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Open Access 01-06-2018

The effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on wound healing: a preliminary study

Authors: Astrid Meesters, Yvo M. C. In den Bosch-Meevissen, Chantal A. H. Weijzen, Wim A. Buurman, Mario Losen, Jan Schepers, Monique R. T. M. Thissen, Hugo J. E. M. Alberts, Casper G. Schalkwijk, Madelon L. Peters

Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Psychological factors have been shown to influence the process of wound healing. This study examined the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on the speed of wound healing. The local production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors was studied as potential underlying mechanism. Forty-nine adults were randomly allocated to a waiting-list control group (n = 26) or an 8-week MBSR group (n = 23). Pre- and post-intervention/waiting period assessment for both groups consisted of questionnaires. Standardized skin wounds were induced on the forearm using a suction blister method. Primary outcomes were skin permeability and reduction in wound size monitored once a day at day 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 after injury. Secondary outcomes were cytokines and growth factors and were measured in wound exudates obtained at 3, 6, and 22 h after wounding. Although there was no overall condition effect on skin permeability or wound size, post hoc analyses indicated that larger increases in mindfulness were related to greater reductions in skin permeability 3 and 4 days after wound induction. In addition, MBSR was associated with lower levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and placental growth factor in the wound fluid 22 h after wound induction. These outcomes suggest that increasing mindfulness by MBSR might have beneficial effects on early stages of wound healing.

Trial Registration NTR3652, http://www.trialregister.nl

Available only for authorised users

All wounds healed normally but five participants experienced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for longer than 6 months.

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Title: The effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on wound healing: a preliminary study
Authors: Astrid Meesters
Yvo M. C. In den Bosch-Meevissen
Chantal A. H. Weijzen
Wim A. Buurman
Mario Losen
Jan Schepers
Monique R. T. M. Thissen
Hugo J. E. M. Alberts
Casper G. Schalkwijk
Madelon L. Peters
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0160-7715
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3521
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-017-9901-8

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The effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on wound healing: a preliminary study

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