CAM in Veterans With Gulf War Illnesses

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness Gulf War Health Education (GWHE) and iRest Yoga Nidra (mindfulness meditation)/auricular (ear) acupuncture for Veterans with Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (GWVI).

Condition

  • Gulf War Veterans' Illness

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • U.S. Veteran - Deployed to the Gulf War between 1990-1991 - Currently suffers from Gulf War Veterans' Illness (i.e. fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment)

Exclusion Criteria

  • Addiction to drugs or alcohol - Experiences hallucinations or delusions - Currently manic - Currently suicidal - Hearing difficulties that would interfere with group participation - Current involvement in a meditation or acupuncture group

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
RBANS assessment was blinded

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Mindfulness meditation/Acupuncture 		Eligible participants may be randomized to participate in iRest Yoga Nidra/ auricular acupuncture group classes.
  • Behavioral: Mindfulness meditation/Acupuncture
    Individuals randomized to this group will participate in iRest Yoga Nidra and auricular acupuncture.
Active Comparator
Gulf War Health Education 		Eligible participants may be randomized to participate in Gulf War Health Education group classes.
  • Other: Gulf War Health Education
    Participants randomized to this group will take part in a health education group.

More Details

Status
Completed
Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development

Study Contact

Detailed Description

Gulf War Veterans have reported irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, sleep difficulties, and neurocognitive dysfunction (for example, concentration, memory, and attention problems). The most effective treatment approach for what appears to a broad spectrum problem found in GWVI may require complementary alternative medicine (CAM) approaches to enhance positive outcomes. Mindfulness meditation and acupuncture are each broad spectrum CAM treatments designed to target multiple biological systems simultaneously, and thus may be well suited for GWVI. Gulf War Health Education group will promote wellness and prevention by utilizing a proactive patient care model.