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NCT Number: NCT06952166

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Qigong

Age range

60 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Kowloon, Hong Kong

Location contact

Hector Tsang

CONTACT

[email protected]

27666750

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Qigong (Baduanjin)

Behavioral

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

Behavioral

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

Behavioral

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Depressive symptoms

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    The eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire

  2. Global cognitive function

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Secondary outcomes

  1. Serum adiponectin

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    Collected and assayed through peripheral blood sample

  2. Serum BDNF

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    Collected and assayed through peripheral blood sample

  3. Salivary cortisol

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    Collected and assayed through saliva sample

  4. Attention

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    Attention Network Task

  5. Inhibitory control

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    Attention Network Task

  6. Working memory

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    N-back Task

  7. ERP N2 amplitude

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    ERP data recorded during Attention Network Task and N-back Task

  8. ERP P3 amplitude

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    ERP data recorded during Attention Network Task and N-back Task

  9. Hand grip strength

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    To be assessed with a Jamar handheld dynamometer

  10. Affect

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks after baseline)

    Positive and Negative Affect Schedule

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Erin Lu

CONTACT

[email protected]

Hector Tsang

CONTACT

[email protected]

27666750

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 30, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 30, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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