanced postures (upright, slumped, leaning‐back sitting, and supine), and completed the questionnaires. The analysis showed that those with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency found the body‐scan meditation a challenge with the slumped posture and easier to perform in the supine posture; the upright posture provided high and low MERS to the hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency group and combined group, respectively; and sleepiness correlated with MERS in the supine posture (r = .49) and the upright posture (r = .51). We identified helpful body scan postures for people with ADHD tendency, using MERS and MDRS, but it was noted that these scales were created solely based on intuitive impressions for beginners, and it is not recommended that the items included in them be aimed for or avoided.

Empowering mind-body wellness: effect of bundling seated exercises and psychoeducational rehabilitation using the teach-back approach on fatigue and coping of women postmastectomy

BackgroundBeing diagnosed with Breast Cancer (BC) is a crisis that throws the patient’s life out of balance. Cancer-related fatigue is a debilitating sign experienced by women during and after BC treatment. Regular physical exercise may help mitigate patients’ fatigue, enhance coping abilities, improve their quality of life, and overall well-being. In parallel, psychological interventions are geared toward normalizing the lived painful experiences among oncology patients.Objectiveto examine the effect of bundling seated exercises and psychoeducational rehabilitation using the teach-back approach on fatigue and coping of women postmastectomy.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Oncology Surgical Department and chemotherapy unit at the Alexandria Main University Hospital, Egypt. A total of 60 women were randomly allocated to either to the study or the control groups. Women in the study group practiced seated exercises and psychological rehabilitation interventions, including mindfulness breathing, problem-solving training, cognitive reframing technique, and thought stopping while the control group received the routine care.ResultsThe study revealed a significant decline in the fatigue mean scores among participants in the intervention group from 136.10 ± 27.76 to 98.43 ± 25.99 (p < 0.001). Similarly, there was a significant decrease in the patients’ mean scores of maladaptive coping, helplessness/ hopelessness (p = 0.014), and anxious preoccupation (p = 0.008). In contrast, there is a noticeable increment in the scores of adaptive coping, such as fighting spirit (p = 0.012), cognitive avoidance (p = 0.002), and fatalism (p = 0.009).ConclusionBundling seated exercises and psychological rehabilitation interventions using the teach-back approach have been proven to be simple and inexpensive non-pharmacological methods of reducing cancer-related fatigue and improving coping skills among women post-mastectomy.Trial registration numberNCT06360276, ClinicalTrails.gov, Retrospectively registered (April 8th, 2024), URL of trial registry record: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06360276.

Ego-depletion and motor skill performance under pressure—experimental effects of a short term virtual-reality based mindfulness breathing meditation with integrated biofeedback

Ego-depletion describes a state of mind, where the capacity for self-control is temporarily depleted after a primary self-control action. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a brief virtual reality-based mindfulness breathing meditation with integrated biofeedback can be considered an effective strategy to counteract the detrimental effects of ego depletion on motor skill performance under pressure. The study included two experiments, each of them designed as counterbalanced cross-over trials and based on an a priori sample-size calculation. Within each experiment, participants completed two appointments in a randomly assigned order, during which they were asked to perform 20 basketball free throws (N = 18; Experiment 1) or 20 penalty kicks at a football goal in four target squares (N = 16; Experiment 2) under pressure pre and post the following conditions: Stroop-test-induced ego depletion followed by a 15 min resting break, Stroop-test-induced ego depletion followed by a 15 min virtual reality-based mindfulness breathing meditation with integrated biofeedback. Results indicate that, in comparison to a resting break, a brief virtual reality-based mindfulness meditation with integrated biofeedback can counteract the detrimental effects of ego-depletion (Experiment 2) and enhance motor skill performance under pressure (Experiment 1, 2) Implications for researchers and practitioners are derived in light of the identified methodological limitations.

