Impact of an online mindfulness intervention on psychological wellbeing and quality of life in chronic stroke survivors: a pilot randomized control trial

Objectives This study aimed to determine the impact of an online mindfulness intervention, compared to a waitlist control, on improving quality of life and psychological well-being among stroke survivors. Methods In this pilot randomized control trial, participants were randomized to a three-week online mindfulness intervention or a waitlist control. Measures of psychological well-being and quality of life were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up. Two baselines administered two months apart were used for participants in the waitlist group. Non-parametric longitudinal data analysis was used to analyze the relative treatment effects on psychological well-being and quality of life measures. Results A total of 20 participants were recruited and randomized (11 in the mindfulness group and 9 in the waitlist group). The retention rate was 80.0%. Study procedures were well accepted by participants and no related adverse events occurred. The only baseline difference was depression, which was higher in the waitlist group. Sleep significantly improved after the mindfulness intervention and a moderate to large improvement was seen in reducing anxiety, lowering stress, and increasing quality of life, with changes maintained one-month post-intervention. Conclusions This study provides the foundation for a larger planned randomized control trial. Further research is necessary to determine the impact of mindfulness on psychological well-being and quality of life in stroke survivors. Trial registration: NCT04553679 (date: 08-13-21)