Online meditation training for people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial.
Cesare Cavalera, Marco Rovaris, Laura Mendozzi, Luigi Pugnetti, Massimo Garegnani, Gianluca Castelnuovo, Enrico Molinari, Francesco Pagnini
Multiple Sclerosis Journal April 2019 DOI: 10.1177/1352458518761187 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 139 |
| Population | People with multiple sclerosis |
| Interventions | MS-specific online mindfulness meditation intervention psychoeducation |
| Duration | 2-month intervention with assessment at 6 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Multiple sclerosis Online intervention Psychoeducation |
| Key findings | An online, MS-specific mindfulness meditation intervention improved quality of life and reduced depression, anxiety, and sleep problems relative to an active psychoeducational control at the end of the two-month program, but these group differences were no longer significant at six months. The authors conclude the intervention may be effective in the short term and that sustaining long-term change requires new strategies. |
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a relevant impact on quality of life (QOL) and is associated with increased risks of psychological morbidity. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are among the most studied interventions, although few well-conducted studies have tested them in this field. Furthermore, the participation in typical MBIs may be impaired by time and logistics. We aimed to test the efficacy of an online MBI to improve QOL, psychological well-being, sleep, and fatigue. We conducted a randomized controlled trial, in which 139 participants were randomly assigned to an MS-specific online mindfulness meditation intervention or to a psychoeducational (active control) group. Participants were assessed for QOL, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and fatigue, at three different times: at recruitment, after 2 months, and after 6 months. In comparison to the control group, the experimental subjects reported higher QOL and lower depression, anxiety, and sleep problems at the end of intervention. However, after 6 months these group differences were no longer significant. An online MBI could be an effective psychological treatment for the promotion of well-being in MS in short-term. However, the lack of lasting effects requires the development of new strategies to support long-term changes.
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
Cited by 14
- Into the Moment: Does Mindfulness Affect Biological Pathways in Multiple Sclerosis? Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience May 22, 2018
- The Effect of Meditation-Based Interventions on Patients with Fatigue Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychologica Belgica 2023
- Online mindfulness interventions in the care of people with physical and mental health conditions: a scoping review. BMJ Open July 18, 2025
- Learning to self-soothe, feel safe, and be connected: participant perspectives of a mindful self-compassion program for people with multiple sclerosis. Disability and Rehabilitation August 24, 2026
- Effects of online mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on anxiety symptoms in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies July 28, 2023
and 9 more in the library
Cites 10
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Meditation as an Adjunct to the Management of Multiple Sclerosis Neurology Research International 2014
- Potential treatment mechanisms in a mindfulness‐based intervention for people with progressive multiple sclerosis British Journal of Health Psychology May 30, 2016
- The efficacy of a Mindfulness Based Intervention for depressive symptoms in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial BMC Neurology January 13, 2016
and 5 more in the library