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Review
. 2025 Aug 29;12(9):931.
doi: 10.3390/bioengineering12090931.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pulmonary Diseases: A Systematic Review of Effects on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Dyspnea, and Quality of Life

Alessia Bramanti  1 , Colomba Pessolano  1 , Marina Garofano  1 , Angelantonio Maglio  1 , Michele Ciccarelli  1 , Luana Budaci  2 , Mariaconsiglia Calabrese  1 , Andrea Marino  1 , Francesco Loria  2 , Francesco Corallo  3 , Placido Bramanti  4 , Carmine Vecchione  1 , Alessandro Vatrella  1
Affiliations
Review

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pulmonary Diseases: A Systematic Review of Effects on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Dyspnea, and Quality of Life

Alessia Bramanti et al. Bioengineering (Basel). .

Abstract

(1) Background: Chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs), such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, are often accompanied by psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), including digital and virtual reality (VR) formats, have emerged as promising non-pharmacological approaches to improve symptom management and well-being. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs-delivered in-person or digitally-on anxiety, depression, disease-related stress, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life in individuals with CPDs. (2) Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2005-2025). Thirteen studies (8 randomized controlled trials, 5 non-randomized) met inclusion criteria. Outcomes assessed included psychological distress, physical symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. (3) Results: MBIs were associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, stress, and HRQoL in several studies. Interventions were generally well-tolerated and effective across various delivery methods, including digital and VR-based formats. Improvements were especially notable when interventions were tailored and sustained. (4) Conclusions: MBIs, including digital and VR-delivered formats, show promise in supporting psychological and physical outcomes in CPD populations. They represent a feasible and complementary tool in modern respiratory care.

Keywords: chronic pulmonary disease; mindfulness-based interventions; psychological distress; quality of life; virtual reality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of study selection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of RCTs assessing the effect of MBIs on anxiety.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot of RCTs assessing the effect of MBIs on depression.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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