Mindfulness Walking for Neurodegenerative Diseases
(iWalk Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a program called iWalk, which combines walking meditation, education, and group sessions to help individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis feel more resilient. The researchers aim to determine if participants find the program easy and pleasant to follow and whether it can improve their mental and physical health. Participants will be divided into groups: some will complete the full iWalk program, others will receive only education, and some will be placed on a waiting list. Suitable candidates for this trial include those with multiple sclerosis or another neurodegenerative disease, who have not practiced meditation regularly, and can walk with or without assistance. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative approaches to enhancing well-being and resilience.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that the iWalk program is safe for individuals with multiple sclerosis?
Research has shown that mindfulness programs, such as the iWalk Program, are generally easy for people to handle. In earlier studies, participants in mindful walking reported improvements in mood and physical ability, without major side effects. This suggests that the iWalk Program, which includes walking meditation and learning sessions, is likely safe for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Mindfulness practices are widely used and are known to carry very low risk. Participants often find these activities relaxing and beneficial for mental health. While specific safety information for the iWalk Program in people with MS is still being collected, the program's nature suggests it is unlikely to cause serious problems.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike standard treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, which often rely on medications to manage symptoms, the iWalk program takes a holistic approach by incorporating mindfulness walking. This method combines physical activity with mindfulness techniques, potentially offering a dual benefit of improved physical condition and mental well-being. Researchers are excited about this approach because it could enhance the quality of life for patients without the side effects associated with medication. Additionally, the education component offers valuable information that empowers patients, making this approach both innovative and comprehensive.
What evidence suggests that the iWalk program is effective for multiple sclerosis?
Research shows that walking, especially when combined with mindfulness practices like the iWalk program, can positively impact thinking and movement abilities. In this trial, one group of participants will receive the complete iWalk program, which includes walking mindfulness sessions. Studies have found that walking can improve balance and mobility and enhance brain health. It may also lower the risk of dementia, which is important for people with conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, similar programs have helped past participants become more resilient and feel better mentally. While direct evidence about the iWalk program specifically for MS is limited, its elements have shown promising benefits in related areas.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are interested in a program that combines walking meditation, education, and group sessions to improve resilience. Specific eligibility details aren't provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants in the experimental group receive the iWalk program, including walking meditation, education, and group sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for psychological, physiological, and behavioral outcomes after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- iWalk Program
Trial Overview
The iWalk Program is being tested in this study. It's a randomized controlled trial focusing on the effects of walking meditation combined with educational and group support elements on individuals with MS.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Active Control
This group receives the complete iWalk program.
This group receives only education part of the iWalk program without walking mindfulness sessions.
This group does not receive any intervention and are placed on a waiting list.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Mindfulness Walking Intervention to Enhance Resilience ...
This study is a randomized controlled trial of the walking meditation intervention (iWalk) program, a multi-component intervention integrating ...
Walking reduces the risk of dementia in patients with ...
Treadmill training improved both cognitive and motor functions in these patients. ... Tango improved balance, functional mobility, and cognitive ...
Lifetime walking and Alzheimer's pathology: A longitudinal ...
Long-duration, high-intensity walking may reduce brain Aβ accumulation, potentially lowering AD risk, particularly when initiated before late life.
4.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/390729659_Walking_reduces_the_risk_of_dementia_in_patients_with_Parkinson's_disease_a_longitudinal_follow-up_study(PDF) Walking reduces the risk of dementia in patients with ...
Methods In total, 187 (39.8%) subsequently developed dementia, whereas 283 (60.2%) did not; the mean follow-up periods for these cohorts were ...
Study Details | NCT05801926 | Promoting BEST (BEtter, ...
This project aims to improve how people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) walk. The global aim is to identify obstacles and solutions for people with PD for ...
Mindfulness Walking Intervention to Enhance Resilience ...
Preliminary effects on psychological, physiological, and behavioral outcomes. Conditions. Neurodegenerative Disease; EEG; Mindfulness; Adults.
Mindfulness Walking Intervention to Enhance Resilience (iWalk)
This study is a randomized controlled trial of the walking meditation intervention (iWalk) program, a multi-component intervention ...
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A MINDFUL WALKING ... - PMC
This study explored whether 24 sessions of 30-minute mindful walking could improve cognitive function, sleep, depressive symptoms, and physical functioning in ...
The influence of mindfulness-based stress reduction on ...
The aim of the study was to explore healthcare professionals' experiences of how attending a course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction influenced their work ...
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