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Research: EPSTEIN and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 107
Abstract
EPSTEIN and colleagues, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA, have conducted a pilot study on the effects of mental imagery on adults with asthma.
Background
There are no studies to date on the use of imagery in the treatment of asthma. The purpose of this study was to establish feasibility of a larger study to see how imagery affects patients with asthma.
Methodology
In this randomized controlled study, 33 adults with asthma were allocated to either intervention (17) or control (16). Those in the intervention group were seen 4 times for an imagery instruction in weeks 1, 4, 9 and 15 of the trial. They were given a choice of 7 imagery themes to visualize 3 times daily. Spirometry, quality of life, medication use, depression, anxiety, power, and the ability to visualize were measured repeatedly during the trial time and analyzed by ANOVA repeated measures.
Results
There was little statistically significant change over the study period, but some trends look encouraging: patients in the intervention group showed increased personal power scores. 8 of the imagery patients reduced or discontinued their medication compared to 3 in the control group who reduced their medication.
Conclusion
The study provided sufficient data to justify a larger study. It shows that imagery is inexpensive, simple, and safe and can be used by patients themselves as an adjunct to conventional treatment.
References
Epstein GN, Halper JP, Barrett EA, Birdsall G, McGee M, Baron KP, Lowenstein S. A pilot study of mind-body changes in adults with asthma who practice mental imagery. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 10 (4): 66-71, Jul – Aug 2004.
