The Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Cognitive Impairment in Post-Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on cognitive impairment in post-stroke patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) affects a significant proportion of stroke survivors, leading to long-term disability and reduced quality of life. However, current evidence on the efficacy of MBSR/MBCT for PSCI remains limited, warranting further investigation into their potential benefits.MethodA literature search for peer-reviewed articles published up to September 25, 2024, was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WOS (Web of Science), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and WanFang. A quality appraisal was performed for each included study. Only RCTs on MBSR and MBCT for post-stroke patients were included.ResultsThis meta-analysis showed that MBCT/MBSR significantly improved cognitive function in post-stroke patients (SMD = 0.812, 95% CI: 0.110 to 1.515, p = 0.023), but no significant change in depression levels was observed (SMD = -0.430, 95% CI: -1.026 to 0.166, p = 0.158). Mindfulness levels significantly increased (SMD = 0.450, 95% CI: 0.055 to 0.845, p = 0.036), and NIHSS (National Institute of Health stroke scale) significantly decreased (WMD = -1.853, 95% CI: -3.146 to -0.561, p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis suggested that significant improvements in cognitive function and depression were observed after 12 weeks of MBSR/MBCT no significant changes were observed at 6 or 8 weeks.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that MBCT/MBSR interventions offer advantages in improving cognitive function, mindfulness levels, and NIHSS in post-stroke patients compared to the control group, while no significant effect was observed for depression. However, the quality of the evidence is low.PreregistrationThis review was preregistered on PROSPERO (Ref No: CRD42025637703).