Effects of a mindfulness programme for chronic pain in physically disabled Para athletes: a quasiexperimental study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v65.111464Keywords:
Coping strategies, chronic pain, emotional disorders, mindfulness, Para athletes, physical disabilityAbstract
Introduction: The Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) program has shown positive changes in key aspects that contribute to sport performance. So far no study has been conducted in Para athletes with physical disabilities using mindfulness based programs as a strategy for chronic pain management.
Objective: To determine the usefulness of the adapted MSPE program (combination of MSPE and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction [MBSR]) compared to relaxation training group as a strategy for managing chronic pain.
Methodology: 36 Para athletes with chronic pain participated in a quasi-experimental design of two groups pre-post intervention. It was assessed: 1) pain intensity and frequency with a Likert type scale, 2) levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales [DASS-21]), 3) catastrophizing (Coping Strategies Questionnaire [CSQ]), 4) pain acceptance (Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire [CPAQ-R]), and 5) satisfaction with life (Satisfaction with Life Scale [SWLS]).
Results: The group that received the adapted MSPE program showed a significant reduction in pain intensity, frequency, levels of depression and stress. In addition, there was an increase in pain acceptance and life satisfaction. Both in the group submitted to the adapted MSPE and in the relaxation training group, a reduction in the levels of anxiety and catastrophizing in the face of pain was observed.
Conclusions: The results obtained seem to indicate that the adapted MSPE program can be considered as a non-pharmacological alternative for the management of chronic pain, improving care and support for competitive Para athletes with physical disabilities.
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