MindfulnessNCT07738653
Changes in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Experienced Meditators
A study testing Meditation in people with Mindfulness and Gait Biomechanics, run by Hospital Miguel Servet at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
This research project aims to investigate whether participation in a 5-day meditation retreat is associated with changes in biomechanical gait parameters in experienced meditators. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Mindfulness, Gait Biomechanics
- What is being tested?
- Meditation
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 13 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 18 Jul 2023to 23 Jul 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Taking part in the meditation retreat
- Being able to read and understand the Spanish language
- Not have been diagnosed with any serious medical or psychiatric conditions
- Not have been diagnosed with any condition that impairs or alters foot strike or gait
Who cannot join
- Age: <18 years old
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Spain1 site
Department of Psychiatry. Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009
Zaragoza
About this study
Official title: Changes in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters After a 5-Day Mindfulness Retreat: A Pre-Post Pilot Study in Experienced Meditators
This research project aims to investigate whether participation in a 5-day meditation retreat is associated with changes in biomechanical gait parameters in experienced meditators. Walking is a complex motor function that integrates cognitive, sensory, and neuromuscular processes, and alterations in gait have been linked to neurological, psychological, and emotional functioning. Recent advances in wearable sensor technology enable precise assessment of gait characteristics, including stance and swing phases, foot-rocker timing, acceleration, and joint kinematics, providing objective measures of motor performance. Mindfulness has consistently demonstrated beneficial effects on psychological well-being, emotion regulation, and body awareness, and growing evidence suggests that emotional states influence motor behavior, including gait. Furthermore, mindfulness-based interventions have shown promising effects on motor symptoms in some clinical populations, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Meditation retreats, which combine intensive mindfulness practice with a distraction-free environment, have been associated with sustained improvements in stress, anxiety, quality of life, and neuroplasticity-related processes. However, despite increasing interest in mind-body interventions, no published studies have specifically examined the effects of meditation retreats on gait biomechanics. This pilot study therefore seeks to address this knowledge gap by evaluating changes in gait and foot-strike biomechanics before and after a 5-day meditation retreat using wearable gait analysis technology. In addition, the study will explore the relationship between changes in biomechanical gait variables and participants' levels of mindfulness and quality of life. The findings are expected to provide preliminary evidence on the potential motor effects of intensive meditation practice and contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between mindfulness, body awareness, and locomotor function in healthy individuals.
Read the detailed description
Walking requires multiple and complex afferent and efferent networks-both cognitive and sensory-so that body weight can be borne alternately by both lower limbs, thereby achieving adequate overall bodily coordination . Some authors consider gait to be the "sixth vital sign", because gait disturbances in the absence of trauma may be prodromal features of neurodegeneration and contribute to disability in organic, psychological, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, thereby reducing quality of life In the last two decades, the development of sensors and wireless communication-based computing systems has complemented the information provided by classic observation-based parameters. This technology yields more detailed information in gait analysis by allowing measurement of stance and swing times, the duration of the three foot rockers (heel, ankle, and forefoot), maximal acceleration, and pronation-supination and flexion-extension angles.
Mindfulness is "a process of self-regulation of attention so that it is maintained on immediate experience, with an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance toward that experience". It increases body awareness and helps reduce stress and anxiety by enabling individuals to become aware of thoughts and emotions without judgment through processes that affect emotion regulation . Mindfulness-based programs such as MBSR and MBCT have shown beneficial effects both in healthy individuals and in people with mental or physical illnesses associated with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.
Emotional states affect the somatovisceral and motor systems, while the experience of bodily states influences emotional information processing . This occurs both in disease states and in healthy individuals . Recently, Wakabayashi et al. demonstrated that gait alone can convey emotional information, as observers were able to identify emotions such as anger, sadness, and fear from body movement in isolation. These gait-related patterns were captured through motion-capture sensor measurements obtained from 17 body regions. This finding suggests that different bodily experiences may shape gait and, in turn, influence the emotional information it communicates.
Reviews and meta-analyses indicate that mindfulness has shown beneficial effects not only on psychological symptoms but also on motor alterations in patients with Parkinson's disease , although a recent paper by Trinh et al. points out that the evidence is conflicting and not always significant . In other conditions, such as stroke rehabilitation, the evidence is weaker because it is difficult to disentangle the specific effect of mindfulness from that of other maneuvers affecting motor recovery, as also occurs in other organic diseases . This is partly because many medical conditions are associated with autonomic dysregulation, which may have a widespread negative impact on multiple body systems and lead to health deterioration, as noted by Churchill.
