Caring for Informal Dementia Caregivers and Their Loved Ones Via the HOMeCARE Exercise and Mindfulness for Health Program (HOMeCARE): A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial.
Tommy Lang, Kenneth Daniel, Michael Inskip, Yorgi Mavros, Maria A Fiatarone Singh
Gerontology & geriatric medicine 2023 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231203472 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | Informal dementia caregivers (median age 75 years) and their loved ones with dementia (median age 77 years) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) progressive resistance training (PRT) balance training |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Caregiver Dementia Exercise Resistance training |
| Key findings | The dyadic home program significantly improved caregiver mindfulness (relative effect size 1.35, 95% CI -0.10 to 2.81; p = .009) and improved functional mobility in loved ones (mean difference 1.53, 95% CI -3.09 to 6.14), with no significant effect on caregiver burden (relative effect size 0.22, 95% CI -1.09 to 1.54; p = .622). The authors report the intervention appeared feasible in the home environment. |
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of a dyadic intervention of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for informal dementia caregivers and home-based balance and progressive resistance training (PRT) for their loved ones.
Methods: The study was a two arm, randomized, controlled, single-blinded, parallel-group trial. Dyads were randomized to an intervention group: an 8-week MBSR course (daily) and an 8-week PRT and balance training (3 days/week) for their loved ones or a waiting list control group.
Results: Nine dyads were randomized [caregivers: median age 75 (40-81) years, loved ones: 77 (73-88) years]. The intervention significantly improved caregiver mindfulness [relative effect size (95% confidence interval) 1.35 (-0.10, 2.81); p = .009] and functional mobility in their loved ones [mean difference (95% confidence interval) 1.53 (-3.09, 6.14)] with no significant effects on caregiver burden [relative effect size (95% confidence interval) 0.22 (-1.09, 1.54); p = .622].
Conclusion: The study appeared feasible in the home environment and future large and longer trials should test the efficacy of a more abbreviated MBSR intervention and to optimize adoption and sustain adherence over time. Trial registry name: HOMeCare: Caring for the Dementia Caregiver and their Loved One via the HOMeCare Exercise and Mindfulness for Health Program Trial URL: https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/anzctr/trial/ACTRN12617000347369 Registration number: ACTRN12617000347369.
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 4
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica April 28, 2011
- Psychological benefits for cancer patients and their partners participating in mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Psycho-Oncology November 16, 2009
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for family carers of people with dementia Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews August 14, 2018
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research July 1, 2004