The Effects of Teaching Mindfulness on Stress in Physical Therapy Students – A Randomized Controlled Trial

A systematic review of stress reduction interventions among graduate students

Objective: To provide a synthesis of stress reduction interventions available to graduate students since the end of the previous review published by Stillwell et al. in 2017. Participants: Graduate students in North America. Methods: Eligible studies: (1) were peer-reviewed and published between 2016-2024; (2) involved master's, doctoral, professional, or post-graduate students; (3) assessed interventions to reduce stress; (4) gauged participants' perceived stress levels pre- and post-intervention; and (5) were conducted in North America. Results: Twenty-nine studies (representing 1,919 students) were included and the majority of included studies implemented multi-component interventions, with mindfulness, breathing techniques, and physical activity being the most commonly included components. Twelve studies demonstrated significant reductions in perceived stress associated with their interventions, all of which used at least two components. Conclusions: The findings suggest that multi-pronged interventions can positively impact perceived stress among graduate students. However, further research is needed to identify the most effective approaches.

Analysis of job stress, depression, and mindfulness among Korean physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundAlthough there are studies on preventing of COVID-19 infection for physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have analyzed the job stress, depression, and mindfulness among physical therapists.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze workplace mental health such as personal characteristics, mindfulness, depression, and job stress, among physical therapists in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA survey was conducted among 280 physical therapists in Korea from December 2021 to January 2022 to collect demographic information and data on job stress, depression, and mindfulness. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, cross-tabulation, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance were conducted.ResultsThe participants exhibited a high-stress index regardless of the type of medical institution, age, and education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Job stress showed significant differences by marriage, education, work department, and depression. It was positively correlated with depression (r = 0.527, p < 0.001) and was higher among musculoskeletal physical therapists (F = 3.710, p < 0.01). Depression differed significantly by work period, job stress, and mindfulness. Although mindfulness differed significantly only by depression, it was negatively correlated with stress (r = -0.440, p < 0.001) and depression (r = -0.525, p < 0.001) and was higher among participants with graduate than undergraduate degrees (F = 3.751, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe participants suffered from psychological instability and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, musculoskeletal physical therapists who mainly performed manual therapy exhibited higher job stress indexes compared to other divisions.

Developing a personalized self-care curriculum for graduate students in the health sciences

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Pitt Personal Wellness Program, three 1-hour workshops that were integrated into the first-semester curriculum of five health sciences graduate programs. The workshops were designed as a personalized education approach to promote self-care and well-being. Of the 156 graduate students who participated in the Pitt Personal Wellness Program, 99 (65%) completed online questionnaires regarding stress and coping at three time points across a 14 week period: before the program, and after the second and third workshops. Graduate students reported significant decreases in perceived stress and number of stressful situations across the three time points. Students who reported a previous history of mental health counseling demonstrated steeper declines in perceived stress across Times 1 and 2, and reported significantly higher use of coping strategies across the three time points. Racially minoritized students and those reporting more financial struggles also reported significant declines in stress and number of stressors across Times 1 and 2. The Pitt Personal Wellness Program was acceptable to graduate students and a promising program for further dissemination and study.

Physical therapist's beliefs, practice patterns and barriers to the incorporation of mindfulness meditation into management of individuals with chronic dizziness

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess physical therapist's beliefs, practice patterns, and barriers of incorporation of mindfulness meditation into the management of individuals with chronic dizziness.

METHODS

An electronic survey was sent to physical therapists with experience treating individuals with dizziness and vestibular disorders. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents agree that anxiety limits functional and participation outcomes with individuals with chronic dizziness and adoption of a mindfulness meditation practice could be helpful to address this. However, a much smaller percentage of respondents reported currently using these techniques a majority of time during their clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

Barriers exist that prevent the widespread implementation of meditation and mindfulness in physical therapy practice. Potential limiting factors highlight that further research is needed to explore these barriers and evaluate the outcomes of patients with chronic dizziness when meditation is applied in practice.