A systematic review of the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions following transient ischemic attack and stroke

• Published in: International journal of stroke Vol. 8; no. 6; p. 465
• Main Authors: Lawrence, Maggie, Booth, Jo, Mercer, Stewart, Crawford, Elizabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2013
• Subjects: Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient - psychology; Mindfulness; Secondary Prevention - methods; Stress, Psychological - prevention & control; Stroke - psychology; perceived psychosocial stress; rehabilitation; mindfulness-based stress reduction; transient ischemic attack; stroke; prevention
• ISSN: 1747-4949
• DOI: 10.1111/ijs.12135

Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between perceived psychological stress and ischemic stroke. A feature of stroke is recurrence; 30-40% within five-years following first transient ischemic attack/stroke. Equipping patients with skills and coping strategies to help reduce or manage perceived psychological stress may represent an important secondary prevention intervention. Mindfulness-based interventions are structured, group-based self-management programmes with potential to help people with long-term conditions cope better with physical, psychological, or emotional distress. Review evidence suggests significant benefits across a range of physical and mental health problems. However, we could find no evidence synthesis relating specifically to the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions following transient ischemic attack/stroke. The review aims to evaluate the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions following transient ischemic attack/stroke. Six major databases were searched using subject headings and key words. Papers were screened using review-specific criteria. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Statistical meta-analysis was not possible; therefore findings are presented in narrative form. Four studies involving 160 participants were reviewed. Three papers reported mindfulness-based interventions delivered to groups; one paper reported a mindfulness-based intervention which was delivered one to one. The results demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions across a range of psychological, physiological, and psychosocial outcomes including anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, blood pressure, perceived health, and quality of life. No evidence of harm was found. Following transient ischemic attack/stroke, people may derive a range of benefits from mindfulness-based interventions; however, further methodologically robust trials are required.