Epigenetic, psychological, and EEG changes after a 1-week retreat based on mindfulness and compassion for stress reduction in healthy adults: Study protocol of a cross-over randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283169
• Publication Date: 2023-11-17T18:31:01Z
• Authors: Gustavo G. Diez; Ignacio Martin-Su...; Rosaria M. Zangri; Marta Kulis; Catherine Andreu; Ivan Blanco; Pablo Roca; Pablo Cuesta; Carola García; Jesús Garzón; Carlos Herradón; Miguel Riutort; Shishir Baliyan; César Venero; Carmelo Vázquez
• Keywords: Mindfulness-based stress reduction; Guided imagery

Introduction The main objective of the study will be to evaluate effects two widely used standardized mindfulness-based programs [Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT)], on epigenetic, neurobiological, psychological, physiological variables. Methods offered in an intensive retreat format a general population sample healthy volunteer adults. During 7-day retreat, participants receive MBSR CCT crossover design where complete both random order. After finishing their first 3-day training with one programs, assigned second program. combination, measured by epigenetic changes (i.e., DNA methylation biomarkers), neurobiological psychophysiological measures EEG resting state, EKG, respiration patterns, diurnal cortisol slopes), self-report questionnaires belonging different psychological domains mindfulness, compassion, well-being, distress, functioning), stress tasks Arithmetic Test retrieval negative autobiographical memories). These collected from groups mornings day 1 (pre-program), 4 (after program before beginning program), 7 (post-second program). We conduct 3-month 12-month follow-up using only set measures. Discussion This aims shed light mechanisms linked meditation compassion population. protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05516355; August 23, 2022).