Guided Meditation for Neurology

(RADiaNT Trial)

Overseen By Ashley Clinical Research Coordinator

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Neurological disorders, Brain disorders, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether guided meditation can improve sleep, mood, and cognitive abilities using the Muse™ headband and app. Participants will either practice guided meditation or undergo testing without meditation. It suits individuals with mild or no memory issues who are comfortable using a smartphone or tablet and can wear the headband. This trial offers a chance to see if meditation can positively impact mental and emotional well-being. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to examine the potential benefits of meditation in enhancing overall well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that guided meditation is safe for improving sleep, mood, and cognitive performance?

Research shows that meditation and mindfulness are usually safe and easy for most people. Studies have found that these practices can help manage stress and improve mood and health. A review of many studies found that meditation often has positive effects without major risks.

Overall, guided meditation is considered low-risk, and most people do not experience negative effects. However, individual experiences can differ, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider if there are any concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about guided meditation for neurology because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to enhancing neurological health. Unlike standard treatments that might involve medication or invasive procedures, guided meditation can be practiced easily, requiring just five minutes a day. Its potential to improve neurological function through relaxation and mindfulness could provide a simple, cost-effective alternative or complement to traditional therapies. By reducing stress and promoting mental clarity, guided meditation might offer unique benefits that current options do not fully address.

What evidence suggests that guided meditation is effective for improving sleep, mood, and cognitive performance?

Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation helps people manage emotions better and feel less anxious. Research indicates that meditation affects brain areas involved in memory and emotion control. Other studies suggest mindfulness reduces stress and improves sleep quality. This trial will compare guided meditation with standard care. Participants in the guided meditation group will practice meditation five days a week, five minutes a day for six weeks, followed by a testing period and another six-week meditation period. These benefits suggest that guided meditation might enhance mood, sleep, and cognitive skills. Overall, evidence supports the idea that meditation improves mental and emotional well-being. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

David Jones, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people living in the U.S. who speak English and have normal thinking skills or mild cognitive issues. Participants should be comfortable wearing a Muse headband and using a smartphone or tablet to interact with an app.

Inclusion Criteria

I am fluent in English.

I live in the United States.

I can comfortably wear a Muse headband.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Guided Meditation Phase 1

Participants in the experimental group practice guided meditation for 5 days/week, five minutes a day for 6 weeks

6 weeks

Baseline and interim testing

Interim Testing

Participants undergo neurologic testing to assess sleep, mood, and cognitive performance

1 week

Interim testing visit

Guided Meditation Phase 2

Participants continue guided meditation for another 6 weeks

6 weeks

Conclusion testing

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Guided Meditation

Trial Overview The RADiaNT study is testing if guided meditation, facilitated by the Muse™ headband and its biofeedback app, can positively affect sleep quality, mood, and cognitive abilities.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Guided Meditation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This cohort will be practicing guided meditation for 5 days/week, five minutes a day for 6 weeks. Then there will be a period of testing followed by another 6 week period of practicing guided meditation.

Group II: Standard of Care Active Control 1 Intervention

This cohort will be asked to complete neurologic testing at baseline, interim, and conclusion periods while conducting NO guided meditation throughout the duration of the study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11591838/

Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and ... This review highlights that mindfulness, particularly through MBSR, improves emotional regulation and brain structure, reduces anxiety, and enhances stress ...

2. mountsinai.org mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2025/new-research-reveals-that-meditation-induces-changes-in-deep-brain-areas-associated-with-memory-and-emotional-regulation

New Research Reveals That Meditation Induces Changes ... New research reveals that meditation induces changes in deep brain areas associated with memory and emotional regulation.

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2820099

Efficacy and Neural Mechanisms of Mindfulness Meditation ... This randomized clinical trial investigates the efficacy and underlying neural mechanisms of mindfulness meditation used to treat adults ...

4. neurologyoffice.com neurologyoffice.com/the-role-of-mindfulness-in-neurologic-health-conditions/

The Role of Mindfulness in Neurologic Health Conditions The Benefits of Mindfulness in Neurological Conditions · 1. Stress Reduction · 2. Improved Sleep Quality · 3. Emotional Stability · 4. Fatigue ...

5. news.harvard.edu news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/

When science meets mindfulness - Harvard Gazette Studies have shown benefits against an array of conditions both physical and mental, including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, psoriasis ...

6. nccih.nih.gov nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-and-mindfulness-effectiveness-and-safety

Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety | NCCIH Meditation and mindfulness practices usually are considered to have few risks. However, few studies have examined these practices for potentially harmful ...

7. med.stanford.edu med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/pain/documents/meditation-facts.pdf

Meditation: What You Need To Know A 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 randomized controlled trials found that. 25 of them reported statistically superior outcomes for symptoms of ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9177528/

Meditative and Mindfulness-Focused Interventions in ... Growing evidence suggests that these interventions are relatively safe and may be effective for reducing physical and emotional symptoms commonly associated ...

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/11/2613

Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and ... Key outcomes include changes in brain structure and function, neuroplasticity, and alterations in stress-related biomarkers. 2.3. Inclusion Criteria. A study ...