Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System and Moods of Advanced Cancer Patients by Mindfulness Art Therapy Short Version

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and moods before and after participation in a Mindfulness Art Therapy Short version (MATS). The study design was non-randomized controlled trial in intervention study. Participants were 10 Japanese patients with advanced cancer. They received the MATS in one session, which consisted of mindfulness practices and making arts. Their Autonomic Nervous System (sympathetic nervous, parasympathetic nervous) physiologically and mood (Tense Arousal: TA, Energetic Arousal: EA) psychologically were measured before and after the MATS. The results showed that the level of parasympathetic nervous system decreased and that the sympathetic nervous system increased in small effect size. The TA decreased in a large effect size and EA increased in a middle effect size. These results suggested that the MATS might activate physiologically, alleviate tension and increase energy psychologically.