The design and methods of the aging successfully with pain study.
Natalia E. Morone, Carol M. Greco, Bruce L Rollman, Charity G Moore, Bridget Lane, Lisa A Morrow, Nancy W Glynn, Jill Delaney, Steven M. Albert, Debra K. Weiner
Contemporary Clinical Trials November 15, 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2011.11.012 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial (methodology paper) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 300 |
| Population | Adults aged 65 years or older with chronic low back pain |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Low back pain Pain measurement Treatment outcome Behavior therapy Health education Aging Quality of life Aged Female |
| Key findings | The paper presents the methodology for a randomized controlled trial of 300 older adults with chronic low back pain, comparing a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program with a control program adapted from the 10 Keys to Healthy Aging. The authors' primary hypothesis is that MBSR will be more effective than the control at increasing physical function and decreasing pain; they also plan to evaluate effects on neuropsychological performance. They contend this is the first large, well-controlled, comprehensive examination of a mind-body program in this population. |
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is widespread among older adults (≥ 65 years) and is often treated inadequately. With a rapidly growing aging population, CLBP will increase and so will the demand for treatment. We believe that mind-body therapies can help to meet this demand. We present the methodology of a randomized, controlled clinical trial of 300 individuals with CLBP aged 65 years or older. The specific aims are, 1) to determine the effectiveness of a mindfulness meditation program in increasing function and reducing pain among older adults with CLBP, and 2) to evaluate the impact of mindfulness meditation on neuropsychological performance in older adults with CLBP. The intervention program is modeled on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) and the control is adapted from the 10 Keys to Healthy Aging. We will measure self-reported and objectively measured physical function and include a variety of measures to assess pain intensity and pain interference and psychological function. Our primary hypothesis is that the MBSR program will be more effective than the 10 Keys program in increasing function and decreasing pain. The proposed study represents the first large, well-controlled, comprehensive examination of the effects of a mind-body program on older adults with chronic pain.
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 8
- Utilizing Apple Vision Pro for Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Pain and Anxiety in a Hospitalized Patient With Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: A Case Report. Cureus April 1, 2026
- An experimental study to inform adoption of mindfulness-based stress reduction in chronic low back pain. Implementation science communications August 6, 2022
- Theory of Planned Behavior and Mindfulness Intentions in Chronic Low Back Pain. Mindfulness 2022
- The design and methods of the OPTIMUM study: A multisite pragmatic randomized clinical trial of a telehealth group mindfulness program for persons with chronic low back pain. Contemporary Clinical Trials October 2021
- A Mind-Body Program for Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Internal Medicine March 1, 2016
and 3 more in the library
Cites 12
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
- A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000
- Mindfulness meditation for the treatment of chronic low back pain in older adults: A randomized controlled pilot study ☆ Pain June 4, 2007
and 7 more in the library