Effects Of Mindfulness-based Interventions Research Articles

Does mindfulness program reduce stress and enhance self-kindness in schools? Healthy Learning Mind

Abstract Introduction There is a scarcity of research with high quality methods on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on adolescents’ mental well-being. This study investigates the MBI effects on adolescents’ stress and self-kindness with an extensive cluster RCT design, and a role of self-kindness as a mediator for the association between the MBI and stress. Additionally, the study explores how age, gender, and an independent mindfulness practice moderate the effects on the outcomes. Methods Participants (Finnish students, aged 12-15 years) were randomized to a MBI group (N = 1646), an active relaxation control group (N = 1488), and an inactive control group (N = 385). The outcomes were measured at the baseline (T0), at 9-week post-intervention (T9), and at 26-weeks follow-up (T26). Results Overall, the MBI was more effective in stress reduction when compared to the active control at T9 (β = -0.04, p < 0.01, d = -0.11) and T26 (β = -0.04, p = 0.02, d = -0.11). Furthermore, students in the MBI group who carried out their regular mindfulness home practice showed greater decrease of stress. There were no MBI effects on self-kindness, nor did a change of self-kindness mediate the effects of MBI on stress. Discussion These findings demonstrate that the 9-week MBI is slightly more effective to reduce stress relative to relaxation training. Key messages • The result highlight the potential of MBI in increasing the stress management among students in school context. • To ensure the effectiveness of MBIs in school context we need to teach these skills to teacher students already during their basic education in educational institutions and universities.

Can a Universal Mindfulness Programme Improve Well-Being in Adolescents?

Abstract Background Approx. 14% of adolescents experience mental health disorders. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) could be one way to support adolescents’ well-being. We investigated the effectiveness of a 9-week school-based mindfulness intervention on adolescents’ well-being, moderated by gender, grade, and independent practice. Methods In total 3519 Finnish adolescents (aged 12 - 15) from 56 schools were randomized into intervention, active (relaxation), and inactive (normal school curriculum) control groups. Well-being was assessed with two life satisfaction measures (Life Satisfaction [OECD] and The Satisfaction with Life Scale-Child [SWLS-C]) and positive and negative affects (Positive and negative affects [PANAS]) at baseline, at 9 weeks and 26 weeks and analyzed using multilevel linear modeling. Results Significant improvement in life satisfaction (SWLS-C) was found at 9 weeks in the MBI group (β = 0.38, 95 % CI 0.08-0.68, p = 0.009) compared to the active control. Furthermore, MBI demonstrated an increase in life satisfaction (OECD) among boys (β = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.04-0.46, p = 0.016) and 6th graders (β = 0.26, 95 % CI 0.04-0.49, p = 0.015) at 9 weeks compared to the active control. Additionally, MBI participants engaging in independent practice at least once a week had a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to both the active (β = 3.01, 95 % CI 0.55-5.47, p = 0.009) and inactive control groups (β = 2.81, 95 % CI 0.23-5.40, p = 0.026). Those practicing MBI almost daily also demonstrated a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to the active control group (β = 2.95, 95 % CI 0.28-5.62, p = 0.023). Conclusions MBI in the school context seems to have the potential to increase the well-being of adolescents, especially those who commit to regular independent mindfulness practice. Gender and grade may moderate the effects of MBI. Therefore, we need to better understand how gender and age influence the effectiveness of MBI. Key messages • The findings indicate the need to further examine potential mediators and moderators that may influence the effectiveness of MBI on adolescents. • According to this study, regular mindfulness practice in schools appears to be a promising way to improve well-being of adolescents.

Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Delivered by Mobile Phone on Perinatal-Specific Stress and Neonatal Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives Whereas some women may perceive pregnancy as a welcome challenge and a source of satisfaction, self-development, and maturity, others may experience perinatal-specific stress (PSS). Emerging evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for perinatal women. Given the debate about the effects of MBIs on PSS reduction, as well as the limitations of existing studies, such as practical concerns and small sample sizes, the current study aimed to contribute further evidence by utilizing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effects of mobile-delivered MBIs on women’s PSS and neonatal outcomes, compared with outcomes from a mobile-delivered psychoeducation intervention. Method One hundred and seventy-eight adult pregnant women were randomized into two groups––one to receive a mobile-delivered eight-session MBI (n = 93) and the other to receive a web-based perinatal education program (n = 85). Outcomes included perinatal distress, mindfulness, and neonatal outcomes. Results Women in the MBI group showed a significantly greater reduction in their PSS levels from baseline to the follow-up-timepoint (T2) compared with the control group. The MBI group had a significant enhancement of mindfulness, and their newborns had higher Apgar scores compared with the control group. Mindfulness improvement levels after the intervention significantly mediated the intervention effect in reducing the participating women’s PSS levels. Conclusions With a reasonably high participation rate (approximately 75%), the MBI delivered by mobile phone can be a feasible, desirable, and efficacious intervention for reducing perinatal-specific stress throughout pregnancy and enhancing neonatal outcomes.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions with Respect to Psychological and Biomedical Outcomes in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease especially affecting young people. Mindfulness-based psychological interventions might reduce emotional symptoms post-diagnosis, but the evidence is limited. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions on psychological well-being and biomedical variables in young people with type 1 diabetes. A systematic review of trials was conducted that involved a bibliographic search in electronic databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) considering studies published between 2013 and 2024. A total of 434 records were identified, of which 252 underwent selection according to title and abstract, leaving 32 that were evaluated for eligibility and 7 included in this review. From Google Scholar, six more studies were identified and evaluated, and two were selected. Finally, nine studies were subjected to full reading and a detailed analysis of the inclusion criteria. A total of 66.6% of the studies were evaluated as having a methodological quality of moderate or optimal, but the samples analysed tended to be small, and only two articles carried out short-term follow-up evaluations. Mindfulness-based interventions, upon reviewing the preliminary results, may be posited as a viable strategy to enhance psychological (anxiety, diabetes distress, perceived stress, depression, self-efficacy, psychological well-being, and quality of life) and biomedical outcomes (glycaemic control, blood glucose levels, and diastolic blood pressure) for type 1 diabetes in young people. Although promising, further research is required to improve the quality, methodology, and design of studies.

The Effects of Mindfulness-based Interventions on Alleviating Academic Burnout in Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been tested to be the effective approach for reducing burnout. This study aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence and quantify the pooled effect of MBIs on the burnout syndrome in medical students. Primary Author and Speaker: Cheng Lin Additional Authors and Speakers: Zhizhuo Wang, Peiyun Wu Contributing Authors: Jing Yang

Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Adopting lifestyle interventions is pivotal in coronary artery disease (CAD) management and prevention to amplify cardiovascular and mental well-being. This study aims to quantify the effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on anxiety, depression and stress in CAD patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching four electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Science Direct) through December 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro tool, and the study outcomes were expressed as standard mean difference at 95% CI. Out of 1838 yielded results, eight RCTs involving 623 participants with a mean age of 56.96 ± 4.89 met the prespecified eligibility criteria. The pooled results showed a statistically significant and beneficial effect of MBIs on CAD patients' mental health status in regards to anxiety (SMD = -0.83; 95% CI [-1.19, -0.46], p < 0.001), depression (SMD = - 0.86; 95% CI [-1.14, -0.58], p < 0.001), and stress (SMD = -0.69; 95% CI [-1.27, -0.12], p = 0.02). The subgroup sensitivity analyses based on the region (Asia vs. Europe) indicated a statistically non-significant subgroup effect of MBIs on anxiety (I 2 = 63.9%, p = 0.10) and depression (I 2 = 25.8%, p = 0.25), and a significant effect on stress (I 2 = 80.0%, p = 0.03). Although the methodological quality of the trials was generally satisfactory, all studies lacked allocation concealment and blinding. Additionally, gender imbalances, and inadequate follow-up may have potentially compromised the validity of the trials. Mindfulness-based interventions are beneficial for improving CAD patients' anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. Nevertheless, it is imperative to conduct more rigorous and robust studies with an equal gender ratio and long-term follow-up.

