Feasibility and efficacy of an at-home, smart-device aided mindfulness program in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Francesco Motolese, Domenica Stelitano, Jacopo Lanzone, Giuliano Albergo, Alessandro Cruciani, Camilla Masciulli, Gabriella Musumeci, Fabio Pilato, Mariagrazia Rossi, Michele Ribolsi, Vincenzo Di Lazzaro, Fioravante Capone
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders October 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104931 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Feasibility study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 29 |
| Population | Patients with multiple sclerosis |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Measures | Ruminative Response Scale, Digit Span Backward, quantitative EEG |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Biofeedback devices EEG Multiple sclerosis Rumination Mhealth |
| Key points | The authors report that an 8-week, at-home, smart-device aided mindfulness program was feasible for people with multiple sclerosis, with 93% completing the program and 63% completing more than 80% of sessions. They observed significant reductions in Ruminative Response Scale scores and significant increases in Digit Span Backward, alongside reduced whole-scalp beta and parieto-occipital theta power, which they say support efficacy for stress reappraisal and cognitive and emotional coping. |
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Mindfulness is a practice that encourages individuals to cultivate a present-focused, acceptance-based approach for managing psychological distress. Its positive effect on MS has been demonstrated, but learning such technique is expensive and time-consuming. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of an 8-week, at-home, smart-device aided mindfulness program in a cohort of MS patients. Specifically, we explored the role of a brain-sensing headband providing real-time auditory feedback as supportive tool for meditation exercises. The study included two visits, one at baseline and another after the mindfulness program. We measured adherence to the proposed mindfulness treatment and its effect on questionnaires investigating different psychological domains, cognition, fatigue, quality of life and quantitative EEG parameters. All participants received a smart biofeedback device to be used during the therapeutic program consisting of daily meditative exercises. Twenty-nine patients were recruited for the present study. Among them, 27 (93%) completed the entire program and 17 (63%) completed more than 80% of the scheduled sessions. We observed a statistically significant reduction of the Ruminative Response Scale score and a significant increase of the Digit Span Backward. Regarding neurophysiological data, we found a significant reduction of the whole-scalp beta and parieto-occipital theta power post intervention. Our results show that an at-home, smart-device aided mindfulness program is feasible for people with MS. The efficacy in terms of reappraisals of stress, cognitive and emotional coping responses is also supported by our neurophysiological data. Further studies are warranted to better explore the role of such approaches in managing the psychological impact of MS diagnosis.