Mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions for people with spinal cord injury: a scoping review.
Mengqi Li, Wing Yiu Lo, Yule Hu, Shanshan Wang, Tsz-ching Sun, Worku Animaw Temesgen, Mengting He, Yan Li
Spinal cord March 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-025-01068-y
Summary
Mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions (MABIs) significantly enhance the well-being of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Out of 2,389 records, nine studies—comprising 4 randomized controlled trials and 5 other designs—demonstrated medium-to-large effect sizes in reducing depression and anxiety, with improvements noted in chronic pain management and quality of life. Participants reported high satisfaction with MABIs. However, study quality varied, indicating a need for stronger methodologies in future investigations to optimize these interventions' benefits for this population.
Abstract
Scoping review. To synthesize the effects of mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions (MABIs) on health-related outcomes of individuals with spinal cord injury. The included studies were conducted across four countries: The United States, Iran, China, and The United Kingdom. This review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guideline. Seven databases were searched until November 2024 to identify studies published in English-language that evaluated MABIs' effects on health-related outcomes in people with spinal cord injury. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers independently. A narrative data synthesis was conducted. Of 2389 records, nine studies were included with designs of randomized controlled trials (n = 4), quasi-experimental studies (n = 3), and case studies (n = 2). Acceptance commitment therapy (n = 4) and mindfulness-based interventions (n = 5) were employed. MABIs demonstrated significant improvements in psychological health outcomes (depression, n = 3; anxiety, n = 3; stress, n = 2) with medium-to-large effect sizes ( η p 2 = 0.112 - 0.223 ) and other health-related outcomes (chronic pain, n = 1; functional independence, n = 1; engagement in meaningful activities, n = 1; and quality of life, n = 1). Participants found the MABIs to be acceptable and satisfactory. Study quality varied from weak (n = 6) to strong (n = 2). The findings generally support the acceptability and effectiveness of MABIs for improving the overall well-being of individuals with SCI. Future research directions regarding designing MABIs and exploring effectiveness mechanisms were recommended for maximizing its benefits.