Purpose:​ The long-term aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a non-invasive, easy to learn, alternative method found online that can successfully assist Active Duty (AD) women with CPP regulate daily perceptions of their body, improve pain management skills whether related to pain, painful coitus, irritable bowel, or voiding pain, which could be detrimental in maintaining their physical and mental health and improve coping to help their “readiness” for missions. But, ultimately improve functionality and quality of life (QOL).

Methods:​ This study, registered with clinical trials.gov and approved by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institutional Review Board and the TriService Nursing Research Program Review Board while following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. A review of the literature, methods, settings, and procedures are included. Military women at Mountain Home, ID and San Antonio, TX with CPP were invited into one of two groups:​ an on-line only mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) (N=21) or a self-paced healthy lifestyle (HL) (N=19) for eight-weeks. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared effects on pain with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and biomarkers specific for CPP, depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and inflammation with serum biomarkers before and after the interventions. Demographic data and mindfulness were also measured.

Findings:​ Twenty-eight of the 40 participants completed 8-weeks in either the MBSR or the HL group. Several participants enjoyed the MBSR and planned to continue using what they learned and even shared some of the tools with others in a resiliency training day after the study. Findings demonstrated elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers only in the control group. Additionally, the only statistically significant question was related to awareness of treatment as effective for pain at the end between groups. Even with the evidence, this study did show demonstrate feasibility for this pilot study using online training for mindfulness and nutrition and exercise in the Air Force along with showing promising findings at only 6 weeks from initiation of the interventions. There were no adverse outcomes from either treatment trialed. MBSR training should be considered as an adjunct treatment with guidance on nutrition by experienced practitioners monitoring the patient’s pain.