The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial tested Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) against standard care in 120 people with fibromyalgia. MBSR led to significant reductions in pain severity, improvements in functional impairment, and enhanced psychological well-being at post-intervention and six-month follow-up. Challenges with participant adherence and generalizability were noted. The findings suggest MBSR may be a helpful complementary approach for managing fibromyalgia, though further research is needed to optimize its implementation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in individuals with fibromyalgia. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of MBSR on pain severity, functional impairment, and psychological well-being among participants. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned to either the MBSR intervention group or a control group receiving standard care. Measurements were taken at baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up. The results revealed significant reductions in pain severity, improvements in functional impairment, and enhanced psychological well-being in the MBSR group compared to the control group. However, challenges related to participant adherence and the generalizability of findings were noted. The study highlights the potential benefits of MBSR as a complementary approach in managing fibromyalgia and calls for further research to optimize its implementation