Mindful breathing for cancer pain: efficacy of a single 20-minute session - a randomised controlled study.
Seng Beng Tan, Chee Shee Chai, Diana Leh Ching Ng, Sheriza Izwa Zainuddin, David Paul Capelle, Chee Loong Lam, Chui Munn Ang, Win Lin Chai, Nik Natasha Nik Ishak, Yu Xiang Ong, Ying Xi Ngu
BMJ supportive & palliative care August 20, 2024 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004762 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA single 20-minute session of mindful breathing significantly reduced pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and anxiety in adult cancer inpatients with moderate to severe pain, compared with a supportive listening control group. The randomized controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre enrolled patients with a pain score of 4 or higher on a 10-point scale. The findings suggest that brief mindfulness exercises can be integrated into routine cancer care to provide rapid, holistic benefits for pain management.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adult cancer inpatients with a pain score of ≥4/10 at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia |
| Intervention | Mindful breathing |
| Dose | 20-minute session |
| Duration | Single session |
| Keywords | Pain Supportive care Terminal care |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key finding | A single 20-minute mindful breathing session significantly reduced pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and anxiety compared with supportive listening. |
Abstract
Cancer pain is a prevalent and challenging symptom affecting a significant number of patients globally, with inadequate control remaining a substantial challenge despite advancements in pain management. Non-pharmacological interventions, including mindfulness-based approaches, have shown promise in alleviating cancer-related pain. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a single session of 20-minute mindful breathing in reducing pain among patients with cancer. A randomised controlled study was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, involving adult cancer inpatients with a pain score of ≥4/10. Participants were randomly assigned to a 20-minute mindful breathing intervention or a 20-minute supportive listening control group. Outcome measures included pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score, assessed before and after the intervention. The 20-minute mindful breathing sessions demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and anxiety compared with the control group. This research broadens the repertoire of cancer pain management by highlighting the rapid and holistic benefits of a single session of 20-minute mindful breathing. The findings suggest the potential integration of brief mindfulness exercises into routine cancer care to enhance pain management and overall well-being.