Table 1.
Effects of meditation and mind-body exercise on peripheral BDNF concentrations: Randomized controlled studies.
| Study | Participants | Study Design | Effects on BDNF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ikai et al. 201414 | 50 patients with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders | Control group: daycare rehabilitation Experimental group: daycare rehabilitation, plus Hatha yoga 8 weeks |
Compared to the control group, the experimental group: = BDNF |
| Lee et al., 2014 15 |
25 premenopausal women with chronic low back pain | Control group: no intervention Experimental group: Hatha yoga, 1 h each session, 3 sessions each week 12 weeks |
Significant group × time interactions in serum BDNF. Control group: = BDNF Experimental group: ↑BDNF (p < 0.01) |
| Tolahunase et al. 201816 | 58 patients with major depressive disorder | Control group: no intervention Experimental group: yoga and meditation-based lifestyle intervention (YMLI) 12 weeks |
Compared to the control group, YMLI: ↑BDNF (p < 0.001) |
| Dada et al. 201817 |
90 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma | Control group: no intervention Experimental group: mindfulness meditation 3 weeks |
Compared to the waitlist control group, mindfulness meditation: ↑BDNF (p < 0.001) |
| Gagrani et al. 201818 |
60 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma | Control group: standard medical treatment Experimental group: standard medical treatment plus meditation 6 weeks |
Compared to standard medical treatment only, standard medical treatment plus meditation: ↑BDNF (p < 0.01) |
| Sungkarat et al. 201819 | 66 older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment | Control group: cognitive education Experimental group: tai chi 6 months |
Compared to education control, tai chi: ↑BDNF (p < 0.05) |
| Nery et al. 201920 | 99 infertile women | Control group: no intervention Experimental group: mindful-based program (MBP) 8 weeks |
Compared to the control group, MBP: = BDNF |
= No change or no difference. ↑ Elevated or higher.