Mindfulness meditation for the treatment of chronic low back pain in older adults: A randomized controlled pilot study ☆
Natalia E. Morone, Carol M. Greco, Debra K. Weiner
Pain June 4, 2007 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2007.04.038 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn eight-week mindfulness meditation program is feasible for older adults aged 65 and older with chronic low back pain. In this pilot randomized trial, 37 participants were assigned to either the meditation program or a wait-list control. At the end of the intervention, 81% completed assessments, average class attendance was 6.7 out of 8 sessions, and participants meditated about 4.3 days per week for an average of 31.6 minutes per day. Compared to the control group, the meditation group showed significant improvements in pain acceptance (specifically the total score and activities engagement subscale) and physical function. The program may lead to better pain acceptance and physical function.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 37 |
| Population | Community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older with chronic low back pain of moderate intensity occurring daily or almost every day |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based meditation program |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness meditation Randomized controlled trial Chronic pain Physical therapy Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 544 |
| Key finding | An eight-week mindfulness meditation program is feasible for older adults with chronic low back pain and may lead to improvements in pain acceptance and physical function. |
Abstract
The objectives of this pilot study were to assess the feasibility of recruitment and adherence to an eight-session mindfulness meditation program for community-dwelling older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and to develop initial estimates of treatment effects. It was designed as a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Participants were 37 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older with CLBP of moderate intensity occurring daily or almost every day. Participants were randomized to an 8-week mindfulness-based meditation program or to a wait-list control group. Baseline, 8-week and 3-month follow-up measures of pain, physical function, and quality of life were assessed. Eighty-nine older adults were screened and 37 found to be eligible and randomized within a 6-month period. The mean age of the sample was 74.9 years, 21/37 (57%) of participants were female and 33/37 (89%) were white. At the end of the intervention 30/37 (81%) participants completed 8-week assessments. Average class attendance of the intervention arm was 6.7 out of 8. They meditated an average of 4.3 days a week and the average minutes per day was 31.6. Compared to the control group, the intervention group displayed significant improvement in the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire Total Score and Activities Engagement subscale (P=.008, P=.004) and SF-36 Physical Function (P=.03). An 8-week mindfulness-based meditation program is feasible for older adults with CLBP. The program may lead to improvement in pain acceptance and physical function.