Mindfulness-based stress reduction as a novel treatment for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Gregory Kanter, Yuko M Komesu, Fares Qaedan, Peter C Jeppson, Gena C Dunivan, Sara B Cichowski, Rebecca G Rogers
International urogynecology journal November 2016 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-016-3022-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome undergoing first- or second-line therapies |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week MBSR class, with baseline and 8-week post-treatment assessments |
| Measures | O'Leary-Sant Symptom Problem Index (OSPI), visual analog pain scale (VAS), Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Global Response Assessment (GRA) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Chronic pain Complementary therapies Emotional stress Interstitial cystitis |
| Key findings | MBSR added to usual care was associated with greater symptom improvement on the Global Response Assessment (87.5% vs 36.4%) and greater improvement in O'Leary-Sant Symptom Problem Index total and problem scores and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire scores compared with usual care alone. Pain, SF-12, and Female Sexual Function Index changes did not differ between groups. The authors propose that MBSR is a promising adjunctive therapy, with benefit possibly arising from empowerment and coping. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a standardized meditation program that may be an effective therapy for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a condition exacerbated by stress. The aims of this study were to explore whether MBSR improved IC/BPS symptoms and the feasibility/acceptability of MSBR among women with IC/BPS. This randomized controlled trial included women with IC/BPS undergoing first- or second-line therapies. Women were randomized to continuation of usual care (UC) or an 8-week MBSR class + usual care (MBSR). Participants completed baseline and 8-week post-treatment questionnaires, including the O'Leary-Sant Symptom Problem Index (OSPI), the visual analog pain scale (VAS), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). The Global Response Assessment (GRA) was completed post-treatment. Analyses were performed using Student's t test, Chi-squared, and MANOVA where appropriate. Eleven women were randomized to UC and 9 to MBSR, without differences in group characteristics. More MBSR participants' symptoms were improved on the GRA (7 out of 8 [87.5 %] vs 4 out of 11 [36.4 %], p = 0.03). The MBSR group showed greater improvement in the OSPI total (p = 0.0498) and problem scores (p = 0.036); the OSPI symptom score change did not differ. PSEQ scores improved in MBSR compared with UC (p = 0.035). VAS, SF-12, and FSFI change did not differ between groups. Eighty-six percent of MBSR participants felt more empowered to control symptoms, and all participants planned to continue MBSR. This trial provides initial evidence that MBSR is a promising adjunctive therapy for IC/BPS. Its benefit may arise from patients' empowerment and ability to cope with symptoms.
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 6
- Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Patient Experience During Urodynamics: A Prospective Study. International urogynecology journal October 1, 2024
- Augmentation of Interstitial Cystitis-Bladder Pain Syndrome Treatment With Meditation and Yoga: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology February 1, 2025
- Mindfulness-based body scan training in multimodal physiotherapy for vulvodynia - a randomized controlled feasibility study. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology December 2025
- Smartphone App Using Mindfulness Meditation for Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain (MEMPHIS): Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Trial JMIR Research Protocols 2018
- Does mindfulness meditation improve chronic pain? A systematic review Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology December 1, 2017
and 1 more in the library
Cites 3
- A controlled study of the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction technique in women with multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare April 1, 2009
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with chronic diseases. Australian journal of primary health 2010
- An outpatient program in behavioral medicine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry April 1, 1982