Understanding the Psychological Benefits and Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Qigong in Older Adults
NCT ID: NCT06952166
Last Updated: 2025-04-30
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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NOT_YET_RECRUITING
NA
180 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2025-05-12
2026-05-31
Brief Summary
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* 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.
Detailed Description
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Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
SINGLE
Study Groups
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Qigong (Baduanjin)
12-week training of Baduanjin, with two sessions per week. Each session lasts for 60 min.
Qigong (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.
Mindfulness-based intervention
12-week training of mindfulness-based breathing, walking, and stretching practices, with two sessions per week. Each session lasts for 60 min.
Mindfulness-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.
Physical exercise
12-week training of stretching, flexibility exercise, and balance exercise, with two sessions per week. Each session lasts for 60 min.
Physical 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.
Waitlist control
Participants of the waitlist control group will not receive any training while the other three group are having their interventions. After the completion of the all assessments, the participants will receive the 12-week qigong training, same as the qigong group.
No interventions assigned to this group
Interventions
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Qigong (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.
Mindfulness-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.
Physical 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.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* 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 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
60 Years
ALL
Yes
Sponsors
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
OTHER
Responsible Party
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TSANG Hector Wing-Hong
Professor
Locations
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Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Kowloon, , Hong Kong
Countries
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Central Contacts
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Facility Contacts
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Hector Tsang
Role: primary
Other Identifiers
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15104721-2
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id