Abstract No: 326 Effectiveness of Walking Meditation on Balance and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Journal of Society of Indian Physiotherapists January 1, 2025 Prachi Shah
A pilot study of ten older adults (aged 65-74) examined whether a 4-week walking meditation program improves balance and quality of life. Participants practiced walking meditation for 30 minutes, three days per week. Balance was assessed with the Unipedal Stance Test and Timed Up and Go Test, and quality of life with the WHO Quality of Life-BREF. Significant improvements were found in static balance with eyes open (p=0.0013), dynamic balance (p=0.0131), and three of four quality-of-life domains. No significant change occurred in eyes-closed balance or the physical health domain. The authors suggest walking meditation may be a cost-effective addition to physiotherapy.