Full attention meditation and the: benefits in self- perception of health in post-stroke individuals: pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Meditation is a technique that can be used in the rehabilitation of post-stroke individuals, helping to reduce stress and mental fatigue. Objective: To assess whether mindfulness meditation can influence the reduction of stress and improve the well-being of post-stroke patients. Methodology: This pilot study included post-chronic stroke individuals who understood simple commands and had a mobile cell phone. The intervention protocol was performed remotely and consisted of conducting guided meditation. Assessments were made before starting the program (T0), after four weeks (T4) and at the end of eight weeks (T8) using the following instruments: WHO well-being index (WHO-5), Numerical pain scale (END), Perceived Stress Scale, Modified Rankin Scale and Focused Rankin Assessment, Post-Stroke Self-Efficacy Scale (SSEQ-B), Functional Independence Measure (MIF), Participant’s Weekly Report, Participant’s Final Report and attendance. Results: Of the 12 patients contacted, only two completed the study. P1 obtained a total of 24 points in WHO-5 in (T0), (T4) and (T8) and 31 points for perceived stress in (T0), 27 points in (T4) and 30 points in (T8). The Numerical Pain Scale (END) obtained a zero score in all evaluations. P2, obtained a total of 15 points in WHO-5 in the period (T0) and 16 points in (T4 and T8). For the Perceived Stress Scale, it obtained 31 points in (T0) and 30 points in (T4) and (T8). At END he obtained a zero score in all evaluations. Conclusion: Mindfulness meditation did not demonstrate any benefits regarding the variables analyzed. However, some limitations need to be recognized, such as the low adherence of individuals to this type of intervention, since only 16.67% of the contacted participants completed the program.