Walking Meditation Research Articles

Effect of walking meditation on perceived stress and mental well-being in oncology health-care professionals: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Introduction: Occupational stress and burnout affect the psychological well-being of oncology health-care professionals (OHCPs). This study evaluated the effects of 6 weeks of movement-based walking meditation (WM) intervention on perceived stress (PS) and mental well-being (MWB) in OHCPs working at a tertiary care super specialty oncology hospital in central India. Materials and Methods: n = 62 OHCPs were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 32) or the control group (n = 30). The PS Scale and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale were used for assessments at the baseline and after 6 weeks. The intervention group practiced 20 min of WM daily, with moment-to-moment awareness of the physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions during walking. The control group did not receive any intervention. Results: n = 53 participants (n = 25 in the intervention and n = 28 in the control group) were included in the analysis. At the end of 6 weeks, the control group showed a significant increase in PS (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 3.38) and a decline in MWB (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 6.46). In the intervention group, a comparison of pre–post scores demonstrated a significant reduction in PS (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 3.23) and improvement in MWB (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 5.26). The group comparison of postscores indicated a significant reduction in PS (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 4.43) and improvement in MWB (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 8.41) in the intervention group as compared to the control group. No unanticipated adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The results highlight the efficacy of a life-based WM intervention to address the mental health challenges of OHCPs. Further validation is required to draw definitive conclusions.

Effects of app-based relaxation techniques on perceived momentary relaxation: Observational data analysis in people with cancer

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of six relaxation techniques on perceived momentary relaxation and a possible association of relaxation effects with time and practice experience in people with cancer. MethodsWe used data from participants with cancer in a larger study practicing app-based relaxation techniques over 10 weeks, assessed momentary relaxation before and after every third relaxation practice, and analyzed momentary relaxation changes with a linear mixed-effects model. ResultsThe sample included 611 before-after observations from 91 participants (70 females (76.9%)) with a mean age of 55.43 years (SD 10.88). We found moderate evidence for variations in momentary relaxation changes across different techniques (P = .026), with short meditation, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation more frequently observed and leading to more relaxation than body scan and walking meditation. Furthermore, we found moderate evidence for increasing momentary relaxation changes over time (P = .046), but no evidence for an association between momentary relaxation and the number of previous observations (proxy for practice experience; P = .47). ConclusionWe compared six app-based relaxation techniques in a real-life setting of people with cancer. The observed variations in perceived momentary relaxation appear to correspond with the popularity of the techniques used: The most popular relaxation techniques were the most effective and the least popular were the least effective. The effects increased over time, likely caused by dropout of individuals who gained no immediate benefit. Our findings open an interesting avenue for future research to better understand which relaxation techniques work best for whom in which situations. Trial RegistrationDRKS00027546; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00027546

Mapping of Psychosocial and Spiritual Practices During Pandemic: A Bibliometric Review

The COVID-19 outbreak significantly impacted every aspect of life. It disrupted dayto-day activities, including social interactions, education, health, employment, safety, nutrition, politics, and economic activities. This disruption had a severe impact on individuals’ well-being. This study examined how people used different coping strategies to enhance their well-being. Bibliometric mapping was carried out for this investigation, and the data was retrieved from the SCOPUS database. This database was chosen due to its wide use in social sciences and humanities. We searched the Scopus electronic database for literature published until December 2022 to find relevant studies. A total of 5767 documents were found to be relevant to the theme undertaken for the study. Different coping strategies, such as being grateful to others and God, cultivating spiritual values (i.e., compassion, honesty), maintaining calmness and selfcontrol through equanimity, preparing a gratitude journal, having hope and existential thinking, finding inspiration from cetaceans, managing stress through breathing, strength, and serenity, practising walking meditation, and fostering global togetherness, played a buffering role against stressors and stressful reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By practising these psychosocial and spiritual strategies, individuals improved their well-being even during the challenging period of the pandemic, lockdowns, and economic crisis. Keywords: COVID-19 Pandemic, Coping Strategies, Managing Stress, Traumatic Events

Assessing brain neuroplasticity: Surface morphometric analysis of cortical changes induced by Quadrato motor training.