Effect of mindfulness-based intervention on perceived stress among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Breast cancer is the second most prevalent disease among women in India and one of the most dangerous and lethal. Chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients may have perceived stress, which is defined as emotions of mental or physical exhaustion that make them feel angry or anxious. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) gives some ideas in line with the conventional mindfulness technique. (i) To assess the effect of MBI on perceived stress among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. (ii) To determine the association between perceived stress with selected demographic variables among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The current quantitative pre- and postexperimental study was carried out in two oncology departments of selected cancer hospitals, Bhubaneswar. A total number of 40 breast cancer patients of perceived stress receiving chemotherapy and data were gathered by using a self-structured socio-demographic proforma and a structured Perceived Stress Scale 10. The experimental group received MBI, and a posttest was conducted on the 17th day on both the groups after 10 days of the termination of intervention. This MBI was provided to breast cancer patients for five sessions over five days continuously, each session for 45 min with mindfulness breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation techniques, practising meditation, and guided imagery technique. The study findings illustrated that reduction of perceived stress among female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with (t = 2.2463) (P = 0.0306) at the P < 0.05; furthermore, there is one socio-demographic variable which had association with perceived stress that is history of psychiatric illness (χ 2 = 14.1176) (P = 0.0009) and others had no association with perceived stress. MBI was an effective therapy for reducing the perceived stress of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Mental Health and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To assess whether mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) affect mental health and cognitive abilities in older adults. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to June 2023. Weight mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were provided as summary statistics. In total, 26 articles were eligible. Overall, MBIs showed a statistically significant improvement in depression, anxiety, quality of life, and working memory compared to controls. However, no significant effects of MBIs on other cognitive parameters were found. In moderator analysis, less than eight weeks of MBIs showed greater improvement in anxiety and quality of life than longer periods. There was no evidence for publication bias. Mindfulness-based interventions can be an encouraging alternative in place of conventional treatments in improving depression, anxiety, quality of life and working memory in cognition among older adults. However, findings strongly recommend future research to have definite conclusion.

PROTOCOL: Mindfulness-based interventions for improving tic-related symptoms in children and adults with chronic tic disorder and Tourette's disorder: A systematic review.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (prototype). The objectives are as follows: This systematic review aims to summarize the available scientific literature on the effect of mindfulness-based approaches in children and adults with Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD) or Tourette Disorder (TD). More specifically, the research question is: What is the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing tic severity and improving overall functioning, quality of life, and co-occurring symptoms in children and adults with CTD or TD?

The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on caregiver burden, quality of life and psychological distress in caregivers of adults with chronic diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Chronic diseases requiring long-term treatment, care, and follow-up can negatively affect the health and well-being of caregivers. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used as a mental health intervention to control the psychological problems experienced by caregivers and improve their quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide evidence for a holistic evaluation and synthesis of the effects of MBIs applied to caregivers of adults with chronic disease on the burden, quality of life, and psychological distress. Studies evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on caregivers of adults with chronic diseases and published through September 2023 were searched using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO. Methodological quality was assessed with the modified JADAD scale, and bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Randomized controlled studies were included. The standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated. Heterogeneity was analyzed using the I2 test and Q statistic. Publication bias was assessed with the Egger regression test. This meta-analysis included 12 studies. Pooled evidence found that MBIs resulted in significant improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden in caregivers of adults with chronic illness but had no significant effects on quality of life, resilience, and mindfulness. The Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias. MBIs can be considered as a helpful method to increase psychological well-being and reduce caregiver burden in caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. These findings may direct clinicians to conduct mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers of adults with chronic diseases.

