BMJ open
July 18, 2025
Vjura Senthilnathan, Susan Zahir, Robert Simpson et al.
1 citation
Online mindfulness programs are increasingly used to manage health conditions. This scoping review of 84 studies found that online mindfulness-based interventions have been studied for many physical and mental health conditions, with 63 studies focused on physical health. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was the most common type, assessed in 33 studies. Interventions typically lasted 8 weeks, were led by therapists or instructors, and delivered via web or videoconferencing. Content generally followed standard mindfulness programs, sometimes adding psychoeducation or disease management. Many studies did not report tailoring interventions to participants, and reporting of intervention details was inconsistent. The review suggests some evidence for online mindfulness programs but notes that intervention components remain unclear.
Disability and rehabilitation
April 16, 2025
Ashvene Sureshkumar, Dorothy Luong, Sarah Munce et al.
1 citation
People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), their care partners, MS clinicians, and mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) instructors identified four key themes for implementing online MBIs: structuring mindfulness to fit daily life, improving clinician awareness and advocacy to build referral pathways, ensuring validating group experiences through diverse participant composition and skilled instructor interactions, and providing resources for sustained engagement. PwMS valued having control to tailor MBIs to their needs and preferred diverse participant groups, though clinician guidance may be needed to foster self-agency. Shared decision-making among all knowledge users can enhance flexible online MBI programming.
Journal of pain research
January 1, 2025
Darren K Cheng, Robert Simpson, Rahim Moineddin et al.
A virtual Sahaj Samadhi Meditation program did not significantly outperform an active control (Health Enhancement Program) in reducing depressive symptoms among people with chronic pain and moderate depression. Within the meditation group, depressive symptoms decreased by an average of 3.97 points on the PHQ-9 at 12 weeks and 4.96 points at 24 weeks, both exceeding the minimal clinically important difference, while the control group showed no significant change. The trial enrolled 108 participants, with 89 randomized. The findings suggest potential benefits of the meditation program, but larger trials under non-pandemic conditions are needed to confirm effectiveness.