To evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients, acknowledging the inconclusiveness of prior studies, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Key Findings:
MBSR significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to control conditions (SMD = −0.96, 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.58, P < 0.001).
Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 71%).
Significant benefits of MBSR were noted in trials conducted in Asia (SMD = −1.27, 95% CI: −1.60 to −0.93, P < 0.001), while trials in other regions did not show statistical significance (SMD = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.74 to 0.13, P = 0.17).
Participants receiving MBSR during the stable post-stroke phase showed significant improvement (SMD = −1.02, 95% CI: −1.57 to −0.47, P < 0.001).
Interpretation:
MBSR may be an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients, particularly during the stable recovery phase, although the evidence is limited by high risk of bias and heterogeneity, which may affect the reliability of the findings.
Limitations:
High risk of bias in included studies.
Substantial heterogeneity among trials.
Imprecision in effect estimates.
Limited diversity in participant demographics.
Conclusion:
While MBSR shows promise in alleviating post-stroke depression, further well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.
