Physical and Psychological Health Outcomes of Qigong Exercise in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Physical limitations, depression and anxiety are prevalent among older adults. Mild to moderate exercise can promote physical and psychological health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Qigong, a type of Chinese traditional medicine exercise, has demonstrated beneficial effects on physical ability and mental health in adults with chronic conditions. The purpose of this review was to systematically assess the effects of Qigong exercise on physical and psychological health outcomes in older adults. A total of 1282 older adults aged 62 to 83 years with depressive symptoms, frailty or chronic medical illnesses were included in this review. The meta-analysis showed that Qigong exercise resulted in significantly improved physical ability compared with active control or usual care (standardized mean difference [SMD] [Formula: see text] 1.00 and 1.20, respectively). The pooled effects of studies with thrice weekly Qigong sessions had the greatest effect ([Formula: see text]) on physical ability in older adults. Lower quality studies demonstrated larger effect sizes than those of higher quality. Although Qigong exercise showed favorable effects on depression, balance and functioning, the overall effects did not reach statistical significance. No significant adverse events were reported. The findings suggest that the Qigong exercise may be an option for older adults to improve physical ability, functional ability, balance and to lessen depression and anxiety. However, the number of RCTs that enroll older adults is limited. More methodologically sound RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy of Qigong exercise on physical and psychological health in older adults with chronic illnesses.

Effects of Mind–Body Interventions Involving Meditative Movements on Quality of Life, Depressive Symptoms, Fear of Falling and Sleep Quality in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…In the latter case, perhaps even larger effects may be observed in terms of psychological health outcomes, since a predominant tendency towards improvement of the examined outcomes was demonstrated in older adults without mental disorders by the present work. This implies the necessity of perceiving MBI involving meditative movements as a future research topic to further confirm these types of exercise as a potential cost-effective, non-pharmacological, preventive method for counteracting the increase of mental disorders among older adults [ 4 ]. These interventions may offer an age-appropriate possibility of improving psychological health through various levels and simultaneously incorporating more movement into daily life.…”

“…Psychological outcomes can be improved by regular physical activity and exercise in adults of all ages [ 3 ]. The fact that psychological symptoms are commonly experienced in later life reveals a need for age-appropriate exercise programs as preventive measures that do not only address physical but also psychological health in older people [ 4 , 5 ]. A potential approach is offered by alternative forms of exercise (e.g., mind–body interventions (MBI)) with low impact, low demands on the muscles and less energy expenditure [ 4 ].…”

“…The fact that psychological symptoms are commonly experienced in later life reveals a need for age-appropriate exercise programs as preventive measures that do not only address physical but also psychological health in older people [ 4 , 5 ]. A potential approach is offered by alternative forms of exercise (e.g., mind–body interventions (MBI)) with low impact, low demands on the muscles and less energy expenditure [ 4 ]. Mind–body interventions involving meditative movements include, but are not limited to, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Pilates and Feldenkrais.…”

Traditional Chinese exercise for COVID-19

“…Regulation of mind includes focusing attention and visualization. Most operations of mind regulation are similar to meditation, [ 29 – 31 ] which can produce a relaxation response and stress reduction. TCE is often used in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.…”

The Influence of Physical and Mental Exercises on the Mental Health of Middle-Aged and Old People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In recent years, the intervention effect of physical and mental exercises on the mental health of the middle-aged and old people has received attention from the scienti c circle, and meta-analysis has shown that physical and mental exercises are effective in adjusting the mental health of the middle-aged and old people [19][20][21][22][23][24]. However, in these meta-analysis, two scales of depression or anxiety were used to measure mental health, and no SCL-90 scale was used to measure mental health.…”