Neural mechanisms of mindfulness-based stress reduction in asthma.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Randomized controlled trial comparing MBSR to a wait-list control group
PubMed 42151421 · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-53074-6
What was done
Adults with asthma were randomized to 8 weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR, n = 38) or a wait-list control group (n = 34). Task-based fMRI during emotional cue exposure, along with asthma-related and psychological outcomes, were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. Neural changes and their relationships to biological and psychological measures were evaluated using group-by-time interactions and voxelwise regressions.
What was found
The abstract reports directional findings without numerical values, effect sizes, or test statistics. Post-intervention, MBSR participants showed decreased lateral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex responses to aversive cues relative to controls, which correlated with increased mindfulness. Across the cohort, decreased post-intervention salience network reactivity was associated with reduced airway inflammation and psychological distress. At 6 months, only some relationships persisted.
Why it matters
This study provides evidence for specific neural pathways linking mindfulness training to reductions in airway inflammation and emotional reactivity in asthma.
Limits
The abstract reports no numerical estimates or confidence intervals. The trial utilized an inactive wait-list control rather than an active comparator, had a small sample size (n = 72), and noted inconsistent persistence of effects at 6-month follow-up.
Cited by
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