Pilot study on the effectiveness of Sidhakarya meditation in reducing malondialdehyde levels: an experimental approach

Authors

  • I Gusti Ngurah Putra Eka Santosa Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar
  • I Made Jawi Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University
  • Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University
  • Yenni Kandarini Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University
  • Ida Bagus Yorky Brahmantya Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7431-9047
  • I Gusti Agung Ayu Istri Adnyeswari Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v66.111837

Keywords:

Oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde, Sidhakarya Meditation

Abstract

Introduction: Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, contributes to chronic diseases. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative damage, is commonly used to assess this stress. Meditation, especially mindfulness practices, has shown potential in reducing oxidative stress. This pilot study investigates the impact of Sidhakarya Meditation, a specific mindfulness-based technique, on MDA levels in individuals experiencing moderate stress.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Sidhakarya Meditation in reducing MDA levels, a key biomarker of oxidative stress.

Methodology: A randomized pre-test and post-test control group design was employed. A total of 60 participants (mean age 34.5 ± 8.2 years) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (Group B), which practiced daily 30-minute Sidhakarya meditation sessions for 6 weeks, or the control group (Group A), which maintained their usual activities. MDA levels were measured using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Psychological stress and mood were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS).

Results: Of the 60 participants, 55 completed the study. The intervention group showed a 30% reduction in MDA levels (from 1780 nmol/mL to 1242 nmol/mL, p = 0.01), along with significant improvements in stress (p = 0.04) and mood (p = 0.03).

Discussion: Sidhakarya Meditation effectively reduced oxidative stress and improved emotional well-being, supporting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for stress management.

Conclusions: This study highlights Sidhakarya Meditation as a promising approach for reducing oxidative stress and improving psychological health.

Author Biographies

  • Ida Bagus Yorky Brahmantya, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar

    Lecuter at Faculty of Medicine

  • I Gusti Agung Ayu Istri Adnyeswari, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar

    Medical Student at Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar

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Published

04-04-2025

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Santosa, I. G. N. P. E., Jawi, I. M., Lesmana, C. B. J., Kandarini, Y., Brahmantya, I. B. Y., & Adnyeswari, I. G. A. A. I. (2025). Pilot study on the effectiveness of Sidhakarya meditation in reducing malondialdehyde levels: an experimental approach. Retos, 66, 803-809. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v66.111837