QOL Introducing Breathwork and Meditation to Individuals Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease
Vinnie Bennett, Ph.D., LMFT, MedFT, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Couples and Family Therapy within the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she contributes to the academic and professional development of future therapists through teaching, research, and clinical supervision.
Tell me briefly about your recent grant-funded project.
In May 2024, we were honored to receive the President’s Quality of Life Grant for our efficacy study introducing breathwork and meditation to individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their care partners. Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder with no known cure, characterized by symptoms such as tremors and neuropsychiatric challenges. Stress is known to significantly exacerbate these symptoms.
Our study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an evidence-based stress reduction and resilience-building intervention called SKY Breath and Meditation (SKY Breath). This intervention focuses on improving the psychophysiological well-being of a cohort of community-dwelling individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (iPD).
Who is working with you on this project?
Internal Collaborators:
- Dr. Sharon C. Siegel, D.D.S., M.S., MBA, CDM, Professor, Department of Prosthodontics
- Dr. Rania Massad, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor and Coordinator, College of Medical Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy
Community Partners:
- Ronnie Newman, Ed.M., CAS, Director of Behavioral Health Research, International Association for Human Values
- Mark & Allie Barker, Certified Rock Steady Boxing Coaches, RAW Kickboxing and Fitness, Coral Springs, FL
What opportunities and/or benefits does this grant bring to the NSU community?
This grant provides significant opportunities for the NSU community by addressing the complex challenges of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a degenerative neurological disorder and movement disorder affecting over six million people worldwide. The pathophysiology of PD is characterized by dopamine depletion due to neuron loss in the substantia nigra, resulting in symptoms such as tremors, dizziness, rigidity, fatigue, balance and walking issues, dyskinesia, cognitive impairments, and difficulty with daily activities. These symptoms often vary in severity and progression across individuals and fluctuate daily.
While medications offer symptom relief, their efficacy diminishes over time, and “off” periods where medications have the capacity to lose effectiveness are common. Exercise and physical therapy are critical complementary treatments.
This grant provides NSU students and faculty with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research, hands-on learning, and community collaboration. It supports the exploration of innovative interventions, including the integration of SKY Breathwork and Meditation techniques, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their caregivers. Furthermore, this initiative strengthens NSU’s position as a leader in advancing evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for a growing population affected by this challenging condition.
How does this project connect with your other work at NSU?
This project aligns closely with my broader work at NSU, which focuses on advancing interdisciplinary research and evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals and their families. Specifically, my work emphasizes the integration of holistic and systemic approaches in addressing chronic health conditions, particularly those that significantly impact mental and physical well-being, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
The use of SKY Breathwork and Meditation techniques in this project builds on my ongoing efforts to explore stress-reduction and resilience-building interventions in various populations. These approaches reflect a core component of my teaching, research, and clinical practice, where I prioritize innovative strategies that bridge the gap between mental and physical health.
Additionally, this project offers opportunities to mentor NSU students in real-world applications of research and therapeutic techniques, fostering their development as future professionals. By collaborating with faculty and community partners, this initiative also strengthens NSU’s reputation for advancing impactful, community-centered research.
How has NSU helped you pursue and/or achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself?
NSU has played a pivotal role in helping me achieve both personal and professional goals by providing access to exceptional resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for professional growth. As a certified Medical Family Therapist (MedFT), I have been able to integrate my passion for addressing the intersection of physical and mental health into my work with students, faculty, and the broader community.
The university’s commitment to research excellence has offered invaluable opportunities to collaborate on projects that align with my goal of advancing holistic, evidence-based approaches to healthcare. Access to NSU’s extensive library resources, research funding opportunities, and a supportive network of colleagues has been pivotal in enabling me to conduct impactful studies, including my current work on interventions for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners.
Additionally, NSU’s emphasis on interprofessional education has enabled me to engage with professionals from diverse disciplines, enriching my understanding and application of Medical Family Therapy in clinical, academic, and research settings. This collaborative environment has not only supported my professional development but also empowered me to mentor students and guide them toward impactful careers.
NSU’s investment in my growth as an educator, researcher, and clinician has been invaluable in fulfilling my personal mission to improve the quality of life for individuals and families navigating complex health challenges.
What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU?
Don’t wait to start the application process! The earlier you begin; the more time you’ll have to refine your proposal and address any challenges that may arise. Remember, you can’t receive the grant if you don’t submit the application. Be proactive, seek feedback from colleagues, and utilize the resources NSU provides, such as grant-writing workshops and research support services, to strengthen your submission.
What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda?
The next steps are partially dependent on the outcomes of this project. My hope is to expand its impact by turning the findings into a TED Talk, which could help raise awareness and potentially lead to a larger-scale project involving a broader population within this community. By sharing the results and insights from this initiative, I aim to inspire further collaboration and funding opportunities to advance this work on a larger scale.