The Relaxation vs. Retreat Study (R&R)

University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Wellbeing; Ageing; Stress

Treatments: Behavioral: Active Comparator Relaxation Group; Behavioral: Meditation Retreat

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01857830

12-1039

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 96 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 30 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

96 participants in 2 patient groups

Meditation Retreat Group

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Meditation Retreat

Relaxation/Control Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

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).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Active Comparator Relaxation Group