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The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Neuropsychology review
September 1, 2022
Tim Whitfield et al. (32 authors)
Journal ArticleMeta-AnalysisReviewSystematic ReviewResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) on objective cognitive outcomes across multiple domains in adults through a meta-analysis of randomized studies.

Results Summary

The meta-analysis found small but significant effects favoring MBPs over comparators, particularly in executive function and working memory, with stronger effects observed in non-clinical samples and adults over 60. MBPs outperformed inactive but not active comparators, and limitations included unclear risk of bias in most studies.

Population

Adults, with subgroup analyses for non-clinical samples and those aged over 60.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs)
increase
cognitive outcomes across multiple domains
adults
g = 0.15; [0.05, 0.24]
favored over comparators
#1
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs)
increase
executive function
adults
g = 0.15; [0.02, 0.27]
outperformed comparators
#2
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs)
increase
working memory outcomes
adults
g = 0.23; [0.11, 0.36]
outperformed comparators
#3
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs)
increase
-
non-clinical samples
-
identified significant effects
#4
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs)
increase
-
adults aged over 60
-
identified significant effects
#5
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs)
increase
-
-
-
outperformed
#6
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs)
no change
-
-
-
did not outperform
#7
Abstract

Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) are increasingly utilized to improve mental health. Interest in the putative effects of MBPs on cognitive function is also growing. This is the first meta-analysis of objective cognitive outcomes across multiple domains from randomized MBP studies of adults. Seven databases were systematically searched to January 2020. Fifty-six unique studies (n = 2,931) were included, of which 45 (n = 2,238) were synthesized using robust variance estimation meta-analysis. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses evaluated moderators. Pooling data across cognitive domains, the summary effect size for all studies favored MBPs over comparators and was small in magnitude (g = 0.15; [0.05, 0.24]). Across subgroup analyses of individual cognitive domains/subdomains, MBPs outperformed comparators for executive function (g = 0.15; [0.02, 0.27]) and working memory outcomes (g = 0.23; [0.11, 0.36]) only. Subgroup analyses identified significant effects for studies of non-clinical samples, as well as for adults aged over 60. Across all studies, MBPs outperformed inactive, but not active comparators. Limitations include the primarily unclear within-study risk of bias (only a minority of studies were considered low risk), and that statistical constraints rendered some p-values unreliable. Together, results partially corroborate the hypothesized link between mindfulness practices and cognitive performance. This review was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42018100904].

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultAgedCognitionExecutive FunctionHumansMemory, Short-TermMiddle AgedMindfulness
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy65/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations59
Citations/Year19.7
Relative Citation Ratio10.78
NIH Percentile98.1%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score2.88
Normalized Score0.61
Related Supplements
The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Functi... | Panacea Index