Tai Chi Training for Treating Depressed Chinese Americans
- Conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Tai Chi
- Registration Number
- NCT01263730
- Lead Sponsor
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Brief Summary
The goal of this research is to evaluate whether Tai Chi merits further investigation as a non-pharmacological therapy in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Specifically, this waitlist-controlled study will gather preliminary data evaluating the effectiveness of Tai Chi training as treatment for patients with MDD or a history of MDD, including patients who continue to be depressed despite taking antidepressants and patients who choose not to take antidepressants due to fear of side effects and/or for personal reasons. To test this hypothesis the investigators will compare physical and psychological parameters of a control group and an intervention group, at baseline (Week 0), at the midpoint (Week 6), and at the end of 12 weeks of Tai Chi training.
- Detailed Description
When a first line treatment for depression fails, clinicians often choose to increase the dosage, or augment with a second agent, prior to considering switching agents altogether (Rosenbaum et al, 1995). Combination of an SSRI/SNRI with other agents such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or lithium are examples of popular strategies (Fava et al, 1994). In many instances, augmentation with multiple psychotropic agents may not be desirable, because of risk of side effects or drug-drug interactions.
In view of their benign adverse effect profiles, non-pharmacological interventions such as psychotherapy and mind-body intervention have been used to augment treatment for treatment resistant depressed patients. Preliminary studies have shown that meditation is beneficial for the treatment of depression (Smith et al., 2007; Sephton et al., 2007; Finucane and Mercer, 2006; Astin et al., 2003; Speca et al., 2000).
Tai Chi training consists of a sequence of slow, soft, and graceful movements derived from the martial arts. It is considered as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. Tai Chi has been considered as one form of oriental healing arts, like acupuncture, which fosters the circulation of this 'chi' or energy within the body. By doing so, the health and vitality of the person are enhanced. Tai Chi, with its slow movement synchronized to the person's breathing, has been known to lead to a calm and tranquil mind when the person is focused on the precise execution of these exercises.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 38
Not provided
Not provided
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Tai Chi Training Tai Chi The active group will be given 12 weeks of tai chi training
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Depressive Symptoms 12 weeks of Tai Chi Training We will be looking for a decrease in depressive symptoms at the mid- (week 6) and post- (week 12) time point following Tai Chi training as compared to the baseline (week 0).
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Psychological questionnaires, specifically the Quality of Life Enjoyment questionnaire. 12 weeks of Tai Chi Training We will compare psychometric questionnaire results pre-(wk 0), mid- (wk 6), and post- (wk 12) Tai Chi training. The questionnaires administered include the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Clinical Global Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction, Expectations Tai Chi training on depression, International Physical Activity, and Mimet's Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
South Cove
🇺🇸Boston, Massachusetts, United States