# Loving-Kindness Meditation Fails to Outperform Muscle Relaxation for Pain Relief A randomized trial finds no significant benefits for pain or social well-being compared to relaxation. - **Source:** [PsyPost](https://www.psypost.org) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0e690dd3-2efc-4581-b51f-42f740057fc3 ## Study Design and Objectives Researchers from Georgetown University conducted a four-week randomized controlled trial involving 69 healthy adults. The study aimed to determine if loving-kindness meditation could reduce physical pain and improve social well-being. Participants were randomly assigned to either meditation or progressive muscle relaxation, completing 24 online sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. ## Methodology and Pain Testing Due to pandemic restrictions, the team utilized remote video calls for all testing. Participants performed a wall sit exercise to measure pain threshold and tolerance at baseline and follow-up. This innovative remote approach allowed researchers to assess physical discomfort without requiring in-person laboratory visits, successfully replicating prior research findings. ## Unexpected Results for Meditation Contrary to initial hypotheses, loving-kindness meditation did not outperform the control group on any measured outcomes. Participants practicing the meditation technique showed no significant improvements in pain tolerance or social support. In fact, the group reported a slight decrease in perceived social support compared to those practicing muscle relaxation. ## Muscle Relaxation Benefits Progressive muscle relaxation unexpectedly yielded better results regarding social support and loneliness. Participants in this group reported higher perceived social support and lower levels of loneliness following the four-week program. Researchers suggest these exercises may have provided a necessary respite or positive distraction from the intense stress of the pandemic. ## Social Support and Pain The study confirmed a link between social well-being and pain tolerance, regardless of the specific intervention used. Individuals who experienced an increase in their sense of social support during the study duration tended to endure the painful wall sit task longer. This supports the theory that social connection influences pain perception. ## Contextualizing Previous Research Previous studies, including a 2005 pilot, suggested loving-kindness meditation could reduce chronic pain and distress. However, the current researchers note that many earlier trials lacked active comparison groups. This study's null results align with a 2018 meta-analysis indicating meditation does not reliably increase social connectedness in healthy adult populations. ## Pandemic Impact on Findings The study occurred during a period of significant social isolation, which may have influenced participant responses. The authors acknowledge that the lack of a passive, no-treatment control group limits the ability to isolate the specific effects of the training. External factors like vaccine rollouts may have also impacted emotional well-being metrics. ## Limitations of the Trial The sample consisted of young, predominantly female adults without chronic pain, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the wall sit test specifically measures muscular discomfort and depends on physical strength. Future research is required to validate these remote testing methods against standard laboratory techniques like thermal or cold-water immersion. ## Future Research Directions Despite the null findings for meditation, the study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting pain research remotely. Future investigations should test these interventions under normal social conditions and compare them against other support-building programs. The team emphasizes that while effects were modest, the link between social connection and pain remains promising. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.psypost.org/loving-kindness-meditation-fails-to-beat-muscle-relaxation-for-pain-or-social-well-being-in-online-trial/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._