A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Walking Meditation Intervention (iWalk) to Enhance Resilience in Adults
This study is a randomized controlled trial of the walking meditation intervention (iWalk) program, a multi-component intervention integrating walking meditation, education, and group sessions designed to enhance resilience in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objectives are to evaluate: 1. Recruitment capability and retention rates, 2. Acceptability and adherence to the intervention, 3. Feasibility of assessment procedures, and 4. Preliminary effects on psychological, physiological, and behavioral outcomes.
• 18 years or older,
• clinical diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, etc.,
• have not practiced meditation regularly (e.g., 10 mins per day) and have never attended any meditation classes or community programs,
• never received meditation training via coaching/certification/life coaching,
• have internet access,
• with no severe cognitive impairment, i.e., have a score of ≥ 21 on Modified Telephonic Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M),
• be able to walk with or without an assistive device (Patient determined Disease Steps score ranged from 0-6),
• are willing to be randomized to an intervention or a control group,
• are willing to wear Fitbit (a wrist smart watch) for eight weeks,
⁃ are individuals who are right-handed according to the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire,
⁃ are willing to participate in all assessments, including in-person testing using electroencephalography (EEG) and cognitive tests, online survey/questionnaires, and online interviews or focus group discussions,
⁃ are willing to wear a Hexoskin t-shirt, which is a heart rate variability monitor, while doing the assessments in person.