Mindfulness Walking Intervention to Enhance Resilience (iWalk)

Summary

This study is a randomized controlled trial of the walking meditation intervention (iWalk) program, a multi-component intervention integrating walking meditation, education, and group sessions designed to enhance resilience in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objectives are to evaluate: 1. Recruitment capability and retention rates, 2. Acceptability and adherence to the intervention, 3. Feasibility of assessment procedures, and 4. Preliminary effects on psychological, physiological, and behavioral outcomes.

Detailed Description

The iWalk Program is an 8-week, multi-component behavioral intervention integrating mindfulness-based stress reduction and walking meditation to promote resilience and self-regulation in people with MS. The intervention combines weekly educational content, guided walking meditation, and group reflection delivered both in-person and virtually. Participants in the experimental group will attend three one-hour sessions per week (two via Zoom, one in-person) focusing on mindfulness, interoception, emotional regulation, and positive coping. The waitlist control group will receive usual care during the trial period and will be offered participation after study completion. Assessments include psychological questionnaires, electroencephalography (EEG), cognitive tasks, balance testing, and physical activity monitoring using Fitbit and Hexoskin wearable sensors. Data analysis includes assessing quantitative and qualitative changes in resilience, stress, mindfulness, mood, interoceptive awareness, quality of life, and physical activity over 8 weeks. The total study duration is 10 weeks per participant, including baseline and post-intervention assessments.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions