Biomarkers of Stress in Music Interventions: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Mitsui Wong ◽  
Talha Tahir ◽  
Michael Mitsui Wong ◽  
Annilee Baron ◽  
Rachael Finnerty
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
P Values ◽  
Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Study Protocols ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Psychological stress is a significant public health concern as it is associated with various comorbidities and long-term health implications. Music interventions are emerging therapies for alleviating psychological stress and improving one’s physical and mental well-being. We conducted a systematic literature review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines for reporting to identify all neuroendocrine biomarkers used to evaluate psychological stress in randomized control trials involving music interventions. We identified 18 unique biomarkers of stress from 14 full-text randomized controlled trials studies. Only one of the 14 music studies included a music therapy intervention. The most frequently used biomarkers across the studies were plasma cortisol, salivary cortisol, and salivary α-amylase. Of the 14 studies, 12 included in this review assessed at least one of these three biomarkers. Of these 12 studies, five papers reported p-values for changes in both stress biomarkers and psychological stress outcome measures. Four of the five studies found significant p-values for the reduction of both stress biomarkers and psychological stress in music intervention groups. The variety of stress biomarkers used and the variance in study protocols makes it difficult to assess the magnitude of effect of music interventions on psychological stress. However, our findings suggest that music interventions have the potential for reducing both stress biomarker levels and psychological stress in acute stress situations.

scholarly journals Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) Program with iMINDr Application Support for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: A Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Lutvija Hrnjic ◽  
◽  
Nina Fry ◽  
Helané Wahbeh ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Potential Applications

The growing population of older adults with depression is a significant public health concern, and effective treatments are necessary. Mindfulness meditation intervention offers effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on the older population. This study aimed to evaluate if the combination of the Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) plus iMINDr application improves well-being in older adults with depressive symptoms. Potential participants were recruited online. IMMI included a one-hour online session once a week, a daily 30-minute home practice of guided meditation using the iMINDr app, and a workbook. Measures were collected online before and after the six-week intervention period. Online session adherence was tracked. Thirty-eight participants completed all study requirements and are included in the analysis. Participants showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in depression symptoms, well-being, positive and negative affect, sleep quality, and pain intensity. Participants took 9.9 ± 3.5 weeks to complete the course. High attrition rates mainly were related to participants' motivation to complete the course and stress levels. There were no significant demographic differences between participants and depression symptoms. Potential applications and limitations are discussed. Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) was effective in treating depression symptoms in older adults.

The Effect of Music on the Spirituality of Patients: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willyane de Andrade Alvarenga ◽  
Ana Carolina Andrade Biaggi Leite ◽  
Marina Sanches Oliveira ◽  
Lucila Castanheira Nascimento ◽  
Fernanda Machado Silva-Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Evidence Database ◽  
Meta Analyses

Purpose: Although some studies have suggested that music can positively affect physical and psychological variables, few have evaluated its effects on spirituality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of musical interventions on the spirituality of patients, regardless of diagnoses. Method: This was a systematic literature review that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations conducted through a relevant search of terms in six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and LILACS) without temporal delimitation. Experimental or quasi-experimental studies were included, involving participants regardless of diagnoses, to assess the effect of music on spirituality, either through musical intervention as music medicine or through music therapy. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Results: A total of 147 studies were identified; 7 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were randomized controlled trials involving six music therapists leading the musical intervention with the active participation of patients. The interventions used were heterogeneous. Three studies were associated with improved spirituality after the intervention. Four studies used measurements to evaluate spiritual well-being. Conclusion: This review did not allow ascertaining the positive impact of music intervention on spirituality in patients, which motivates further research.

