Mindful walking is a meditation practice that combines physical activity and mindfulness practice. This study examined whether a mindful walking intervention increased physical activity and improved health outcomes. The investigators conducted a randomized experiment among adults with inadequate physical activity, whereby the intervention group received a four-week, one-hour-per-week mindful walking intervention and the control group received instructions to increase physical activity (N=38). Participants in both groups received a wrist-worn step count device as participation incentive. Physical activity and health outcomes were measured with an online survey and data obtained from the wearable device at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and one month after the intervention (T3).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Weekly 60 minute mindful walking sessions involving observations of bodily sensations, experiences, and breath. Discussion of mindful walking experiences and encouragement to meet physical activity goals.
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina, United States
Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Scale
self-report scale of physical activity, with total score ranging from 1-10; higher scores indicate increased activity
Time frame: one week
Daily Step Counts
Fitbit-HR device data
Time frame: one day
Screen Time
self-report measure, 4 items assessing television and non-television time in number of hours
Time frame: one week
Perceived Stress Scale
self-report measure, total score ranges from 4 to 20, higher levels indicating higher levels of stress
Time frame: one month
Mental Health Inventory
self-report measure of health-related quality of life, total score ranging from 5 to 30, with higher levels indicating higher quality of life
Time frame: one month
Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale
self-report measure, total score ranging from 6 to 24, with higher levels indicating higher levels of depression symptoms
Time frame: 7 days
Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory
self-report measure, total score ranging from 14 to 56 with higher scores indicating higher levels of mindfulness skills
Time frame: 7 days
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
self-report measure, total score ranging from 7 to 28, with higher scores indicating worse sleep quality
Time frame: one month
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