Contribution of mindfulness in rheumatic joint disease
Researchers at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, in Oslo, Norway, evaluated the effects of a mindfulness-based group training in adults with inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases.
First, the details.
- 73 participants were randomly assigned to a Vitality Training Programme (VTP) treatment group.
- A 10-session mindfulness-based group intervention including a booster session after 6 months
- A control group received routine care plus a CD for voluntary use with mindfulness-based exercises
- VTP is a 10-session group-learning program to help patients become more aware of their internal and external resources in order to cope with their current life situation.
- Psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire-20 — a screening device for minor psychiatric disorder was.
- Self-efficacy (pain and symptoms) and emotion-focused coping (emotional processing and expression) were also reported.
- Pain, fatigue, patient global disease activity, self-care ability and well-being were recorded at a 12-month follow-up.
And, the results.
- Treatment significantly favored the VTP group and were maintained at 12 months for the following outcomes:
- Psychological distress
- Self-efficacy pain
- Symptoms
- Emotional processing
- Fatigue
- Self-care ability
- Overall well-being
- No significant differences were found in emotional expression, pain, or disease activity.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “People with long-term painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from therapy helping them to deal with their symptoms.”
12/23/11 21:33 JR
