Meditation intervention in a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, atrophy, and stiffness. These symptoms severely compromise motor function, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Meditation is a complementary practice that may enhance rehabilitation outcomes and overall quality of life for individuals with ALS by improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety, depression, and negative emotions. Objective: To describe changes in quality of life, sleep quality, and functional capacity following a guided meditation intervention in a patient with ALS. Methods: This study involved 25 guided meditation sessions with one individual diagnosed with ALS. Quality of life, sleep, and functional capacity were assessed pre and post-intervention using the WHOQOL-100, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale, respectively. Results: The participant showed decreases across all variables. However, a positive change suggesting improvement was observed only for quality of life. She exhibited declines in the independence level and environment domains, but improvements were noted in the physical, psychological, and personal relationships domains. Although sleep quality and functional capacity worsened, these changes were not clinically significant. Conclusion: The meditation intervention positively infuenced quality of life in the physical, psychological, and personal relationships domains, despite declines in sleep quality and functional capacity.