Patient Perspectives on Mindfulness-Based Interventions During Hospitalization for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Exploratory Interview Study

PurposePatients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) suffer not only from somatic symptoms but also from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to effectively reduce these symptoms in other conditions. In patients with AECOPD, MBIs are under-researched. The present study explored whether patients hospitalized for AECOPD perceive MBIs as appropriate and feasible, and how MBIs might be implemented and adapted for this patient group. MethodIn an exploratory qualitative study, one-time semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients hospitalized for AECOPD (65% women; Mage=70.85 years, SD=7.53). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and a codebook approach.ResultsMost patients were interested in add-on treatment options such as MBIs and considered them as potentially beneficial (65%). Patients’ understanding of mindfulness varied and was difficult to separate from other mind-body practices (e.g., autogenic training). Previous experiences with mind-body practices and expectations regarding the effectiveness of MBIs influenced patients’ interest in MBIs. Context factors (e.g., short exercises) were more important than content factors (e.g., type of exercise). General barriers (e.g., scheduling issues) and COPD-related limitations (e.g., decreased mobility) hindered the self-administration of MBIs.ConclusionsMost patients hospitalized for AECOPD interviewed in this study were interested in MBIs and rated them as potentially helpful and feasible to incorporate in health care settings and everyday life. Future studies investigating MBIs in COPD are needed and should carefully consider patients’ perspectives, addressing context factors (e.g., timing, exercise length), patients’ needs, and COPD-related limitations.PreregistrationThis study is not preregistered.

The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on alleviating academic burnout in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMindfulness-based interventions have been tested to be the effective approach for preventing/reducing burnout in medical students. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence and quantify the pooled effect of MBIs on the burnout syndrome in medical students.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in the databases, including PubMed, Embase, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National knowledge Information Database (CNKI) and WanFang Database from database inception to February 2023 using the terms of “mindfulness”, “burnout” and “medical students”. Two reviewers independently reviewed the studies, and extracted the data of the eligible studies, as well as assessed the risk of bias. A random-effects model was employed to calculate the standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall burnout and its sub-domains of burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and academic efficacy).ResultsOf 316 records in total, nine studies (with 810 medical students) were ultimately included. The four RCT studies demonstrated an overall judgment of some concerns risk of bias, and the overall risk of biases of the five qRCT studies were judged as serious. In term of the SORT, the RCT and qRCT studies were evaluated as level 2 evidence, and the overall strength of recommendation was classified as B (limited-quality patient-oriented evidence). The pooled analysis showed that MBIs were associated with significant small to moderate improvements for medical students’ overall burnout (SMD=-0.64; 95% CI [-1.12, -0.16]; P = 0.009) in the included four RCTs, emotional exhaustion (SMD=-0.27; 95% CI [-0.50, -0.03]; P = 0.03) and academic efficacy (SMD = 0.43; 95% CI [0.20, 0.66]; P<0.001) in the four qRCTs.ConclusionsMBIs can serve as an effective approach for reducing burnout symptoms in medical students. Future high-quality studies with a larger sample size and robust randomized controlled trial methodologies should be obtained to reinforce the effectiveness of MBIs for reducing academic burnout in medical students.

Impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on neurobehavioral functioning and its association with large-scale brain networks in preterm young adolescents.

Adolescents born very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks of gestation) face an elevated risk of executive, behavioral, and socioemotional difficulties. Evidence suggests beneficial effects of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on these abilities. This study seeks to investigate the association between the effects of MBI on executive, behavioral, and socioemotional functioning and reliable changes in large-scale brain networks dynamics during rest in VPT young adolescents who completed an 8-week MBI program. Neurobehavioral assessments and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging were performed before and after MBI in 32 VPT young adolescents. Neurobehavioral abilities in VPT participants were compared with full-term controls. In the VPT group, dynamic functional connectivity was extracted by using the innovation-driven coactivation patterns framework. The reliable change index was used to quantify change after MBI. A multivariate data-driven approach was used to explore associations between MBI-related changes on neurobehavioral measures and temporal brain dynamics. Compared with term-born controls, VPT adolescents showed reduced executive and socioemotional functioning before MBI. After MBI, a significant improvement was observed for all measures that were previously reduced in the VPT group. The increase in executive functioning, only, was associated with reliable changes in the duration of activation of large-scale brain networks, including frontolimbic, amygdala-hippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal, and visual networks. The improvement in executive functioning after an MBI was associated with reliable changes in large-scale brain network dynamics during rest. These changes encompassed frontolimbic, amygdala-hippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal, and visual networks that are related to different executive processes including self-regulation, attentional control, and attentional awareness of relevant sensory stimuli.

