Research and theoretical basis behind the Lightning Process
Lightning Process Research for the Website.
This research page gives you further information about the theories behind the Lightning Process, research supporting the principles of the Lightning Process and research which the Lightning Process itself is currently undertaking. We will aim to regularly update this section of the website so that it is up-to-date with the latest findings and research news.
CHARITABLE WORK
Find out more about our work in Kenya and how you can support the training of Red Cross healthcare staff to use the LP to deal with the pressures of their life.
Click here for more details and to donate to support this important project.
RESEARCH UPDATE
Interim report on a research project with the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) and LP.
Abstract: This Proof of Concept (POC) study was designed to consider the validity of the Lightning Process as an approach to provide benefit, or not, to those with MS...The interim data shows that the LP provided benefit to all participants and there have been no incidents of negative effects. The data suggests that it would be worth pursuing a full Randomised Controlled Trial
Comment from MSRC: This Proof of Concept study, although being in a small number of subjects, produced some very encouraging and worthwhile results over a 6 month period following participation in the Lightning Process. They indicate that the Lightning Process provides measurable benefits to those with MS and suggest that a further larger randomised study would be beneficial to investigate the role the Lightning Process plays in the well-being and quality of life of MS patients. (MSRC September 2011)
Outcome Measures Study
We are pleased to report on the results from the preliminary data collected in a study looking at outcome measures from 205 clients who attended a Lightning Process seminar. The study, which has been done using the RAND SF-36, is a pilot study that was designed to provide some preliminary outcome measures which can be used to add weight to future grant and funding applications for larger-scale Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT). The indications are that the LP is making a significant positive impact, resulting in increased health status at 6 weeks, persisting at 3 months, and demonstrating improvements in all areas that were covered by the RAND SF36 questionnaire.
Click here for the full report
Dr. Bruun Wyller, who is considered to be one of Norway's leading experts on M.E, has published some interesting articles which concur with the clinical findings of the Phil Parker Lightning Process, which you can find here (1) (2). His most recent paper in conjunction with Hege R. Eriksen, Kirsti Malterud who are university researchers from Bergen, can be found here (3).
Dr. Bruun Wyller says: 'Recent research on CFS pathophysiology has revealed alterations of cardiovascular regulation and thermoregulation, characterized by enhanced sympathetic nervous activity and increased secretion of epinephrine. These findings indicate a state of permanent distress response – sustained arousal – in CFS patients. Based upon our findings, we have formulated a theory of sustained arousal in CFS, which seems to correspond quite neatly to the theoretical considerations underlying the Lightning Process.'
Theoretical basis of the Lightning Process
For more information on the established scientific theories that underpin the Lightning Process, please click on the links below:
- Neuroplasticity- the ability of the pathways of the brain to change and develop in response to learning and repetition. (4) (5)
- The physiological effects of Adrenaline, Nor-Adrenaline & Cortisol in the “stress” response. (6) (7)
- The interaction of the body and mind. (8) (9) (10)
- The osteopathic theory of facilitation and the impact of changes in structure causing changes in function. (11) (12)
NHS and LP
The Lightning Process is working with the NHS on a feasibility study. Click here for more information
1. Bruun Wyller, Vegard MD et al, “Abnormal Thermoregulatory Responses in Adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Relation to Clinical Symptoms”, Official Journal of The American Academy of Pediatrics, Vol. 120 No.1, 2 July 2007, <http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/120/1/e129> [accessed 26 May 2010]
2. Bruun Wyller, Vegard MD et al, Multiple Articles, BioInfoBank Library, Various dates, <http://lib.bioinfo.pl/auth:Wyller,VB> [accessed 26 May 2010]
3. Bruun Wyller, Vegard MD et al, “Can Sustained Arousal explain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”, Behavioral and Brain Functions, 23 February 2009, <http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions.com/content/5/1/10> [accessed 26 May 2010]
4. “Definition of Neuroplasticity”, Medicinenet, 11 June 2004, <http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=40362> [accessed 26 May 2010]
5. Wikipedia contributors, “Neuroplasticity”, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 3 May 2010, <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neuroplasticity&oldid=359904838> [accessed 26 May 2010]
6. Mayo clinic staff, “Stress: Win control over the stress in your life”, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 September 2008, <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001>, [accessed 26 May 2010]
7. Wikipedia contributors, “Stress (biology)”, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 May 2010, <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stress_(biology)&oldid=363206496> [accessed 26 May 2010]
8. Lerner, Baron H. “Can stress cause disease? Revisiting the Tuberculosis research of Thomas Holmes, 1949-1961”, Annals of Internal Medicine, n.d. http://www.annals.org/content/124/7/673.full [accessed 26 May 2010]
9. Antoni, Michael H. “Centre for Psycho-Oncology Research (CPOR)”, University of Miami Department of Psychology, n.d. <http://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/health/research/cpor.phtml> [accessed 26 May 2010]
10. Hennenlotter, Andreas, et al. “The Link between Facial Feedback and Neural Activity within Central Circuitries of Emotion- New Insights from Botulinum Toxin- Induced Denervation of Frown Muscles”, Cerebral Cortex Journal, June 17 2008, <http://cercor.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/bhn104v1> [accessed 26 May 2010]
11. “Obituary: Irvin Korr Ph.D. (1909-2004)”, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, n.d. <http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:pWKOCZ3xDdwJ:www.leonchaitow.com/OBITUARYIrwinKorr.pdf%20research%20into%20facilitation%20osteopathy&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7> [accessed 26 May 2010]
12. “Osteopathy”, Osteohome, n.d. <http://www.osteohome.com/index.html> [accessed 26 May 2010]