Black (2013)
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.756
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionCaregiver stress / gene expression (NF-kB/IRF transcriptome dynamics)
Clinical domainAnxiety & Stress
PopulationFamily dementia caregivers
Sample sizen = 45
Country / SettingUSA - geriatric sleep research
Protocol clusterKirtan Kriya (12-min)
Duration8 weeks
Control typeActive Control
ComparatorRelaxation music
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeMental health (mixed)
Scales usedPSQI; inflammatory biomarkers; gene expression
Key resultSleep improved; inflammation decreased; gene expression changes observed
Effect sized = 0.61 (PSQI); small-moderate effect; telomerase biomarker increase
ES value0.61 (d)
Retention88% completed (mixed-age sample)
SafetyNo adverse events; improved sleep safety
Methodological Summary
Randomized; biomarker outcomes; older adult focus
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: Elderly participants with sleep complaints; outcomes: sleep quality (PSQI), mood, cognition, telomerase activity.
Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
3
A2
3
★B1
2
★B2
3
B3
3
B4
2
★B5
2
B6
2
★B7
2
★B8
3
B9
2
★C1
2
C2
1
C3
1
JP1
3
Critical fails0
Raw QI0.756
SAF1
Adjusted QI0.756
Final ratingModerate