Efficacy of Internet-Delivered Mindfulness for Improving Depression in Caregivers of People With Spinal Cord Injuries and Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of web-based mindfulness training for carers of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Randomized controlled feasibility study with three-month follow-up. Setting: Community setting. Participants: Spouses/family caregivers of people with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain were recruited via the direct care team and advertisements. Participants were aged over 18 years (no upper age limit), with internet access for the duration of the study. Participants were randomly allocated to an eight-week online mindfulness training intervention (N=28), or to receive eight weeks of psychoeducational materials on SCI and chronic pain (N=27). Interventions: An established web-based, mindfulness training course was delivered over eight weeks. Participants completed ten minute mindfulness practices, twice per day, six days per week, totaling 960 minutes. The control group received a weekly email with psychoeducational materials (based on the established elements) on SCI and pain, for eight weeks. Main Outcome Measure: Depression severity. Results: Mindfulness reduced depression severity more than psychoeducation at T2 (mean difference =-.891, 95% CI [-1.48,-.30]) and T3 (mean difference =-1.96, 95% CI [-2.94,-.97]). Mindfulness training also reduced anxiety at T2 (mean difference =-.888, 95% CI [-1.40,-.38]) and T3 (mean difference =-2.44, 95% CI [-3.20,-1.69]). Conclusions: Results indicate that internet-delivered mindfulness training offers unique benefits, and is viable for caregivers of people with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain. Further work should explore the feasibility of combined education and mindfulness training incorporating both patient and caregiver, for optimum benefit.

Shift to Virtual Self-Management Programs During COVID-19: Ensuring Access and Efficacy for Older Adults

“…Ultimately 90% of participants reported satisfaction with their experience. Recent studies have found virtual education can be effective in providing older adults with opportunities for exercise and improving pain management skills (19)(20)(21). Our research further supports these findings and shows that virtual programming can improve the quality of life of older adults.…”

User perspectives on a psychosocial blended support program for partners of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progressive muscular atrophy: a qualitative study

“…Overall, the different components of the support program were appreciated by the caregivers, but they expressed mixed opinions regarding the components mindfulness and peer support. Although mindfulness based interventions has been shown to decrease feelings of depression and caregiver burden in caregivers [32, 33], most caregivers in our study did not perceive the mindfulness exercises as helpful. Yet, it is not uncommon for participants to report unpleasant reactions, such as agitation, discomfort, or confusion during mindfulness interventions [34].…”

Effects of Meditation on Mental Health and Cardiovascular Balance in Caregivers

“…With regard to the impact on anxiety, a recent meta-analysis supported the usefulness of yoga or meditation as a complementary or solo treatment of anxiety or depression [28]. It has previously been found that a 12-month yoga programs or an 8-week meditation programs can reduce anxiety and depression and diminish physical and psychological distress [15,14,29].…”