The Feasibility of Delivering Consumer-based Meditation Applications to Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Patients

This study was a four-group randomized pilot trial in myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients. Patients were recruited nationally through organizational partners and social media. Eligible and consented patients were enrolled into one of four groups, two of which received varying orders of two consumer-based apps (unnamed consumer-based \[CB\] app and Calm App) and two that received one of the apps alone for the second four weeks of the eight week intervention after an educational control condition. Participants were asked to perform 10 min/day of smartphone-based meditation irrespective of the app and/or the order in which they received the apps. Feasibility outcomes were measured at week five and nine with an online survey. Feasibility outcomes were acceptability, demand, and limited efficacy for depression, anxiety, pain intensity, sleep disturbance, sexual function, quality of life, global health, and total symptom burden. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of the use of two different consumer-based meditation smartphone applications (i.e., apps) in MPN patients. Specific aim #1: Examine the feasibility of daily meditation delivered using a consumer-based mobile app. Hypothesis: It will feasible to deliver smartphone-based meditation to MPN patients. Exploratory Aim: Explore the preliminary effects of daily meditation delivered using a consumer-based mobile app on MPN self-report fatigue, anxiety, depression, pain intensity, sleep disturbance, sexual function, global health, quality of life, and total symptom burden. Hypothesis: There will be demonstrated preliminary effects on patient-reported outcomes in MPN patients.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* had a diagnosis of MPN (i.e., essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, or myelofibrosis) identified by treating physician
* owned a mobile smartphone and were willing to download and use a meditation app (i.e., CB or Calm)
* could read and understand English
* were age 18 years or older
* were willing to be randomized to one of four groups: 1) CB 4 wks/Calm 4 wks, 2) Calm 4 wks/CB 4 wks, 3) educational material 4 wks/CB 4 wks, and 4) educational material 4 wks/Calm 4 wks,

Exclusion Criteria:

* engaged in ≥10 min/day of meditation on ≥5 days/week for the past 6 months
* engaged in ≥60 min/week of tai chi, qigong, or yoga each week
* utilized either App #1 or Calm
* resided outside of the United States of America

• DERIVEDHuberty J, Eckert R, Larkey L, Kurka J, Rodriguez De Jesus SA, Yoo W, Mesa R. Smartphone-Based Meditation for Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Patients: Feasibility Study to Inform Future Trials. JMIR Form Res. 2019 Apr 29;3(2):e12662. doi: 10.2196/12662. PMID 31033443