Effects of Buddhist walking meditation on exercise capacity and quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Buddhist walking meditation (BWM) is widely practiced in many countries. However, there is a lack of evidence relating to its effectiveness for patients with heart failure (HF). Purpose: To determine the effects of a six-week BWM program on exercise capacity, quality of life, and hemodynamic response in patients with chronic HF. Methods: Patients with HF were randomly assigned to a BWM program or an aerobic exercise program. Each group trained at least three times a week during the six-week study period. The outcome measures included exercise capacity (six-minute walk test), disease-specific quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), and hemodynamic response (blood pressure and heart rate) immediately after the six weeks of training. Results: The study enrolled 48 patients with a mean age of 65 years and a New York Heart Association functional class of II and III. At baseline, there were no significant differences in their clinical and demographic characteristics or the outcome measures. Although six patients withdrew, all participants were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. There was no statistically significant increase in the functional capacity of the BWM group; however, there was a significant improvement for the aerobic group. With both groups, there was no significant improvement in quality of life or most hemodynamic responses. Conclusions: The six-week BWM program did not improve the functional capacity, quality of life, or hemodynamic characteristics of the HF patients, compared with the values of the patients in the aerobic exercise program.