Mindfulness-Based Self-Management Program Using a Mobile App for Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: Single-Arm Feasibility Study.
Yuka Takita, Junko Morishita, Sunre Park, Ayumi Goda, Takumi Inami, Hanako Kikuchi, Takashi Kohno, Masaharu Kataoka, Daisuke Fujisawa
JMIR cardio February 4, 2026 DOI: 10.2196/79639 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-arm pre-post study Randomized Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Patients with pulmonary hypertension |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based self-management program |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, with assessments at baseline, week 4, and program completion (week 8); limited week 12 data |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Digital health Mindfulness-based intervention Pulmonary hypertension Self-management |
| Key points | The mindfulness-based self-management program significantly improved quality of life and resilience in patients with pulmonary hypertension, with trends toward reduced depression and anxiety. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions have been applied across various chronic illnesses, but no tailored program exists for individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a mindfulness-based self-management program for patients with PH, delivered online to accommodate their limited mobility. A single-arm pre-post study was conducted using an 8-session, weekly videoconference program incorporating PH self-management education and elements of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. A mobile app linked to an Apple Watch was used to support symptom monitoring and mindfulness awareness. Outcomes included PH-related symptoms, quality of life (emPHasis-10), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale [GAD-7]), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale [CD-RISC]), and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale-short version). Assessments occurred at baseline, week 4, and program completion. Exit interviews explored perceived changes and experiences. Twelve participants (mean age 41.8, SD 10.5 years; range 26-56 years) were enrolled, and 9 completed the program (75% retention). Participants valued the online format and Apple Watch integration, while noting a need for optional on-demand sessions. Qualitative analysis identified themes such as increased self-awareness, use of meditation for pain management, and enhanced self-compassion. Quantitative analysis showed significant changes across 3 time points (baseline, week 4, and week 8) for emPHasis-10 (χ²₂=9.74; P=.008) and CD-RISC (χ²₂=7.27; P=.03). Trends toward change were observed for PHQ-9 (χ²₂=4.75; P=.09) and GAD-7 (χ²₂=5.07; P=.08), but week 12 data were limited (n=5). No significant changes in loneliness were observed. The program appeared to support patients with PH in managing symptoms and emotions and suggested potential improvements in quality of life. These preliminary findings warrant evaluation in a future randomized controlled trial.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Interoception, contemplative practice, and health Frontiers in Psychology June 9, 2015
- Web-Based Mindfulness Interventions for People With Physical Health Conditions: Systematic Review Journal of Medical Internet Research August 31, 2017
- Investigating efficacy of two brief mind–body intervention programs for managing sleep disturbance in cancer survivors: a pilot randomized controlled trial Journal of Cancer Survivorship January 21, 2013
- 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. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- Improvements in emotion regulation following mindfulness meditation: Effects on depressive symptoms and perceived stress in younger breast cancer survivors. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology April 2017