![]() Physically, there are no formalised recommendations for adaptation of core mindfulness techniques such as body scanning, mindful movement or yoga-derived movement, limiting their utility in populations living with paralysis/reduced sensation and in wheelchair users. ![]() Psychologically, emotional barriers such as processing difficult feelings of trauma, self-worth, SCI identity or depressive symptomology (often comorbid with SCI), pose challenges to utilising mindfulness in the SCI community (). ĭespite the evidence suggesting beneficial outcomes of mindfulness, people with sensory loss often experience barriers to practising mindfulness, which may be both psychological and physiological. As a consequence, mindfulness has been increasingly integrated in multidisciplinary interventions for patients with changed neurological functioning. Such outcomes are attributed to an improved ability to stay in the present moment without rumination or catastrophizing and to observe thoughts and emotions without negative self-judgement. Group-based mindfulness training in SCI rehabilitation centres resulted in an improved ability to navigate complex environments, develop positive relationships, heighten self-acceptance and increase intrinsic motivation. Similarly, people with SCI and high trait mindfulness have been found to have less avoidant coping styles and increased wellbeing. Within SCI, personal use of Mindfulness has demonstrated the potential to reduce depression and catastrophizing and improve neuropathic pain, pain management, positive attitude and acceptance. ![]() Through accepting thoughts and feelings without judgement and observing moment-to-moment experiences, it is proposed that these processes minimise cognitive and emotional reactivity to enhance coping, self-control and psychophysiological wellbeing. Mindfulness, a psychological practice primarily focused on guiding attention towards momentary-self-reflection in the present, has been implicated as a promising method of self-management in patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The language used in mindfulness-based interventions may need adapted by practitioners so that it remains inclusive for people with sensory loss as well as sensory presence.Īdditional care needs to be taken when using body scans during mindfulness as they have the potential to exacerbate psychological distress in people with reduced sensory awareness. Mindfulness techniques can be extended through the use of visualisation strategies to encourage (non-proprioceptive) awareness of paralysed limbs or areas of the body with sensory loss. Mindfulness-based practices which focus on the body and sensation are accessible to people with neurological limitations. The cognitive and emotional outcomes of body scanning may be uniquely elevated in populations with neurophysiological disorders, highlighting the benefits of mindfulness for adaptive and protective self-management. Fundamental to the use of mindfulness with such populations, is the prioritisation of inclusive sensory language and exploring sensory absence as well as sensory presence. Mindfulness offers a unique approach to accepting and working with the body after paralysis or sensory loss.
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