Claudio Bersani

Dr. Claudio Bersani


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 April 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CBChiara Bianchi
Chiara Bianchi
LRLaura Rotondo
Laura Rotondo
CBClaudio Bersani
Claudio Bersani
RPRita Pavasini
Rita Pavasini
FMFederico Marchini
Federico Marchini
Elisabetta TonetElisabetta Tonet
Elisabetta Tonet
Background: Psychological distress, autonomic dysregulation, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are common after myocardial infarction (MI) and negatively affect cardiovascular outcomes. In recent years, integrative mind–body interventions, such as yoga and mindfulness-based approaches, have gained increasing attention as adjuncts to conventional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness in post-MI populations remains fragmented. Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effects of yoga- and mindfulness-based interventions in patients following myocardial infarction. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across major electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating yoga- or mindfulness-based interventions in post-MI patients. Eligible studies included adult MI populations. Study selection and quality assessment were performed according to predefined criteria. Results: The 10 included studies suggest that yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation programs may provide benefits beyond standard care, particularly in terms of self-rated health, psychological well-being, and return to pre-infarction daily activities. Mindfulness-based interventions were associated with reductions in anxiety and perceived stress, improvements in blood pressure control, enhanced social support, and better health-related quality of life. Several studies also reported favorable effects on autonomic balance and stress-related physiological markers. Finally, a study reported benefits in terms of MACE (p = 0.032). However, heterogeneity in intervention protocols, outcome measures, and study designs limited direct comparisons across studies. Conclusions: Yoga and mindfulness-based interventions appear to be promising complementary strategies in post-MI care.