A Chinese Chan-based mind-body intervention improves psychological well-being and physical health of community-dwelling elderly: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to explore the potential benefits of the Dejian mind-body intervention (DMBI) for psychological and physical health in older Chinese adults.


METHODS
After confirmation of eligibility, the subjects were invited to receive DMBI once a week for 12 weeks. The intervention involved components of learning self-awareness and self-control, practicing mind-body exercises, and adopting a special vegetarian diet. Intervention-related changes were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Chinese Constipation Questionnaire, and self-report ratings of health. Indicators of metabolic syndrome and walking speed were also measured.


RESULTS
Of the 44 subjects recruited, 42 (54.8% men) completed the study, giving an adherence rate of 95%. There was a significant reduction in perceived stress (P<0.05). A significant improvement was also found in systolic blood pressure among those who had abnormally high blood pressure at baseline (P<0.05). Physical fitness as reflected by walking speed was also significantly increased after the intervention (P<0.05). Sleep disturbances were reduced (P<0.01). Self-rated health was significantly enhanced, with the percentage rating very good health increasing from 14.3% at baseline to 42.8% after the intervention (P<0.001). No intervention effect was found for waist circumference, lipids and fasting blood glucose levels, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score, and constipation measures.


CONCLUSIONS
The DMBI was feasible and acceptable, and subjects showed some improvements in psychological and physical health. A larger controlled trial is needed to confirm these promising preliminary results.
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Ruby
R
Yu
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Jean
J
Woo
Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong ; Chanwuyi Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong ; Henan Songshan Research Institute for Chanwuyi, Henan, People's Republic of China.
Agnes S
AS
Chan
Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong ; Chanwuyi Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Sophia L
SL
Sze
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000379:methods*
Chan practice; elderly; mind–body intervention; physical fitness; psychological stress; self-rated health