Meditation training for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial.
Francesco Pagnini, Anna Marconi, Aurora Tagliaferri, G M Manzoni, Ramona Gatto, Viviana Fabiani, Gaia Gragnano, G Rossi, E Volpato, P Banfi, A Palmieri, F Graziano, Gianluca Castelnuovo, M Corbo, Enrico Molinari, N Riva, Valeria Sansone, Christian Lunetta
European Journal of Neurology April 2017 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13246 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Open-label Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | Adults diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) within 18 months |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, with follow-up at 2, 6 and 12 months |
| Measures | ALS-Specific Quality of Life Revised scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Clinical psychology Motor neuron disease Quality of life |
| Key findings | An ALS-specific 8-week meditation programme improved quality of life compared with usual care over 12 months (β = 0.24, d = 0.89), with significant group differences over time also found for anxiety, depression, negative emotions, and interaction with people and the environment. |
Abstract
Studies investigating psychological interventions for the promotion of well-being in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are lacking. The purpose of the current study was to examine the use of an ALS-specific mindfulness-based intervention for improving quality of life in this population. A randomized, open-label and controlled clinical trial was conducted on the efficacy of an ALS-specific meditation programme in promoting quality of life. Adults who received a diagnosis of ALS within 18 months were randomly assigned either to usual care or to an 8-week meditation training based on the original mindfulness-based stress reduction programme and tailored for people with ALS. Quality of life, assessed with the ALS-Specific Quality of Life Revised scale, represented the primary outcome, whilst secondary outcomes included anxiety and depression, assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and specific quality of life domains. Participants were assessed at recruitment and after 2, 6 and 12 months. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed on an intention-to-treat basis of a linear mixed model. A hundred participants were recruited between November 2012 and December 2014. Over time, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality of life (β = 0.24, P = 0.015, d = 0.89). Significant differences between groups over time were also found for anxiety, depression, negative emotions, and interaction with people and the environment. An ALS-specific meditation programme is beneficial for the quality of life and psychological well-being of people with ALS.
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 10
- Effects of virtual reality mindfulness on cognition and well-being in ALS: A randomized trial protocol. Contemporary Clinical Trials May 1, 2025
- The Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine June 25, 2018
- Confronting mortality: A meta-analysis and systematic review of psychedelic experiences and death anxiety Journal of Psychopharmacology March 9, 2026
- A pilot evaluation of an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program for people with pre-symptomatic Huntington's disease. Journal of community genetics July 17, 2023
- Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy of Mindfulness Training in People With Upper Motor Neuron Disorders: A Systematic Review. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation December 2022
and 5 more in the library
Cites 3
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators The Journal of Positive Psychology April 11, 2012
- The experience of meditation for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers - a qualitative analysis. Psychology, Health & Medicine September 2016