Effects of Buddhist walking meditation on glycemic control and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes

- Traditional walking and walking meditation reduced blood glucose level and increased cardiovascular fitness in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Walking meditation reduced HbA1c, arterial stiffness and cortisol level as these changes were not observed in the traditional walking program.
- Spirituality-based exercise program was effective in producing multitude of benefits relevant to patients with type 2 diabetes.

ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the effects of Buddhist walking meditation and traditional walking on glycemic control and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsTwenty three patients with type 2 diabetes (50-75 years) were randomly allocated into traditional walking exercise (WE; n = 11) or Buddhism-based walking meditation exercise (WM; n = 12). Both groups performed a 12-week exercise program that consisted of walking on the treadmill at exercise intensity of 50-70% maximum heart rate for 30 min/session, 3 times/week. In the WM training program, the participants performed walking on the treadmill while concentrated on foot stepping by voiced “Budd” and “Dha” with each foot step that contacted the floor to practice mindfulness while walking.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, maximal oxygen consumption increased and fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). Significant decrease in HbA1c and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed only in the WM group. Flow-mediated dilatation increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both exercise groups but arterial stiffness was improved only in the WM group. Blood cortisol level was reduced (p < 0.05) only in the WM group.ConclusionBuddhist walking meditation exercise produced a multitude of favorable effects, often superior to traditional walking program, in patients with type 2 diabetes.