Development and effectiveness of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for individuals with spinal cord injury: Changes in quality of life and inflammatory biomarkers

OBJECTIVE: spinal cord injury (SCI) reduces quality of life and causes chronic inflammation. Mindfulness-based interventions may improve these symptoms. However, few studies have examined the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in individuals with SCI. This study evaluated a tailored Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program. DESIGN: We conducted a non-randomized controlled trial at a national rehabilitation hospital in the Republic of Korea, involving 51 adult inpatients with SCI who were assigned to either the MBCT (n = 26) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n = 25) group. INTERVENTIONS: The 4-week MBCT program included 12 sessions emphasizing breathing - and auditory-based practices while excluding yoga and walking meditations. Additional components addressed illness acceptance and pain coping. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were quality of life and spiritual well-being. Secondary outcomes included inflammatory biomarkers. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and four weeks later (T2). Linear mixed-effects models were estimated. RESULTS: No significant group-by-time interaction was observed with the FACT-G or FACIT-Sp-12 overall. However, the FACIT-Sp-12 showed a significant group effect. Among participants with normal-to-mild baseline depression, significant group-by-time and group-by-baseline depression interactions were observed. Biomarker analyses revealed increased IL-10, decreased sTNFR2, and lower CRP levels in the MBCT group. CONCLUSION: Not applicable (non-randomized pilot study).