A new mindfulness and psycho-educative program for treatment of brain fatigue, evaluated after an acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis.

A pilot program combining mindfulness training with education about brain fatigue reduced fatigue and anxiety in people with acquired brain injury or multiple sclerosis. Sixteen participants attended six biweekly group sessions that included meditation, fatigue-related knowledge, and group discussion, while 16 waitlisted controls completed only questionnaires. After the program, the treatment group showed significantly lower brain fatigue and anxiety than controls. Interviews with 13 participants indicated the program provided a space to share experiences, helped them feel more understood and less alone, and taught them to better understand and manage brain fatigue. The authors suggest the program may be a rehabilitation option but call for larger confirmatory studies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a common long-term problem after illnesses affecting the brain, having substantial impact on work ability, social activities, and quality of life. Treatment has been requested in the healthcare and by patients. The aim of this randomized pilot study is to evaluate a new Brain Fatigue and Mindfulness program (BF-M) for participants suffering from long-term fatigue after an acquired brain injury or Multiple Sclerosis. BF-M consists of six biweekly group meetings. Meditation is practiced, knowledge is imparted about fatigue and participants have time to share and discuss common issues. Methods: A mixed method research design is used with quantitative and qualitative methods. Sixteen participants completed BF-M and 16 controls on waitlist responded to questionnaires before and after the intervention. Results: After the program, the BF-M group had a significant reduction in BF and anxiety compared to the controls. The analysis of 13 interviews with BF-M participants suggested that: (1) BF-M became a space for the participants to exchange and share experiences associated with BF; (2) the participants felt more understood and less alone; and (3) they learned how to better understand and live with brain fatigue. Conclusions: This study showed that BF-M may reduce brain fatigue and help participants to better manage their difficulties. Based on this pilot study, we suggest that BF-M may be considered as a rehabilitation option for brain fatigue. However, more confirmatory research with larger and different patient groups is needed.