Bio-psycho-social Pathways Underlying the Effects of Qigong Among Comorbid Depressed Elderly With Chronic Conditions

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status

Completed

Conditions

Depressive Symptoms

Chronic Disease

Treatments

Behavioral: Qigong Training

Behavioral: Cognitive Training

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT03591211

81173316-2

Details and patient eligibility

About

Depression and chronic medical conditions are common in older adults. Qigong is increasingly documented to have anti-depressive effects for older adults. Nevertheless, the scientific concepts behind qigong remain a mystery. To fill the knowledge gap, the neurobiological mechanism of the effects of qigong was explored. In addition, the benefits of qigong on subjective well-being, functional independence, sleep quality, mobility, and muscle strength were also tested. After random assignment, intervention group (n = 14) went through individual qigong exercise twice a week and for 12 weeks,whereas control group (n = 16) was involved in cognitive training activities with mobilization elements. The psychosocial, physical, and neurobiological outcomes of the two groups were compared.

Enrollment

35 patients

Sex

All

Ages

60+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

aged 60 or above
have been suffering from chronic medical conditions for more than one year
have depressive symptoms as indicated by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS ≥ 6)

Exclusion criteria

have practiced or received training of any form of mind-body exercises (including tai chi, yoga, and qigong) during the 6 months prior to intervention.
have changed medication or the dosage prior to or during intervention
have obvious cognitive and language impairment or score less than 20 in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
undergo electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy, or psychoeducation
cannot demonstrate satisfactory sitting balance