Mindfulness to Improve Elders' Immune and Health Status

Stress, Psychologic Clinical Trial

Official title: Mindfulness to Improve Elders' Immune and Health Status

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of the study is to better understand effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction (MBSR) program on the physical and emotional health and well-being of adults ages 65 and older.

The effects MBSR may have on the immune system is investigated, including how these effects relate to factors such as perceived health, psychological well-being, age, personality, and mood.

Clinical Trial Description

This study investigates the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on immune responses to multiple concentrations of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in elderly volunteers. The research design thus capitalizes on the antibody response to a novel, benign antigen to which our subjects will be immunologically naïve. The use of a range of antigen concentrations will provide a sensitive indicator for the effects of intervention.

The Aims of the study are the following:

1. To examine the effects of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on immunological outcomes, perceived health, and psychological well-being in a sample of seniors 65 years of age and older.

2. To examine whether treatment effects are moderated by age, personality traits, physical health status, or depression.

3. To examine the effects of behavioral, psychological, and physiological mediators of immune outcome. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Stress, Psychologic
• Stress, Psychological

• NCT number: NCT01027780
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Rochester
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: March 2006
• Completion date: August 2009