Morphological markers for brain plasticity are still lacking and their findings are challenged by the extreme variability of cortical brain surface. Trying to overcome the "correspondence problem," we applied a landmark-free method (the generalized procrustes surface analysis (GPSA)) for investigating the shape variation of cortical surface in a group of 40 healthy volunteers (i.e., the practice group) subjected to daily motor training known as Quadrato motor training (QMT). QMT is a sensorimotor walking meditation that aims at balancing body, cognition, and emotion. More specifically, QMT requires coordination and attention and consists of moving in one of three possible directions on corners of a 50 × 50 cm2. Brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of practice group (acquired at baseline, as well as after 6 and 12 weeks of QMT), were 3D reconstructed and here compared with brain MRIs of six more volunteers never practicing the QMT (naïve group). Cortical regions mostly affected by morphological variations were visualized on a 3D average color-scaled brain surface indicating from higher (red) to lower (blue) levels of variation. Cortical regions interested in most of the shape variations were as follows: (1) the supplementary motor cortex; (2) the inferior frontal gyrus (pars opercolaris) and the anterior insula; (3) the visual cortex; (4) the inferior parietal lobule (supramarginal gyrus and angular gyrus). Our results show that surface morphometric analysis (i.e., GPSA) can be applied to assess brain neuroplasticity processes, such as those stimulated by QMT.

Impact of Religion-Based Mindful Walking Meditation on Cardiometabolic and Mental Health.

Walking meditation or mindful walking is a widely performed form of Buddhist practice that focuses on mind-body interactions. We have found that this particular form of exercise was highly effective in eliciting improvements in cardiometabolic and functional fitness measures in a number of clinical populations. In some key measures, the magnitudes of benefits were greater than the traditional walking program.

This Circle is a Mercle

“This Circle is a Mercle” explores the creation of a meadow-sized pentacle terra form artwork conceived by Tracy Tidgwell, Deirdre Logue, and Allyson Mitchell. Originating from a chant at a gathering of queer witches, the term “mercle” symbolizes the miraculous nature of communal connection. The pentacle seeks to reclaim the extraordinary as an accessible, intimate, reflexive, shared experience. It offers pathways and gestures of reconciliation with the land, each other, and our histories of and presence with colonization. The pentacle invites participants into a walking meditation through themes: love, connection, grief, accountability, and healing. Documented through photos and image descriptions, “This Circle is a Mercle” extends its transformative potential beyond its physical form, fostering connections across time and place and embodying principles of accessibility and care.

A Comprehensive Descriptive Analysis of Out-of-Session Meditation in a Residential Treatment Setting: Duration, Frequency, and Type of Practice

ObjectivesA nuanced examination of human behavior can yield valuable insights into whether a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) promotes meditation practices and to what degree in various populations. This study aimed to offer a comprehensive analysis of meditation behaviors exhibited by individuals in response to a MBI in the context of an intensive residential treatment program for addiction recovery.MethodA total of 100 participants enrolled in a residential treatment program participated in an added MBI component to their routine care. We quantified the type, frequency, and duration of meditation practices outside of scheduled MBI sessions and conducted a descriptive analysis to investigate how these practices during the intervention predicted meditation behaviors 7 months later.ResultsAll seven common types of mindfulness meditation assessed, except the body scan, were performed an average of once per day during the MBI. The longest average duration of meditation practice was observed in the case of walking meditation, during both the MBI (M=20.30, SD=16.66 min) and 7-month follow-up (M=25.43, SD=20.85 min). Out-of-session meditation frequency (unstandardized beta, B=0.56, p<0.001) and duration (B=0.45, p=0.02) during the MBI significantly predicted subsequent meditation behaviors 7 months later, even after adjusting for treatment site discharge status and other clinical variables.ConclusionsMost participants in this addiction recovery sample consistently engaged in a variety of meditation practices outside of formal MBI class sessions while in residential living, performing them approximately once a day, with a particularly robust response to walking meditation. The persistence of meditation practice 7 months later suggests that the learned behaviors endure throughout addiction recovery.PreregistrationThis original trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02977988)

