Mindfulness and Meditative Movement Interventions for Men Living With Cancer: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Mindfulness-based interventions, Tai Chi/Qigong, and Yoga (defined here as meditative cancer interventions [MCIs]) have demonstrated small to medium effects on psychosocial outcomes in female breast cancer patients. However, no summary exists of how effective these interventions are for men with cancer. Purpose A meta-analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of MCIs on psychosocial outcomes (e.g., quality of life, depression, and posttraumatic growth) for men with cancer. Methods A literature search yielded 17 randomized controlled trials (N = 666) meeting study inclusion criteria. The authors were contacted to request data for male participants in the study when not reported. Results With the removal of one outlier, there was a small effect found in favor of MCIs across all psychosocial outcomes immediately postintervention (g = .23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02 to 0.44). Studies using a usual care control arm demonstrated a small effect in favor of MCIs (g = .26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.42). However, there was insufficient evidence of a superior effect for MCIs when compared to an active control group, including attention control. Few studies examined both short-term and long-term outcomes. Conclusions There is evidence for MCIs improving psychosocial outcomes in male cancer survivors. However, this effect is not demonstrated when limited to studies that used active controls. The effect size found in this meta-analysis is smaller than those reported in MCI studies of mixed gender and female cancer patient populations. More rigorously designed randomized trials are needed that include active control groups, which control for attention, and long-term follow-up. There may be unique challenges for addressing the psychosocial needs of male cancer patients that future interventions should consider.

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of effects of psychosocial interventions on spiritual well‐being in adults with cancer

“…Omitting this study reduced the estimate to g = 0.17. We included this study in our overall effect size because study design characteristics (i.e., breast cancer sample, explicit focus on SpWb and use of meaning/existential therapy and six 2.5 h sessions) suggested the intervention's large effect was anticipated 76,77 . Even omitting this study, the effect of interventions on SpWb is noteworthy given known ceiling effects with SpWb measures 8 .…”

Brief Mindfulness Intervention vs. Health Enhancement Program for Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Mindfulness-based interventions incorporate these practices into structured therapeutic programs which are promising in terms of patient acceptability and scalability [17]. To date, the majority of research has focused on patients with cancer diagnoses [18,19]. A pilot study by our group found that brief chair-side mindfulness meditation was feasible, enjoyable, and could significantly reduce depressive symptoms in a subgroup of patients undergoing dialysis with greater baseline depression symptom burden [20].…”

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“… Dong et al, 2019 22 China 12/2183 Cochrane criteria 2009–2018 Hatha yoga+home-based yoga; Integrated yoga; Restorative yoga; Iyengar yoga; Viniyoga+home-based yoga; Satyananda yoga; Anusara yoga; Classical yoga; Home-based yoga; Classical yoga; Dru yoga+home-based breathing and relaxation exercise; Tibetan yoga+booster class +home-based practice; Yoga +usual care; Yoga+Aerobic exercise Standard care; Supportive counseling; Wait-list Non-intervention; Health education ;Usual self-care; Usual care; Strengthening exercise Conventional physical exercise; Aerobic exercise ⑧ Yoga is effective on fatigue in patients with breast cancer. Ford et al, 2020 23 USA 17/666 NIH Quality Assessment 2000– 2017 Taichi; Qigong; Yoga Usual care; Wait-list; Education groups; Attention controls ① TaiChi/Qigong and Yoga are effective on quality of life in male cancer survivors. Hashimi et al, 2019 24 Canada 8/545 Not mentioned 2008–2018 Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana; Hatha yoga; Anusandhana Samsthana; Tibetan yoga; Iyengar yoga; Integrated Yoga; Classic yoga Stretching; Standard exercise; Physical exercise; Shoulder exercise; Strength training; Physical exercise; Aerobic exercise ① Yoga is not effective on quality of life of women with breast cancer.…”