Medicina alternativa e integrativa

A Pilot Study of Clinical Measures to Assess Mind-Body Intervention Effects for those with and without PTSD

Abstract

Wahbeh H and Oken BS

Objective: Assess measures for future mind-body interventions in those with and without PTSD. Methods: Psychological and immune measures were assessed at baseline in three age and gender-matched groups: 1) 15 combat veterans with PTSD, 2) 15 combat veterans without PTSD, and 3) 15 non-combat veterans without PTSD. Physiological measures were assessed at baseline, during relaxation and stress conditions. Results: The PTSD group had increased PTSD and depression severity, anxiety, and mood disturbance, and decreased quality of life scores. Respiration, heart rate variability, heart rate, and blood pressure differed significantly between conditions but not between groups. Conclusions: Respiration and heart rate variability may be useful measures for future mind-body intervention trials.