Mind–Body Therapy via Videoconferencing in Patients With Neurofibromatosis: Analyses of 1-Year Follow-up

• Published in: Annals of behavioral medicine 2021-02, Vol.55 (1), p.77-81
• Main Authors: Lester, Ethan G, Gates, Melissa V, Vranceanu, Ana-Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical trials; Coping; Genetic disorders; Health behavior; Health psychology; Mind body relationship; Neurological disorders; Quality of life; Relaxation therapy; Tumors; Video teleconferencing
• ISSN: 0883-6612; 1532-4796
• DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaaa030

Patients with neurofibromatoses (NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis) who participated in a live video resiliency program sustained improvements in quality of life domains at one year follow-up. Abstract Background Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a rare genetic disorder associated with substantial deficits in quality of life (QoL). We have previously shown that in this population the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF (3RP-NF) delivered via live videoconferencing is associated with sustained improvement in QoL from baseline through 6-month follow-up over and above an attention placebo control.. Purpose To examine between- and within-group changes in QoL domains from baseline to 1-year follow-up and 6-month to 1-year follow-up. Methods We enrolled and randomized 63 adults with NF. Of these, 52 completed the 6-month follow-up and 53 completed 1-year follow-up. We assessed QoL with the World Health Organization Quality of Life—Brief. Results Participation in the 3RP-NF was associated with sustained improvement from baseline to 1 year in physical health QoL (12.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.76 to 23.59; p =.024) and social relations QoL (16.81; 95% CI: 3.03 to 30.59; p =.018) but not psychological and environmental QoL, over and above the control (between group changes). Participants in the 3RP-NF improved from baseline to 1 year in psychological (8.16; 95% CI: 1.17 to 15.14; p =.023) and social relations QoL (9.93; 95% CI: 1.10 to 18.77; p = .028; within-group changes). There were no other significant differences between or within groups from baseline/6 months to 1 year. Conclusions The live video 3RP-NF shows promise in improving QoL dimensions over the course of 1 year. Results should be replicated in a fully powered randomized controlled trial. Clinical Trial information ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03406208.