Abstract No: 326 Effectiveness of Walking Meditation on Balance and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Purpose: This study addresses the growing population of older adults facing increased fall risk and declining quality of life due to balance impairments. Traditional physiotherapy often overlooks holistic well-being, including mental and emotional health. Walking meditation, which combines walking and mindfulness, may enhance balance by promoting body awareness and coordination while also improving mental well-being. Despite its potential, research on the specific benefits of walking meditation for older adults, particularly regarding balance and quality of life, is limited. This pilot study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of this intervention as a cost-effective and integrative approach to improving the well-being of older adults. Participants: Ten older adults participated (aged from 65 to 74) in a 4-week walking meditation program. Method: Walking Meditation was practiced by patients for 30 minutes and 3 days per week. The Unipedal Stance Test and Timed Up and Go Test were used to evaluate static and dynamic balance, while the WHO Quality of Life-BREF assessed quality of life outcomes. Analysis: Data analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney U-tests revealed significant improvements in balance. Results: The Unipedal Stance Test showed a p-value of 0.0013 (eyes open) and 0.162 (eyes closed), while the Timed Up and Go Test indicated significant improvement (p = 0.0131). In the WHO Quality of Life-BREF, Domains 2, 3, and 4 showed significant p-values of 0.0013, 0.0183, and 0.0021, respectively. Unipedal stance test with eyes closed and Domain 1 of who quality of life – bref does not show any significance. Conclusion: Walking meditation significantly improves balance and quality of life in older adults, suggesting an effective intervention for enhancing stability and overall well-being. Implications: Integrating walking meditation into physiotherapy can enhance balance, quality of life and reduce fall risk.