Review of Constipation Treatment Methods with Emphasis on Laxative Foods

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 675-688
Author(s):  
Shamsi Abbasalizadeh ◽  
Behzad Ebrahimi ◽  
Aslan Azizi ◽  
Rogaye Dargahi ◽  
Maryam Tayebali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Lifestyle Factor ◽  
Flax Seed ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Daily Exercise

Constipation is a common public health concern experienced by all individuals during their life affecting the quality of life. In this paper, we aimed to provide an overview of the existing evidence regarding the role of food ingredients, including bran, prune, fig, kiwifruit, and flax-seed in constipation treatment. We searched Scopus, Pub Med, and Science Direct by using the keywords, “laxative foods” and “constipation”, for searching studies assessing laxative food ingredients and their beneficial effects on constipation treatment and/or control. Lifestyle modifications such as increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake and daily exercise are the proposed first line treatments for constipation. Optimizing ‘diet’ as an efficient lifestyle factor may contribute to the well-being of patients. The use of laxative food ingredients including bran, prune, fig, kiwifruit, flax-seed, probiotics, and prebiotics is a convenient alternative to cope with constipation. According to previous findings, laxative food ingredients could be considered as effective treatments for subjects suffering from constipation. Many studies have assessed the pharmacological and non-pharmacological roles of these ingredients in treating constipation, however, their importance has not been thoroughly investigated.

Factors Related to Positive Memory Count Among Trauma-Exposed Individuals: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802110131
Author(s):  
Ateka A. Contractor ◽  
Stephanie V. Caldas ◽  
Megan Dolan ◽  
Nicole H. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Memory Specificity ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Positive Memories

To examine the existing knowledge base on trauma experiences and positive memories, we conducted a scoping review of trauma and post-trauma factors related to positive memory count. In July 2019, we searched PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and PTSDpubs for a combination of words related to “positive memories/experiences,” “trauma/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” and “number/retrieval.” Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria (adult samples, original articles in English, peer-reviewed, included trauma-exposed group or variable of trauma exposure, trauma exposure examined with a trauma measure/methodology, assessed positive memory count, empirical experimental/non-experimental study designs). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, two authors reviewed abstracts, completed a secondary search, and independently extracted data. Our review indicated (1) that depression and PTSD were most researched; (2) no conclusive relationships of positive memory count with several psychopathology (depression, acute stress disorder, eating disorder, and anxiety), cognitive/affective, neurobiological, and demographic factors; (3) trends of potential relationships of positive memory count with PTSD and childhood interpersonal traumas (e.g., sexual and physical abuse); and (4) lower positive memory specificity as a potential counterpart to greater overgeneral positive memory bias. Given variations in sample characteristics and methodology as well as the limited longitudinal research, conclusions are tentative and worthy of further investigations.

scholarly journals Interventions to Ameliorate the Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children—A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2361
Author(s):  
Katharina Boldt ◽  
Michaela Coenen ◽  
Ani Movsisyan ◽  
Stephan Voss ◽  
Eva Rehfuess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Global Database ◽  
Study Protocols

The aim of this study was to identify interventions targeting children and their caregivers to reduce psychosocial problems in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and comparable outbreaks. The review was performed using systematic literature searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and COVID-19-specific databases, including the CDC COVID-19 Research Database, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Database on COVID-19 Research and the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Register and the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) up to 25th September 2020. The search yielded 6657 unique citations. After title/abstract and full text screening, 11 study protocols reporting on trials planned in China, the US, Canada, the UK, and Hungary during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Four interventions targeted children ≥10 years directly, seven system-based interventions targeted the parents and caregivers of younger children and adolescents. Outcome measures encompassed mainly anxiety and depressive symptoms, different dimensions of stress or psychosocial well-being, and quality of supportive relationships. In conclusion, this systematic review revealed a paucity of studies on psychosocial interventions for children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research should be encouraged in light of the expected demand for child mental health management.

scholarly journals Genome-wide gene expression changes in postpartum depression point towards an altered immune landscape

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Mehta ◽  
Karen Grewen ◽  
Brenda Pearson ◽  
Shivangi Wani ◽  
Leanne Wallace ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Genome Wide Gene Expression