Effect of mindfulness-based intervention on perceived stress among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Breast cancer is the second most prevalent disease among women in India and one of the most dangerous and lethal. Chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients may have perceived stress, which is defined as emotions of mental or physical exhaustion that make them feel angry or anxious. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) gives some ideas in line with the conventional mindfulness technique. (i) To assess the effect of MBI on perceived stress among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. (ii) To determine the association between perceived stress with selected demographic variables among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The current quantitative pre- and postexperimental study was carried out in two oncology departments of selected cancer hospitals, Bhubaneswar. A total number of 40 breast cancer patients of perceived stress receiving chemotherapy and data were gathered by using a self-structured socio-demographic proforma and a structured Perceived Stress Scale 10. The experimental group received MBI, and a posttest was conducted on the 17th day on both the groups after 10 days of the termination of intervention. This MBI was provided to breast cancer patients for five sessions over five days continuously, each session for 45 min with mindfulness breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation techniques, practising meditation, and guided imagery technique. The study findings illustrated that reduction of perceived stress among female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with (t = 2.2463) (P = 0.0306) at the P < 0.05; furthermore, there is one socio-demographic variable which had association with perceived stress that is history of psychiatric illness (χ 2 = 14.1176) (P = 0.0009) and others had no association with perceived stress. MBI was an effective therapy for reducing the perceived stress of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Mindful breathing for cancer pain: efficacy of a single 20-minute session – a randomised controlled study

ObjectivesCancer pain is a prevalent and challenging symptom affecting a significant number of patients globally, with inadequate control remaining a substantial challenge despite advancements in pain management. Non-pharmacological interventions, including...

Psychological, physical, and social capitals: A balanced approach for more effective human capital in today’s organizations and life

In this article, we propose a comprehensive and integrated approach for recognizing, managing, developing, and leveraging positive human capital for successful outcomes in a variety of organizational and life domains. We call this conceptual framework the Balanced Positive Human Capital Equation. With the ultimate goal of obtaining “The Good Life,” the first part of our simply called HumCap equation consists of Psychological Capital (i.e., PsyCap). The positive psychological resources which comprise one’s PsyCap have after 20 years of evidence been clearly determined to be Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism (i.e. “the HERO within”). The second part of our proposed HumCap equation includes Physical Capital (i.e., PhyCap). Some important dimensions of this PhyCap we suggest should include Mindfulness, Exercise, Nutrition, and Deep Breathing (i.e., “MEND your health”). The final pillar of this balanced approach to HumCap we propose includes Social Capital (SocCap). As established drivers of well-being and performance, we focus on the recognized important SocCap resources of Faith, Relationships/Networks, Organizational Culture, Noncognitive Empathy, and Teams/Communities (i.e., provide “A united FRONT”). We propose that these three positive psychological, physical, and social capital resources are interactive and when combined and, especially in balance, research and practice will support synergistic, desirable results. In constant pursuit of “The Good Life,” it is hoped the conceptual framework proposed in this article will provide a guide for developing stronger and more balanced human capital that is optimally suited to meet life’s worthwhile pursuits and wellness outcomes.

Nonpharmacological pain management approaches among U.S. construction workers: A cross-sectional pilot study.

U.S. construction workers experience high rates of injury that can lead to chronic pain. This pilot study examined nonpharmacological (without medication prescribed by healthcare provider) and pharmacological (e.g., prescription opioids) pain management approaches used by construction workers. A convenience sample of U.S. construction workers was surveyed, in partnership with the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Construction Sector Program. Differences in familiarity and use of nonpharmacological and pharmacological pain management approaches, by demographics, were assessed using logistic regression models. A boosted regression tree model examined the most influential factors related to pharmacological pain management use, and potential reductions in use were counterfactually modeled. Of 166 (85%) of 195 participants reporting pain/discomfort in the last year, 72% reported using pharmacological pain management approaches, including 19% using opioids. There were significant differences in familiarity with nonpharmacological approaches by gender, education, work experience, and job title. Among 37 factors that predicted using pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management approaches, training on the risks of opioids, job benefits for unpaid leave and paid disability, and familiarity with music therapy, meditation or mindful breathing, and body scans were among the most important predictors of potentially reducing use of pharmacological approaches. Providing these nonpharmacological approaches to workers could result in an estimated 23% (95% CI: 16%-30%) reduction in pharmacological pain management approaches. This pilot study suggests specific factors related to training, job benefits, and worker familiarity with nonpharmacological pain management approaches influence use of these approaches.

