The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychological symptoms, motor symptoms, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: Published studies in Chinese and English languages, conducted from inception to March 2023, were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and two Chinese electronic databases. The systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines.

Results: Twelve studies were selected for quantitative syntheses. The impact of MBIs on reducing depression and anxiety, and improving mindfulness and quality of life in PD patients was statistically significant compared to the control group. However, no statistically significant effect on motor symptoms was observed. Subgroup analysis indicated that participants from Asia, those who received face-to-face sessions, and those whose sessions lasted 1.5 hours showed a more positive effect than other subgroups.

Conclusions: Patients with PD may benefit from MBIs to improve psychological symptoms and quality of life. MBIs represent a pivotal non-pharmacological therapeutic approach in clinical practice.

Clinical implications: MBIs confer positive improvements in psychological well-being and quality of life in PD patients. However, it remains challenging to conclusively determine their efficacy in addressing motor symptoms.