Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Breathlessness in Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Yueying Wang1, Yan Li1, Yule Hu1
1School of Nursing (Y.W., Y.L., Y.H., K.L., M.L., Y.D., N.T., J.Y.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Context:
Breathlessness is the most common and distressing symptom in lung cancer, but no systematic review has examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on breathlessness.
Objectives:
To evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on breathlessness, pulmonary function, and psychological well-being in lung cancer.
Methods:
According to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search across ten databases from inception to February 2025. Only randomized controlled trials were included.
Results:
Fourteen RCTs from 15 papers (N = 1190) were included. Pooled results: compared with a control, mindfulness-based interventions did not show a significant improvement in breathlessness [SMD = -0.44, 95% CI: -0.92 to 0.05, n = 5]; indicated a significant improvement in pulmonary function including vital capacity [MD = 0.44 L, 95% CI: 0.18-0.70, n = 2], peak expiratory flow [MD = 14.72 L/s, 95% CI: 6.14-23.30, n = 2], forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) [MD = 0.49 L, 95% CI: 0.17-0.81, n = 9], forced vital capacity (FVC) [MD = 0.55 L, 95% CI: 0.28-0.83, n = 8], FEV1/FVC [MD = 8.02%, 95% CI: 5.77-10.28, n = 6]; indicated a significant reduction in psychological distress including depressive symptoms [SMD = -1.28, 95% CI: -2.25 to -0.31, n = 6], and anxiety [SMD = -1.54, 95% CI: -2.34 to -0.74, n = 7]. Subgroup analysis: patients receiving mindfulness-based respiratory function interventions indicated significant improvements in breathlessness [SMD = -0.53, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.21], FEV1 [MD = 0.28 L, 95% CI: 0.17-0.39], and FVC [MD = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.64-1.95], compared with those receiving respiratory function intervention.
Conclusion:
Mindfulness-based interventions did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in self-reported breathlessness compared to controls. However, subgroup analysis indicated that combining mindfulness with respiratory function training may offer additional benefits for alleviating breathlessness. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to determine the optimal intervention dosages and long-term impact of mindfulness-based interventions on improving breathlessness.
More Related Videos
05:06Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
10:45A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...