Effect of a qigong exercise programme on elderly with depression.
OBJECTIVE
This report released findings of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Hong Kong to further our understanding of the psychosocial effects of qigong on elderly persons with depression.


METHODS
Eighty-two participants with a diagnosis of depression or obvious features of depression were recruited and randomly assigned into the intervention and comparison group. The intervention group was given a 16-week period of Qigong practice while the comparison group participated in a newspaper reading group with same duration and frequency.


RESULTS
After eight weeks of qigong practice, the intervention group participants outstripped themselves in improvement in mood, self-efficacy and personal well being, and physical and social domains of self-concept when compared with comparison subjects. After 16 weeks of practice, the improvement generalized to the daily task domain of the self-concept.


CONCLUSIONS
This report shows that regular qigong practice could relieve depression, improve self-efficacy and personal well being among elderly persons with chronic physical illness and depression.
Tsang
Hector W H
HW
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong. rshtsang@polyu.edu.hk
Fung
Kelvin M T
KM
Chan
Ashley S M
AS
Lee
Grace
G
Chan
Fong
F
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome