Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .
Mindful Walking in Psychologically Distressed Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background . The aim of this r and omized , controlled study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mindful walking program in patients with high levels of perceived psychological distress . Methods . Participants aged between 18 and 65 years with moderate to high levels of perceived psychological distress were r and omized to 8 sessions of mindful walking in 4 weeks ( each 40 minutes walking , 10 minutes mindful walking , 10 minutes discussion ) or to no study intervention ( waiting group ) . Primary outcome parameter was the difference to baseline on Cohen 's Perceived Stress Scale ( CPSS ) after 4 weeks between intervention and control . Results . Seventy-four participants were r and omized in the study ; 36 ( 32 female , 52.3 ± 8.6 years ) were allocated to the intervention and 38 ( 35 female , 49.5 ± 8.8 years ) to the control group . Adjusted CPSS differences after 4 weeks were −8.8 [ 95 % CI : −10.8 ; −6.8 ] ( mean 24.2 [ 22.2 ; 26.2 ] ) in the intervention group and −1.0 [ −2.9 ; 0.9 ] ( mean 32.0 [ 30.1 ; 33.9 ] ) in the control group , result ing in a highly significant group difference ( P < 0.001 ) . Conclusion . Patients participating in a mindful walking program  showed reduced psychological stress symptoms and improved quality of life compared to no study intervention . Further studies should include an active treatment group and a long-term follow-up
Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .