This study was set up to test the effect of mindfulness training on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, physiological activity, and the acquisition of mindfulness skills.

Forty-two university students with no pain symptoms participated in a pilot study, assigned randomly to two groups. Participants in the mindfulness group were offered six one hour mindfulness sessions; the control participants were offered two one-hour Guided Visual Imagery sessions. Both groups were provided with practice CDs and encouraged to practice daily.

RESULTS:

Pain tolerance significantly increased in the mindfulness group only.

The full study is available here

Study reference: Kingston J, Chadwick P, Meron D, Skinner TC., Pilot randomized control trial investigating the effect of mindfulness practice on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, and physiological activity , J Psychosom Res. 2007 Mar;62(3):297-300.

Please be aware of our site policy on clinical research