AbstractMaternal postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern due to the severe negative impact on maternal and child health and well-being. In this study, we aimed to identify genes associated with PPD. To do this, we investigated genome-wide gene expression profiles of pregnant women during their third trimester of pregnancy and tested the association of gene expression with perinatal depressive symptoms. A total of 137 women from a cohort from the University of North Carolina, USA were assessed. The main phenotypes analysed were Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores at 2 months postpartum and PPD (binary yes/no) based on an EPDS cutoff of 10. Illumina NextSeq500/550 transcriptomic sequencing from whole blood was analysed using the edgeR package. We identified 71 genes significantly associated with postpartum depression scores at 2 months, after correction for multiple testing at 5% FDR. These included several interesting candidates including TNFRSF17, previously reported to be significantly upregulated in women with PPD and MMP8, a matrix metalloproteinase gene, associated with depression in a genome-wide association study. Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes revealed an enrichment of immune response-related biological processes. Additional analysis of genes associated with changes in depressive symptoms from recruitment to 2 months postpartum identified 66 genes significant at an FDR of 5%. Of these genes, 33 genes were also associated with depressive symptoms at 2 months postpartum. Comparing the results with previous studies, we observed that 15.4% of genes associated with PPD in this study overlapped with 700 core maternal genes that showed significant gene expression changes across multiple brain regions (P = 7.9e-05) and 29–53% of the genes were also associated with estradiol changes in a pharmacological model of depression (P values range = 1.2e-4–2.1e-14). In conclusion, we identified novel genes and validated genes previously associated with oestrogen sensitivity in PPD. These results point towards the role of an altered immune transcriptomic landscape as a vulnerability factor for PPD.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Health Promotion of Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Meta-Analyses

2021 ◽  
pp. 155982762110012
Author(s):  
Fei-Chi Yang ◽  
Aishwarya B. Desai ◽  
Pelareh Esfahani ◽  
Tatiana V. Sokolovskaya ◽  
Doreen J. Bartlett
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
General Health ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background. Tai Chi is a form of exercise that is accessible to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, making it a potentially valuable activity for health promotion of older adults. Purpose. The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the current knowledge about the effectiveness of Tai Chi for older adults across a range of general health outcomes from published, peer reviewed, unique meta-analyses. Methods. Meta-analyses were retrieved from Medline, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed Health, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to late August 2019. Multistage deduplication and screening processes identified eligible full-length meta-analyses. Two people independently appraised 27 meta-analyses based on the GRADE system and organized results into 3 appendices subsequently collated into heterogeneous, statistically significant, and statistically insignificant tables. Results. “High” and “moderate” quality evidence extracted from these meta-analyses demonstrated that practicing Tai Chi can significantly improve balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, cognition, mobility, proprioception, sleep, and strength; reduce the incidence of falls and nonfatal stroke; and decrease stroke risk factors. Conclusions. Health care providers can now recommend Tai Chi with high level of certainty for health promotion of older adults across a range of general health outcomes for improvement of overall well-being.

scholarly journals Salivary Proteome Changes in Response to Acute Psychological Stress Due to an Oral Exam Simulation in University Students: Effect of an Olfactory Stimulus

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4295
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Zallocco ◽  
Laura Giusti ◽  
Maurizio Ronci ◽  
Andrea Mussini ◽  
Marco Trerotola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Olfactory Stimulus ◽  
Oral Exam ◽  
Relaxation Phase ◽  
Pleasant Odor ◽  
Proteome Changes

