All Studies · Mechanism (cross-domain) · Khalsa (2009)

Khalsa (2009)

Moderate · Mechanism/Methods Study · Mechanism (Neuroimaging/Biomarker) · n = 22
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.701
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionNeuroimaging (cerebral blood flow)
Clinical domainMechanism (cross-domain)
PopulationExperienced practitioners (varies)
Sample sizen = 22
Country / SettingUSA - neuroimaging research
Protocol clusterGeneral/Varied KY
DurationAcute/Cross-sectional
Control typeOther/Mixed
ComparatorN/A - Mechanism study
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeBrain function (fMRI/SPECT/PET)
Scales usedSPECT; CBF mapping; regional activation
Key resultRegional CBF changes during specific KY practices
Effect sizeRegional CBF changes quantified; practice-specific patterns
RetentionN/A - acute neuroimaging
SafetySafe during imaging
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Methodological Summary

Neuroimaging mechanisms; small sample; cross-sectional

KY Protocol Components

Kirtan Kriya — SPECT Cerebral Blood Flow Study DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of SPECT scans from 11 healthy adults (6M, 5F; mean age 35.4). TECHNIQUE: Kirtan Kriya (KK) — guided meditation from Kundalini Yoga (as developed by Yogi Bhajan). KK PROTOCOL COMPONENTS: • Specific breathing pattern • Upright sitting posture • Word set (Sa-Ta-Na-Ma) • Sequence of fingertip movements • Focus of concentration (L-shaped visualization) • 12-minute practice IMAGING: SPECT used to evaluate baseline and meditation states. Radiotracer injected at onset of silent meditation period (after motor/auditory activity dissipated). NOTE: This is a neuroimaging mechanism study — NOT "varied KY techniques" as previously stated. It uses specifically Kirtan Kriya, not multiple techniques.

Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
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JP1
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Critical fails1
Raw QI0.758
SAF0.925
Adjusted QI0.701
Final ratingModerate