Meditative Movement as a Category of Exercise: Implications for Research

Abstract

If these suggested standards are used, we will gain a better understanding of which elements are necessary for achieving targeted outcomes. Over time, as MM is studied as a category of exercise, research may progress more efficiently to define the domains of physiological and psychological benefit.

Meditative Movement for Respiratory Function: A Systematic Review

“…9 Each paper was given a score of 0 (not reported or high risk of bias), 0.5 (partially reported or possible risk of bias), or 1 (reported or no risk of bias) for each item on the checklist, summed to give total scores for reporting and quality (Table 1).…”

“…Future research may wish to consider using a standardized intervention, using guidance 9 to report their intervention.…”

“…27 Larkey suggests using methods such as brain wave activity (for level of relaxation) and specifically designed self-report measures (eg, for degree of meditative focus). 9 Certain study designs are more appropriate for certain interventions and populations, 84 and contention is emerging about how complementary medicine should be evaluated. [85][86][87][88][89][90] The complexity of interventions such as meditative movement, including practitioner and non-specific effects, the influence of patient choice, and potential synergistic effects, require innovative evaluative approaches.…”

“…4,[6][7][8] Meditative movement is a recently coined term for gentle exercises that incorporate meditation, breathing, and relaxation. 9 Meditative movement (also called complementary/alternative exercise or mind-body exercise) as a group of therapies is increasingly the focus of studies and reviews, with evidence identified for fibromyalgia 10,11 and cognitive impairment. 12 Meditative movement may be beneficial for people with CF, as exercise is part of their recommended treatment package, 5,13 although they may have limited functional capacity.…”

“…[16][17][18][19] Meditative movement, most commonly tai chi, yoga, and qi gong, incorporates: focus of the mind; movements, usually slow, relaxed, flowing and choreographed; a focus on breathing to rest the mind, which also "energizes" the body; and a deep state of physical and mental relaxation. 9 Tai chi and qi gong have ancient roots in China as martial practice, and yoga was originally a spiritual practice. 20,21 Qi gong is considered the most ancient practice of bringing awareness to and directing the movement of "qi" in the body.…”