Which Meditation Technique for Whom? An Experimental Single-Case Study Comparing Concentrative, Humming, Observing-Thoughts, and Walking Meditation

ObjectivesMeditation encompasses a variety of techniques, but little is known on how and for whom they work. This study explored potential mechanisms of four different meditation techniques in beginners and which technique might be suited for whom.MethodUsing an experimental single-case design, we compared the longitudinal effects of concentrative, humming, observing-thoughts, and walking meditation. Forty-four healthy participants without meditation experience were randomly assigned to one of the four techniques and 42 completed the treatment. Following a baseline period of 2 to 4 weeks, participants learned and practiced their technique 20 min daily for 6 to 8 weeks and completed daily online questionnaires throughout the entire study period. At pretest, we assessed participants’ motivation and personality. We analyzed the data visually and by conducting single-case meta-analyses, correlation, and multivariate analyses.ResultsBody awareness, decentering, and emotion regulation improved reliably and continuously over time, for all four techniques. Thus, these processes could represent common mechanisms for novice meditators. Walking meditation led to the smallest improvements in decentering and mind-wandering, but the highest in body awareness and emotion regulation. Individuals varied in response to the treatment. The two “classic” techniques (concentration, observing-thoughts) led to more consistently positive multivariate response patterns and to better responses in participants high in neuroticism. In contrast, those high in extraversion benefitted more from the two unusual ones (humming, walking). We additionally observed interesting interactions with different motivational reasons.ConclusionsWith this study, we hope to contribute to theory building and answering two urgent questions—what the key mechanisms of meditation are and who benefits most from what kind of practice.

Pemberdayaan Kesehatan Ibu Hamil dengan Aplikasi Mindfulness Pregnancy

Mental health problems during pregnancy can cause complications in pregnancy. In Bandar Lor Village there are still many pregnant women who experience psychological problems. The purpose of this community service is to increase the understanding and skills of pregnancy mindfulness in pregnant women independently through online mindfulness pregnancy applications and hands-on exercises to increase self-empowerment in optimizing their mental health during pregnancy. Community service activities are carried out in 2x meetings with a distance of 2 weeks. Each meeting was held for 4 hours. Training was also given to 50 pregnant women. The skills provided are on how to use the application, and then train pregnant women in practicing mindfulness/meditation which includes mindful breathing awareness, mindfulness eating, loving-kindness meditation, prenatal yoga, body scanning with baby, sitting meditation, mindful walking, and silent meditation. The results of the interviews and post-tests obtained an increase in the understanding and skills of pregnant women regarding the use of mindfulness pregnancy applications, skills in meditation/mindfulness, and improving mental health. Suggestions for further community service activities are to develop wider community empowerment according to health problems that are currently developing in Indonesia.

Health and Fitness of Buddhists in the Kathmandu Valley

This study, entitled "Health and Fitness of Buddhists in the Kathmandu Valley," was carried out to identify the techniques for achieving good health and physical fitness in Buddhists. The necessary information was taken from the eleven monasteries and Bihar in the Kathmandu Valley. The major sources of data were primary and secondary. This study was based on an explanatory research design. Buddhism strongly believes that human characteristics like greed, anger, and ignorance are the three most serious psychological diseases. Buddha also presented his teachings on avoiding all evil, killing and harming living beings, cultivating good and cleansing one's mind. It is very important to achieve good health and physical fitness. Through meditation and walking meditation, the body achieves a greater state of balance, physical conditions improve, fighting against diseases is regulated, and breathing is regulated. Our minds become focused, clear, and organized. Unnecessary desires and improper thoughts are eliminated. Therefore, the researcher has concluded that Buddhist rules and the code of conduct are the best ways to achieve good physical, mental, and spiritual health and fitness.

