The Relaxation vs. Retreat Study

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

96 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2013-04-30

Study Completion Date

2013-07-31

Brief Summary

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The purpose of this research study is to examine whether a short term meditation intervention can improve health, mood, and biological markers of cellular stress and aging in novice and experienced meditators compared to controls.

Detailed Description

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There are 3 parts to this research study, Part A, B, and C.

In Part A, participants complete a brief online questionnaire sent to them via email by the study coordinator.

During Part B of the study, participants stay at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA for 6 nights and participate in a meditation retreat being held at the resort, or stay at the resort without participating in the retreat. During their stay, participants attend two in-person research assessments throughout the week. Assessments will be 4 days (96 hours) apart for all participants and will include a fasting blood draw, body measurements, and self-report questionnaires.

Part C of the study includes a brief online questionnaire that is completed 1 month after participants leave La Costa Resort.

This study includes 3 groups: a group of "novice meditators" from the greater San Diego Region that are randomized into either the 1) Relaxation (Control) group or 2) Retreat group. The third group is comprised of self-selected "experienced meditators" who are already enrolled in the retreat. In total, 99 participants were recruited for this study.

The Retreat group stays at La Costa Resort and attends a 6 day meditation retreat intervention as well as completes all research study assessments and questionnaires.

The Relaxation (Control) group stays at La Costa Resort for 6 nights, but does not attend the meditation retreat. They attend once daily lectures on science topics and complete all research study assessments and questionnaires.

The Experienced Retreat group participants have an ongoing meditation practice and have enrolled themselves in the April 2013 meditation retreat. All of the Experienced meditators attend the meditation retreat and complete all research study assessments and questionnaires.

Conditions

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Stress Ageing Wellbeing

Keywords

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Telomerase Telomere Length Psychological Stress Amyloid beta proteins Meditation

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Meditation Retreat Group

Participants in this group will participate in a 6 day meditation retreat at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA. They will be self-selected to participate in the retreat or are novice meditators randomized into this retreat.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Meditation Retreat

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The intervention is a one week meditation and yoga retreat hosted at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA.

Relaxation/Control Group

Participants in this group will stay at La Costa Resort and spa for a 6 day period and will participate in the Active Comparator Relaxation Group activities (i.e. series of lectures on longevity and health, shared meals, and other leisure activities).

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Active Comparator Relaxation Group

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participants are randomized to stay at La Costa Resort and Spa for 6 days. Participants will receive daily meals similar to the meals for those in the retreat group. Participants will also receive a daily one hour lecture on topics related to longevity and health.

Interventions

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Meditation Retreat

The intervention is a one week meditation and yoga retreat hosted at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Active Comparator Relaxation Group

Participants are randomized to stay at La Costa Resort and Spa for 6 days. Participants will receive daily meals similar to the meals for those in the retreat group. Participants will also receive a daily one hour lecture on topics related to longevity and health.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Healthy
* Women
* Age 30-60
* "Novice Meditator" (meditates for 30 minutes per week or less) or "Experienced Meditator" (meditates at 40 or more per week and for more than 6 months, and are self-selected/enrolled in the retreat)

Exclusion Criteria

* Current or history of a major medical condition (such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes)
* Smokers (have not smoked regularly for the past 6 months)
* Currently taking antidepressants
* Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
* Currently taking Hormone Replacement Therapy or birth control pills

Minimum Eligible Age

30 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

60 Years

Eligible Sex

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR