Newberg (2010)
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.701
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionMemory loss (neuroimaging)
Clinical domainCognition & Neurodegeneration
PopulationHealthy + memory loss patients
Sample sizen = 8
Country / SettingUSA - neuroimaging research center
Protocol clusterKirtan Kriya (12-min)
Duration8 weeks, 12 min/day Kirtan Kriya
Control typeOther/Mixed
ComparatorN/A - Mechanism study
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeBrain function (fMRI/SPECT/PET)
Scales usedSPECT brain activation mapping
Key resultCharacteristic brain activation pattern during KK identified
Effect sizeSPECT activation: specific pattern identified
Retention100% (8/8 completed)
SafetySafe during imaging; no adverse reactions
Methodological Summary
Cross-sectional imaging; mechanism study; very small sample
KY Protocol Components
Kirtan Kriya: 12-minute singing meditation using mantra "Sa-Ta-Na-Ma" with finger movements (thumb touches index, middle, ring, pinky sequentially). Structure: 2 min aloud → 2 min whisper → 4 min silent → 2 min whisper → 2 min aloud. STUDY-SPECIFIC: Cerebral blood flow imaging study; neural correlates during practice vs relaxation control.
Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
3
A2
3
★B2
2
B3
3
B4
2
★B5
2
B6
2
★B7
2
★B8
1
B9
2
JP1
3
Critical fails1
Raw QI0.758
SAF0.925
Adjusted QI0.701
Final ratingModerate