Walking meditation versus balance training for improving balance abilities among older adults with history of fall: A randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of walking meditation versus balance training in improving balance abilities among older adults with a history of falls.
Results Summary
The study found no significant differences between walking meditation and balance training in improving dynamic or static balance, quality of life, or mental health. Walking meditation was deemed comparable to balance training, with good participant compliance and no serious adverse events reported.
Population
Older adults aged 60-85 with a history of falls.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
6 months (with follow-up at 9 months)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
walking meditation | no change | balance abilities | older adults with history of fall | - | comparable to balance training for improving | #1 |
walking meditation | no change | Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) | older adults with history of fall | -0.48 (-1.40, 0.44) | no significant difference was observed between groups for | #2 |
walking meditation | no change | Functional Reach Test (FRT) | older adults with history of fall | -1.11 (-3.66, 1.45) | no significant difference was observed between groups for | #3 |
walking meditation | no change | Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) | older adults with history of fall | 0.82 (-5.03, 6.67) | no significant difference was observed between groups for | #4 |
walking meditation | no change | EuroQOL 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) | older adults with history of fall | - | showed no significant difference between groups for | #5 |
walking meditation | no change | Thai Geriatric Mental Health Assessment Tool-15 (TGMHA-15) | older adults with history of fall | - | showed no significant difference between groups for | #6 |
OBJECTIVE: To investigate improvement in balance abilities compared between walking meditation and balance training among older adults with history of fall. INTERVENTIONS: Walking meditation or mindfulness meditation whilst standing and moving ( MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes were dynamic balance abilities as assessed by Timed Up and Go test (TUGT), and static balance as assessed by Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Single Leg Stance Test (SLST). The secondary outcomes were quality of life as measured by the EuroQOL 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), and mental health as evaluated by the Thai Geriatric Mental Health Assessment Tool-15 (TGMHA-15). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months. Self-reported compliance, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were recorded at 6 and 9 months. RESULTS: The mean age was 69 years (range: 60-85). No significant difference was observed between groups for the 3 primary outcome measures. The mean difference (95% confidence interval) between groups was -0.48 (-1.40, 0.44) for TUGT, -1.11 (-3.66, 1.45) for FRT, and 0.82 (-5.03, 6.67) for SLST. The EQ-5D-5L and TGMHA-15 also showed no significant difference between groups. Most participants were in good compliance with the exercise protocol (48.3-68.0%), and no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Our results showed walking meditation to be comparable to balance training for improving balance abilities in older adults with history of fall. Walking meditation may be considered an alternative treatment for improving balance abilities in this patient population.