Contemplation-Based Intervention and Health Outcomes RCT in Lupus Patients

Summary

The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of an innovative contemplative-based and caregiver-inclusive intervention can modify pathogenic processes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to a psychoeducation-based intervention. Contemplative techniques such as meditation, mindfulness and yoga may have an impact on the disease burden and may decrease psychological distress, increase self-regulation capabilities, and reduce pain. It is also well documented that social relationships moderate physical health. Incorporating patients' caregivers may strengthen their relationships and thereby improve their health and well-being. It is anticipated that the successful outcome of the mindfulness-based intervention described in this proposal will provide the basis for a new and effective contemplative-based and caregiver-inclusive therapy for SLE and other rheumatic diseases. Although we expect our mindfulness-based intervention to outperform our psychoeducation intervention, we note that the psychoeducation intervention is much closer to treatment as usual (especially insofar as many lupus patients are provided no psychosocial intervention whatever), and to that degree can reasonably be considered our best initial point of comparison. In practice, most patients would be provided medication and some basic information about living with the disease, as well as, perhaps, some additional guidance about coping with chronic stress and pain. We believe that our comparison condition goes beyond this to provide a bona fide intervention in itself.

Conditions

• Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Contemplative-Based Intervention for People Living with SLE

Intervention sessions will follow a 6-week format consisting of weekly in-person sessions as well as guided homework to encourage practice at home. Some mindfulness practices that will be included are meditation, group exercise (yoga), group discussions, and deep breathing. Both participants diagnosed with SLE as well as caregivers will participate in the intervention sessions. 5 sessions will be approximately 2 hours long, while the final session will be approximately 4 hours long. Each intervention group will include approximately 4 participants with SLE and 4 caregivers.

BEHAVIORAL

Health Enhancement Program (HEP)

The HEP was designed to create an active control for mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions. The structure of this intervention will mirror that of the other arm of this study, but will lack the mindfulness component. The HEP includes topics such as physical activity, functional movement, music therapy, and nutrition education.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Health Network, Toronto

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Virginia

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Toronto

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• William A Cunningham, PhD · University of Toronto

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-01-31

Primary Completion

2021-07-31

Completion

2021-07-31