Can a stress management programme reduce stress and improve quality of life in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
Susan Agland, Amanda Lydon, Sally Shaw, Rodney Lea, Sheila Mortimer-Jones, Jeannette Lechner-Scott
Multiple sclerosis journal - experimental, translational and clinical October 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1177/2055217318813179 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | People with multiple sclerosis |
| Interventions | Mindfulness meditation progressive muscle relaxation |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Multiple sclerosis Perceived stress Stress management Progressive muscle relaxation |
| Key findings | The stress management programme did not significantly reduce perceived stress when mean scores were compared. In a secondary analysis using median scores, quality of life improved significantly in the intervention group relative to the wait list. |
Abstract
Background: Despite evidence of perceived stress as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis activity, the evidence for managing stress is limited.Objective To evaluate a stress management programme on perceived stress and quality of life, over 6 months.
Methods: One hundred people with multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to either a stress management programme of mindfulness, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation, or wait list. Perceived stress and quality of life were assessed at three intervals across 6 months. Salivary cortisol levels were assessed at two intervals: baseline and first follow-up.
Results: The stress management programme did not significantly reduce perceived stress, when comparing mean scores. Secondary analysis using median scores found a significant improvement for quality of life, favouring the intervention group.
Conclusion: Stress management had no significant effect on the primary outcome of perceived stress but did improve quality of life in a secondary analysis of median scores.
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 |