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role both in acute and chronic psychological stress eliciting changes in many local and systemic physiological and biochemical processes. Salivary secretion is also regulated by ANS. In this study, we explored salivary proteome changes produced in thirty-eight University students by a test stress, which simulated an oral exam. Students underwent a relaxation phase followed by the stress test during which an electrocardiogram was recorded. To evaluate the effect of an olfactory stimulus, half of the students were exposed to a pleasant odor diffused in the room throughout the whole session. Saliva samples were collected after the relaxation phase (T0) and the stress test (T1). State anxiety was also evaluated at T0 and T1. Salivary proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and patterns at different times were compared. Spots differentially expressed were trypsin digested and identified by mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis was used to validate proteomic results. Anxiety scores and heart rate changes indicated that the fake exam induced anxiety. Significant changes of α-amylase, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), and immunoglobulin α chain (IGHA) secretion were observed after the stress test was performed in the two conditions. Moreover, the presence of pleasant odor reduced the acute social stress affecting salivary proteome changes. Therefore, saliva proteomic analysis was a useful approach to evaluate the rapid responses associated to an acute stress test also highlighting known biomarkers.

scholarly journals Virtual Reality Representations of Nature to Improve Well-Being amongst Older Adults: a Rapid Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josca Van Houwelingen-Snippe ◽  
Somaya Ben Allouch ◽  
Thomas J. L. Van Rompay
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Intervention Strategy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Representations Of Nature

Abstract Poor well-being amongst older adults poses a serious health concern. Simultaneously, research shows that contact with nature can improve various facets of well-being, including physical, social, and mental well-being. However, nature is not always accessible for older adults due to mobility restrictions and related care needs that come with age. A promising strategy aims at bringing nature inside through pervasive technologies. However, so far, there is little academic understanding of essential nature characteristics, psychological processes involved, and means for implementation in practice. The current study used a three-folded rapid review to assess current understanding and strategies used for improving well-being for older adults through virtual reality representations of nature. Searches were performed across three databases, followed-up by content-based evaluation of abstracts. In total, a set of 25 relevant articles was identified. Only three studies specifically focus on digital nature as an intervention strategy for improving well-being amongst older adults. Although these studies provide useful starting points for the design and (technological) development of such environments, they do not generate understanding of how specific characteristics of virtual nature representations impact social well-being measures in particular, and of the underlying psychological processes involved. We conclude that follow-up research is warranted to close the gap between insights and findings from nature research, gerontology, health research, and human-technology interaction.

scholarly journals Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Children with Special Health Care Needs and Their Parents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8205
Author(s):  
Arpita Parmar ◽  
Kayla Esser ◽  
Lesley Barreira ◽  
Douglas Miller ◽  
Leora Morinis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Special Health Care Needs ◽  
Health Care Needs ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Psychological Inflexibility ◽  
Special Health Care ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Special Health

Context: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an emerging treatment for improving psychological well-being. Objective: To summarize research evaluating the effects of ACT on psychological well-being in children with special health care needs (SHCN) and their parents. Data Sources: An electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid/EMBASE and PsycINFO (January 2000–April 2021). Study Selection: Included were studies that assessed ACT in children with SHCN (ages 0–17y) and/or parents of children with SHCN and had a comparator group. Data Extraction: Descriptive data were synthesized and presented in a tabular format, and data on relevant outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, stress, avoidance and fusion) were used in the meta-analyses to explore the effectiveness of ACT (administered independently with no other psychological therapy) compared to no treatment. Results: Ten studies were identified (child (7) and parent (3)). In children with SHCN, ACT was more effective than no treatment at helping depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −4.27, 95% CI: −5.20, −3.34; p < 0.001) and avoidance and fusion (SMD = −1.64, 95% CI: −3.24, −0.03; p = 0.05), but not stress. In parents of children with SHCN, ACT may help psychological inflexibility (SMD = −0.77, 95% CI: −1.07, −0.47; p < 0.01). Limitations: There was considerable statistical heterogeneity in three of the six meta-analyses. Conclusions: There is some evidence that ACT may help with depressive symptoms in children with SHCN and psychological inflexibility in their parents. Research on the efficacy of ACT for a variety of children with SHCN and their parents is especially limited, and future research is needed.

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