Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Interventional Ages 4 to 12

Mindfulness program for children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Official title: A Pilot Randomized-controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of a Live-Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention: The Making Mindfulness Matter© in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Study

Run by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT06376149 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a mindfulness program for kids with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and their caregivers to see if it helps them cope better and feel healthier.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages4 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment74 (estimated)
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 12, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 2027
Study endsSeptember 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT06376149 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 4 to 12 years diagnosed with JIA who can comprehend spoken language and follow simple instructions.

Probably not a fit

Patients with major co-morbid disorders or those currently enrolled in other intervention trials may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot intervention evaluates the efficacy of the M3© program, which is designed for children aged 4-12 with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and their caregivers. The program consists of an 8-week online course that integrates mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and positive psychology to enhance coping and resilience in the context of chronic illness. Participants will engage in facilitator-led sessions aimed at improving health-related quality of life and mental health outcomes for both children and their caregivers. The study also seeks to gather data on the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention to inform future larger-scale trials across Canada.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for children with JIA and their families.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using mindfulness-based interventions for chronic illness management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 4 to 12 years diagnosed with JIA
* Children have reasonable comprehension of spoken language and can follow simple instructions
* Children with JIA and their caregivers are willing to attend intervention sessions and have access to technology and internet to attend the online sessions.
* Children with JIA and their caregivers have an adequate understanding of English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other major co-morbid disorders (e.g. Crohn's disease, diabetes, renal failure).
* Concurrent enrollment in other intervention trials or practicing any complementary health interventions such as yoga, meditation, or daily mindfulness practice.

Where it's running

  • McMaster Children's Hospital,
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • LHSC Children' Hosptial
    London, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Sickids
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Roberta Berard, MD — LHSC Children's Hospital/ Lawson Research
  • Study coordinator: Sarah Wells
  • Email: sarah.wells@lhsc.on.ca
  • Phone: 519-685-8500

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.