Internet-based Brief Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy as an Adjunct to Standard Care After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
S. D. Kashyap, Shweta Singh, Rishi Sethi, Vivek Agarwal
Indian Journal of Clinical Cardiology May 31, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/26324636261448352 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Medically stable post-AMI participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Randomized controlled trial Psychological intervention Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Intervention counseling Depression economics Physical therapy Adjunct Cognitive reappraisal Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognition Clinical psychology Clinical trial Pilot trial |
| Key findings | Internet-based B-MBCT plus treatment-as-usual led to significantly greater reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and illness perception, and greater improvements in mindfulness skills and quality of life compared with treatment-as-usual alone. |
Abstract
Background: Psychological distress, maladaptive illness perceptions, and reduced quality of life are common following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and may negatively influence recovery and treatment adherence. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has demonstrated benefits for emotional regulation; however, evidence for internet-based brief MBCT (B-MBCT) interventions in post-AMI populations remains limited. The present study examined the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of an internet-based B-MBCT intervention in improving psychological outcomes following AMI.
Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial included 18 medically stable post-AMI participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Participants were randomly allocated to an internet-based B-MBCT plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) group or a TAU-only group. The intervention consisted of 8 weekly online sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15, and MacNew Quality of Life Questionnaire.
Results: Compared with TAU, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and illness perception, along with significant improvements in mindfulness skills and quality of life ( P < .05). Effect sizes were large across outcomes ( η ² = 0.59-0.94).
Conclusion: Internet-based B-MBCT appears feasible and shows promising preliminary effectiveness for improving psychological outcomes following AMI. Larger randomized trials are required to confirm these findings.
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
Cites 8
- Feasibility and Acceptability of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Compared with Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Treatment as Usual in People with Depression and Cardiovascular Disorders: a Three-Arm Randomised Controlled Trial Mindfulness July 21, 2018
- The Efficacy and Durability of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine May 1, 2025
- A Brief Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Intervention as a Population-Level Strategy for Anxiety and Depression International Journal of Cognitive Therapy April 20, 2021
- Face-to-Face and Internet-Based Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Compared With Treatment as Usual in Reducing Psychological Distress in Patients With Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology June 28, 2018
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression Psychiatric Clinics of North America September 18, 2017
and 3 more in the library