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Effectiveness of a Sound Bowl Meditation on Caregiver Stress and Anxiety: A Pilot Study
Sponsor: Ohio State University
Summary
Being a primary caregiver for a family member or friend can be physically and emotionally demanding leaving little time for the unpaid caregiver's professional pursuits, personal appointments, and self-care. Primary caregivers are often overwhelmed, and experience stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Passive activities that require no physical or mental exertion may provide support and can help improve to overall well-being. Sounds from crystal sound bowls and other instruments combined with guided meditations have been found to promote relaxation and to reduce stress and anxiety. Participants can sit in a chair or lie on a yoga mat, supported by pillows and blankets, so enhance comfort and rest. Eye masks can also be used to minimize light and promote peacefulness. The purpose of this study is to assess if a weekly Sound Bowl Meditation, offered over the course of 6 weeks and provided by a certified Sound Bowl practitioner, can help decrease caregiver stress and anxiety related to the role as a primary caregiver.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-10-01
Completion Date
2027-06-01
Last Updated
2026-06-04
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Sound Bowl Meditation
The study intervention is a sound bowl meditation, offered weekly (same day and same time of day) for six weeks; each session will be 60 minutes in length. The sound bowl meditation will include the use of a Reem drum, Tingsha bells (small cymbals used to induce relaxation, reduce stress, and restore energetic balance), and eight crystal sound bowls. Participants will be fully clothed and will be able to sit in a chair or lie on a yoga mat with yoga props used for comfort. The sound bowl meditation will be provided by certified Sound Bowl Practitioners from the OSU Wexner Medical Center who regularly provide these interventions in the community.