Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Healthy

In brief

It is becoming increasingly recognized in the literature that ancient practices for wellbeing, including meditation, yoga, and specific herbs, can improve health and promote longevity. While studies have documented such effects for a variety of individual practices for wellbeing, few studies have taken a more whole systems approach that is simultaneously inclusive of numerous practices. This intervention study, the "Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative", will examine the effects of a comprehensive whole systems approach to wellbeing on key biochemical, physiological, and psychosocial endpoints. Participants randomized to the Perfect Health program at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing will be compared to individuals not taking the program.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02241226

Run by

University of California, San Diego

People needed

115

Starts

2014-09-01

Expected to finish

2015-02-01

Last updated by the study team

2015-12-16

Who can join

Age: 40 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Men and women between the ages of 40-80 years

You may not qualify if…

• Self-reported diagnosis of a major medical condition, such as cancer (including those who have received past radiation or chemotherapy treatment), heart disease, autoimmune disease, or diabetes, as these can affect the cell aging system and possibly the ability for telomerase to change in short periods
• Individuals taking antidepressant medication will be excluded since such medication appears to increase telomerase (Wolkowitz et al, 2010)
• Individuals with diagnosed PTSD will be excluded; there is evidence that those with PTSD may have lower telomere length as compared to those without PTSD (O'Donovan et al, 2011). It is currently unknown how PTSD may impact telomerase levels
• Estrogen use is excluded as it increases telomerase (Lin et al, 2011)
• Smokers will be excluded since smoking decreases telomerase. We will base smoking status on self report. If participants have not smoked regularly for the past 6 months, they will be considered a 'non-smoker
• Pregnant women are excluded since the cell aging system changes during pregnancy in ways that have not been studied
• Participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater will be excluded due to differences in telomerase activity in obese women
• Potential eligible participants who are unable to secure the week off from work or other responsibilities will not be enrolled
• Known atrial fibrillation or other chronic dysrhythmia

Where it is running

• Chopra Center for Wellbeing — Carlsbad, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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