Bmc Neurol
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The evaluation of an online mindfulness program for people with multiple sclerosis: study protocol.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease of the central nervous system and is associated with many psychosocial symptoms that are difficult to manage including low mood, anxiety, fatigue and pain, as well as low health-related quality of life. Internet-based psychosocial interventions that use mindfulness-based approaches are gathering much attention in recent literature, particularly in the treatment of chronic illnesses. However, no large randomized controlled trials have been done examining the efficacy of such interventions for people with MS (PwMS). ⋯ Multiple sclerosis is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease amongst young adults and is associated with a range of symptoms that can be difficult to cope with. In face-to-face interventions, a MBI demonstrated the largest effect in a recent meta-analysis of psychological treatments for PwMS, but MBIs for PwMS have not been delivered online. Hence, this trial will confirm whether MBIs can be efficacious when delivered online. A range of symptoms are assessed as outcomes so that the nature of benefits associated with the online MBI can be ascertained.