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The Effect of Mindset and Breathing Exercises on Physical and Mental Health in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury—A Pilot Feasibility Study

Author

Listed:
  • Sonja de Groot

    (Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Frank W. L. Ettema

    (Reade Center for Rehabilitation & Rheumatology, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Christel M. C. van Leeuwen

    (Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3583 TM Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Orthopedics, De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, 3583 TM Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Wendy J. Achterberg

    (Reade Center for Rehabilitation & Rheumatology, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Thomas W. J. Janssen

    (Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Sven P. Hoekstra

    (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
    School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK)

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of mindset and breathing exercises (Wim Hof Method (WHM)) on physical and mental health in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Ten individuals with SCI participated in this pilot study. These ten participants followed a 4-week WHM intervention, with one weekly group session in the rehabilitation center and daily practice at home using the WHM app. An in-person exit-interview was conducted post-intervention to collect qualitative information on participants’ experiences, regarding the feasibility and effects of the intervention. Furthermore, tests and questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention to assess physical and mental health outcomes. Adherence to the weekly in-person meetings was excellent and no adverse events occurred. Physical and mental health outcomes in this small sample size showed some pre–post differences. This pilot feasibility study provides preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and efficacy of the WHM, including mindset and breathing exercises, on physical and mental health of people with SCI. These results warrant a randomized-controlled trial, including cold exposure, of this novel intervention in people with SCI.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonja de Groot & Frank W. L. Ettema & Christel M. C. van Leeuwen & Wendy J. Achterberg & Thomas W. J. Janssen & Sven P. Hoekstra, 2023. "The Effect of Mindset and Breathing Exercises on Physical and Mental Health in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury—A Pilot Feasibility Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:18:p:6784-:d:1243585
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