A randomized controlled trial of online mindfulness-based stress reduction in chronic stroke.
Sandy J Lwi, Jas Chok, Krista Schendel, Timothy J Herron, Brian C Curran, Juliana V Baldo
Rehabilitation psychology January 5, 2026 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000651 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a randomized controlled trial comparing online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) with online Brain Health Education in 59 people who had experienced a chronic stroke, neither intervention led to greater improvements in anxiety or depression symptoms over time. Exploratory analyses of cognitive functioning, physical health, and well-being also showed no specific benefits of MBSR. Participants in both groups reported improved outcomes, suggesting that both online programs are feasible and low-cost options for this population.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 59 |
| Population | People with a history of chronic stroke |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction Brain Health Education |
| Duration | 6-month follow-up |
| Key finding | MBSR did not lead to improved anxiety or depression symptoms compared to an active control condition in people with chronic stroke. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to improve mental health and well-being in people with different medical conditions. However, whether it improves outcomes in chronic stroke populations is less clear, as few studies have examined the efficacy of MBSR in this population with a randomized controlled trial and an active control condition. Our study aimed to address this gap. People with a history of chronic stroke (n = 59) participated in a randomized controlled trial of MBSR. They were randomly assigned to an online MBSR intervention or an online Brain Health Education intervention. Both interventions were matched on a number of variables, including schedule, instructor, and format. Participants were assessed pre-, post-, and 6 months postintervention using online questionnaires and an online neuropsychological battery. MBSR did not lead to improved anxiety F(2, 55) = 1.13, p = .321, η² = .01) or depression F(2, 68) = 0.53, p = .588, η² = .002) symptoms over time. Exploratory outcomes of cognitive functioning, physical health, and well-being also revealed no MBSR-specific improvements over time (ps > .318). People with a history of chronic stroke reported improved outcomes from participating in either intervention, providing support that both online MBSR and Brain Health Education interventions are feasible and low-cost interventions for this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).