Meditation for Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Launched by FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY · Apr 22, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the effects of mindfulness-based meditation (MBM) on older adults who suffer from chronic low back pain. The study aims to see if practicing meditation can help reduce pain and improve symptoms for those who have been experiencing moderate low back pain almost every day for at least three months. The researchers also want to learn more about how meditation might affect the connection between the gut and the brain, known as the Gut-Brain Axis.

To participate, individuals must be at least 50 years old, have good mental clarity, and be able to read and speak English. They should have a daily pain level of at least 3 out of 10 and shouldn’t plan to change their pain medication during the study. Participants won't need to change their daily routines too much; they will engage in meditation practices over 8 weeks, and the study is currently looking for volunteers. It is important to note that those with serious health conditions, other chronic pain issues, or who have participated in similar meditation programs before may not be eligible to join.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. aged 50 years older
• • 2. intact cognition (examined by the Mini-Mental State Exam, ≥ 24)
• • 3. experiencing moderate low back pain daily or almost every day at least the previous three months (≥3 out of 10 on numeric rating scale \[NRS\])
• • 4. able to speak and read English
• • 5. not intent to change medication regimens for pain throughout the trial
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. serious underlying illness (e.g., malignant neoplasms, bloodborne illness, low blood platelet count, been in chemotherapy)
• • 2. other concurrent chronic pain conditions (e.g., arthritis, headache, irritable bowel syndrome)
• • 3. psychosis
• • 4. inflammatory or malabsorptive intestinal diseases
• • 5. function limitation precluded the meditation practice
• • 6. participated meditation program before
• • 7. no access to the internet