Understanding the Psychological Benefits and Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Qigong in Older Adults

Understanding the Psychological Benefits and Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Qigong in Older Adults

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.

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