The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention on physical function in individuals with chronic low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is often used as a complementary treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), but its effects on the physical function component of the outcome are not addressed. This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of MBSR on outcomes of physical functions in CLBP individuals.

Methods: Databases searched included PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, and other sources (Google Scholar, ProQuest, Research Gate) from inception to January 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MBSR with additional interventions that evaluated physical function among CLBP individuals were included. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

Results: Six RCTs involving CLBP individuals were eligible for review. The between-group differences in RMDQ for the MBSR therapies against comparator therapies were significant at eight weeks follow-up (3 RCTs; MD, -1.28 [CI, -2.04 to -0.53]) and six months follow-up (2 RCTs; MD, -0.16 [CI, -1.01 to 0.69]).

Conclusion: MBSR therapy improves physical function at 8 weeks and 6 months follow-up in CLBP individuals. Further high-quality RCTs are warranted for the long-term effect of MBSR therapy on physical function outcomes.

Keywords: Chronic low back pain; Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy; Physical function.