Effects of mindfulness behavior training on coping style and illness uncertainty in patients of shoulder hand syndrome after ischemic stroke

Objective To study the effects of mindfulness behavior training on coping style and illness uncertainty in patients of shoulder hand syndrome(SHS) after ischemic stroke. Methods 65 cases with SHS were randomly divided into two groups by digit method: the control group (n=32) and experimental group (n=33). Patients in control group only received routine rehabilitation, while patients in experimental group also received mindfulness behavior training. The daily life, medical coping style, illness uncertainty and mindfulness were evaluated respectively by Barthel Index (BI), Medical Coping Style Questionnaire(MCMQ), Illness Uncertainty Scale (IUS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results Before training, there were no significant difference in BI, MCMQ, IUS and MAAS (P>0.05). After treatment, scores in BI improved significantly in the experimental group than that in the control group(72.4±11.6 vs 62.9±10.1), scores in IUS improved significantly in the experimental group than that in the control group(69.3±9.3 vs 86.9±7.2) and scores in MCMQ and MAAS improved significantly in the experimental group than that in the control group(P<0.05).26 cases whose Barthel index was more than 60 points in experimental group after treatment were found while 17 cases whose Barthel index was more than 60 points in control group were done after treatment(χ2=6.415, P<0.05). Conclusion Mindfulness behavior training can regulate the patient coping style and weaken illness uncertainty, and improve functions rehabilitation. Key words: Mindfulness practice; Ischemic stroke; Shoulder hand syndrome; Illness uncertainty; Coping style