A pilot randomized control trial investigating the effect of mindfulness practice on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, and physiological activity

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.10.007

Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Volume 62, Issue 3, March 2007, Pages 297-300

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.10.007 Get rights and content

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the effect of mindfulness training on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, physiological activity, and the acquisition of mindfulness skills.

Methods

Forty-two asymptomatic University students participated in a randomized, single-blind, active control pilot study. Participants in the experimental condition were offered six (1-h) mindfulness sessions; control participants were offered two (1-h) Guided Visual Imagery sessions. Both groups were provided with practice CDs and encouraged to practice daily. Pre–post pain tolerance (cold pressor test), mood, blood pressure, pulse, and mindfulness skills were obtained.

Results

Pain tolerance significantly increased in the mindfulness condition only. There was a strong trend indicating that mindfulness skills increased in the mindfulness condition, but this was not related to improved pain tolerance. Diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both conditions.

Conclusion

Mindfulness training did increase pain tolerance, but this was not related to the acquisition of mindfulness skills.

Introduction

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that has been described as purposefully attending to the present moment in a manner that is dispassionate and non-evaluative of any mental events or physical sensations that may arise [1], [2]. Theorizing posits that mindfulness is not a self-relaxation technique [1], but rather a form of mental training that facilitates more adaptive responding to stress [3].

Research suggests that training in mindfulness, or related treatment approaches, may help to improve pain tolerance (e.g., Refs. [4], [5], [6]), increase psychological well-being (e.g., Refs. [7], [8], [9]), and improve physiological activity [10]. Two recent meta-analyses on mindfulness-based interventions [1], [11] have reported medium estimated effect sizes (d=0.59 and d=.50, respectively). However, a more critical review highlights several methodological weaknesses that complicate inferring efficacy [3]. Specifically, the efficacy of mindfulness is inferred from trials on multifaceted interventions, which have not implemented active controls and which fail to investigate the relationship between mindfulness skills and health benefits.

Addressing these limitations, this study investigated the effect of mindfulness practice (per se) on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, and physiological activity [diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and pulse] in a randomized, single-blind, active control trial. The central component of mindfulness is purported to be moment-to-moment awareness [2]. Control participants were therefore trained in guided visual imagery (GVI), a self-relaxation strategy that directs attention away from the present moment [12], but that shares several common components with mindfulness (e.g., restful alertness, mental activity, and physical inactivity).

Compared to GVI, mindfulness training will increase participants' pain tolerance, psychological well-being, and decrease physiological activity; the mindfulness skills of mindfulness-trained participants will significantly increase from pre–post testing, and this will be significantly related to any observed health benefits.

Section snippets

Participants

Forty-five asymptomatic students were recruited from a UK University. Sample size was determined using a priori power calculations.¹ Undergraduates received course credits. Participants were excluded if they had previously practiced meditation and/or had Raynaud's disease.²

Measures

Pain tolerance was measured using a circulating

Participants

Forty-two participants completed training (21 per condition; 33 female; mean age, 23 years). There were no significant differences between groups on baseline measures, nor between completing vs. attrition participants.

Expectancy/credibility

No significant Time × Condition interaction was found [expectancy, F(1,40)=0.564, P=.73; credibility, F(1,40)=0.055, P=.82]. There was no significant difference in how skilled participants felt [t(1,40)=−0.664, P=.51] or the amount of home practice over the 3-week period [mean

Discussion

Consistent with previous research, pain tolerance (submersion time and pain intensity) significantly improved for mindfulness-trained participants only. However, contrary to prediction, this was not related to the acquisition of mindfulness skills. Two possible interpretations are considered. It is possible that improved pain tolerance is nothing more than an artifact of experimental confounds such as varying intervention duration and trainer contact. Alternatively, it could be that the

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^☆: This research was conducted at the School of Psychology, University of Southampton.

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Short communicationA pilot randomized control trial investigating the effect of mindfulness practice on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, and physiological activity☆

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Section snippets

Participants

Measures

Participants

Expectancy/credibility

Discussion

Behav Res Ther

Pain

Psychosom Res

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry

Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: a conceptual and empirical review

Clin Psychol Sci Pract

Full catastrophe living: using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain and illness

What do we really know about mindfulness-based stress reduction?

Psychosom Med

The impact of acceptance versus control rationales on pain tolerance

Psychol Rec

Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation

Psychosom Med

Short communication
A pilot randomized control trial investigating the effect of mindfulness practice on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, and physiological activity☆