Improving Health and Reducing Disability of Depressed Elderly With Chronic Conditions Through Qigong Exercise

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status

Completed

Conditions

Depressive Symptoms

Chronic Disease

Treatments

Behavioral: Cognitive Training

Behavioral: Qigong Training

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT03591198

81173316-1

Details and patient eligibility

About

Qigong exercise is beneficial for older adults with co-occurring chronic physical illness and depression in terms of psychological and physical outcomes. However, the effects on functional independence, sleep quality, and mobility of depressive older adults remain unclear. It is also important to replicate its benefits for subjective well-being and muscle strength. A randomized clinical trial was conducted among older adults who were aged 60 or above and with chronic medical conditions for one year. After random assignment, intervention group (n = 25) went through qigong exercise twice a week and for 12 weeks,whereas control group (n = 22) was involved in cognitive training activities with mobilization elements. The psychosocial and physical outcomes of the two groups were compared.

Enrollment

47 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