Effects of 4-week mindfulness training versus adaptive cognitive training on processing speed and working memory in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this preregistered, secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial (NCT02717429) was to compare the impact of 4-week mindfulness-based training and adaptive cognitive training, with a waitlist control condition, on processing speed and working memory in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

METHOD

Sixty-one PwMS were randomized to mindfulness-based training (MBT), adaptive computerized cognitive training (aCT), or a waitlist (WL) control group and completed the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests at pre- and posttraining. Training-related changes on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) were the primary outcomes of interest. Baseline cognitive status was examined as a moderator of treatment gains. Practice time, change in aCT game difficulty, and rate of change in state awareness across MBT were assessed as correlates of cognitive gains.

FINDINGS

Compared with aCT and WL, mindfulness training significantly improved processing speed (η² = .14). Baseline cognitive status did not moderate change in processing speed (η² = .005) or working memory (η² = .014). Practice time and change in game difficulty were not significantly correlated with cognitive gains (all s > .49). In the MBT group, rate of change in awareness was significantly associated with improvement in working memory (ρ = .52, = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

In PwMS, 4 weeks of mindfulness meditation training improved processing speed above and beyond aCT and WL. More rapid change in awareness during mindfulness training may be associated with greater gains in working memory. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).