Effect of mindfulness on fatigue, kinesiophobia and quality of life in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Aim: To investigate the effect of the brief mindfulness practice (MP) on fatigue, kinesiophobia, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) was the purpose of the study. Material and Methods: This study was designed as a randomized controlled study. The study was carried out with 56 MI patients. Participants were randomly assigned to the mindfulness group (MG) or a control group (CG). The MG patients received a 15 min MP session during eight weeks, comprising sitting and breathing for a total of eight weeks, while the CG patients received only a single-time attention-matched education. Results: After completion of the MP, any significant difference was not found in the fatigue scores of the patients (p>0.05). The kinesiophobia scores in the MG were significantly lower in the 4th, 8th and 12th weeks (p<0.05). The QoL scores were significantly higher in the MG in the 8th week (p<0.05). Discussion: The MP practice can significantly improve the QoL, and this beneficial effect of MP is maintained particularly in the emotional aspect. Furthermore, the MP may decrease kinesiophobia in patients with MI. Based on the results of the study, MP may be recommended as mind-body-based complementary approaches within the scope of post-MI management.