Clinically relevant effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in individuals with asthma
Estelle T. Higgins, Richard J. Davidson, William W. Busse, Danika R. Klaus, Gina T. Bednarek, Robin I. Goldman, Jane Sachs, Melissa A. Rosenkranz
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health September 14, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100509 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 69 |
| Population | Adults with asthma |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 4-month post-intervention follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based stress reduction Asthma Randomized controlled trial Psychological intervention Physical therapy Exhaled nitric oxide Distress Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 20 |
| Registration | NCT02157766 |
| Key findings | MBSR training improved asthma control and reduced airway inflammation in adults with asthma, with benefits linked to reduced distress and greatest in those with higher baseline depressive symptoms. |
Abstract
Background: Psychological distress and comorbid psychopathology contribute to exacerbation risk in patients with asthma. Thus, interventions designed to reduce stress and improve emotion regulation, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), may augment standard care. Few studies have addressed this question and a paucity of data exists to determine the ability of MBSR to impact clinical outcomes in asthma.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial investigated effects of MBSR training on asthma control and airway inflammation, in relation to psychological symptoms, in adults with asthma. Participants were randomized to an 8-week MBSR training (n = 35) or wait-list control group (n = 34). Clinically relevant asthma assessments, including Asthma Control Questionnaire and inflammatory biomarkers, were collected at baseline and six approximately-monthly follow-ups. Self-reported mindfulness, distress, depression, and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and study completion. Chronic stress level was determined at baseline only.
Results: = 0.76), which was maintained at 4mo post-intervention. 32% of MBSR participants achieved a clinically significant improvement, based on the ACQ6 Minimally Important Difference, relative to 12% of wait-list participants. Moreover, MBSR-related improvement in asthma control was associated with a reduction in distress (p = .043) and the intervention was most efficacious for those with the highest baseline depressive symptoms (p = .023). Importantly, MBSR also reduced levels of exhaled nitric oxide, a biomarker of airway inflammation, relative to wait-list controls (p < .05).
Conclusion: Supporting and extending extant evidence of mind-body relationships in asthma and the benefits of stress reduction for these patients, this is, to the best of our knowledge, the first RCT to demonstrate that training in MBSR improves clinically relevant asthma outcomes. MBSR may thus be a valuable addition to optimal asthma management, particularly for those with comorbid psychopathology. Clinical
Trial Registration: NCT02157766.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Slower respiration rate is associated with higher self-reported well-being after wellness training Scientific Reports September 24, 2023
- Tele-Mindfulness Program for Mental Health in Previously Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A quasi-experimental study. Advances in rehabilitation science and practice 2024
- Why mindfulness matters in musculoskeletal therapies: a narrative review Frontiers in Psychology October 17, 2025
- Neural mechanisms of mindfulness-based stress reduction in asthma. Scientific Reports May 18, 2026
- Mind-body effects of mindfulness-based training in athletes: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology February 19, 2026
Cites 12
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology December 11, 2018
- Mindfulness based stress reduction provides psychological benefit and restores immune function of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: A randomized trial with active control. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity August 1, 2019
- Gender Differences in Prevalence, Patterns, Purposes, and Perceived Benefits of Meditation Practices in the United States. Journal of Women's Health December 13, 2018
- Meditation for asthma: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma July 2018
and 7 more in the library