In healthy individuals, mindfulness improves overall health and quality of life, and some authors advocate its incorporation into health programs for older adults in order to promote more successful aging.
In the last decade, meditation retreats have proliferated in developed countries. These programs integrate relaxation with mindfulness by incorporating activities such as meditation, silence, diet, yoga, or similar practices. Participants seek serene, distraction-free environments that facilitate introspection. A systematic meta-analysis showed that traditional meditation retreats reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and improve emotion regulation and quality of life, with sustained effects at follow-up and benefits that may last longer than those of conventional vacations . Another meta-analysis focused on Vipassana meditation supports these findings . Jinich-Diamant et al. observed that a 7-day intensive intervention focused on mind-body reconceptualization, meditation, and open-label placebo was associated with brain and molecular changes consistent with enhanced neuroplasticity and metabolic modulation. Although these findings suggest the biological potential of mind-body interventions, they should be interpreted with caution due to the absence of a control group.
This effect is not limited to healthy individuals: the American Heart Association recognizes that meditation, including retreats, may improve perceived stress, mood, and quality of life, although the strength of evidence is modest and more studies are required to define the underlying physiological mechanisms.
In summary, the medical literature supports that meditation retreats provide significant benefits for mental health and for some physical parameters, with sustained effects and a low risk of relevant adverse events. However, there is very little information on their motor neurological impact. Naranjo et al. found a positive effect on visuomotor integration processes after a task eliciting perceptual-motor conflict in the upper limbs. The authors suggested that greater connection with the body allows movement to be adjusted in real time, thereby improving precision and response. Nevertheless, information is still lacking regarding gait, where involvement of the lower limbs is essential.
After searching the terms "meditation retreat and/or mindfulness and gait and retreats" in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Fisterra, MEDLINE OvidSP, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, we found no published studies analyzing this topic. It was therefore considered appropriate to conduct a pilot study in healthy meditators attending a retreat for meditative practice in order to assess possible changes in gait, given the interaction between emotional states and somatovisceral systems.
- Conditions
- Mindfulness, Gait Biomechanics
- Being tested
- Meditation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
MeditationBehavioural
This is a 5-day meditation retreat during which participants take part in various practices.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Meditators in Retreat | Experimental | Meditators participating in a 5-day retreat. Receives: Behavioral: Meditation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Biomechanical Variables
Inertial sensors: These sensors consist of accelerometers and gyroscopes that enable the estimation of foot movements. Electronic baropodometer: This is a device comprising a platform with digital sensors designed to assess the points of maximum pressure on the foot whilst stationary, as well as to analyse the feet whilst in motion, obtaining data on pressure, rotation and displacement.
Measured: Baseline
15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15)
The FFMQ is a test comprising 39 items, which measures the general tendency to practise mindfulness based on five skills: Observation, Description, Mindful Action, Non-judgement and Non-reactivity. This scale is valid and reliable, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. Total scores range from 15 to 75, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mindfulness.
Measured: Baseline
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7): The GAD-7 is a tool that demonstrates adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent, reliable, easy and quick-to-use tool for detecting symptoms of generalised anxiety; its internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal anxiety, 5-9 mild anxiety, 10-14 moderate anxiety, and 15-21 severe anxiety.
Measured: Baseline
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a nine-item self-report measure that evaluates the presence of depressive symptoms based on the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive episode. This questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. Total scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression, and 20-27 severe depression.
Measured: Baseline
12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)
The SF-12 is a generic measure of health-related quality of life that evaluates physical, mental, and social health. It is a shortened version of the SF-36 and assesses the same eight health domains: Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health. Domain scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, where 0 represents the worst possible health status and 100 the best possible health status. Higher scores indicate better perceived health-related quality of life. The SF-12 also provides Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores.
Measured: Baseline
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a single-item self-report measure used to assess the intensity of emotional states. Each emotion is rated on a 0-10 scale, with higher scores indicating greater emotional intensity. In this study, the VAS was used to assess the intensity of happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, anxiety, relaxation/calm, and vigor/energy. A score of 0 indicates the complete absence of the emotion, whereas a score of 10 indicates the maximum intensity of that emotion.
