The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Body Scan Meditation on Physical and Psychological Outcomes Following ACL Reconstruction in an Adolescent Volleyball Player: A Case Report
Stephanie M. Svoboda, Jason Kostrna
JOSPT Cases November 1, 2025 DOI: 10.2519/josptcases.2025.0156 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Adolescent female volleyball player following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based body scan meditation |
| Duration | First 6 weeks following surgery |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Knee flexion range of motion and physical function improved through the acute phase of physical therapy, with positive responses in pain, anxiety, and mood. The participant found the meditation helpful and enjoyable, and it required minimal time and training with no added cost. |
Abstract
Background: This case report describes the use of a mindfulness-based body scan meditation on self-knee flexion range of motion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in an adolescent female. Secondary goals were to describe pain, anxiety, mood, and overall physical functioning during the first 6 weeks following surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A mindfulness intervention was added to the rehabilitation of an adolescent volleyball player. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Knee flexion range of motion and physical function improved through the acute phase of physical therapy. Pain, anxiety, and mood all responded positively. The participant found the meditation helpful and enjoyable. The meditation required minimal time and training, and there was no added cost to the plan of care.
Discussion: This case report describes the feasibility and effectiveness of mindfulness-based body scan meditation in an adolescent female participating in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation to support physical and psychological well-being. JOSPT Cases 2025;5(4):218-225. Epub 7 October 2025. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2025.0156
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- The effects of body scan meditation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 1, 2022
- Trends and Developments in Mindfulness Research over 55 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications Indexed in Web of Science Mindfulness July 16, 2021
- The clinical use of mindfulness meditation for the self-regulation of chronic pain. Journal of Behavioral Medicine June 1985
- An outpatient program in behavioral medicine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry April 1, 1982