강원도 원주 치악산 구룡사 템플스테이 프로그램 활용방안에 대한 연구

This study aims to take an in-depth look at the Guryongsa Templestay walking meditation experience targeting the templestay participants at Guryongsa Temple in Mt.Chiak and to examine how to utilize it. This study was analyzed by applying the method of consensus qualitative analysis (CQR: Consensual Qualitative Research. Hill,2011; Hill et al, 2005). The research question is as follows. First, what do you expect from Guryongsa Templestay walking meditation? Second, what is different about Guryongsa Templestay walking meditation? Third, what did you experience during the Guryongsa Templestay walking meditation? The research results are as follows. First, as a result of analyzing the expectations for Guryongsa Templestay, 10 categories were derived in 4 areas: ‘Expectations of the experiences I will have’, ‘Expectations of relationships with others’, ‘Expectations of relationships between myself and others’,‘Expectations of Guryongsa Temple’. Second, as a result of analyzing the differentiating elements of Guryongsa Templestay, six categories were derived from three areas: ‘differentiated temple environment’, ‘natural environment that promotes meditation’, and‘specialized program’. Third, as a result of the analysis of the experience at Guryongsa Templestay, 17 categories were derived in 5 areas: ‘Experience of ‘I’ ’, ‘Experience through relationships with ‘others’ ’, ‘Experience through ‘Meditation’ ’, ‘Experience of‘Guryongsa’ ’, ‘Experience of ‘Buddhism’’. The above results were discussed, and the results of this study are expected to contribute to providing basic data for the development of a Templestay walking meditation program suitable for the characteristics of Guryongsa Temple.

Loving-kindness and walking meditation with a robot: Countering negative mood by stimulating creativity

Young adults undergoing psychological changes are particularly vulnerable. Recent social isolation impedes interpersonal help while stress from family, school, work, and society has brought negative effects on mental health, even in otherwise healthy young adults. Recent research has shown that daily creativity contributes to well-being. To circumvent issues of contamination, we tried a NAO robot guiding a Loving-kindness Meditation (LKM) and Walking Meditation (WM). By improving mental states (i.e. positive valence and state openness), we stimulated creative behavior to reduce negative mood. Participants (N = 142) were healthy individuals, aged between 18 and 34, joining a one-time laboratory experiment. They responded to two rounds of questionnaires, with a 10 min intervention guided by audio or a NAO robot in between each round. A control group with participants with no treatment (i.e. taking a 10 min rest) was added for comparison. Both audio-guided LKM and WM successfully evoked state openness, with the former also exerting a positive effect on valence. Valence and state openness were positively correlated, and both were associated with a higher willingness to create. With positive valence, young adults likely perform better on convergent thinking. The result may potentially lead to negative mood reduction. The discussion emphasizes the importance of designing specific characteristics of social robots in accordance with the task's context.

THE GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF VIPASSANĀ MEDITATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NAKHON PHANOM SANGHA ADMINISTRATORS IN THE SANGHA REGION 10

