Mindful self-compassion to reduce pain interference among adults with osteogenesis imperfecta

Abstract

Background Between 60–80% of adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) experience chronic pain and associated interference. Currently available pain therapies often provide marginal efficacy. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) has emerged as a promising intervention for coping with chronic pain. Methods We conducted a single center 8-week pilot intervention study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a MSC program among adults with OI and co-occurring chronic pain. Individuals attended the validated MSC course consisting of 8 weekly virtual 2-hour sessions. Participants completed a battery of validated questionnaires assessing pain, various aspects of well-being, and physical function at baseline and post intervention. Participants wore the ActiGraph GT9X Link watch to measure sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Results Seven adults with OI and co-occurring pain participated in the MSC program. The program was feasible, as indicated by high attendance and high questionnaire completion rates. While our pilot study was not powered to show efficacy, we observed a decrease in pain interference on the PROMIS pain interference questionnaire (mean 55.9 ± SD 5.5 at baseline vs. 50.0 ± 7.3 at 8 weeks, Cohen’s d=-0.9, p < 0.05). Conclusions Implementation of the MSC program is feasible as a potential therapeutic option to address chronic pain in OI.