Evaluation of Autonomic Nervous System Function During Sleep by Mindful Breathing Using a Tablet Device: Randomized Controlled Trial.

One issue to be considered in universities is the need for interventions to improve sleep quality and educational systems for university students. However, sleep problems remain unresolved. As a clinical practice technique, a mindfulness-based stress reduction method can help students develop mindfulness skills to cope with stress, self-healing skills, and sleep. We aim to verify the effectiveness of mindful breathing exercises using a tablet device. In total, 18 nursing students, aged 18-22 years, were randomly assigned and divided equally into mindfulness (Mi) and nonmindfulness (nMi) implementation groups using tablet devices. During the 9-day experimental period, cardiac potentials were measured on days 1, 5, and 9. In each sleep stage (sleep with sympathetic nerve dominance, shallow sleep with parasympathetic nerve dominance, and deep sleep with parasympathetic nerve dominance), low frequency (LF) value, high frequency (HF) value, and LF/HF ratios obtained from the cardiac potentials were evaluated. On day 5, a significant correlation was observed between sleep duration and each sleep stage in both groups. In comparison to each experimental day, the LF and LF/HF ratios of the Mi group were significantly higher on day 1 than on days 5 and 10. LF and HF values in the nMi group were significantly higher on day 1 than on day 5. The correlation between sleep duration and each sleep stage on day 5 suggested that sleep homeostasis in both groups was activated on day 5, resulting in similar changes in sleep stages. During the experimental period, the cardiac potentials in the nMi group showed a wide range of fluctuations, whereas the LF values and LF/HF ratio in the Mi group showed a decreasing trend over time. This finding suggests that implementing mindful breathing exercises using a tablet device may suppress sympathetic activity during sleep. UMIN-CTR Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000054639; https://tinyurl.com/mu2vdrks.

Brief Meditation on Test Anxiety of Eighth Grade Chinese Students: Chain-Mediating Roles of Mindfulness and Self-Efficacy

Numerous studies have revealed an alarming prevalence of test anxiety among Chinese junior high school students. Prevention of test anxiety in this population has become crucial. Brief meditation intervention (BMI) has shown promising results for promoting students’ well-being and reducing test anxiety, but its mechanism for reducing test anxiety remains unknown. This study examined the effects of BMI and the roles mindfulness and self-efficacy play in mediating between the intervention and test anxiety. The BMI was optimized in content and form and culturally tailored for Chinese eighth graders. It includes guided meditation with relaxation music, mindful breathing and body scanning, and positive suggestions that promote self-efficacy. Six eighth grade classes at an urban junior high school in Beijing (N = 202, Mage = 14.14, 102 males) were assigned to either a BMI group (3 classes, N = 103) or a control group (3 classes, N = 99). Test anxiety, mindfulness, and self-efficacy measures were administered before, in the middle of, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA and mediation analysis indicated that BMI had a significant effect on reducing test anxiety and enhancing mindfulness and self-efficacy over time. The study also found that mindfulness and self-efficacy played a chain of mediating roles in the relationship between BMI and test anxiety. The mediation effect value accounted for 68.35% of the intervention effects.

Exploring mindfulness interventions for stress resilience in newly graduated nurses: A qualitative study.

In an aging society coping with workforce challenges, successful hospital management hinges on the recruitment and retention of nurses. It is of utmost priority to address job stress and fortify mental resilience. While quantitative research supports investigating the stress-alleviating effects of mindfulness for nursing staff, obtaining a direct perspective from nurses is essential to comprehend how they navigate burnout and apply mindfulness for stress management. This qualitative study aimed to explore newly graduated nurses' experiences who participated in a mindfulness course and evaluate the practical application of acquired strategies in their work and daily lives, providing insights for retention strategies in health-care institutions. Thirty-one recently graduated nurses participated in an 8-session weekly in the mindfulness program. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions during each session and subjected to thematic analysis. Five key themes were generated to show how nurses experience mindfulness training: (1) shedding light on workplace stress and adaptation; (2) stress upon entering the workforce; (3) reactions to the vicious cycle of anxiety responses to stress through mindfulness practices; (4) discovery of daily life pleasures and obstacles encountered during the mindfulness course; (5) obstacles encountered during the mindfulness course. Through participation in the program, the subjects' levels of mindfulness of stress responses were enhanced. This study underscores the advantages of mindfulness courses for newly graduated nurses and emphasizes the crucial role of workplace support. Practical recommendations for nursing administrators and educators include fostering familiarity with the health-care environment, promoting teamwork, and addressing anxiety related to handovers. Mindfulness breathing training has proven effective in alleviating pressure during shift transitions. Nursing managers can enhance staff well-being by creating moments of happiness, encouraging positive experience sharing, and organizing outdoor activities. Suggestions for future research involve refining the implementation of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course for accessibility and effectiveness, extending courses to other health-care professionals to promote team harmony, and positively impacting nursing staff's well-being and performance.

