Actively Recruiting
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Walking Meditation Intervention (iWalk) to Enhance Resilience in Adults
Led by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · Updated on 2025-12-16
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the iWalk Program, a walking meditation intervention designed to improve resilience and self-regulation in adults with neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess recruitment, retention, adherence, feasibility of assessments, and preliminary psychological and physiological effects. The study will examine changes in resilience, stress, mindfulness, mood, interoceptive awareness, quality of life, and physical activity over time. The iWalk Program lasts 8 weeks and combines mindfulness-based stress reduction with walking meditation. Participants in the active group attend three weekly one-hour sessions, including two virtual and one in-person session focusing on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and positive coping. There are three study groups: one receiving the full iWalk program, one receiving education only without walking meditation, and a waitlist control group receiving usual care during the trial. Participants will be involved for about 10 weeks, including baseline and post-intervention assessments. Evaluations include psychological questionnaires, cognitive tasks, balance tests, and physical activity monitoring using Fitbit and Hexoskin wearable sensors. Electroencephalography (EEG) and group reflections are also part of the assessments. Follow-up assessments occur at 24 and 48 weeks from baseline to measure resilience and cognitive outcomes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Mindfulness Walking Intervention to Enhance Resilience (iWalk)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years or older
- Clinical diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, etc.
- No regular meditation practice (e.g., at least 10 minutes per day) and no prior meditation classes or community programs
- No previous meditation training via coaching, certification, or life coaching
- Have internet access
- No severe cognitive impairment (score of 21 21 on Modified Telephonic Interview for Cognitive Status)
- Able to walk with or without an assistive device (Patient determined Disease Steps score 0-6)
- Willing to be randomized to an intervention or control group
- Willing to wear a Fitbit for eight weeks
- Right-handed according to the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire
- Willing to participate in all assessments, including EEG, cognitive tests, surveys, interviews, or focus groups
- Willing to wear a Hexoskin t-shirt heart rate monitor during in-person assessments
You will not qualify if you...
- Cannot speak, read, write, or listen in English
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants attend the 8-week iWalk Program which includes weekly education, guided walking meditation, and group reflection sessions delivered both in-person and virtually.
3 sessions per week (2 via Zoom, 1 in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants complete post-intervention assessments including psychological questionnaires, cognitive tasks, and physical activity monitoring to evaluate changes after the program.
1 visit (in-person) and remote assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, Illinois, United States, 61801
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chung-Yi Chiu
V
Vaishnavi Sridharan
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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