Impact of Mindful Walking Intervention on Daily Step Count

Impact of Mindful Walking Intervention on Daily Step Count: A Pilot Study

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).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults over age 18
• Able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Student athletes
• Medical condition that limits slow-paced walking for 20 minutes