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

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.

Conditions

• Qigong

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

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.

BEHAVIORAL

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.

BEHAVIORAL

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-05-12

Primary Completion

2026-03-15

Completion

2026-05-31

Countries

• Hong Kong

Study Locations