Qigong and Depression In Elderly
A randomized trial was conducted in Hong Kong (Tsang et al, 2006) investigate the psychosocial effects of qigong on elderly persons with depression. The study was conducted with eighty‐two participants with some features of depression. One group was given 16‐weeks of Qigong practice and the others participated in a newspaper reading group for 16-weeks.
After eight weeks, the qigong participants showed great improvement in “mood, personal well being, and physical and social domains of self‐concept when compared with” those in the newspaper group. The researchers concluded that regular qigong practice could relieve depression, improve self‐efficacy and personal well being among elderly persons with chronic physical illness and depression.
Taken from “Effect of a qigong exercise programme on elderly with depression.” Hector WH Tsang, Kelvin MT Fung, Ashley SM Chan, Grace Lee, Fong Chan. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry: A journal of the psychiatry of late life and allied sciences 21 (9), 890-897, 2006. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.