Effects of meditation on pain intensity, physical function, quality of life and depression in adults with low back pain - A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common biopsychosocial health problem. Meditation may provide a complementary treatment option for LBP patients.

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to examine the effects of meditation on pain intensity, functional disability, quality of life, and depression in LBP populations.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA Guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CamQuest and PubPsych were searched up to a publication date of June 2020. Inclusion criteria were RCTs or non-RCTs with LBP patients, aged at least 18 years, the application of a specific meditation technique, and pain intensity and/or functional disability as outcomes. Pooled SMDs were calculated at post-treatment and follow up. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to estimate risk of bias. The overall quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

Results: 12 studies with a total of 1005 participants were included in this review. Compared to controls, meditation solely showed a significant positive effect on pain intensity (SMD = -0.27 [CI -0.43; -0.11]; p = 0.001; based on 10 studies with 934 participants) and physical quality of life (SMD = 0.21 [CI 0.07; 0.36]; p = 0.005; based on 5 studies with 756 participants) at post-treatment. At follow up (mean 20 weeks, range 4-52) there were no significant effects anymore. The quality of the evidence was moderate due to study limitations and imprecision.

Conclusions: Meditation seems to be promising with regard to reducing short-term pain intensity in patients with LBP. However, additional well-designed and large trials are required in order to draw more reliable conclusions.

Keywords: Chronic pain; Low back pain; Meditation; Mindfulness; Psychosomatic disorders.