Qigong
Conditions
Brief summary
One goal of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of qigong to alleviate depressive symptoms and enhance cognitive function in comparison to mindfulness-based intervention, physical exercise, and waitlist control. The other goal is to explore the changes in neurobiological markers that may explain the qigong-related effects on depressive symptoms and cognitive function. The main research questions are: * Is the 12-week qigong training more effective than mindfulness-based intervention, physical exercise, and waitlist control to alleviate depressive symptoms? * Is the 12-week qigong training more effective than mindfulness-based intervention, physical exercise, and waitlist control to enhance cognitive function? Participants are older adults aged 60 or above. They were randomly assigned to qigong training, mindfulness training, physical exercise training, or wait-list which all last for 12 weeks. Their changes before and after the 12-week period in depressive symptoms, neurobiological markers, and cognitive functions are assessed.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALQigong (Baduanjin)
Participants will receive 24 sessions of Baduanjin training over 12 weeks (2 sessions per week). Each session will last for 60 minutes. Baduanjin consists of eight forms of gentle movements, and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete a full cycle. Participants will learn to practice each form gradually over the first 12 sessions. In the remaining 12 sessions, the participants will go through all the movements 2-3 times, with guided practice on rhythmic breathing and mind regulation (attention to body and breathing) to be performed in coordination with the movements. The training will be delivered by an instructor after training by the project team.
BEHAVIORALMindfulness-based intervention
Participants will receive mindfulness-based intervention with the same duration and frequency as qigong group. The intervention incorporates psychoeducation on mindfulness and stress management and group-based mindfulness practice about breathing, awareness of body sensations, thoughts, stretching, and walking. All the mindfulness practices are based on publicly accessible audio recordings. The training will be delivered by an instructor after training by the project team.
BEHAVIORALPhysical exercise
Participants of the physical exercise group will receive training of a series of low-to-moderate intensity physical activities for the same duration and frequency as qigong group. The physical activities include stretching, flexibility exercise, balance exercise, and aerobic exercise. The training will be delivered by an instructor after training by the project team.
Sponsors
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* 60 years or older; * With mild or severer levels of depressive symptoms as indicated by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-8) scores of 5 or above, or Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) depression subscale scores of 4 or above * Self-identified as physically stable and without life-threatening diseases. * Be able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin.
Exclusion criteria
* Have a history of practicing or receiving training of any form of mind-body or regular exercises (including tai chi, yoga, and qigong, or regular physical activity \> 3 times/week) during the month prior to intervention * Have changed medications or the dose of medications prescribed for their health condition in the one month prior to study enrollment * Have severe cognitive or language impairment based on the assessment with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) * Taking medication or undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy, or psychoeducation for a psychological or psychiatric condition * Unable to demonstrate satisfactory standing balance
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Depressive symptoms | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | The eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire |
| Global cognitive function | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | Montreal Cognitive Assessment |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Serum BDNF | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | Collected and assayed through peripheral blood sample |
| Salivary cortisol | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | Collected and assayed through saliva sample |
| Attention | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | Attention Network Task |
| Inhibitory control | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | Attention Network Task |
| Affect | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | Positive and Negative Affect Schedule |
| ERP N2 amplitude | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | ERP data recorded during Attention Network Task and N-back Task |
| ERP P3 amplitude | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | ERP data recorded during Attention Network Task and N-back Task |
| Hand grip strength | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | To be assessed with a Jamar handheld dynamometer |
| Working memory | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | N-back Task |
| Serum adiponectin | Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline) | Collected and assayed through peripheral blood sample |
Countries
Hong Kong
Contacts
Primary ContactHector Tsang
Backup ContactErin Lu
Outcome results
None listed