Baseline trait mindfulness moderates the efficacy of mindfulness interventions and active controls: A meta‐analysis of 177 randomised controlled trials

AbstractPrevious evidence suggests that benefits of mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) may depend on individuals' baseline trait mindfulness (BTM) levels. This meta‐analysis investigated moderating effects of BTM on changes in mental health outcomes and trait mindfulness in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of MBIs. A total of 177 primary studies (total N = 13,486), comparing the treatment effects of MBIs against active, treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) and waitlist control groups, were synthesised via three‐level meta‐analysis. Lower BTM was associated with larger changes in mental health outcomes (B = −0.14, 95% CI [−0.21, −0.06], p &lt; .001) and trait mindfulness (B = −0.09 [−0.16, −0.02], p = .009) in MBIs and active controls combined. These associations were significantly larger than from those in TAU and waitlist controls. Moderating effects were less tangible for changes in trait mindfulness in MBIs and active controls individually and less tangible in various sensitivity analyses which, however, were confounded by client type across the RCTs. Individuals low in BTM may, by a small effect size, benefit more from MBIs and active control interventions. BTM may thus affect the evaluation of treatment efficacy. MBIs and active interventions could be offered specifically to persons low in BTM.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on the well-being of healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGrowing evidence attests to the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), but their effectiveness for healthcare workers remains uncertain.AimsTo evaluate the evidence for MBIs in improving healthcare workers’ psychological well-being.MethodsA systematic...

A feasibility study of mindfulness-based interventions for children

BackgroundChildren’s overall psychological well-being is a concern for parents and adults worldwide. Mindfulness appears to be a promising intervention for enhancing children’s psychological well-being, and its effectiveness has been well-documented. However, there is a paucity of data on the feasibility and acceptability of implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for children; this is a crucial factor in determining whether MBIs can be utilized to benefit children. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing MBIs among Hong Kong children.MethodsSeventy-eight children (mean age = 9.06, SD = .375) were recruited from a primary school in Hong Kong and received MBIs in a single session that lasted about 2 h. The intervention’s feasibility was determined in terms of retention rates, while acceptability was based on qualitative feedback from the children.ResultsThe results show that there were high retention rates (96%). Qualitative analyses of children’s feedback revealed that they experienced enhanced well-being, and enjoyed and benefited from the interventions.ConclusionsThis study shows the high feasibility of MBIs in children, supporting the conduct of an efficacy trial to examine the effects of MBIs among children. Support from school teachers and measures to raise and maintain children’s interest in mindfulness could facilitate the conduct of a study.

Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on symptoms and interoception in trauma-related disorders and exposure to traumatic events: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Interoception is defined as the sense of the internal state of the body. Dysfunctions in interoception are found in several mental disorders, including trauma-related conditions. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have been shown to influence interoceptive processes. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated whether MBIs impact symptoms and interoception in patients with trauma-related disorders. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize these data. We included RCTs with an MBI arm which enrolled adult patients with trauma related-disorders or exposure to a traumatic experience, and addressed changes in interoception and trauma-related symptoms. A random-effects multivariate meta-analytic model was performed to quantify group differences in score change from baseline to follow-up. Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and eleven in the meta-analysis. Overall, MBIs showed small to moderate positive effects on both interoception and symptoms. Despite a high heterogeneity in results, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. We conclude that the efficacy of MBIs on trauma-related symptoms and interoception is supported by randomised evidence. However, further research is needed to understand whether changes in interoception might underpin the effectiveness of MBIs in trauma-related disorders.

