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Effects of Meditation on Multiple Sclerosis and Peripheral Neuropathy

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Multiple Sclerosis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Interventions
Behavioral: Meditation instruction and practice
Registration Number
NCT00981643
Lead Sponsor
The Cleveland Clinic
Brief Summary

This study will evaluate the effects of mindfulness and concentration meditation on pain, fatigue, and physical functioning in patients with either multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy.

Detailed Description

We propose a prospective, randomized controlled study evaluating the effects of mindfulness meditation and concentration meditation on pain, fatigue, and physical functioning in patients with either multiple sclerosis MS or a generalized polyneuropathy (PN). A secondary endpoint for the MS arm will include spasticity and for the PN arm will be the physical examination findings of sensory changes and weakness. Meditation classes of 90 minutes duration will be led by a Buddhist monk with over 20 years experience in meditation. Sessions will be held once weekly over a 3-month period. There will be an initial introduction session that will last approximately 180 minutes for the adminsitration of formal instructions and a training session on how to do the meditation. Outcome assessments will be answered electronically on a secure system or in written form that will be able to be completed at home or at the site of the meditation class. The data will be directly downloaded into a queriable database. Outcome assessments will be based on the Short Form (SF)-36 health survey and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain at baseline and at 3 months. Additionally, the Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS) will be used for the PN pts. The PDDS spasticity questionnaire and the fatigue portion of the MSQLI for fatigue will be used for the MS patients. We plan to recruit adult patients with either MS or PN through the current patient population in the Mellen Center and Neuromuscular Center and flyers placed throughout the Cleveland Clinic. Patients will be excluded if they have performed meditation within the last 6 months, are cognitively impaired, or have an underlying illness that would preclude comprehension of the instructions. Other exclusion criteria include a history of symptomatic cardiopulmonary disease, uncontrolled HTN, current alcohol or drug abuse, and kidney or renal failure. Patients must be ambulatory and able to toilet themselves.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis OR peripheral neuropathy
Exclusion Criteria
  • Unable to walk without the assistance of others
  • Unable to toilet independently
  • Currently abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Have performed meditation within the last 6 months
  • Cognitive impairment or an underlying illness which would prevent the comprehension of instructions
  • History of symptomatic/unstable heart or lung disease
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Kidney or renal failure

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Peripheral Neuropathy, Meditation groupMeditation instruction and practicePeripheral Neuropathy, Meditation instruction and practice group
Multiple Sclerosis, Meditation groupMeditation instruction and practiceMultiple Sclerosis, Meditation instruction and practice group
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Does meditation have a beneficial effect on pain, fatigue and physical functioning in patients with multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy2 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Does meditation lead to improvements in the neurological evaluation with regards to weakness and sensory changes with meditation.2 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Cleveland Clinic

🇺🇸

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

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