Pilot clinical trial of a clinical meditation and imagery intervention for chronic pain after spinal cord injury.
Jeanne M Zanca, Christine Gilchrist, Caroline E Ortiz, Trevor A Dyson-Hudson
Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine May 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1970894 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Adults with chronic spinal cord injury (>1 year) and chronic pain rated ≥4/10 on average over the last week |
| Intervention | mantra meditation |
| Duration | 4-week program, with follow-up at Day 42 and Day 70 |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Chronic pain Imagery Nct02262234 Rehabilitation Spinal cord injury |
| Key findings | Pain interference decreased to a greater extent in the control group at both Day 42 and Day 70, with a large effect size (d > 1.0), while several secondary outcomes showed more favorable changes in the CMI group. |
Abstract
To assess the feasibility and potential benefits of clinical meditation and imagery (CMI) for people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and chronic pain. Pilot randomized, controlled trial. Outpatients with SCI in the United States. 24 adults with chronic SCI (>1 year) and a >3 month history of pain rated ≥4/10 on average over the last week. 4-week program of once-weekly 2-hour group classes, offered in-person and online. CMI group participants were taught mindfulness, mantra meditation, and guided imagery practices. Control group participants received education on topics related to health and function after SCI. Pain interference (primary outcome), pain cognitions, pain intensity/unpleasantness, depressive symptomology, perceived stress. Pain interference decreased to a greater extent in the control group at both Day 42 and Day 70, with a large effect size (d > 1.0). Several secondary outcome measures showed changes consistent with more favorable outcomes in the CMI group at both Day 42 and Day 70, with a large effect size d > 0.80, including worst pain intensity over the last week, depressive symptomology, belief in pain as a sign of harm and perceived control over pain. Perceived stress improved to a greater extent in the control group (d = 1.16 at Day 42, d = .20 at Day 70). CMI is feasible and acceptable to implement with people with SCI and chronic pain. Further study is warranted to assess potential benefits for pain-related outcomes.
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 4
- Mindfulness for health and wellbeing in adults with spinal cord injury: A scoping review Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine July 15, 2024
- Evaluation of mindfulness-based interventions for pain, anxiety, and depression in spinal cord injury patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical neurology and neurosurgery April 1, 2025
- Mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions for people with spinal cord injury: a scoping review. Spinal cord March 1, 2025
- A Systematic Review of the Adherence to Home-Practice Meditation Exercises in Patients with Chronic Pain. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health March 2, 2023
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