Beneficial effects of mindfulness-based intervention on hippocampal volumes and episodic memory for childhood adversity survivors

BackgroundAdverse Childhood Experience (ACE) has detrimental impacts on neural development, especially hippocampal morphometry. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) has been shown to induce adaptive hippocampal changes especially at the subiculum. The present study aims to investigate the effects of MBI on subiculum volumes among ACE survivors, as well as the effects on episodic memory as a probe into hippocampal functionality. MethodsWe analyzed anatomical MRI data and performance indices from an episodic memory task called the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) collected from a randomized controlled longitudinal study that compared an 8-week MBI (N = 20) to an active control condition of Stress Management Education (SME) (N = 19). FreeSurfer 6.0 was used for automated hippocampal subfield segmentation and volumetric estimation. ResultsSignificant group differences were observed with the volumetric changes of the right whole hippocampus and right subiculum. Only the MBI group showed improved pattern separation capability from MST, which was associated with stress reduction and right subiculum volumetric changes. LimitationsModest sample size. MST task was performed outside of MRI. ConclusionsThese findings suggest beneficial effects of MBI for hippocampal volumes and episodic memory, while highlighting the importance of the subiculum for MBI-induced neural and cognitive changes. The subiculum's known role in inhibitory control was interpreted as a potential mechanism for it to exhibit MBI-induced volumetric changes, which sheds light on the potential neural underpinnings of mindfulness meditation for reducing stress reactivity among ACE survivors.

Oxytocin Modulation in Mindfulness-Based Pain Management for Chronic Pain.

In the context of chronic pain management, opioid-based treatments have been heavily relied upon, raising concerns related to addiction and misuse. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Pain Management, offer alternative strategies. We conducted a mechanistic clinical study to investigate the impact of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Pain Management intervention on chronic pain, the modulation of inflammatory markers, stress physiology, and oxytocin, and their interplay with clinical pain symptoms and perception, in comparison to a patient wait-list active control. A total of 65 participants, including 50 chronic pain patients and 15 healthy controls, underwent salivary assays to assess endocrine markers, oxytocin, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S). Psychological assessments were also conducted to evaluate aspects of pain perception, mindfulness, mood, and well-being. Findings revealed significant differences between chronic pain patients and healthy controls in various clinical metrics, highlighting the psychological distress experienced by patients. Following Mindfulness-Based Pain Management, oxytocin levels significantly increased in chronic pain patients, that was not observed in the patient wait-list control group. In contrast, cytokine and DHEA-S levels decreased (not to statistically significant margins) supporting anti-inflammatory effects of Mindfulness-Based Pain Management. The fact DHEA-S levels, a marker of stress, did attenuate but not to statistically meaningful levels, suggests that pain reduction was not solely related to stress reduction, and that oxytocin pathways may be more salient than previously considered. Psychological assessments demonstrated substantial improvements in pain perception and mood in the intervention group. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in chronic pain management and underscore oxytocin's potential role as a therapeutic target.

Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on people with prehypertension or hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundHypertension and prehypertension have been widely recognized as the main contributors of global mortality. Evidence shows mindfulness-based interventions may reduce blood pressure and improve mental health. However, the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on blood pressure and mental health has not been fully understood.MethodsPotential studies published before May 24th 2023 were identified by searching Embase, Ovid Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and VIP China Science. Additionally, two grey databases were searched: Mednar, WorldWideScience.org. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool. The random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using Review Man 5.4 software and the key outcomes are presented as mean difference or standard mean difference and the 95% confidential interval.ResultsSearches returned 802 studies in total, of which 12 were included (N = 715). The duration of interventions was 8 weeks in 10 trials and 6 weeks in one trial. Pooled effect sizes indicated reductions in systolic blood pressure (MD = − 9.12, 95% CI [− 12.18, − 6.05], p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (MD = − 5.66, 95% CI [− 8.88, − 2.43], p < 0.001), anxiety (SMD = − 4.10; 95% CI [− 6.49, − 1.71], p < 0.001), depression (SMD = − 1.70, 95%CI [− 2.95, − 0.44], p < 0.001) and perceived stress (SMD = − 5.91, 95%CI [− 8.74, − 3.09], p < 0.001) at post-intervention. The findings from subgroup analyses are favorable for mindfulness-based interventions regardless of gender and baseline blood pressure with regard to BP reduction, with a more profound effect observed in participants with higher pre-intervention blood pressure.ConclusionsThe results provide evidence for the positive role of mindfulness-based interventions in hypertension management. More large randomized control trials with sufficient statistical power and long-term follow-up are needed.Trial registrationThe protocol had been registered with Prospero on October 2nd 2021 (registration NO. CRD42021282504).