Measured: Baseline
Biomechanical Variables
Inertial sensors: These sensors consist of accelerometers and gyroscopes that enable the estimation of foot movements. Electronic baropodometer: This is a device comprising a platform with digital sensors designed to assess the points of maximum pressure on the foot whilst stationary, as well as to analyse the feet whilst in motion, obtaining data on pressure, rotation and displacement.
Measured: Up to 5 days
15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15)
The FFMQ is a test comprising 39 items, which measures the general tendency to practise mindfulness based on five skills: Observation, Description, Mindful Action, Non-judgement and Non-reactivity. This scale is valid and reliable, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. Total scores range from 15 to 75, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mindfulness.
Measured: Up to 5 days
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7): The GAD-7 is a tool that demonstrates adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent, reliable, easy and quick-to-use tool for detecting symptoms of generalised anxiety; its internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal anxiety, 5-9 mild anxiety, 10-14 moderate anxiety, and 15-21 severe anxiety.
Measured: Up to 5 days
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a nine-item self-report measure that evaluates the presence of depressive symptoms based on the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive episode. This questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. Total scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression, and 20-27 severe depression.
Measured: Up to 5 days
12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)
The SF-12 is a generic measure of health-related quality of life that evaluates physical, mental, and social health. It is a shortened version of the SF-36 and assesses the same eight health domains: Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health. Domain scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, where 0 represents the worst possible health status and 100 the best possible health status. Higher scores indicate better perceived health-related quality of life. The SF-12 also provides Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores.
Measured: Up to 5 days
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a single-item self-report measure used to assess the intensity of emotional states. Each emotion is rated on a 0-10 scale, with higher scores indicating greater emotional intensity. In this study, the VAS was used to assess the intensity of happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, anxiety, relaxation/calm, and vigor/energy. A score of 0 indicates the complete absence of the emotion, whereas a score of 10 indicates the maximum intensity of that emotion.
Measured: Up to 5 days
Secondary outcomes (10)
Gender
Gender of participants: male, female, other.
Measured: Baseline
Age
Open-ended question where subjects are asked to indicate numerically their current age.
Measured: Baseline
Nationality
Country of birth of participants: Spain, other (please specify).
Measured: Baseline
Current city of residence
Place of current residence
Measured: Baseline
Cohabitation
Who do you live with
Measured: Baseline
Education
Level of education completed
Measured: Baseline
Employment situation
Current employment status
Measured: Baseline
Meditative practice
A meditation practice questionnaire will be administered to collect detailed information about participants' meditation experience. Specifically, it assesses the onset of meditation practice (e.g., when participants began meditating), the way in which they learned or were introduced to meditation (e.g., through formal courses, retreats, self-guided learning, or teachers), and the characteristics of their current practice. The questionnaire also gathers information on the frequency and duration of meditation, including the amount of time devoted to different types of practices (e.g., focused attention, open monitoring, loving-kindness, body scan, or other meditation techniques), providing a comprehensive overview of each participant's meditation background and habits.
Measured: Baseline
Body weight
Participants were asked to self-report their current body weight in kilograms (kg). Higher values indicate greater body weight.
Measured: Baseline
Height
Participants were asked to self-report their height in centimeters (cm). Higher values indicate greater stature.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted31 Jul 2026
- Study start18 Jul 2023
- Primary completion23 Jul 2023
- Study completion23 Jul 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (28)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for MindfulnessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Screening
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 13 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hospital Miguel Servet
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Fundacion Podoactiva
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Javier Garcia Campayo, Hospital Miguel Servet
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07738653
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PI23/574
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 31 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Wang S, Zhang C, Xu W. Mindfulness, mortality, disability rates, physical and mental health among the oldest old. Health Psychol. 2023 Oct;42(10):746-755. doi: 10.1037/hea0001315. Epub 2023 Aug 24.
PubMed 37616101Verhaeghen P, Aikman SN, Mirabito G. Mindfulness Interventions in Older Adults for Mental Health and Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2025 Mar 12;80(4):gbae205. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbae205.
