Impact of Guided Meditation on Heart Rate Variability and Psychological Well-being in Critically Ill Obstetric...

Critically ill obstetric patients face a unique confluence of life-threatening physiological complications and heightened psychological distress. This population is particularly vulnerable to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, impacting cardiovascular and emotional stability. Conventional medical interventions often focus primarily on pharmacological interventions, neglecting the significant role of psychological well-being in recovery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of guided meditation (GM) on heart rate variability (HRV), hemodynamic parameters, and psychological well-being in critically ill obstetric patients.

A parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted in an Indian critical care unit.

One hundred critically ill obstetric patients, excluding those with hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, or requiring mechanical ventilation, were randomized into intervention (n = 50) and control groups. The intervention group received daily 20-min GM audio sessions for three consecutive days. The control group received standard care.

Within-group changes were analyzed using paired t-tests, and trends across days through repeated measures ANOVA.

Significant improvements were observed in HRV indices (standard deviation of normal-to-normal, root mean square of successive differences, NN50, PNN50, high-frequency, total power) in the GM group, indicating enhanced parasympathetic dominance. Significant reductions in pulse rate and blood pressure, and improvements in anxiety and well-being (Visual Analogue Scale scores) were also noted.

GM demonstrates efficacy in improving autonomic health and psychological well-being in critically ill obstetric patients, highlighting the potential of integrating ancient Indian practices into modern critical care in this vulnerable population for promoting holistic recovery.