REducing pSychological diSTress To Optimize Recovery of Elderly ICU Survivors and Caregivers (RESTORE-ICU): A Pilot Feasibility Study
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Summary
This research study aims to explore whether a set of simple breathing techniques and guided meditations can improve the psychological well-being and recovery of ICU survivors and their caregivers. ICU survivors and their caregivers often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression after discharge. This study investigates whether practicing Isha Kriya, a guided meditation, and Nadi Shuddhi, a breathing technique, can support their mental health and relationship quality. These practices are delivered through a mobile app or in a group setting. Participants enroll as a caregiver-patient dyad and will engage in these techniques throughout the study. In addition to the practices, brain activity will be recorded using a safe, non-invasive EEG device. The EEG, a lightweight cap with small sensors, measures brainwaves to assess potential changes in brain function and connection. EEG recordings will take place in the hospital during two sessions, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. Participants will also complete short surveys at five time points throughout the study, assessing mood, stress, and relationship quality. Baseline demographic information will be collected, and at the conclusion of the study, a brief interview will be conducted to gather feedback on the experience. The study spans approximately seven weeks, with the overall goal of determining whether these breathing and meditation practices can provide accessible and scalable mental health support for ICU survivors and their caregivers.
Description
Overview of the Study This study will evaluate the feasibility of implementing a mindfulness-based intervention, Inner Engineering (IE) practices, with concurrent EEG measurements among elderly ICU survivors aged 60 to 85 years and their caregivers. The intervention includes Isha Kriya and Nadi Shuddhi, two simple and accessible meditation practices delivered via a secure digital platform. The study aims to assess feasibility, acceptability, and barriers to implementation while testing paired EEG hyperscanning to explore neural congruency between participants. Conducted in two phases, the stud…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Patient Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria Inclusion Criteria: 1. Provide signed and dated informed consent and understand the nature of the study sufficiently to allow completion of all study assessments. 2. Elderly ICU survivors aged over 60 years who have experienced long ICU stays of more than five days. 3. Caregivers who either live in the same household as the survivor or visit more than three times a week. Exclusion Criteria: Co-enrollment in other interventional studies will not be allowed. 1. Age \>=85 years (Justification: Assessment instruments not validated in this age group and pat…
Interventions
- BehavioralIsha Kriya and Naddi Shuddhi
Isha Kriya, a 15-minute guided meditation, and Nadi Shuddhi, a 3-5-minute alternate-nostril breathing practice. Participants in the intervention groups will be instructed to practice ideally twice or at least once daily.
Location
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBoston, Massachusetts