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An Online Self-Guided Meditation Course for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

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An Online Self-Guided Meditation Course for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Recruitment Period:  
December 2014 - ongoing

Location of Study/Trial:
Suffolk University
41 Temple St
Boston, MA 02114

Recruiting:

Inclusion

  • Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
  • 18 years of age or older

Exclusion

  • Patients with psychosis.
  • Self-reported disorders of the central nervous system other than MS.
  • Participants currently engaged in weekly psychotherapy who are unable to reduce session to once per month for the duration of the study.
  • Sensorimotor limitations that would confound test results.
  • Daily meditation practice (current or during the last 3 months).
  • Medication changes in the past 3 months.
  • Participants who, due to their MS are medically unstable. This will be defined as anyone who is actively relapsing at the time of recruitment (or within the last two weeks), or who becomes symptomatic during training.
     

Principal Investigator:  
Elisabeth Moes, PhD, ABPP, Suffolk University, Psychology Dept.

Sponsor:  (if any)
n/a

Purpose/Methodology:

Evidence is beginning to show that mind-body work is effective in improving depression, anxiety, fatigue, and balance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week online meditation course in improving cognition, mood, dopamine levels, and quality of life in individuals with MS. All participants will complete baseline assessments of emotional regulation skills, a vision test, and a task of attention. Participants will then undergo 8 weeks of self-directed mindfulness training with re-assessments completed at week 4 and week 8. All participants will be given access to meditation recordings and asked to practice the exercises in a progressive manner from mindfulness of breath to a loving/kindness meditation (each exercise twice per week). Participants will also be provided information on meditation. Participants will be asked at the end of study for their feedback on the how researchers can improve the program.

Contact information

Haley Duncanson, Co-Investigator: MeditationAndHealthStudy@gmail.com
Please include only the words: “Meditation and Health” in the subject line.

 

 

 

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© 2024 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935.