Qigong and Executive Attention in Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Feb 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a specific type of exercise called Baduanjin, which is a form of health qigong, can help improve attention and reduce depressive symptoms in older adults. Researchers want to find out if practicing Baduanjin can enhance a person's ability to focus, which they believe might also help lift feelings of depression. Participants in the trial will join a 12-week program where they will practice Baduanjin for an hour, twice a week. They will be compared to a group that will not receive the training right away, to see how effective Baduanjin really is.

To be part of this study, participants need to be older adults experiencing mild to severe depression, as shown by certain questionnaires. They should generally be healthy and able to speak Cantonese or Mandarin. However, those who have recently engaged in regular exercise or changed their medications, or who have significant cognitive issues, won't be eligible to join. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable insights into alternative ways to support mental health in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • have mild or severer levels of depressive symptoms, as indicated by Geriatric Depression Scale scores of 5 or above or Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-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 in 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 recruitment
• • have changed medications or the dose of medications prescribed for their health condition in the month prior to study enrollment
• • have a severe cognitive or language impairment, as indicated by a score of less than 21 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
• • receiving pharmacological treatment, electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy, or psychoeducation for any psychological or psychiatric condition upon the time of recruitment
• • be unable to demonstrate satisfactory standing balance.