An online program combining mindfulness strategies with exercise may be effective for patients with chronic pain

1. An online program combining mindfulness-based stress reduction and exercise, as well as the online self-management guide, both led to modest long-term improvements in pain, function, and psychological well-being, with no significant differences between the two.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

This exploratory one-year follow-up of the mindfulness combined with exercise delivered online (MOVE) feasibility randomized controlled trial investigated the long-term impact of an online program combining Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and exercise for individuals with chronic pain. 96 participants were randomized to either the MOVE intervention or an online self-management (SM) guide. The study assessed 14 patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at baseline, post-intervention, 3 months, and one year. At one-year follow-up, 48 participants completed assessments. Results showed small, non-significant between-group differences, with slight advantages for the MOVE group in depression (PHQ-9) and mental health-related quality of life (SF-36 MCS), while nine measures favored the SM group. Within-group trends indicated modest improvements in pain, function, and psychological measures across both groups. Notably, 63% of the MOVE group versus 44% of the SM group reported subjective improvement on the Patient Global Impression of Change scale. The study concludes that both online formats are feasible and acceptable, though a fully powered RCT is needed to determine the true efficacy of combined MBSR and exercise interventions in chronic pain management.

Click here to read this study in PLOS One

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