About Distress in Chronic Pain Conditions: A Pre-Post Study on the Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Fibromyalgia and Low Back Pain Patients.
Rebecca Ciacchini, Ciro Conversano, Graziella Orrù, Francesca Scafuto, Silvia Sabbatini, Mery Paroli, Mario Miniati, Alessio Matiz, Angelo Gemignani, Cristiano Crescentini
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health November 13, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21111507 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 89 |
| Population | Individuals with fibromyalgia or low back pain |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Chronic pain Clinical psychology Distress Fibromyalgia Low back pain |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | Mindfulness-based stress reduction improved sleep quality and reduced psychological distress, with differential effects on perceived stress between fibromyalgia and low back pain groups. |
Abstract
Chronic pain (CP) affects about 30% of the global population and poses significant challenges to individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. The interactions between physiological, psychological, and social factors are crucial in the onset and development of CP conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention, examining its impact on perceived stress (PSS), depression and anxiety (BDI-II, PGWBI/DEP, SAS, STAI Y), sleep quality (PSQI), and mindfulness abilities (MAAS) in individuals with CP. Participants (N = 89, 84.3% female) underwent one of two diagnoses [fibromyalgia (FM) or low back pain (LBP)] and took part in an MBSR intervention. The mindfulness program proved effective in reducing PSQI scores (F = 11.97; p < 0.01) over time, independently of the type of diagnosis. There was also a marginal increase in trait mindfulness as measured by MAAS (F = 3.25; p = 0.07) in both groups. A significant difference between the two groups was found for the effect on PSS: F (1,87) = 6.46; p < 0.05. Mindfulness practice also reduced anxiety in FM and depressive symptoms in LBP, indicating a reduction in psychological distress among participants. Our findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions may offer promising avenues for personalized pain management in clinical settings.