Mindfulness training improved attention tests in adults, but the gains were not large

The review

1. 01

   Who took part

   2,172 adults took part in 40 studies. Their average age was 36 in the training groups. None had a clinical problem.

2. 02

   What they did

   Most groups did mindfulness courses of about 6 sessions, about 90 minutes each. The other groups waited, took the tests again, or did something else.

3. 03

   What happened

   Attention tests improved overall, and so did sustained attention and focused practice. Open awareness practice showed no clear gain. The review counted eight results as zero because information was missing, and some studies did not assign people by chance. The paper also gives two different numbers of studies for one result.

What the review found

1. Helped

   In 40 studies, mindfulness helped attention tests more than other groups did.

   • Action: Practise mindfulnesstested

   Pooled analysis of 40 studies with 2,172 people · vs people who waited or did other activities · ⚠ whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited; mixes trials with other kinds of study

2. Helped

   Across 11 studies, mindfulness training improved scores on tests that need focus over time.

   • Action: Practise mindfulnesstested

   Pooled analysis of 11 studies · vs people who waited or did other activities · ⚠ whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited; mixes trials with other kinds of study

3. Helped

   In 37 studies, focused practice helped attention.

   • Action: Practise mindfulnesstested

   Pooled analysis of 37 studies · vs people who waited or did other activities · ⚠ whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited; mixes trials with other kinds of study

Source