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Evaluation of a biofeedback-assisted meditation program as a stress management tool for hospital nurses: a pilot study.

Susanne M Cutshall, Laura J Wentworth, Dietlind L Wahner-Roedler, Ann Vincent, John E Schmidt, Laura L Loehrer, Stephen S Cha, Brent A Bauer

Explore 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2010.12.004 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Pre-post pilot study Peer reviewed
Sample size 11
Population Registered nurses not previously engaged in meditation
Dose 30 minutes per session, four times a week, for four weeks
Duration 4-week intervention
Measures Linear Analogue Self-Assessment (LASA), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Short-Form 36 (SF-36)
Topics Meditation
Key points Intent-to-treat analysis showed significant improvements in stress management, as measured by SF-36 vitality subscale, STAI, LASA stress, and LASA anxiety. Nurses rated satisfaction 8.6 out of 10, suggesting the program's feasibility and efficacy.

Abstract

To assess whether a self-directed, computer-guided meditation training program is useful for stress reduction in hospital nurses. We prospectively evaluated participants before and after a month-long meditation program. The meditation program consisted of 15 computer sessions that used biofeedback to reinforce training. Participants were instructed to practice the intervention for 30 minutes per session, four times a week, for four weeks. Visual analogue scales were used to measure stress, anxiety, and quality of life (assessments were performed using Linear Analogue Self-Assessment [LASA], State Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI], and Short-Form 36 [SF-36] questionnaires). Differences in scores from baseline to the study's end were compared using the paired t test. Eleven registered nurses not previously engaged in meditation were enrolled; eight completed the study. Intent-to-treat analysis showed significant improvement in stress management, as measured by SF-36 vitality subscale (P = .04), STAI (P = .03), LASA stress (P = .01), and LASA anxiety (P = .01). Nurses were highly satisfied with the meditation program, rating it 8.6 out of 10. The results of this pilot study suggest the feasibility and efficacy of a biofeedback-assisted, self-directed, meditation training program to help hospital nurses reduce their stress and anxiety. Optimal frequency of use of the program, as well as the duration of effects, should be addressed in future studies.

Comparable studies

Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients 2003 Pre-post intervention study n = 59
Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample 2010 Pre-post intervention study
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students 2003 Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study n = 302
Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls 2011 Controlled trial with wait-list control group n = 60
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents 2011 Within-group waitlist controlled trial n = 22

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Meditation Anxiety