Guided Imagery and Cognitive Training for Women's Health

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Jose L Lopez, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Seton Hall University

Disqualifiers: Chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how different mental techniques can improve women's overall health. Participants will engage in one of three interventions: a Cognitive Power Intervention (a mental training program), Guided Imagery (a relaxation technique using mental visualization), or a combination of both. A control group will receive no intervention. Women who speak, read, and write English, are between 18 and 60, and are free from chronic illnesses or cognitive impairment are suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health strategies for women.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both guided imagery and cognitive power techniques are generally safe and well-tolerated. Guided imagery, which involves picturing calming scenes in the mind, is widely used for relaxation without major issues. Although limited research exists on any harmful effects, it is considered safe.

For cognitive power techniques, specific safety data is less abundant, but similar methods like mindfulness are often used safely in healthcare. These techniques involve mental exercises and are usually low risk.

When used together, guided imagery and cognitive power techniques have demonstrated positive effects without significant side effects. They are often combined to help improve focus and reduce stress.

Overall, these treatments are non-invasive, meaning they typically have fewer safety concerns compared to more invasive procedures. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Guided Imagery and Cognitive Training because these techniques offer a natural, non-invasive way to enhance women's health. Unlike standard medical treatments that often involve medications or surgery, guided imagery uses mental visualization to promote relaxation and healing, and cognitive training focuses on empowering individuals to actively participate in their health changes. The combination of these methods is believed to improve overall well-being quickly, potentially showing results in as little as 21 days. This approach could provide a holistic alternative or complement to existing treatments, focusing on mental empowerment and self-healing.

What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for improving women's functional health?

Research has shown that guided imagery, one of the interventions in this trial, can reduce stress and improve mental health. For instance, it lowers stress in women struggling with infertility and eases fear of childbirth. It also correlates with a better quality of life and more positive pregnancy experiences.

Cognitive power interventions, another treatment option in this trial, show promise as well. Studies indicate they can enhance brain functions like memory and decision-making, particularly in middle-aged women.

This trial will also test a combined approach, using guided imagery alongside cognitive power interventions. Some research suggests that combining different health practices can improve mental health and well-being more effectively than using each one alone. This combined approach could provide a more comprehensive boost to women's overall health. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Phyllis S Hansell

Principal Investigator

Seton Hall University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women interested in improving their functional health. The specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants would need to meet certain health and demographic requirements set by the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Speaks, reads, and writes English

Exclusion Criteria

I have a long-term health condition.

I have cognitive impairment.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive one of the three interventions: Cognitive Power, Guided Imagery, or a combination of both, or are assigned to a control group.

3 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in functional health and power to change using PKPCT and SF-36v2 measures.

3 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Power Intervention
• Combined Guided Imagery and Cognitive Power Intervention
• Guided Imagery

Trial Overview The study tests three interventions: Cognitive Power Intervention, Guided Imagery, and a combination of both. Women will be randomly assigned to one of these methods or a control group to see which is most effective at enhancing functional health.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Guided Imagery Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomly assigned to this group will be provided with a MP3 Player which will have three guided imagery programs. The Guided Imagery Programs include: 1.Relaxation and Wellness; 2. Immune System Imagery and 3. Healing Trauma. The study measures are completed upon entry and 21 days post entry into the study and include: PKPCT and 21 days post entry into the study and include: PKPCT and the SF-36v2.

Group II: Combined Guided Imagery and Cognitive Power Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The participants are randomly assigned to this group completes The Power as Knowing Participation in Change (PKPCT) and the Guided Imagery Intervention as described above. The study measures are completed upon entry and 21 days after entry and include the PKPCT and the SF-36v2.

Group III: Cognitive Power Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The participant is randomly assigned to this group completes The Power as Knowing Participation in Change (PKPCT) to determine: 1. Freedom to Act Intentionally; 2. Involvement in creating change; 3.Freedom to act intestinally and 4. My involvement in creating change. The study measures are completed upon entry and 21 days post entry into the study and include: PKPCT and the SF-36v2.

Group IV: Control Group (No intervention) Active Control 1 Intervention

The participants are randomly assigned to this group complete all study measures PKPCT and the SF-36v2 measures upon entry into the study and 21 days after entry.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Seton Hall University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3

Recruited

190+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10913568/

Effects of combined dietary intervention and physical-cognitive ... Primary outcomes were executive functions, memory, and plasma BDNF levels. Secondary outcomes were global cognition, attention, language domain, ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X25000619

Enhancing cognitive function through blood flow restriction A single session of LLBFR improved cognitive function and upregulated neurotrophic factors, particularly BDNF and VEGF, in middle-aged women.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5946937/

The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study - PMC Cognitive impairment and decline may signal the increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined associations of global cognitive ...

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1539369/full

Gender differences in cognitive benefits of meeting ... Key Findings: Participants who met the PAG tended to be younger, had higher levels of education, and reported better self-rated health than those who did not ...

5. jpreventionalzheimer.com jpreventionalzheimer.com/8297-who-benefited-the-most-effectiveness-of-a-lifestyle-intervention-against-cognitive-decline-in-older-women-and-men-secondary-analysis-of-the-agewell-de-trial.html

SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE AGEWELL. DE-TRIAL RESULTS: No differences were found between women and men in the effectiveness of the intervention on cognitive performance. However, women ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10337397/

Effectiveness of the SAFE eHealth Intervention for Women ... Data were gathered about self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and multiple feasibility aspects. The primary outcome was self-efficacy at 6 months. The process ...

7. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/10/1008

Improvements in Safety Outcomes Following Brief ... Conclusions: Findings suggest that brief healthcare-based IPV interventions may result in improvements in safety outcomes for women with a history of IPV-TBI.

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772963X2400810X

Brief Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Women With ... In a trial testing an in-person, group-based psychosocial intervention in women with CHD, 39% of eligible women declined to enroll, most often due to inability ...

9. thelancet.com thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(25)00022-6/fulltext

Transforming women's health, empowerment, and gender ... Overall, the use of DHTs positively affected the care and health-related outcomes of women undergoing the process of pregnancy termination, ...