An online non-meditative mindfulness intervention for people with ALS and their caregivers: a randomized controlled trial
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.A new online mindfulness program improved quality of life (QOL) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients and their caregivers. The intervention also reduced depression and anxiety in both groups, offering a time-efficient solution for the ALS community.
Area Of Science
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Quality of Life Research
Background
- Mindfulness-based interventions can enhance quality of life (QOL) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients and caregivers.
- Traditional mindfulness programs often demand significant time commitments, posing a barrier to accessibility.
- The Langerian approach offers a more time-efficient method for promoting mindfulness through brief mental tasks and lectures.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate the impact of a novel, online Langerian mindfulness training program specifically designed for ALS patients.
- To assess the program's effects on the QOL of ALS patients.
- To explore secondary outcomes including anxiety, depression, care burden, and physical function in both patients and caregivers.
Main Methods
- A 5-week active learning mindfulness program was developed and tested using a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).
- Participants were recruited from an ALS clinic and online, then randomly assigned to a mindfulness or wait-list control group.
- QOL was the primary outcome, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were assessed at all time points.
Main Results
- ALS patients in the experimental group reported significantly higher QOL post-treatment (d = 0.54).
- Mindfulness participants experienced reduced depression, anxiety, and negative emotions compared to controls over time.
- Caregivers in the mindfulness group showed decreased care burden, depression, and anxiety, alongside increased energy and emotional well-being.
Conclusions
- This pilot RCT suggests the online Langerian mindfulness program effectively enhances QOL and reduces psychological distress in ALS patients and caregivers.
- The intervention's short duration makes it a feasible and easily implementable option for the ALS community.
- Preliminary evidence supports the use of this accessible mindfulness training to improve well-being among individuals affected by ALS.
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