Feasibility of a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in COPD patients undergoing pulmonary...

BackgroundMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has demonstrated benefits in chronic conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, evidence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains limited, particularly regarding the feasibility of implementing a full standardized program within pulmonary rehabilitation.MethodsThis prospective pilot study evaluated the feasibility of delivering a standardized 8-weeks MBSR program to people with COPD enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, program completion, attendance at group sessions, home practice, and reasons for withdrawal. Adherence was conceptualized as behavioral engagement, assessed through predefined measures (session attendance and weekly self-reported home practice), and interpreted post hoc using thresholds commonly applied in previous MBSR feasibility studies (attendance ≥6/8 sessions; home practice ≥3 days/week). Reasons for discontinuation were collected by phone or email follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsEighteen people with COPD (56% women, mean age 68 (±7.4) years; mean FEV₁ 48 (±16%) predicted) were enrolled. 14 participants (78%) completed the program, and 86% attended at least eight of nine sessions. Participants reported an average of 4.4 (±2.3) days of home practice per week, indicating regular engagement despite inter-individual variability. Reasons for withdrawal included musculoskeletal pain (n = 2) and limited availability (n = 2).ConclusionsThe standardized, in-person 8-weeks MBSR program was feasible in people with COPD undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation, as reflected by their regular attendance at hospital sessions and reported engagement in home practice. This structured context likely supported adherence and program fidelity, but its generalizability to individuals with reduced mobility or clinical instability remains uncertain. Future research should evaluate the feasibility of extending this approach to broader COPD populations and its potential psychological and clinical benefits.