Late Breaking Abstract - A digital mindfulness-based intervention improves mental health in COPD - Findings from a pilot RCT

<bold>Background:</bold> Although the GOLD 2024 report recommends mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for managing mental health in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), scientific evidence in this population is limited. <bold>Aim:</bold> This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility of an 8-week digital MBI and its effects on mental health in COPD. <bold>Methods:</bold> Psychologically burdened COPD patients (63±7 years, 61% female, FEV1% 41±19) were randomly assigned to a digital MBI (n=14; daily 10-15min audio-guided meditation) and control group (n=16). Primary outcomes included feasibility (dropouts, MBI usage rates, interview responses), anxiety, and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Secondary outcomes encompassed the COPD Assessment Test, Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and biological stress markers. Exploratory outcomes assessed momentary stress, anxiety, and dyspnoea post-meditation. <bold>Results:</bold> Findings showed the intervention’s feasibility (81% usage rate; 93% and 71% found the MBI enjoyable and helpful, respectively), with 21% drop-out. A statistically significant intervention effect was found for anxiety (p=.031, ηp2=.08) and emotional functioning (p=.004, ηp2=.14), but not for depression (p=.178, ηp2=.06) or any other secondary outcome. Momentary stress (p<.001, ηp2=.75), anxiety (p=.022, ηp2=.75), and dyspnoea (p<.001, ηp2=.70) were significantly reduced post-meditation. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The MBI was feasible and improved anxiety and emotional functioning, along with immediate post-meditation outcomes. Results suggest that digital MBIs may serve as promising and effective low-threshold add-on treatments in clinical settings.