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Efficacy of prayer in inducing immediate physiological changes: a systematic analysis of objective experiments
Felix Chin1,2, Ryan Chou1, Muhammad Waqas1,2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine
|February 5, 2021
Summary
This review found that prayer significantly impacts physiological and neurocognitive states. Objective measurements show prayer can improve mental functioning and slow vital signs, suggesting potential as a complementary therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Prayer is a practice with potential physiological and psychological effects.
- Previous research has explored the impact of prayer on human well-being.
- Objective, controlled experimental studies are needed to validate these effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review objective, controlled experimental studies on the immediate impact of prayer on physiological state.
- To synthesize findings on neurocognitive and systemic physiological changes during prayer.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL for experimental studies on prayer.
- Studies were included if they measured objective physiological changes and contained the keyword 'Prayer'.
- Eight experimental studies met the inclusion criteria, analyzing neurocognitive and systemic physiological data.
Main Results:
- Five studies using fMRI, EEG, or SPECT imaging found neurocognitive changes associated with improved mental functioning, control, and pain tolerance.
- Three studies measuring heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate found prayer slowed physiological functions in two studies, with one showing no change.
- No studies measured blood marker changes.
Conclusions:
- Experimental evidence suggests prayer induces positive neurocognitive and physiological changes.
- Prayer may offer benefits for mental functioning, pain tolerance, and physiological regulation.
- Further research with objective measures is encouraged to establish prayer's role as a complementary and alternative medicine therapy.
