Effectiveness of Structured Mindfulness-Based Interventions Versus Usual Care in Reducing Psychological Distress and Improving Quality of Life among Stroke patients
Irene Njoka, Jenniffer Donkor, Ruth Gakii, Ramadhan Thuwaiba Said, Laura Yemurai Dube, Innocent Arnold Tesha
Research Square November 19, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8132327/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 587 |
| Population | Stroke patients and survivors |
| Intervention | HEADS: UP |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors conclude that structured mindfulness-based interventions can effectively reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life among stroke patients and survivors, reporting significant improvements in depression and anxiety with large effect sizes (Cohen's d 0.86–0.91). Improvements were also observed in quality of life, cognition, sleep, motor function, and self-care. |
Abstract
Abstract Background : Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with survivors often experiencing significant psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, which can impact overall recovery and quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation approaches may not fully address these challenges. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have shown promise in managing psychological distress in stroke patients, but existing research is heterogeneous, creating gaps in evidence synthesis. Objective : This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured MBIs compared to usual care in reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life among stroke patients and survivors by synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods : Following the PICOS framework, we conducted a systematic review of RCTs published within the last 10 years. The search strategy included multiple databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results : Eight RCTs with 587 participants were included. Interventions included MBSR, MBCT, and tailored programs like HEADS: UP. Significant improvements were observed in depression and anxiety, with large effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.86–0.91; p < 0.05). Quality of life, cognition, sleep, motor function, and self-care also improved. Delivery methods were diverse (online, in-person, hybrid, audio-guided) with high completion rates (66.7%–99%). Conclusions : Structured MBIs can effectively reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life among stroke patients and survivors. The diverse delivery methods and adaptations highlight the potential for these interventions to be tailored to the unique needs of stroke survivors. Future research should focus on standardized reporting practices and further exploration of the mechanisms underlying the benefits of MBIs in stroke rehabilitation.
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 |