Meditation and Biofeedback to Improve Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Inpatients After Stroke

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the impact of a technology-based meditation program in the inpatient stroke population. It will explore how this approach can support patient-centred, holistic, compassionate care by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving quality of life. Patients will be recruited from the inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit and will have sustained a stroke in the past 2 months. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are:

1. Is using a technology-based meditation program in the prevention and/or improvement of post stroke depression and anxiety effective for inpatient stroke survivors?
2. Does using a technology-based meditation program support patient-centered, holistic and compassionate care and result in improved measures of quality of life?

Those in the treatment arm will be asked to complete the following:

* complete an outcome survey on admission and discharge
* participate in meditation therapy at least three times per week for a minimum of 10 minutes per session.

Participate in education and demonstration of the meditation app and use of the iom2 device

* use the iom2 (technology supported meditation and biofeedback) device to monitor heart rate variability and resonance scores
* participate in an informal discussion re: experience with software and biofeedback

In this randomized controlled trial, those allocated to the control group (standard care) will undergo their usual inpatient rehabilitation but will be asked to complete the outcome measures on admission and prior to hospital discharge.

To maximize data collection, we will offer qualitative interviews with patients and focus groups with staff to understand the perceived benefits of meditation technology for stroke patients.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Technology Supported Meditation and Biofeedback

Patient's in the treatment arm will participate in technology based meditation using the iom2 and Journeys app at least 3 times/ week. This will involve placing a probe on their ear attached to the iom2 and following the guidance provided by the Journeys App. During and following each session, participants will be shown their average heart rate variability (HRV) score, average HRV, and time spent on the session. Patients will be able to review sessions and keep track of their progress. Participants in the intervention arm will be asked to complete the outcome measures prior to their hospital discharge. As well, an informal discussion about the patient's experience using technology based meditation will be transcribed.

OTHER

Standard Treatment

Patients at St. John's Rehab undergoing rehabilitation are supported by an interprofessional team - including physiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, social workers and psychiatrists. During their inpatient stay, patients receive a wide range of rehabilitation services aimed at addressing their physical, emotional and cognitive care needs. Length of stay for inpatient services ranges between 2 to 12 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sunnybrook Research Institute

  collaborator OTHER

• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Amanda Ratner, M.Sc. · Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-12-01

Primary Completion

2024-10-01

Completion

2024-11-30

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations