Effectiveness of six-stage walking meditation training program on balance in older adults at elderly club Bangkruai Hospital, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a six-stage walking meditation program on balance performance in older adults. A total of 60 older adults aged 60–79 years were recruited and assigned to two groups, with 30 participants in each group. Group 1 received a six-stage walking meditation program combined with a 10-exercise home program, performed for 30 minutes per day, three times per week. Group 2 participated in the six-stage walking meditation program alone, with the same frequency and duration. Balance performance during standing up and walking was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Balance performance in sitting and standing positions was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Functional balance during reaching was assessed using the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of the training program. Data were analyzed using the Friedman two-way ANOVA and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed that older adults in Group 1 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in TUG, BBS, and FRT after 4 and 8 weeks of training (p < 0.001). In Group 2, TUG and BBS scores significantly improved after 4 and 8 weeks of training (p < 0.05), while FRT showed a significant improvement only after 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed that both groups showed statistically significant improvements in TUG, BBS, and FRT after 4 and 8 weeks of training (p < 0.001). This study indicates that a six-stage walking meditation program can improve balance performance in older adults. Furthermore, when combined with a 10-exercise home-based program, it can further enhance dynamic balance and help prevent falls among older adults.