Browsing by Author "Flynn, Michelle Jacqueline"

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    Effects of Online Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery on Cognitive Function in Cancer Survivors Undergoing Chemotherapy
    (2022-09) Flynn, Michelle Jacqueline; Campbell, Tavis; Carlson, Linda; Hodgins, David; von Ranson, Kristin
    Introduction: Cancer survivors commonly report deterioration in cognitive function during and for several years following cancer treatment, adversely affecting their quality of life. Cognitive changes in cancer survivors likely occur due a complex interaction of disease-related, treatment-related, and psychological factors. One promising intervention for alleviating disruptions in cognitive function in cancer survivors is Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR). Methods: A systematic review examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on cognitive function in cancer survivors. An observational study included 38 breast and colorectal cancer survivors to investigate predictors of self-reported and objectively-assessed cognitive function before chemotherapy treatment. Finally, an intervention study including 38 breast and colorectal cancer survivors investigated the effects of participating in an online MBCR group during (immediate group) or after (waitlist group) chemotherapy treatment in self-reported and objectively-assessed cognitive function. Results: Results of the systematic review indicated significant effects on self-reported cognitive function, favouring MBIs over inactive controls (e.g., waitlist, usual care) and active controls (e.g., metacognition training, walking groups). Mixed results were reported for objectively-assessed cognitive function. Results of the observational study indicated that mood disturbance was a significant predictor of self-reported cognitive function. Objectively-assessed cognitive function was not significantly correlated with other unwanted side effects. Results of the intervention study indicated an average worsening of self-reported cognitive function from pre- to post-MBCR/post-waiting regardless of group assignment. Small to large within-person and between-group effects were observed across timepoints for objectively-assessed cognitive function. Differences in objectively-assessed cognitive function across time were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Future research is warranted to further investigate the role of MBIs in improving both self-reported and objectively-assessed cognitive function in cancer survivors undergoing treatment. In particular, there is a need for studies adequately powered to detect cognitive changes between groups over time, using a range of cognitive assessment methods, with diverse samples.
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    Investigating Intranasal Oxytocin as a Treatment for Women's Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Feasibility Study
    (2018-09-14) Flynn, Michelle Jacqueline; Campbell, Tavis S.; Noel, Melanie; Bergeron, Sophie; McGrath, Daniel S.
    Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects approximately 5.7-26.6% of women in the general population and has limited treatment options. Administration of oxytocin (OT) has been associated with reductions in pain in other chronic pain conditions. The current feasibility study was the first to investigate the OT-pain association in women with CPP. The aims were: 1) determine if a clinically significant change in pain intensity (1-centimeter improvement on a 10-centimeter visual analogue scale) could be detected following intranasal OT administration; 2) identify challenges in treatment and study protocol implementation. Women with CPP (N=18) were recruited from chronic pain and gynecology clinics for this randomized, double-blind, within-subject crossover trial (Registration#NCT02888574). Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, primary diagnosis of endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, interstitial cystitis, functional bowel disorder, fibromyalgia, or neuropathic pain. Currently, 11 women have completed the trial (2-weeks OT, 2-weeks washout, 2-weeks placebo, with random order of OT and placebo). Women recorded symptoms of pain at baseline and in daily diaries. One participant dropped out due to headaches following placebo administration, one did not complete daily diaries, and two were randomized despite having pain only during intercourse, leaving seven women in the analyses. Clinically significant change was reported for average and current pain following OT and placebo administration. Self-reported treatment adherence was near perfect. Participants viewed the treatment as credible, anticipating improved pain. Daily diary adherence was good. Challenges with protocol implementation highlight the need for more systematic eligibility assessments and recruitment strategies, and moving daily diaries to an online platform. Overall, a clinically significant change was detected on pain and the treatment protocol was feasible, though some adjustments to the study protocol are warranted before a subsequent trial is completed.