Molecular Processes of the Relaxation Response in Older Adults
Phase 2
Completed
- Conditions
- Stress
- Registration Number
- NCT00179569
- Lead Sponsor
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the molecular (nitric oxide) and biochemical (epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and ACTH) parameters that are associated with RR elicitation and which may counteract the effects of acute stress in the elderly.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 40
Inclusion Criteria
- 60-80 years of age
- healthy individuals
- willing and able to attend treatment sessions
- willing to learn how to do and practice the relaxation-response
- access to a working telephone
- read and write English
Exclusion Criteria
- Major medical or psychiatric illness
- asthma or seasonal allergies (resulting in nitric oxide levels >60 ppb)
- smoking
- previous relaxation-response practice
- current use of the following medications:systemic corticosteroids, anti-convulsants/psychotics, immunosuppressants, cytotoxic therapy, anabolic steroids, antidepressants (other than SSRIs), dicyclomine, bile acid binding resins, or sympathomimetic medication
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method A primary goal of this study is to quantify the magnitude of relaxation response elicitation by comparing oxygen consumption during rest versus during elicitation of the relaxation response in a sample of healthy older adults. 8 weeks
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method A second area of interest is the relationship between exhaled levels of nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen consumption (VO2) during relaxation response elicitation. 8 weeks
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
BIDMC
🇺🇸Boston, Massachusetts, United States