Mindfulness-based interventions for the improvement of well-being in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: the study aims to meta-analytically review studies about the effects of Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) on well-being of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched from June 2018 to September 2018. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in qualitative synthesis and 10 studies were included in meta-analysis. MBIs are effective with an overall moderate effect size (Hedge's g = .70) in improving well-being in people with MS, with lasting effects at the follow-up (g = .55). In particular, MBIs demonstrated to highly reduce stress (g = 1.07), and to improve depression and anxiety symptoms with a moderate to large effect at post-intervention (respectively, g = .77 and g = .63). CONCLUSIONS: MBIs represent a valid and effective mind-body intervention to improve the well-being of patients with MS. Further studies should investigate which components of MBIs could be more beneficial for patients with progressive MS.CRD42018099704.