Mind-body practices are techniques designed to enhance the mind's positive impact on well-being and healthy aging. This study aimed to develop and use wearable devices to test whether Zen Buddhist practice can reduce stress.
Because of Covid-19, the team members and an invited external expert learnt Zen Buddhist practice through online courses (5 times). We then analyzed changes in stress induced by the Stroop test, before and after Zen Buddhist practice in a pilot study. Stress levels were measured with wearable or portable devices. Sleep quality (percentage of arousals, rapid-eye movement (REM), light and deep sleep stages) was measured by a combinatory analysis of body movement and heart-rate patterns during sleep using a wearable device. Here, Zen practice was performed for 30 min before sleeping. Salivary levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and cortisone were monitored before and after Zen practice.
The results showed a slight decrease in stress levels measured by electrodermal activity and MF-100 stress analyzer. The saliva levels of cortisol and cortisone were also slightly decreased after Zen practice. The rapid-eye movement (REM) stage of sleep was decreased, while that of deep sleep increased after Zen Buddhist practice. These results suggested that Zen could potentially decrease stress levels, and promote a more meaningful and healthy life.
Since some of results were not reliable, the team also attempted to develop a sensor of stress-related substances. A biosensor made of an electroconductive polymer (e.g., polypyrrole) was fabricated and conjugated with cortisol antibody. The impedance was measured after binding of cortisol to the antibodies. A slight difference in impedance could be observed with biosensor. Further optimization of the device is still required.