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

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Qigong

• Registration Number: NCT06952166
• Lead Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Brief 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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-23
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-23
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-30
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-30
• Study Start: 2025-05-12
• Primary Completion: 2026-03-15
• Study Completion: 2026-05-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 180

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Depressive symptoms	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	The eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire
Global cognitive function	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Serum adiponectin	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	Collected and assayed through peripheral blood sample
Serum BDNF	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	Collected and assayed through peripheral blood sample
Salivary cortisol	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	Collected and assayed through saliva sample
Attention	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	Attention Network Task
Inhibitory control	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	Attention Network Task
Working memory	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	N-back Task
ERP N2 amplitude	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	ERP data recorded during Attention Network Task and N-back Task
ERP P3 amplitude	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	ERP data recorded during Attention Network Task and N-back Task
Hand grip strength	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	To be assessed with a Jamar handheld dynamometer
Affect	Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)	Positive and Negative Affect Schedule

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; 🇭🇰 Kowloon, Hong Kong