Objectives

Mindfulness is an evidence-based treatment for depression but has never been rigorously tested with stroke survivors with depression. This feasibility study examined several issues relevant to a potential trial of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for improving mood after stroke.

Methods

In 2017–2019 in New Zealand, we recruited 20 stroke survivors with low mood to undergo a 6-week, one-on-one MBI course delivered by an occupational therapist experienced in MBIs. Pre, post, and 4-week follow-up assessments were completed.

Results

Fifteen participants completed all six sessions and a 4-week “booster” or top-up session. The 1-hour session duration was considered appropriate by participants and all enjoyed the face-to-face individualized format. Mean Beck Depression Inventory-II scores improved by more than one standard deviation and this was maintained at follow-up. However, the baseline assessment package was too long for some participants due to the cognitive component. Three participants indicated feeling emotionally challenged by some of the practices. These effects were managed by the mindfulness facilitator by adjusting the practice, so participants maintained their sense of agency, well-being, and overall benefit from the program.

Conclusions

MBI training delivered individually over six weekly sessions was acceptable to stroke survivors with 14/15 participants reporting improved mood. Three participants reported feeling emotionally challenged by some of the practices and we recommend MBIs for stroke survivors be provided by practitioners experienced in mindfulness, working with stroke, and trauma-informed therapy. It is important now to conduct rigorous randomized controlled trials to test the effectiveness and efficacy of MBIs for stroke survivors.

中文翻译：

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一对一正念干预改善卒中幸存者情绪的可行性研究

目标

正念是对抑郁症的循证治疗，但从未经过患有抑郁症的中风幸存者的严格测试。这项可行性研究研究了与以正念为基础的干预措施（MBI）改善中风后情绪的潜在试验相关的几个问题。

方法

在2017–2019年，我们在新西兰招募了20名情绪低落的中风幸存者，接受由MBI经验丰富的职业治疗师提供的为期6周，一对一的MBI课程。完成了前，后和4周的随访评估。

结果

15名参与者完成了全部六个课程以及为期4周的“增强”或充值课程。参与者认为1小时的课程时长是合适的，并且所有人都享有面对面的个性化形式。贝克抑郁量表-II的平均得分提高了一个以上标准差，并且在随访中保持这一水平。但是，由于认知因素，基线评估包对于某些参与者而言太长了。三名参与者表示受到某些做法的情感挑战。这些影响由正念促进者通过调整实践进行管理，因此参与者保持了自己的代理感，幸福感和从计划中获得的整体利益。

结论

脑卒中幸存者可以接受在六个星期的课程中单独进行的MBI培训，其中14/15的参与者表示情绪有所改善。三名参与者报告称受到某些做法的情感挑战，我们建议中风幸存者的MBI由具有正念，中风和创伤知情治疗经验的从业者提供。现在重要的是进行严格的随机对照试验，以测试MBI对中风幸存者的有效性。