Research

Mind & Body Research

Remotely-delivered Yoga Nidra for Decreasing Use of BZRAs for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older Adults

Principal Investigator: Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH;
Co-Investigator: Erica Sharpe, PhD

We are investigating the effects of remote yoga nidra on tapering of benzodiazepine medications for sleep and anxiety in older adults. We will recruit 40 people for this six-week trial, during which time they will listen to yoga nidra or practice an education control 3-5x’s/week, and track their sleep, anxiety, medication use, as well as respiratory rate and pulse. We will additionally collect urine samples to objectively quantify BZRA use and tapering after the trial is complete.

Opinions and experiences of qigong from people with multiple sclerosis though focus groups

Principal Investigator: Lita Buttolph, PhD, DSOM, MS (NUNM)
Co-Investigators: Heather Zwickey, PhD (NUNM); Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH (NUNM); Lindsey Wooliscroft, MD, MS (OHSU); Gloria Yeh, MD, MS (Harvard); Jamie Villanueva, DAOM (UW); Heena Manglani, PhD (Harvard)
Research Assistant: Tanya Snyder, BS (NUNM)

The purpose of this study is to conduct focus groups of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who practice qigong or tai chi to understand if and how they benefit from these practices, and to gather opinions about designing a qigong research study for people with MS.  Aims include understanding how qigong can benefit people with MS who have a regular practice; characterizing forms that are safe, feasible and efficacious in improving MS symptoms; identifying key factors that promote effective learning and maximize benefits of qigong; and identifying key components necessary for conducting a clinical trial of qigong for MS.

Identifying key components of a qigong intervention for multiple sclerosis

Principal Investigator: Lita Buttolph, PhD, DSOM, MS (NUNM)
Co-Investigators: Heather Zwickey, PhD (NUNM); Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH (NUNM); Lindsey Wooliscroft, MD, MS (OHSU); Gloria Yeh, MD, MPH (Harvard); Jamie Villanueva, DAOM (UW); Tasha Parman, DPT (UW)

This study identifies key components of a qigong intervention for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by surveying researchers, clinicians and qigong instructors with experience working with or teaching people with MS. Aims include identifying qigong forms, movements, and learning environments that are feasible, safe, and efficacious in improving motor and non-motor symptoms for people with MS.  Results will be used to inform a clinical trial of qigong for MS.

Neurophysiological correlates of Sustained Interoceptive Awareness

Principal Investigator: Dana Dharmakaya Colgan, PhD
Co-PI: Cynthia Price, PhD

This study aims to investigate neurophysiological correlates of sustained interoceptive awareness and assess change within neurophysiological, psychophysiological, and self-reported variables during sustained interoceptive awareness with therapist-assisted touch, when compared without therapist-assisted touch. Results are expected to identify neurophysiological correlates of sustained interoceptive awareness in advanced meditators and inform the optimization of interoceptive training for maximal health benefits.

Preoperative Predictors of Postneurosurgical Pain Outcomes

Principal Investigator: Dana Dharmakaya Colgan, PhD
Co-PI: Katie Schenning, MD

This study aims to investigate modifiable preoperative predictors of postneurosurgical pain outcomes in older adults. Participants will undergo pre- and post-operative neurocognitive testing and interviews for functional and patient-reported outcomes, including interoceptive awareness and symptoms of central sensitization. Results are expected to inform future preoperative interventions to improve postneurosurgical pain outcomes among older adults.

Interoception and Cortical Reactivity in Response to Lab-Based Pain

Principal Investigator: Dana Dharmakaya Colgan, PhD
Co-PI: Barry Oken, MD, PhD

This study is investigating relationships among interoceptive awareness and neurophysiological processes (i.e., pain related evoked potentials) in response to lab-based pain. Results are expected to increase our understanding of the role of top-down processes of interoceptive awareness on central pain processing.

The Effect of Respiration Rate during Pranayama Practice on the Autonomic Nervous System and Endothelial Function

Principal Investigators: Erica Sharpe, PhD, Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH 
Co-Investigators: Ben Zimmerman, PhD

We are currently building on our recent pranayama study (NCT#03280589), which investigated the impact of Sheetali and Sheetkari practices on heart rate variability (PMID: 34271528), by measuring effects of these practices on endothelial function (via EndoPAT device). This pilot trial will include n=6 participants and involves three breathing exercises (Sheetali, Sheetkari, and Deep Breathing). This work is an important investigation into the mechanistic effects of breathing practices used to maintain healthy blood pressure.

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