Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction to support emotional recovery after stroke
Interoception and Emotional Recovery After Stroke: A Pilot Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
This pilot tests whether an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course helps adults with chronic stroke improve body awareness and emotional well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HealthPartners Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint Paul, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT07491861 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot will enroll 30 adults who had a stroke at least six months ago and who report psychological distress. Participants complete a 30-minute intake visit and are randomized to begin an 8-week MBSR course immediately or start later as a waitlist control; the course includes eight 2.5-hour sessions plus a one-day 7-hour retreat. Sessions require reliable internet and a video-capable device and are scheduled on Friday afternoons, with remote participation expected. The study measures feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary changes in interoception, emotional well-being, and whole-person health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) who had a stroke at least six months ago, have some psychological distress (K6 score ≥5), can consent in English, and can attend Friday-afternoon MBSR sessions with reliable video conferencing access are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with recent stroke (<6 months), non-English speakers, those who previously completed MBSR, those with uncontrolled severe psychiatric or substance use disorders, or those unable to attend or use video conferencing are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-drug way to improve body awareness, reduce psychological distress, and enhance overall well-being after chronic stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small trials of mindfulness or MBSR in stroke and other neurological populations have shown promise for improving mood and quality of life, but results remain preliminary and mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to consent to study participation * Age 18+ * Diagnosis of stroke ≥6 months prior to enrollment * A score of 5 or more on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) * Reliable and consistent internet access and a device with video conferencing (e.g. Zoom) capabilities (e.g., smart phone, tablet, or laptop/computer) for the duration of the study * Able to attend an 8-week mindfulness course on Friday afternoons, starting approximately in mid-May or mid-July Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * Prior completion of an MBSR course * Active participation or past participation ≤3 months in any other interventional research study * History of any serious/uncontrolled neurological, psychiatric, or substance use disorder that would impact study participation * Any other clinically relevant finding that would pose a safety risk to the subject as determined by the investigator
Where this trial is running
Saint Paul, Minnesota
- HealthPartners Neuroscience Center — Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amanda Herrmann, PhD — HealthPartners Institute
- Study coordinator: Meghan O'Brien, MPH
- Email: Meghan.E.Obrien@HealthPartners.com
- Phone: 651-495-6363
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.