Principal Investigator: Bruce P Barrett MD, PhD

PI Department: Family Medicine

Project Study Title: Meditation and Exercise for Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infection

Summary of Study: The purpose of this study is to determine whether mind-body practices such as meditation or exercise can reduce the incidence and severity of acute respiratory infection (ARI).

Objective: The objectives of this study are: 1) to determine whether mindfulness meditation or moderately strenuous exercise can enhance immune processes such as antibody response to influenza vaccination (flu shots) and 2 ) to investigate the influence of stress, optimism, anxiety and positive and negative emotion on immunity and resistance to respiratory infection.

Study Design: This study involves recruitment of participants age 50 and older. The study includes participation in an 8 week training program in mindfulness meditation or an 8 week exercise training program. Participants will be followed with telephone contact every 2 weeks, with monthly questionnaire instruments and with daily self-assessments during ARI illness episodes. Study participants will be paid.

DFM Clinic(s): Any DFM clinic choosing to participate

DFM Contact: Mary Beth Plane, PhD

Study Contact Person:

Shari Barlow
Study Coordinator
333-2653
shari.barlow@fammed.wisc.edu

Date of Approval: June 2009

Dates of Study: June 2009 - May 2011

Learn More:
http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/research/external-funded/cold-study2