The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) On the Quality of Life and Occupational Performance in Adults with Neurological Disorders: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Neurological disorders affect over 3 billion people globally. They incorporate disorders in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous systems. They are complicated and can impact patients' mobility, sensory functions, cognitive abilities, and behaviors. This consequently affects patients' Daily performance and quality of life, requiring advanced treatment and intervention. One of the promising interventions is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). This scoping review aimed to examine the efficacy of the MBSR approach in improving the quality of life and occupational performance of persons diagnosed with neurological disorders. This study is conducted to partially fulfilment the master's degree requirement it follows the framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley. The research question was identified flowing PIO strategy, and the keywords searched followed the Boolean technique conducted by electronic databases through PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Dimensions, and CINAHL. The inclusion criteria quantitative and qualitative studies with adult subjects aged 18 years and older diagnosed with one neurological disorder who are involved in formal MBSR, including shorter workshops, self-guided practices, or online modules. Published in English between 2013 and 2023. The Author screened 3531 potential articles, and 15 studies met the eligibility criteria. The reviewed 15 studies generally suggested that MBSR had positive effects on the symptoms, QoL, and performance compared with baseline and other interventions/control conditions, including attention, problem-solving, fatigue levels and psychological function/effect. Additionally, the result highlights the gap in the literature, such as less focus on the MBSR as a therapeutic intervention for neurological disorders patients, lack of randomized control trial (RCT) and comparison, small sample size, and imbalance in gender distribution. The review provided future suggestions including more diversity, age range samples, and the need to appreciate how personality and additional factors may influence receptivity to MBSR and long-term mindful practice, as well as considering additional factors unique to the population with neurological conditions.