The Work Engagement and Well-being Study (SWELL): A randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluating the effects of mindfulness versus light physical exercise at work
Maris Vainre, Tim Dalgleish, Peter Watson, Christina Haag, Quentin Dercon, Julieta Galante, Caitlin Hitchcock
September 19, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/wamkn (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pragmatic randomised controlled feasibility trial Randomized Preregistered |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 241 |
| Population | Employees from 8 employers |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based programme light physical exercise programme |
| Duration | Four-week intervention, with post-intervention and 12-week follow-up |
| Measures | Work Role Functioning Questionnaire |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 1 |
| Registration | NCT04631302 |
| Key findings | The mindfulness-based programme showed negligible benefits for work performance compared with a light physical exercise control at post-intervention (d = 0.06) and 12-week follow-up (d = 0.02). Both interventions improved mental health outcomes from pre- to post-intervention (ds = -0.40 to 0.58). The authors conclude that results provide little support for a later-phase trial comparing a mindfulness-based programme to a light exercise control. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) are increasingly offered in work settings, often in online self-guided format. However, the evidence on MBPs' effect on work performance (WP) is inconsistent.This pragmatic randomised controlled feasibility trial assessed procedural uncertainties, intervention acceptability and, preliminary effect sizes of a MBP on WP, relative to an alternative intervention, to inform a later-stage trial.241 employees from 8 employers were randomised (1:1) to complete a four-week, self-guided, online MBP or a light physical exercise programme (an active control). Feasibility and acceptability measures were of primary interest. For the preliminary assessment of effect sizes, the primary outcome was WP at post-intervention measured using the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes assessed depression, anxiety, stress, and cognitive processes hypothesised to be targeted by the MBP, including decentering and cognitive control. Outcomes were collected at baseline, post-intervention (PostInt), and 12-week follow-up (12wFUP). The trial protocol was pre-registered (NCT04631302).87% of randomised participants started the course. Both courses had high acceptability. Regarding procedural feasibility, retention rates for outcome collection were typical for online trials (64% at PostInt and 30% at 12wFUP). The MBP, compared to the control, offered negligible benefits for WP at PostInt (d = 0.06, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.32) and 12wFUP (d = 0.02, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.26). We observed small effect sizes (ds = -0.09-0.04, 95% CIs -0.15 to 0.17) for the difference between the MBP and the control for mental health and cognitive control secondary outcomes. Both interventions improved mental health outcomes from pre- to post-intervention (ds = -0.40-0.58, 95% CIs -0.32 to 0.18).The trial is feasible and interventions are acceptable, but results provide little support for a later-phase trial comparing an MBP to a light exercise control. To inform future trials of online MBPs, we summarise procedural challenges. Results suggest MBPs are unlikely to improve work performance relative to light physical exercise. Although the MBP improved mental health , other active interventions may be just as efficacious.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 18
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Professionals: Results From a Randomized Trial. International Journal of Stress Management May 1, 2005
- What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016
- Cognitive-Affective Neural Plasticity following Active-Controlled Mindfulness Intervention Journal of Neuroscience October 31, 2012
and 13 more in the library