Meditation for Postoperative Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how meditation can help manage pain after surgery. Participants will use focused-attention meditation to potentially ease discomfort and improve recovery after procedures like pectus excavatum repair. Eligible participants include individuals aged 8 years and older, diagnosed with pectus excavatum or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and scheduled for the specified surgeries. By comparing meditation to standard care, researchers aim to determine if meditation can reduce pain and improve healing outcomes. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management techniques that could enhance recovery.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but you can only take up to two medications that affect CYP2D6 activity, like paroxetine or fluoxetine.
What prior data suggests that meditation is safe for postoperative pain management?
Research has shown that mindfulness practices, such as meditation, are generally safe. Studies have found that these practices can improve mental health and reduce stress levels. Notably, these studies have reported no major safety issues, indicating that meditation is usually safe and well-tolerated.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using meditation for postoperative pain because it offers a non-drug alternative to pain management, which can help reduce reliance on medications like opioids that have significant side effects and addiction risks. This approach focuses on enhancing mindfulness and self-regulation by teaching participants to maintain moment-to-moment awareness of their sensations and emotions. The use of the MUSETM headband adds a modern twist, providing real-time feedback to guide meditation practice, potentially making it more effective and accessible for managing stress and pain.
What evidence suggests that meditation might be an effective treatment for postoperative pain?
Research shows that meditation can help manage pain after surgery. Several studies have found that mindfulness-based meditation reduces pain and anxiety following surgery. For example, five out of eight studies reported better pain outcomes with meditation. One study found that these mindfulness techniques not only eased pain but also improved physical recovery after surgery. In this trial, participants in the meditation group will receive focused-attention meditation training to assess its effectiveness in aiding recovery and managing pain for surgery patients.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Vidya Chidambaran, MD
Principal Investigator
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children from age 8 and adults with pectus excavatum or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, who are scheduled for specific chest or spine surgeries. It's not open to those with developmental delays, serious heart, kidney, liver conditions, severe respiratory issues, recent major surgery using opioids, seizures treated with medication within the last year, certain medication use affecting CYP2D6 enzyme activity.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Preoperative
Participants undergo preoperative assessments and, if randomized, receive focused-attention meditation training
Postoperative
Participants are monitored for pain scores, sleep quality, and psychosocial measures; meditation group continues intervention
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes including pain and psychosocial measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Meditation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Lead Sponsor