Are Long-Distance Walks Therapeutic? A Systematic Scoping Review of the Conceptualization of Long-Distance Walking and Its Relation to Mental Health

Abstract

Long-distance walking is an ancient activity practiced across cultures for many reasons, including the improvement of one’s health. It has even been suggested that long-distance walking may be considered a form of psychotherapy. This scoping review examined the relationship between long-distance walking and mental health among adults. Publication trends and definitions were also examined, and the reason why long-distance walking may have therapeutic effects was discussed. Systematic searches in three online databases were performed using a selection of long-distance walking terms. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included if they examined associations between long-distance walking and mental health in an adult population. Mental health was conceptualized in broad terms, including descriptions of mental states as well as more specific measurements or notions of mental health. A total of 8557 records were screened and 26 studies were included, out of which 15 were quantitative, 9 were qualitative, and 2 were mixed. The findings showed that long-distance walking was positively related to mental health. This was most consistent with regard to emotional distress compared to somewhat inconsistent findings regarding well-being. Therefore, long-distance walking may be more appropriately used to counter some personal or emotional struggle rather than to achieve hedonic pleasure.

Virtual Walking With Omnidirectional Movies and Foot Vibrations: Scene-Congruent Vibrations Enhance Walking-Related Sensations and Ground Material Perceptions

“…Humans move with their feet to explore environments, look for food, escape from threats, and communicate with others. Walking is a basic human activity that improves human physical and mental health [1]- [3]. Factors such as feasibility, accessibility, safety, comfort, and pleasure affect or can be limiting factors to walking [4].…”

Embodied Prevention

“…Important physiological characteristic of hiking is the regular pace and sensory richness, including proprioceptive input on varying undergrounds. A meta-analysis of 26 studies on long-distance hiking revealed a positive association with mental health, most notably stress reduction, but less clear for general wellbeing (Mau et al, 2021).…”

“…That hiking exposes to an experience of nature is considered a central element [see the extensive narrative review by Mitten (2009)]. Another aspect that is considered essential is the room the that long-distance hiking provides for personal reflection (Mau et al, 2021).…”

A contactless monitoring system for accurately predicting energy expenditure during treadmill walking based on an ensemble neural network

“…Walking is the most common moderate-intensity PA reported among adults, 10 and it is strongly associated with good health and quality of life. 11 Treadmill walking is a common and important method for individuals with sedentary behavior, elderly, and stroke patients to engage in PA and rehabilitation training indoors. Monitoring the treadmill walking EE in those individuals can provide an effective tool for active health management, evaluating the body’s health and physiological status, tracking changes in aerobic fitness, and investigating dose-response relationships.…”