Clinical Trial: The Relaxation vs. Retreat Study

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: The Effect of a Short Term Meditation Retreat on Markers of Cellular Stress and Aging

Brief Summary: 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 Summary:

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 p
Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Current Primary Outcome: Telomerase [ Time Frame: Change from Baseline in Telomerase 96 hours later ]

Participants blood will be drawn by licensed phlebotomist on the day after their arrival at La Costa Resort at their baseline assessment and again 96 hours later at their follow-up assessment. Telomerase will be measured at both time points.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Amyloid Beta Proteins [ Time Frame: Change from baseline in Amyloid Beta Proteins, 96 hours later ]
    Participants blood will be drawn by licensed phlebotomist on the day after their arrival at La Costa Resort at their baseline assessment and again 96 hours later at their follow-up assessment. Amyloid beta protein levels will be measured in the blood at both time points.
  • Psychological Well being [ Time Frame: Change from Baseline in psychological well being at 96 hours, and 1 month later. ]
    We will collect self reported measures of vitality, purpose in life, perceived stress, rumination, self-compassion, mindfulness, presence in the moment, mind wandering, depression, acceptance and action, and body responsiveness in questionnaires. Participants complete questionnaires before arriving at La Costa (baseline), after their stay (follow-up) and one month after they leave (1-month follow-up). Additionally, they complete daily questionnaires that ask about their daily experiences (emotions, stress).
  • Oxytocin [ Time Frame: Change from baseline in Oxytocin at 96 hours later. ]
    Plasma is saved from baseline and 96 hour followup for oxytocin assays.
  • Telomere Length [ Time Frame: Change from Baseline in Telomere Length, 96 hours later ]
    Participants blood will be drawn by licensed phlebotomist on the day after their arrival at La Costa Resort at their baseline assessment and again 96 hours later at their follow-up assessment. Telomere Length will be measured at both time points.
  • Gene Expression [ Time Frame: Change from Baseline in Gene Expression, 96 hours later ]
    Participants blood will be drawn by licensed phlebotomist on the day after their arrival at La Costa Resort at their baseline assessment and again 96 hours later at their follow-up assessment. Patterns of gene expression (specifically on genes related to aging) will be measured at both time points.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of California, San Francisco

Dates:
Date Received: April 25, 2013
Date Started: April 2013
Date Completion:
Last Updated: August 19, 2013
Last Verified: August 2013