Mindful Breathing as an Adjunctive Approach to Chronic Low Back Pain Management: A Scoping Review
Pain Management Nursing April 30, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.04.011 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindful breathing shows promise for managing chronic low back pain, either alone or alongside physiotherapy. A randomized controlled trial found both mindful breathing and physiotherapy groups reported significant pain reduction (VAS: -2.7 and -2.4, respectively) and improved quality of life (SF-36: +14.9 and +21.0). Yu et al. found that combining mindful breathing with core stability exercises yielded superior outcomes (ORR = 96.67%) compared to core exercises alone (ORR = 73.33%). The review notes that standardized protocols are lacking, limiting clinical use, and calls for future research to develop precise guidelines.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Scoping review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Mindful breathing physiotherapy core stability exercises |
| Keywords | Breathing Physical therapy Adjunctive treatment Chronic pain Pain management |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key finding | Mindful breathing reduces pain and improves quality of life in chronic low back pain, and combining it with core stability exercises enhances outcomes. |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and challenging condition. This scoping review explores the literature on mindful breathing's role in managing CLBP, either alone or alongside physiotherapy. METHODS: A thorough database search identified studies on mindful breathing and CLBP. Various study designs, from descriptive to randomized controlled trials, were included. RESULTS: Reviewed studies suggest that mindful breathing can improve body awareness and patients with CLBP. In a randomized controlled trial both mindful breathing and physiotherapy groups reported significant pain reduction (VAS: -2.7 mindful breathing, VAS: -2.4 physiotherapy) and improved quality of life (SF-36*: +14.9 mindful breathing, SF-36: +21.0 physiotherapy). Yu et al. found that combining mindful breathing with core stability exercises yielded superior outcomes (ORR* = 96.67%) compared to core exercises alone (ORR = 73.33%). CONCLUSIONS: Mindful breathing holds promise for chronic low back pain management, with studies revealing pain reduction and improved quality of life. Combining it with core stability exercises enhances outcomes. However, standardized protocols are lacking, limiting clinical use. Future research should focus on precise guidelines for integration into practice. Mindful breathing offers a holistic approach to pain management.