A REVIEW OF MIND-BODY THERAPIES IN THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE PART 1 - IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ELDERLY

Background A review of research on complementary and alternative treat ments, specifically mind-body techniques, was conducted at Stanford Un iversity. The goals of the review were to establish a comprehensive li terature review and to provide a rationale for future research concern ing successful aging. Methods Computerized searches were conducted usi ng MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Stanford Library, Dissertation Abstracts, Lexus -Nexus, the Internet, and interviews conducted with practitioners. All studies since 1990 that examined mind-body treatments of cardiovascul ar disorders in the elderly were included Mind-body practices evaluate d were social support, cognitive-behavioral treatment, meditation, the placebo effect, hope,faith, imagery spiritual healing, music therapy, hypnosis, yoga, t'ai chi, qigong, and aikido. Studies conducted after 1990 were a priority but when more recent literature was scarce, othe r studies using randomized controlled trials were included. Results Mi nd-body techniques were found to be efficacious primarily as complemen tary and sometimes as stand-alone alternative treatments for cardiovas cular disease-related conditions. Studies provided evidence for treatm ent efficacy, but the need for further controlled research was evident . Conclusions Reviewers found only a handful of randomized controlled research studies conducted in the United States. As a result, there is a lack of replicated studies with which to determine appropriate trea tment dosage and the mechanisms hi, which many of the practices work. Compelling anecdotal evidence, the presence of some controlled researc h, overall cod effectiveness, and the lack of side effects resulting f rom minn-body treatments make further investigation a high priority.