Joanne Azulay
JFK Medical Center, USA
Title: The impact of the MAP (Mindfulness Attention Program) on Neurologic symptoms associated with Brain Injury (BI)
Biography
Biography: Joanne Azulay
Abstract
Objective: To introduce a mindfulness meditation treatment program called the Mindfulness Attention Program (MAP). This program was developed and researched to address neurologic symptoms and has been running successfully for over ten years to address memory, attention and self-regulation deficits associated with neurologic disorders such as TBI, Stroke, Parkinson's, and Autoimmune disorders.
Design: Over the last six years we have assessed a convenience sample in a post acute brain injury rehabilitation center. Participants completed outcome measures and neuropsychological testing pre and post treatment intervention.
Participants: Participants included sixty- eight individuals with neurologic disorders and a time post onset greater than 7 months.
Intervention: The intervention consisted of a 10-week group (with weekly, 2-hour sessions) mindfulness program designed to facilitate implementation with a neurologic population. The treatment-involved the enhancement of attentional skills, increased awareness of internal and external experiences and exploration of physical and emotional pain.
Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures included the Perceived Quality of Life Scale (PQOL), Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (PSE) and the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI). Additional measures included neuropsychological (NP) tests, a self –report problem solving inventory, an emotional regulation measure and self-report measure of mindfulness.
Results: Clinically meaningful improvements were noted on measures of quality of life (Cohen’s d = 0.53) perceived self-efficacy (Cohen’s d = 0.57), and emotional regulation (Cohen’s d = 0.70), with smaller but still significant effects on measures of central-executive aspects of working memory.
Conclusion: A modified mindfulness program called the MAP is a powerful intervention with the cognitive, emotional and physical symptoms associated with a neurologic population.