A network meta-analysis of 68 studies with 5,339 participants compared different mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain. Mindfulness-based stress reduction showed the strongest evidence for reducing pain intensity and depression, with moderate to high certainty. Mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement was most effective for improving physical function, though the evidence was low certainty. An 8-week course with weekly 90- to 120-minute sessions appeared optimal for addressing pain, physical function, and depression. These findings support the use of mindfulness-based interventions in chronic pain management and help inform evidence-based guidelines.
Loneliness is common among Chinese older adults. A randomized controlled trial compared an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention for older adults (MBOA) with a social contact control (SCC) in 245 community-dwelling lonely adults aged 60 or older in Hong Kong. At 12 months, there was no significant difference in loneliness reduction between the two groups, though both improved (within-group effect size: MBOA -0.58, SCC -0.31). MBOA participants showed reduced depressive symptoms and a trend toward less anxiety at 6 months compared with SCC. The findings suggest MBOA is not superior to social contact for loneliness but may benefit psychological symptoms.