Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pulmonary Diseases: A Systematic Review of Effects on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Dyspnea, and Quality of Life
Alessia Bramanti, Colomba Pessolano, Marina Garofano, Angelantonio Maglio, Michele Ciccarelli, Luana Budaci, Mariaconsiglia Calabrese, Andrea Marıno, Francesco Loria, Francesco Corallo, Placido Bramanti, Carmine Vecchione, Alessandro Vatrella
Bioengineering August 29, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090931 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review of 13 studies (8 randomized controlled trials, 5 non-randomized) found that mindfulness-based interventions, including digital and virtual-reality formats, are associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, stress, and health-related quality of life among people with chronic pulmonary diseases such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease. The interventions were generally well tolerated and effective across delivery methods, especially when tailored and sustained. The authors conclude that mindfulness-based approaches show promise as a feasible complementary tool in respiratory care.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals with chronic pulmonary diseases (COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease) |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Depression economics Psychological intervention Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Mindfulness-based interventions were associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, stress, and health-related quality of life in several studies of individuals with chronic pulmonary diseases. |
Abstract
(1) Background: Chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs), such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, are often accompanied by psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), including digital and virtual reality (VR) formats, have emerged as promising non-pharmacological approaches to improve symptom management and well-being. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs-delivered in-person or digitally-on anxiety, depression, disease-related stress, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life in individuals with CPDs. (2) Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2005-2025). Thirteen studies (8 randomized controlled trials, 5 non-randomized) met inclusion criteria. Outcomes assessed included psychological distress, physical symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. (3) Results: MBIs were associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, stress, and HRQoL in several studies. Interventions were generally well-tolerated and effective across various delivery methods, including digital and VR-based formats. Improvements were especially notable when interventions were tailored and sustained. (4) Conclusions: MBIs, including digital and VR-delivered formats, show promise in supporting psychological and physical outcomes in CPD populations. They represent a feasible and complementary tool in modern respiratory care.