Can a stress management programme reduce stress and improve quality of life in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?

Agland, S., Lydon, A., Shaw, S., Lea, R., Mortimer-Jones, S. and Lechner-Scott, J. (2018) Can a stress management programme reduce stress and improve quality of life in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical, 4 (4).

Abstract

Background
Despite evidence of perceived stress as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis activity, the evidence for managing stress is limited.

Objective To evaluate a stress management programme on perceived stress and quality of life, over 6 months.

Methods
One hundred people with multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to either a stress management programme of mindfulness, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation, or wait list. Perceived stress and quality of life were assessed at three intervals across 6 months. Salivary cortisol levels were assessed at two intervals: baseline and first follow-up.

Results
The stress management programme did not significantly reduce perceived stress, when comparing mean scores. Secondary analysis using median scores found a significant improvement for quality of life, favouring the intervention group.

Conclusion
Stress management had no significant effect on the primary outcome of perceived stress but did improve quality of life in a secondary analysis of median scores.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Health Professions
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
United Nations SDGs:	Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/42834

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