Participants in pilot research initially reported clinically significant PTSD symptoms, mild-to-moderate mean DASS-depression, DASS-stress, and DASS-anxiety scores, and about 60% had low-moderate baseline physical activity. 

At the end of a 12 week walking therapy intervention, reported PTSD symptoms decreased, but did not significantly impact depression or anxiety scores. Participants also qualitatively reported a decrease in sedentary behaviors.

Walk Therapy's Impact on PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Symptoms & Physical Activity

The reasoning for this combination therapy includes:
- Addressing the risk of more sedentary behaviors due to mental illnesses
- Efficiently reaping the benefits of psychotherapy and exercise at the same time
- Application for special groups (i.e. exposure therapy for those with PTSD)
- Cost-effective and easy to incorporate indoors & outdoors

Grand Valley State University

Pilot studies are being conducted on the feasibility and efficacy of psychotherapy sessions while walking. While it is currently being practiced, its outcomes have only recently gained research interest.

Walk Therapy: Assessing the Feasibility of Walking During Psychotherapy

Koziel, N., Vigod, S., Price, J., Leung, J., & Hensel, J. (2021). Walking psychotherapy as a health promotion strategy to improve mental and physical health for patients and therapists: Clinical open-label feasibility trial. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(2), 153–155. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437211039194

 Walking psychotherapy as a health promotion strategy to improve mental and physical health for patients and therapists: Clinical open-label feasibility trial

Reasons for Walk Therapy

While it is still in clinical trials, researchers have used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) to monitor self-reported systems and a pedometer to track changes in walking behaviors.

Measuring Progress in Walking Psychotherapy Interventions

Limitations for implementing walking during therapy sessions include:
- Poor weather conditions
- Unsafe environments
- Personal injury
- Lack of mobility
- Conditions like social anxiety or agoraphobia 


Limitations for Implementing Walking in Therapy

Potential solutions include:
- Using nearby or building indoor tracks 
- Organizing walking groups sessions for safety and support
- Using appropriate approaches like exposure therapy to address apprehension about public sessions (depending on individual needs)

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