PubMed 39708291Trinh J, de Vries NM, Chan P, Dekker MCJ, Helmich RC, Bloem BR. The role of lifestyle interventions in symptom management and disease modification in Parkinson's disease. Lancet Neurol. 2026 Jan;25(1):90-102. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(25)00305-9. Epub 2025 Oct 15.
PubMed 41109323Takakusaki K. Functional Neuroanatomy for Posture and Gait Control. J Mov Disord. 2017 Jan;10(1):1-17. doi: 10.14802/jmd.16062. Epub 2017 Jan 18.
PubMed 28122432Sloman L, Berridge M, Homatidis S, Hunter D, Duck T. Gait patterns of depressed patients and normal subjects. Am J Psychiatry. 1982 Jan;139(1):94-7. doi: 10.1176/ajp.139.1.94.
PubMed 7055284Schlechta Portella CF, Ghelman R, Abdala V, Schveitzer MC, Afonso RF. Meditation: Evidence Map of Systematic Reviews. Front Public Health. 2021 Dec 2;9:742715. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.742715. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34926371Prakash RS, Whitmoyer P, Aldao A, Schirda B. Mindfulness and emotion regulation in older and young adults. Aging Ment Health. 2017 Jan;21(1):77-87. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1100158. Epub 2015 Nov 4.
PubMed 26537859Niedenthal PM. Embodying emotion. Science. 2007 May 18;316(5827):1002-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1136930.
PubMed 17510358Mirelman A, Shema S, Maidan I, Hausdorff JM. Gait. Handb Clin Neurol. 2018;159:119-134. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63916-5.00007-0.
PubMed 30482309Michalak J, Rohde K, Troje NF. How we walk affects what we remember: gait modifications through biofeedback change negative affective memory bias. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2015 Mar;46:121-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2014.09.004. Epub 2014 Sep 28.
PubMed 25310681Mak TCT, Wong TWL, Ng SSM. The use of mindfulness-based interventions in stroke rehabilitation: A scoping review. Rehabil Psychol. 2023 Aug;68(3):221-234. doi: 10.1037/rep0000505. Epub 2023 Jun 1.
PubMed 37261753Lin HW, Tam KW, Kuan YC. Mindfulness or meditation therapy for Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Neurol. 2023 Aug;30(8):2250-2260. doi: 10.1111/ene.15839. Epub 2023 May 21.
PubMed 37158296Levine GN, Lange RA, Bairey-Merz CN, Davidson RJ, Jamerson K, Mehta PK, Michos ED, Norris K, Ray IB, Saban KL, Shah T, Stein R, Smith SC Jr; American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Hypertension. Meditation and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017 Sep 28;6(10):e002218. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.117.002218.
PubMed 28963100Lemke MR, Wendorff T, Mieth B, Buhl K, Linnemann M. Spatiotemporal gait patterns during over ground locomotion in major depression compared with healthy controls. J Psychiatr Res. 2000 Jul-Oct;34(4-5):277-83. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3956(00)00017-0.
PubMed 11104839Khoury B, Knauper B, Schlosser M, Carriere K, Chiesa A. Effectiveness of traditional meditation retreats: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res. 2017 Jan;92:16-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.11.006. Epub 2016 Nov 18.
PubMed 27998508
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Changes in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters After a 5-Day Mindfulness Retreat: A Pre-Post Pilot Study in Experienced Meditators
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07738653
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PI23/574
- Conditions
- Mindfulness, Gait Biomechanics
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 13 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Hospital Miguel ServetUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Fundacion Podoactiva
- Study start
- 18 Jul 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 23 Jul 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 23 Jul 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 31 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This research project aims to investigate whether participation in a 5-day meditation retreat is associated with changes in biomechanical gait parameters in experienced meditators. Walking is a complex motor function that integrates cognitive, sensory, and neuromuscular processes, and alterations in gait have been linked to neurological, psychological, and emotional functioning. Recent advances in wearable sensor technology enable precise assessment of gait characteristics, including stance and swing phases, foot-rocker timing, acceleration, and joint kinematics, providing objective measures of motor performance. Mindfulness has consistently demonstrated beneficial effects on psychological well-being, emotion regulation, and body awareness, and growing evidence suggests that emotional states influence motor behavior, including gait. Furthermore, mindfulness-based interventions have shown promising effects on motor symptoms in some clinical populations, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Meditation retreats, which combine intensive mindfulness practice with a distraction-free environment, have been associated with sustained improvements in stress, anxiety, quality of life, and neuroplasticity-related processes. However, despite increasing interest in mind-body interventions, no published studies have specifically examined the effects of meditation retreats on gait biomechanics. This pilot study therefore seeks to address this knowledge gap by evaluating changes in gait and foot-strike biomechanics before and after a 5-day meditation retreat using wearable gait analysis technology. In addition, the study will explore the relationship between changes in biomechanical gait variables and participants' levels of mindfulness and quality of life. The findings are expected to provide preliminary evidence on the potential motor effects of intensive meditation practice and contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between mindfulness, body awareness, and locomotor function in healthy individuals.
Detailed description
Walking requires multiple and complex afferent and efferent networks-both cognitive and sensory-so that body weight can be borne alternately by both lower limbs, thereby achieving adequate overall bodily coordination . Some authors consider gait to be the "sixth vital sign", because gait disturbances in the absence of trauma may be prodromal features of neurodegeneration and contribute to disability in organic, psychological, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, thereby reducing quality of life In the last two decades, the development of sensors and wireless communication-based computing systems has complemented the information provided by classic observation-based parameters. This technology yields more detailed information in gait analysis by allowing measurement of stance and swing times, the duration of the three foot rockers (heel, ankle, and forefoot), maximal acceleration, and pronation-supination and flexion-extension angles.
Mindfulness is "a process of self-regulation of attention so that it is maintained on immediate experience, with an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance toward that experience". It increases body awareness and helps reduce stress and anxiety by enabling individuals to become aware of thoughts and emotions without judgment through processes that affect emotion regulation . Mindfulness-based programs such as MBSR and MBCT have shown beneficial effects both in healthy individuals and in people with mental or physical illnesses associated with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.
Emotional states affect the somatovisceral and motor systems, while the experience of bodily states influences emotional information processing . This occurs both in disease states and in healthy individuals . Recently, Wakabayashi et al. demonstrated that gait alone can convey emotional information, as observers were able to identify emotions such as anger, sadness, and fear from body movement in isolation. These gait-related patterns were captured through motion-capture sensor measurements obtained from 17 body regions. This finding suggests that different bodily experiences may shape gait and, in turn, influence the emotional information it communicates.
Reviews and meta-analyses indicate that mindfulness has shown beneficial effects not only on psychological symptoms but also on motor alterations in patients with Parkinson's disease , although a recent paper by Trinh et al. points out that the evidence is conflicting and not always significant . In other conditions, such as stroke rehabilitation, the evidence is weaker because it is difficult to disentangle the specific effect of mindfulness from that of other maneuvers affecting motor recovery, as also occurs in other organic diseases . This is partly because many medical conditions are associated with autonomic dysregulation, which may have a widespread negative impact on multiple body systems and lead to health deterioration, as noted by Churchill.
In healthy individuals, mindfulness improves overall health and quality of life, and some authors advocate its incorporation into health programs for older adults in order to promote more successful aging.
In the last decade, meditation retreats have proliferated in developed countries. These programs integrate relaxation with mindfulness by incorporating activities such as meditation, silence, diet, yoga, or similar practices. Participants seek serene, distraction-free environments that facilitate introspection. A systematic meta-analysis showed that traditional meditation retreats reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and improve emotion regulation and quality of life, with sustained effects at follow-up and benefits that may last longer than those of conventional vacations . Another meta-analysis focused on Vipassana meditation supports these findings . Jinich-Diamant et al. observed that a 7-day intensive intervention focused on mind-body reconceptualization, meditation, and open-label placebo was associated with brain and molecular changes consistent with enhanced neuroplasticity and metabolic modulation. Although these findings suggest the biological potential of mind-body interventions, they should be interpreted with caution due to the absence of a control group.
This effect is not limited to healthy individuals: the American Heart Association recognizes that meditation, including retreats, may improve perceived stress, mood, and quality of life, although the strength of evidence is modest and more studies are required to define the underlying physiological mechanisms.
