AUTHOR(S): Dustin W Davis

ABSTRACT:
To the author’s knowledge, the present literature review is the first to describe the physiological and psychological effects of labyrinth walking. Relevant literature was identified in Google Scholar to answer three research questions. First, how is labyrinth walking defined, and what are its key features? Second, what is the focus of the literature about labyrinth walking? Third, what are the physiological and psychological effects of labyrinth walking? This literature review revealed that labyrinths are paths that curve or wind to create a circular, square, or rectangular pattern. The paths have only one entrance that begins a unidirectional path toward the center, which is the same path to the exit. The literature about labyrinth walking focuses minimally on the physiological effects and almost exclusively on the psychological effects. Labyrinth walking has unclear physiological effects but mostly positive psychological effects. People with different demographic characteristics from several countries reported positive emotions, sensations, and thoughts during and after labyrinth walking. Methodologically rigorous studies, especially randomized controlled trials, are needed to determine if labyrinth walking objectively improves physiological and psychological outcomes, especially outcomes related to cardiovascular disease. Two qualitative questions that should be answered by future studies are why people enjoy labyrinth walking and whether the labyrinth walking motivates people to achieve higher levels of physical activity.

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