Effects of Different Length Audio-Guided Mindfulness Exercises on Acute Pain in Orthopedic Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether different lengths of audio-recorded mindfulness exercises can reduce pain in patients waiting for orthopedic care. This study is a randomized controlled trial with three groups, each receiving a different duration of mindfulness practice. The goal is to understand how brief mindfulness interventions might affect pain perception in this setting. Participants are assigned to listen to one of three audio-guided mindfulness exercises lasting 1, 2, or 3 minutes. These recordings focus on breath awareness, instructing listeners to notice inhalation and exhalation sensations, use simple mental labels like in and out, and gently return attention to the breath when distracted. Participants are also encouraged to observe discomfort without trying to change it. During the study, participants pain levels are measured immediately before and after the mindfulness exercise using numeric rating scales for pain unpleasantness and pain intensity. The study involves assessing changes in these pain ratings to evaluate the brief mindfulness interventions. Participants involvement includes listening to the audio recording while waiting for orthopedic care and completing pain assessments within a single session.

Dose-Response Effects of a Brief Audio-Guided Mindfulness Intervention for Acute Pain