In summary, the medical literature supports that meditation retreats provide significant benefits for mental health and for some physical parameters, with sustained effects and a low risk of relevant adverse events. However, there is very little information on their motor neurological impact. Naranjo et al. found a positive effect on visuomotor integration processes after a task eliciting perceptual-motor conflict in the upper limbs. The authors suggested that greater connection with the body allows movement to be adjusted in real time, thereby improving precision and response. Nevertheless, information is still lacking regarding gait, where involvement of the lower limbs is essential.
After searching the terms "meditation retreat and/or mindfulness and gait and retreats" in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Fisterra, MEDLINE OvidSP, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, we found no published studies analyzing this topic. It was therefore considered appropriate to conduct a pilot study in healthy meditators attending a retreat for meditative practice in order to assess possible changes in gait, given the interaction between emotional states and somatovisceral systems.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Screening
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Meditators in Retreat | Experimental | Behavioral: MeditationMeditators participating in a 5-day retreat. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Taking part in the meditation retreat
- Being able to read and understand the Spanish language
- Not have been diagnosed with any serious medical or psychiatric conditions
- Not have been diagnosed with any condition that impairs or alters foot strike or gait
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age: <18 years old
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| MeditationThis is a 5-day meditation retreat during which participants take part in various practices. | Behavioural | Meditators in Retreat |
Primary outcome
Biomechanical Variables
Time frame: Baseline
Inertial sensors: These sensors consist of accelerometers and gyroscopes that enable the estimation of foot movements. Electronic baropodometer: This is a device comprising a platform with digital sensors designed to assess the points of maximum pressure on the foot whilst stationary, as well as to analyse the feet whilst in motion, obtaining data on pressure, rotation and displacement.
15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15)
Time frame: Baseline
The FFMQ is a test comprising 39 items, which measures the general tendency to practise mindfulness based on five skills: Observation, Description, Mindful Action, Non-judgement and Non-reactivity. This scale is valid and reliable, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. Total scores range from 15 to 75, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mindfulness.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
Time frame: Baseline
Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7): The GAD-7 is a tool that demonstrates adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent, reliable, easy and quick-to-use tool for detecting symptoms of generalised anxiety; its internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal anxiety, 5-9 mild anxiety, 10-14 moderate anxiety, and 15-21 severe anxiety.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
Time frame: Baseline
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a nine-item self-report measure that evaluates the presence of depressive symptoms based on the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive episode. This questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. Total scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression, and 20-27 severe depression.
12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)
Time frame: Baseline
The SF-12 is a generic measure of health-related quality of life that evaluates physical, mental, and social health. It is a shortened version of the SF-36 and assesses the same eight health domains: Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health. Domain scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, where 0 represents the worst possible health status and 100 the best possible health status. Higher scores indicate better perceived health-related quality of life. The SF-12 also provides Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a single-item self-report measure used to assess the intensity of emotional states. Each emotion is rated on a 0-10 scale, with higher scores indicating greater emotional intensity. In this study, the VAS was used to assess the intensity of happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, anxiety, relaxation/calm, and vigor/energy. A score of 0 indicates the complete absence of the emotion, whereas a score of 10 indicates the maximum intensity of that emotion.
Biomechanical Variables
Time frame: Up to 5 days
Inertial sensors: These sensors consist of accelerometers and gyroscopes that enable the estimation of foot movements. Electronic baropodometer: This is a device comprising a platform with digital sensors designed to assess the points of maximum pressure on the foot whilst stationary, as well as to analyse the feet whilst in motion, obtaining data on pressure, rotation and displacement.
15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15)
Time frame: Up to 5 days
The FFMQ is a test comprising 39 items, which measures the general tendency to practise mindfulness based on five skills: Observation, Description, Mindful Action, Non-judgement and Non-reactivity. This scale is valid and reliable, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. Total scores range from 15 to 75, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mindfulness.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
Time frame: Up to 5 days
Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7): The GAD-7 is a tool that demonstrates adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent, reliable, easy and quick-to-use tool for detecting symptoms of generalised anxiety; its internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal anxiety, 5-9 mild anxiety, 10-14 moderate anxiety, and 15-21 severe anxiety.
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Time frame: Up to 5 days
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a nine-item self-report measure that evaluates the presence of depressive symptoms based on the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive episode. This questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. Total scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptom severity. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression, and 20-27 severe depression.
