Mindfulness meditation in older adults with postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized controlled pilot study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the effects of daily meditation on pain management in older adults with postherpetic neuralgia.
Results Summary
The treatment group showed improvement in neuropathic, affective, and total pain scores, while the control group experienced worsening affective pain. Participants adhered well to the meditation and diary requirements.
Population
Older adults with postherpetic neuralgia.
Effective Dosage
Daily meditation (specific duration or type not detailed).
Duration
Six weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
daily meditation | decrease | neuropathic pain scores | older adults with postherpetic neuralgia | - | indicated improvement | #1 |
daily meditation | decrease | affective pain scores | older adults with postherpetic neuralgia | - | indicated improvement | #2 |
daily meditation | decrease | total pain scores | older adults with postherpetic neuralgia | - | indicated improvement | #3 |
- | increase | affective pain | older adults with postherpetic neuralgia | - | worsened | #4 |
This parallel-group, randomized controlled pilot study examined daily meditation in a diverse sample of older adults with postherpetic neuralgia. Block randomization was used to allocate participants to a treatment group (n = 13) or control group (n = 14). In addition to usual care, the treatment group practiced daily meditation for six weeks. All participants completed questionnaires at enrollment in the study, two weeks later, and six weeks after that, at the study's end. Participants recorded daily pain and fatigue levels in a diary, and treatment participants also noted meditation practice. Results at the 0.10 level indicated improvement in neuropathic, affective, and total pain scores for the treatment group, whereas affective pain worsened for the control group. Participants were able to adhere to the daily diary and meditation requirements in this feasibility pilot study.