A systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis.
Robert Simpson, Stephanie Posa, Laura Langer, Tania Bruno, Sharon Simpson, Maggie Lawrence, Jo Booth, Stewart W Mercer, Anthony Feinstein, Mark Bayley
Journal of Neurology November 9, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11451-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 937 |
| Population | People with multiple sclerosis, mostly ambulatory, with cognitively impaired patients largely excluded |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Multiple sclerosis Comorbidity Quality of life Bias Meta-analysis Systematic review |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions improved overall quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (standardized mean difference 0.40, 14 trials), with a similar effect on multiple-sclerosis-specific quality of life (0.39, 8 trials) and the largest benefit on mental health-related quality of life (0.70, 8 trials). The authors conclude these interventions are effective for quality of life, particularly mental health-related quality of life, but note more research is needed on optimal format, mechanisms, and effects in more diverse populations. |
Abstract
Background: Quality of life (QoL) is commonly impaired among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this study was to evaluate via meta-analysis the efficacy of Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for improving QoL in PwMS.
Methods: Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified via searching six major electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, AMED, and PsycINFO) in April 2022. The primary outcome was QoL. Study quality was determined using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis using a random effects model was undertaken. Effect sizes are reported as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD). Prospero ID: 139835.
Results: From a total of 1312 individual studies, 14 RCTs were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, total participant n = 937. Most studies included PwMS who remained ambulatory. Cognitively impaired PwMS were largely excluded. Comorbidities were inconsistently reported. Most MBIs were delivered face-to face in group format, but five were online. Eight studies (n = 8) measured MS-specific QoL. In meta-analysis, overall effect size (SMD) for any QoL measure (n = 14) was 0.40 (0.18-0.61), p = 0.0003, I2 = 52%. SMD for MS-specific QoL measures (n = 8) was 0.39 (0.21-0.57), p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%. MBI effect was largest on subscale measures of mental QoL (n = 8), SMD 0.70 (0.33-1.06), p = 0.0002, I2 = 63%. Adverse events were infrequently reported.
Conclusions: MBIs effectively improve QoL in PwMS. The greatest benefits are on mental health-related QoL. However, more research is needed to characterize optimal formatting, mechanisms of action, and effects in PwMS with more diverse social, educational, and clinical backgrounds.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines November 15, 2024
- Improved quality of life and psychological symptoms following mindfulness and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis and their mediating role for cognition: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Neurology July 1, 2024
- Can we Predict Who Benefits Most From Mindfulness? Exploring Baseline Variables Influencing Responses to Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Young Adults Mindfulness August 1, 2025
- The Associations of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion on Quality of Life for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, a Cross-Sectional Study from Turkey. Psychiatry March 18, 2025
- Preliminary Efficacy of an Immersive Virtual Reality Meditation Intervention in Reducing Perceived Stress and Anxiety among University Students International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2025
Cites 22
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica April 28, 2011
- Home practice in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of participants' mindfulness practice and its association with outcomes Behaviour Research and Therapy May 10, 2017
- Potential treatment mechanisms in a mindfulness‐based intervention for people with progressive multiple sclerosis British Journal of Health Psychology May 30, 2016
and 17 more in the library