A Stroke-Tailored, Remotely Delivered Mindfulness Intervention: A Pilot Clinical Trial for Stroke Survivors and Support Persons

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress experienced throughout stroke recovery and reintegration negatively impacts the well-being of the stroke dyad (stroke survivors (SS) and support persons (SP), SD). We aimed to assess the feasibility and explore the preliminary effects of a stroke-tailored, remotely delivered mindfulness-based intervention on this population. METHODS: The “A Mindful Approach to Managing Stress (A-MAMS)” pilot study enrolled 58 participants in an 8-week virtual asynchronous mindfulness program. We assessed feasibility and acceptability, with exploratory analysis of pre- and post-intervention changes in psychosocial well-being, quality of life, and mindfulness-related outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 52 participants (30 SS and 22 SP; 15 SD members) completed the entire 8-week intervention (lessons, homework, pre- and post-surveys, and end-of-study feedback). The intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with a 97% enrollment rate, 98% attendance at all modules, 89.7% retention, and a course completion rate exceeding 97%. Post-intervention improvements were noted in both stroke survivors and support persons across several measures of emotional regulation, mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, energy, and self-compassion (p<0.05). No significant differences in response were observed between SS and SP (p > 0.1), and dyadic effects were limited, suggesting individual-level benefits. CONCLUSIONS: The “A Mindful Approach to Managing Stress (A-MAMS)” shows feasibility, acceptability, and positive preliminary outcomes for stroke survivors and support persons. These promising findings support further testing of this remote intervention in future clinical trials.