Technology-enhanced mindfulness-based collaborative social reasoning to improve adolescents' social-emotional competencies.

This study reports the preliminary efficacy of an innovative school-based, technology-enhanced social-emotional learning program called "mindfulness-based collaborative social reasoning" (MBCSR) for middle school students. MBCSR was developed by an interdisciplinary team of educational psychologists, mindfulness researchers, computer scientists, and health experts. We integrated the strengths of contemplative approaches, collaborative small group discussions, learning technology, and multidimensional assessments of students' social-emotional outcomes. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study was implemented in four sixth-grade English language arts classrooms (2 experimental and 2 business-as-usual control; N = 74) in a public middle school in the Midwest of the United States. It was co-implemented by researchers and teachers, with sessions occurring for 45 minutes, once per week, for 8 weeks. The MBCSR group showed greater self-efficacy for using Upa-yoga and mindful breathing to regulate their emotions and behaviors ( = .13), and lower externalizing ( = .07) and bullying behaviors ( = .09) at the posttest compared to the control group, after controlling for baseline differences. Students in the experimental group overall showed positive and relaxed emotional and physiological states during the sessions. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and social skills. This program sets an example for integrating social-emotional learning and academic learning into students' daily content instruction.

Investigating the impact of mindful breathing meditation on brain waves: a study on young adults

Extensive evidence affirms meditation’s impact on both physical and mental well-being, consistently highlighting increased alpha power during meditation. This study investigates how mindful breathing meditation affects brain waves in young adults, using EEG data from 15 participants. Focusing on boosting alpha wave power, the study shows a significant postmeditation increase. Data was processed with Finite Impulse Filters, Independent Component Analysis, Short-term Fourier analysis, and power spectral density analysis. The results highlight substantial alpha wave changes pre- and post-meditation. Additionally, data was preprocessed for machine learning-based classifiers (Support Vector Machine, Logistic Regression, Decision Forest, and Naïve Bayes) to categorize brain waves into Delta, Theta, Low Alpha, High Alpha, Low Beta, and High Beta. Comparative analysis reveals the strong impact of mindful breathing meditation and binaural beats on brain wave patterns. This research enhances our understanding of meditation’s physiological effects on brain function, emphasizing its potential for improving mental well-being.

Using an App-Based Mindfulness Intervention: A Mixed Methods Approach

Mindfulness-based practices are often utilized and substantial research supports the continued use of these practices as effective interventions. Mindfulness interventions that utilize focused breathing, app-based guidance, and brief duration may present mental health benefits. However, examining individuals’ unique experiences from continued engagement in brief app-based mindfulness interventions over time, as well as identifying potential barriers preventing the use, is understudied. The current study utilized a longitudinal mixed method design to understand the experiences of individuals using a widely available app-based (i.e., Apple Watch) mindfulness breathing intervention over a 2-week period by identifying the thematic patterns common among the individuals and how this affected their levels of depression, anxiety, and coping skills over time. Qualitative analysis revealed a general positive experience among the participants, as well as the importance of personalization related to mindfulness interventions. Quantitative findings indicated a significant increase in coping skills, but no substantial change in their levels of depression or anxiety after 2 weeks. Researchers should continue examining interventions that include the core aspects of mindfulness, while exploring variations of mindfulness duration, frequency, total length, and breath rate to determine maximum efficacy. Practice-based interventions should focus on the effective ways to implement app-based self-guided mindfulness interventions, such as being short in duration, personalized for daily use, and aligning the practice with key components of mindfulness.