A Mindfulness-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Obese, Inactive Endometrial Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to address self-regulation and lifestyle behaviors (diet, physical activity) may benefit endometrial cancer survivors (ECS), who are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality associated with obesity. However, the acceptability of mindfulness training and whether it can augment behavior change in ECS is unknown. We aimed to examine; 1) the feasibility of the Mindfulness in Motion + Diet (MIM+D) intervention and 2) the preliminary efficacy of MIM+D for improving mindfulness, diet, PA and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Methods: ECS (Mage=62.4, ±5yrs from diagnosis) completed assessments at baseline, 8 and 14 weeks. Feasibility was determined by intervention completion surveys, attendance and adherence data. We used repeated measures ANOVA’s (SPSS 22.0) and effect size estimates (Cohen’s d) to examine changes in mindfulness, diet, PA, and HRQL over time. Results: Thirteen ECS (76%) completed the MIM+D program and attendance (≥6/8 sessions) was 90%. Women reported favorably on the overall quality (mean of 4.75/5) and benefits of the MIM+D program; however, would have preferred receiving MIM+D closer to diagnosis. Intention to treat analyses found MIM+D did not significantly improve any outcomes. However, an intervention completers analysis showed significant change in mindfulness (p=.0039) and small to moderate estimates for change in fruits and vegetable intake (d=.23), MVPA (d=.45), RAND SF-36: MCS (d=.46), and sleep quality (d=.68). Conclusions: Integrating mindfulness training into behavioral interventions is feasible and ECS that adhere to these lifestyle programs may benefit. However, to future research should examine the-long term effects of mindfulness-based behavioral lifestyle interventions.

The role of mindfulness in physical activity: a systematic review

“…Of the 20 MBIs, three cohort studies and five RCTs showed significant positive between‐subjects effects on PA. Three studies showed significant positive within‐subjects effects on PA but found no differences between the MBI and a control group . Two cohort studies and two RCTs showed positive effects for some PA outcomes. Three RCTs found no effect on PA outcomes in either group , and two RCTs showed better outcomes following the standard intervention than the MBI .…”

“…Of the 20 studies that employed a MBI to target PA, five were cohort studies (no control group) , one was a non‐randomized controlled clinical trial and 14 were RCTs . Five studies compared usual care with a mindfulness component to a usual care‐only group ; eight studies compared a MBI with another intervention ; and two studies compared a MBI with a no‐treatment control group .…”

“…MBIs included ACT , acceptance‐based behaviour therapy (ABBT) , MBSR , mindfulness‐based eating awareness training for diabetes (MB‐EAT‐D) , mindfulness in motion (MIM) , non‐standardized mindfulness training and an intervention that combined mindfulness and acceptance training . The intervention duration ranged from a single session to 24 weeks and session length varied from 10 min to 6 h .…”

“…PA components were present in 14 MBIs and included PA education and recommendations , mindfulness and acceptance‐based techniques targeting psychological factors related to PA and PA exercises, such as mindful movement and yoga . PA outcomes included PA frequency , tolerance , maintenance , enjoyment , strength and flexibility . Only nine studies measured PA objectively .…”

“…PA outcomes included PA frequency , tolerance , maintenance , enjoyment , strength and flexibility . Only nine studies measured PA objectively .…”