A protocol describes a planned trial testing whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) delivered via the web can reduce depression symptoms and psychiatric distress. The study will randomly assign 128 participants to either an 8-week web-based MBCT group plus treatment as usual or an 8-week waitlist control group. Primary outcomes are depression symptoms and psychiatric distress; secondary outcomes include perceived stress and mindfulness facets. Feasibility will be measured by adherence, retention, attendance, and engagement. As of November 2023, 30 of 224 screened participants were enrolled. Results are expected by August 2024.
A four-week mindful walking intervention (one hour per week) was compared with instructions to increase physical activity among 38 adults who were not getting enough exercise. Both groups received a wrist-worn step counter. Physical activity and depression improved in both groups, but there was no significant difference between them. Device-measured step counts did not differ between groups, though both averaged close to 8,000 steps per day. The mindful walking group showed a significantly larger reduction in perceived stress immediately after the intervention, but this difference was not maintained at one-month follow-up. The short duration and small sample may have limited the results.