12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)
Time frame: Up to 5 days
The SF-12 is a generic measure of health-related quality of life that evaluates physical, mental, and social health. It is a shortened version of the SF-36 and assesses the same eight health domains: Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health. Domain scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, where 0 represents the worst possible health status and 100 the best possible health status. Higher scores indicate better perceived health-related quality of life. The SF-12 also provides Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Up to 5 days
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a single-item self-report measure used to assess the intensity of emotional states. Each emotion is rated on a 0-10 scale, with higher scores indicating greater emotional intensity. In this study, the VAS was used to assess the intensity of happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, anxiety, relaxation/calm, and vigor/energy. A score of 0 indicates the complete absence of the emotion, whereas a score of 10 indicates the maximum intensity of that emotion.
10 secondary outcomes
Gender
Time frame: Baseline
Age
Time frame: Baseline
Nationality
Time frame: Baseline
Current city of residence
Time frame: Baseline
Cohabitation
Time frame: Baseline
Education
Time frame: Baseline
Employment situation
Time frame: Baseline
Meditative practice
Time frame: Baseline
Body weight
Time frame: Baseline
Height
Time frame: Baseline
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 31 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 37616101Wang S, Zhang C, Xu W. Mindfulness, mortality, disability rates, physical and mental health among the oldest old. Health Psychol. 2023 Oct;42(10):746-755. doi: 10.1037/hea0001315. Epub 2023 Aug 24.
- Background: PubMed 39708291Verhaeghen P, Aikman SN, Mirabito G. Mindfulness Interventions in Older Adults for Mental Health and Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2025 Mar 12;80(4):gbae205. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbae205.
- Background: PubMed 41109323Trinh J, de Vries NM, Chan P, Dekker MCJ, Helmich RC, Bloem BR. The role of lifestyle interventions in symptom management and disease modification in Parkinson's disease. Lancet Neurol. 2026 Jan;25(1):90-102. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(25)00305-9. Epub 2025 Oct 15.
- Background: PubMed 28122432Takakusaki K. Functional Neuroanatomy for Posture and Gait Control. J Mov Disord. 2017 Jan;10(1):1-17. doi: 10.14802/jmd.16062. Epub 2017 Jan 18.
- Background: PubMed 7055284Sloman L, Berridge M, Homatidis S, Hunter D, Duck T. Gait patterns of depressed patients and normal subjects. Am J Psychiatry. 1982 Jan;139(1):94-7. doi: 10.1176/ajp.139.1.94.
- Background: PubMed 34926371Schlechta Portella CF, Ghelman R, Abdala V, Schveitzer MC, Afonso RF. Meditation: Evidence Map of Systematic Reviews. Front Public Health. 2021 Dec 2;9:742715. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.742715. eCollection 2021.
- Background: PubMed 26537859Prakash RS, Whitmoyer P, Aldao A, Schirda B. Mindfulness and emotion regulation in older and young adults. Aging Ment Health. 2017 Jan;21(1):77-87. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1100158. Epub 2015 Nov 4.
- Background: PubMed 17510358Niedenthal PM. Embodying emotion. Science. 2007 May 18;316(5827):1002-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1136930.
- Background: PubMed 30482309Mirelman A, Shema S, Maidan I, Hausdorff JM. Gait. Handb Clin Neurol. 2018;159:119-134. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63916-5.00007-0.
- Background: PubMed 25310681Michalak J, Rohde K, Troje NF. How we walk affects what we remember: gait modifications through biofeedback change negative affective memory bias. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2015 Mar;46:121-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2014.09.004. Epub 2014 Sep 28.
- Background: PubMed 37261753Mak TCT, Wong TWL, Ng SSM. The use of mindfulness-based interventions in stroke rehabilitation: A scoping review. Rehabil Psychol. 2023 Aug;68(3):221-234. doi: 10.1037/rep0000505. Epub 2023 Jun 1.
- Background: PubMed 37158296Lin HW, Tam KW, Kuan YC. Mindfulness or meditation therapy for Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Neurol. 2023 Aug;30(8):2250-2260. doi: 10.1111/ene.15839. Epub 2023 May 21.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Meditation in people with Mindfulness and Gait Biomechanics, run by Hospital Miguel Servet at 1 site in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 31 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Biomechanical Variables (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 12 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07738653, which also lists 28 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 31 Jul 2026.