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.
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Provide signed and dated informed consent and understand the nature of the study sufficiently to allow completion of all study assessments.
Elderly ICU survivors aged over 60 years who have experienced long ICU stays of more than five days.
Caregivers who either live in the same household as the survivor or visit more than three times a week.
Age >=85 years (Justification: Assessment instruments not validated in this age group and patients in extremes of age may have limited proficiency to engage in proposed meditative practices)