Table 1: Patient characteristics in the control and treatment group at baseline.

Variable Control group
(n = 45)
Treatment group
(n = 80)
P
value
Age (years) 42.9 ± 11.0 44.8 ± 11.8 0.38a
Sex (F/M) 35/10 63/17 0.90b
Previous experience with relaxation 10 (22.2%) 31 (40.3%) 0.04b
Previous experience with mindfulness 7 (15.6%) 20 (26.3%) 0.17b
Pain intensity (NRS: 0-10) 6.4 ± 1.5 6.0 ± 1.4 0.18a
Depression (HAD: 0-21) 7.8 ± 4.5 7.4 ± 4.2 0.60a
Subjects with depression (HAD ≥ 8) 22 (48.9%) 40 (50%) 0.91b
Anxiety (HAD: 0-21) 9.6 ± 4.9 8.4 ± 3.6 0.11a
Subjects with anxiety (HAD ≥ 8) 28 (62.2%) 47 (58.8%) 0.70b
Pain Catastrophizing (PCS: 0-52) 30.5 ± 9.4 27.0 ± 10.1 0.06a
Level of mindfulness (MAAS: 15-90) 56.7 ± 16.5 55.1 ± 13.4 0.56a
Pain Acceptance (CPAQ: 0-120) 49.4 ± 16.0 53.1 ± 17.1 0.24a

a Independent T-Test
b Chi Square Test
‘NRS’: Numerical Rating Scale, ‘HAD’: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, ‘PCS’: Pain Catastrophizing Scale, ‘MAAS’: Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale, ‘CPAQ’: Chronic Pain