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the use of Vipassanā meditation for the development of Sangha administrators in the Sangha Region 10; 2) to study the guidelines for using Vipassanā meditation for the development of Nakhon Phanom Sangha administrators in the Sangha Region 10; 3) to propose a guideline for the use of Vipassanā meditation for the development of Nakhon Phanom Sangha administrators in the Sangha Region 10. This study was carried out by means of qualitative research by studying documents and fieldwork to interview 35 key informants. The obtained data were interpreted by descriptive analysis. The research results were as follows: the use of Vipassanā meditation for the development of Sangha administrators: for the practice of Vipassanā meditation in general, practitioners will use two approaches: (1) follow the teaching guidelines that appear in Buddhist scriptures, namely the principle of mindfulness; (2) follow the teaching guidelines of Phra Vipassanācāra with practical experience. The guidelines for using Vipassanā meditation for the development of Nakhon Phanom Sangha administrators in the Sangha Region 10: the way to develop the body is to maintain mindfulness in all postures by determining Rūpa-Nāma according to the symptoms that appear. In terms of Sīla, practitioners have to be aware of Vinaya, do not bother others. In terms of Citta, they always are conscious of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, by using consciousness as a controller. In terms of Paññā, listening to sermons, seeing the body condition as it is, and considering the truth in the body according to the law of the Tilakkhaṇa should be performed. A guideline for the use of Vipassanā meditation for the development of Nakhon Phanom Sangha administrators in the Sangha Region 10: the guideline of Kāya development is to determine Iriyāpatha and to calm Āyatana and to consider Paccavekkhaṇa. The guideline to develop Citta emphasizes mindfulness development, chanting, and walking meditation. The guideline to develop Paññā is to identify the condition of Tilakkhaṇa and to consider the sermons and Asubha-kammaṭṭhāna.

PROMOTING BUDDHIST MENTAL WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY IN NONG HIN COMMUNITY, KHOK KO SUB-DISTRICT, MUEANG MAHA SARAKHAM DISTRICT, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study Buddhist mental well-being; 2) to study the Buddhist mental well-being of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community, Khok Ko sub-district, Mueang Maha Sarakham District, Maha Sarakham Province; 3) to study the Buddhist mental well-being promotion of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community. This study was carried out by means of qualitative research by studying documents and fieldwork to collect the data through an in-depth interview with 22 key informants. The obtained data were interpreted by descriptive analysis. The research results were as follows: Buddhist mental well-being: mental well-being is a state of mind that is not stressed, happy, physically healthy, has a strong body, and is free from disease. Buddhism teaches everyone to be able to exercise their bodies and minds to live in a changing society. The Buddhist mental well-being of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community: mental well-being is emotional stability. The ability to make decisions and the ability to deal with situations and environments of Ban Nong Hin community elderly have to be adapted to changing conditions all the time. The Buddhist mental well-being promotion of the elderly in Ban Nong Hin community: exercise strengthens the body and has a calming effect on the mind. Meditation leads to a stable mind to build immunity against various diseases from mental tension. There is a walking meditation activity, meditating and listening to Dhamma can make Paññā with more consciousness to understand conditions or events and this makes the mind happy with change acceptance.

Home-Based Buddhist Walking Meditation Mitigates Cardiotoxicity of Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of walking meditation on vascular function, aerobic fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy and compare with the nonexercising control group. Methods: Patients aged 40-60 years with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed resected stage I-II breast cancer were studied in a parallel randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to either the nonexercising control group (n = 15) or the Buddhist walking meditation group (n = 15). All participants received four cycles of anthracycline chemotherapy every 3 weeks starting at 2 weeks before the start of the exercise intervention. The walking meditation group performed home-based mindfulness walking exercises at a moderate exercise intensity for 30 min/session, 3 times/week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were vascular reactivity (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) and arterial stiffness (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV]). Results: Eleven participants from each group completed the entire study. Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated that FMD and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) decreased in both groups after the initiation of anthracycline chemotherapy (all p < 0.05). After the exercise intervention, FMD, VO2peak, peak stroke volume, and peak cardiac output remained lower in the controls, but improved in the walking meditation group (all p < 0.05). baPWV increased in the control group, while no such change was observed in the walking meditation group. There were no significant changes in blood cortisol, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6 concentrations in both groups. Overall quality of life decreased after 2 weeks of anthracycline chemotherapy in both groups (all p < 0.05). However, the walking meditation group improved many of these symptoms significantly (all p < 0.05), while no such changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: Buddhist walking meditation exercise was effective in mitigating cardiotoxicity of anthracycline chemotherapy on vascular function, aerobic fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Clinical trial registration number: NCT02676531.

