This statement was written and published by leading academics and medical doctors with research and clinical experience of the Lightning Process.
It highlights the research identifying the safety and value of the Lightning Process that is important to include in any discussion or media coverage about this intervention.
Support for the Evidence-Based Research on the Lightning Process: A Letter from Academics and Medical Professionals
To Whom It May Concern:
As academics and medical doctors who have reviewed the research on the Lightning Process (LP), we offer this letter of support for the approach.
The LP is a brain-mind-body training programme that has shown promising results in helping people with a variety of health conditions.
Research has shown that the LP is effective in improving physical function, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in adolescents with CFS/ME. A randomised controlled trial found that adolescents who received the LP in addition to Specialist Medical Care had statistically significantly better outcomes at 6 and 12 months than those who received SMC alone.
Three case reports have been published on the use of the LP to help those with Long Covid. All three patients reported improvements in fatigue, a range of physical symptoms and well-being after treatment and at follow-up.
A pilot study also found that the LP statistically significantly reduced fatigue in young cancer survivors and the changes were maintained at 6 months.
A systematic review of the LP was published in 2020. It evaluated 14 studies (ten quantitative studies/surveys and four qualitative studies) and noted that all studies evidenced a level of benefit from the intervention, commonly for the majority of participants.
Importantly, research has also shown that the LP is safe. The randomised controlled trial of adolescents with CFS/ME found no serious adverse events attributable to the LP.
While more research is needed, the existing evidence suggests that the LP is a promising intervention that may be helpful for people with a variety of health conditions.
Sincerely,
Professor Bruce Arroll MBChB, PHD,
FRNZCGP (Distinguished)
FRNZCUC (Honorary)
Personal Chair and Elaine Gurr Chair in General Practice
Director of the Goodfellow Unit for Continuing Education
Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care
University of Auckland
Professor Katherine Dormandy
University of Innsbruck
Dr Fiona Moir MBChB, PHD
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
General Practice and Primary Healthcare
University of Auckland
Dr Claire Nollett, Phd (Mental/Physical Health)
Cardiff University
Dr Rebecca Kennedy MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr Suzy Mikkelsen MD
Treatment of MusculoSkeletal Dysfunction
Dr Sarah Hadfield MBChB MRCGP
General Practitioner
Dr Anna Chellamuthu MBChB MRCGP DRCOG
Dr Meriel Raymond BMBCh GP
Dr Sarah Gawthorpe MBBS MRCGP NHS
Dr Lisa de Rijk PhD, RGN, UKCPacc