CLINICAL RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Please note: All posters will be displayed in
Salons 10-12.
THURSDAY, 10:15-11:00 AM
Cherkin D, Sherman K, Erro J, Deyo R.
The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on persons
with chronic low back pain: intriguing results from a pilot study.
Group Health Center for Health Studies cherkin.d@ghc.org
BACKGROUND: Numerous
therapies exist for treating chronic low back pain (CLBP) but few, if
any, have been found to be cost-effective. There remains a need to identify
treatments whose benefits outweigh their costs.
PURPOSE: To conduct a
pilot study evaluating the effect on CLBP of an inexpensive and potentially
life-changing training program, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
METHODS: Members of a
large health plan with uncomplicated low back pain persisting over three
months were invited to participate in a trial comparing MBSR (8 weekly
2.5 hour sessions) with a book on self-management techniques. Forty-six
volunteers were randomized to MBSR (n=22) or the book (n=24). Outcomes
measured before randomization and after 12 and 26 weeks included function
(Roland) symptom bothersomeness (0 to 10 scale) and general health status
(SF-36). MBSR training participants were also asked about its effect
on their thoughts, feelings, reactions or activities.
RESULTS: Eighty-two percent
of participants randomized to MBSR attended at least one class (median
7 classes). Adjusting for baseline values, the MBSR group fared better
than the book group by 1.9 points on the Roland scale at 12 weeks (P>0.05),
but by only 0.3 points at 26 weeks (P>0.05). Differences in SF-36 and
symptom bothersomeness were small. However, at 26 weeks, all 16 respondents
in the MBSR group claimed to still be practicing MBSR for an average
of 4 days per week and 20 minutes per day and to have experienced lasting
benefits, most commonly decreased stress, increased ability to relax,
increased mindfulness, and ability to cope.
CONCLUSION: Although
this pilot study found only limited and temporary benefits of MBSR on
conventional CLBP outcomes (function, symptoms), informal qualitative
feedback suggests MBSR may have other important benefits (e.g, coping,
attitude) for persons with CLBP and possibly for other conditions caused
or exacerbated by life stress.
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