Development of an Online Mind–Body Physical Activity Intervention for Young Adults during COVID-19: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the implementation of an online mind-body physical activity (MBPA) intervention and physical activity (PA), stress, and well-being in young adults during COVID-19. The participants were a sample of college students (N = 21; 81% female). The MBPA intervention was organized in four online modules that were administered asynchronously for 8 weeks with three separate 10 min sessions per week. The intervention components consisted of traditional deep breathing, diaphragm mindful breathing, yoga poses, and walking meditation. Objective PA behaviors were assessed using wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers, and stress and well-being data were collected using validated self-report instruments. A 2 (sex) × 3 (time) doubly multivariate analysis of variance test with a univariate follow-up showed that the % of wear time in light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significantly higher at the end of the intervention compared to baseline (LPA mean difference = 11.3%, p = 0.003, d = 0.70; MVPA mean difference = 2.9%, p < 0.001, d = 0.56). No significant differences were observed for perceived stress and well-being, and there was no moderating effect of sex. The MBPA intervention showed promise, as it was associated with higher PA in young adults during COVID-19. No improvements were observed for stress and well-being. These results warrant further testing of the intervention's effectiveness using larger samples.

Effect of Six Weeks Kinhin Walking Meditation on Stress and Anxiety Management of Engineering College Students, H.V.P.M. Amravati, India

Effect of Six Weeks Kinhin Walking Meditation on Stress and Anxiety Management of Engineering College Students, H.V.P.M. Amravati, India

Development of a Manual for Disaster Medical Support Using Korean Medicine for Disaster Survivors.

Objective: Disasters adversely affect the mental health of disaster survivors, leading to depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Survivors complain of not only psychological symptoms but also physical symptoms such as insomnia, pain, and fatigue. Providing immediate and effective psychological support to all survivors is difficult because human and physical medical resources are limited. Therefore, the authors developed a manual for disaster medical support using Korean medicine (KM) for disaster survivors to provide prompt, effective, and long-term support that supplement existing psychological support. Methods: In this article, the authors introduce KM treatment protocols, which are unique elements of the manual. In addition, the authors have developed a step-by-step treatment protocol based on the stage and condition of survivors, as well as separate treatment protocols for psychological and physical symptoms. Results: The interventions include ear acupuncture, acupuncture, herbal medicine, breathing relaxation, stabilization techniques, emotional freedom technique, and self-care methods such as acupressure, exercise, and walking meditation. This manual has been certified as an official procedure of the Korean Society of Oriental Neuropsychiatry. Conclusions: The authors believe that this manual will enable KM doctors to be effectively utilized as medical resources at disaster sites. Furthermore, this manual would provide a good model that can be extended to countries that wish to use integrative medicine for disaster support to implement the commitments of the Declaration of Astana.

Each Step a Prayer

A personal narrative of the author's extended backpacking trip in the North Cascades just after her 65th birthday. Themes of regret, gratitude, and connection are addressed within the context of wilderness hiking. The author cites a personal walking meditation of thankfulness and calls on consciously acknowledging relationship with the intricate processes of the human and more than human world as antidote to despair.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Obesity Treatment -In Clinical Field of Korean Medicine-

Good psychiatric interventions are required for the treatment and management of obesity in the clinical field of Korean medicine. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a standardized method of psychiatric intervention for mental management, modifies patient s behavior by managing daily life, and correcting distorted cognition. Cognitive behavioral therapy is already included in the guidelines for managing obesity. Recently cognitive behavioral therapy is installed in the form of apps and used to monitor one s own activities and thoughts. In the field of Korean medicine, various factors of cognitive behavioral therapy can be applied as treatment methods for obese patients. Meditation-based method, including form of mindfulness meditation, such as ‘walking meditation’ and ‘eating meditation’ can be applied, and emotional freedom techniques, a form of energy technique, can also be used.