Embodied cognition driven Qigong: a cross-sectional study and a pilot randomized controlled trial on managing depression and preventing relapse in substance dependence


Author: Chao Sun#1, Siyao Yang#2, Xiaojun Wang3, Yongcong Shao1, Xuetong Huang3, Huanhuan Qi3, Zhuolin Zhang3, Guobai Su4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.

<sup>2</sup> Tsinghua International School, Beijing, China.

<sup>3</sup> China Wushu School, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.

<sup>4</sup> Department of Physical Education, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
Conference/Journal: Front Public Health
Date published: 2024 Nov 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 12   ,  Pages: 1388887   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1388887.   ,  Word Count: 284  
    Objective:

Substance use disorders (SUDs) pose a significant challenge to public health systems worldwide, with persistent high relapse rates underscoring the urgency for innovative intervention strategies. This study embarked on a systematic exploration of the factors influencing relapse among individuals with SUDs, alongside the implementation of targeted Health Qigong intervention to mitigate these effects based on the embodied cognition.



Methods:

In the cross-sectional survey, a total of 398 male substance users were recruited to complete the questionnaires assessing depression, self-esteem, resilience, and relapse inclination. Subsequently, 60 participants diagnosed with depression were selected for a Pilot RCT, randomly divided into an intervention group, which underwent a 12-week Health Qigong program designed to combat depression through embodied cognition principles, and a control group, which maintained their daily routines.



Results:

Structural equation modeling demonstrated that depression not only had a direct effect on substance users' relapse, but also exerted an indirect effect through three paths: firstly, via the mediating role of self-esteem; secondly, via the mediating role of resilience; and thirdly, via the chain-mediated role of self-esteem and resilience. Two-factor mixed-design ANOVA showed that the 12-week targeted Health Qigong training not only mitigated depression in individuals with SUDs, but also enhanced self-esteem and mental resilience, and reducing the propensity for relapse.



Conclusion:

This research identifies critical factors influencing relapse in individuals with SUDs and introduces a novel, non-pharmacological intervention that significantly diminishes relapse rates and enhances recovery outcomes. It highlights the importance of physical activity in promoting mental health improvement and integrates traditional Chinese exercises with contemporary psychological insights, offering a comprehensive approach to drug rehabilitation and the integration of cultural practices in holistic health interventions.



Keywords: Qigong; depression; embodied cognition; recurrence; substance-related disorders.



PMID: 39555034 PMCID: PMC11564176 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1388887