Use of a Functional Neuroimaging Battery for the Evaluation of a Meditation Retreat

Thomas Jefferson University14 enrolled

Overview

Over 2 decades scientists have been studying the effect on brain function from meditation practices. The purpose of this study is to measure the effect of a meditation retreat program on serotonin and dopamine transporter binding and changes in cerebral blood flow. The retreat program that will be followed is a week-long retreat called the Ignatian Retreat.

This study will utilize DaTscan single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in healthy subjects within one month of entering the retreat. The study uses DaTscan to measure the effect on serotonin and dopamine transporter binding, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the effect on cerebral blood flow. The Ignatian Retreat is a weeklong retreat which involves meditation and prayer. Additionally, study participants will complete a variety of questionnaires and scales to measure psychological and spirituality states. The scans and questionnaires will be completed before and after the participant has completed the retreat. The ultimate goal of the study is to analyze and compare pre and post imaging and neuropsychological and spirituality changes in healthy controls who participate in this retreat.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Healthy

Interventions

Meditation RetreatOTHER

Weeklong retreat which includes meditation and prayer.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Able to give informed consent and willing to complete the study. * Willing to undergo the full imaging procedures. * Women of childbearing potential with a negative serum pregnancy test. Exclusion Criteria: * Any neurological or psychiatric disorders, including drug or alcohol abuse, that may interfere with cerebral blood flow as determined by the principal investigator. * Any medical conditions that may interfere with cerebral blood flow as determined by the principal investigator. * Currently taking medication that might affect cerebral blood flow (i.e. antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, sedatives, antiseizure medications) * Subject is unable or unwilling to lie still in the scanner (i.e. due to claustrophobia or weight \> 350 pounds) * Subject has metal in their body or other reason that they cannot undergo magnetic resonance imaging. * Previous brain surgery or intracranial abnormalities they may complicate interpretation of the brain scans. (e.g. stroke, tumor, vascular abnormality). * Pregnancy * Allergy to iodine or shellfish. * Concurrent participation in another research protocol that might affect the outcome of this study as determined by the principle Investigator.

Locations (1)

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Imaging (DaTScan)

To detect changes in dopamine and serotonin before and after a meditation retreat program in serotonin transporter and dopamine transporter binding.

Time frame: Within one month of the retreat

Secondary Outcomes

functional MRI

To detect changes in cerebral blood flow before and after a meditation retreat program.

Time frame: Within one month of the retreat

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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