The beneficial effects of Qigong on elderly depression.

Author: Chan SHW1, Tsang HWH2
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong. <sup>2</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Electronic address: hector.tsang@polyu.edu.hk.
Conference/Journal: Int Rev Neurobiol.
Date published: 2019
Other: Volume ID: 147 , Pages: 155-188 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.06.004. Epub 2019 Jun 26. , Word Count: 118


Health Qigong, especially the Eight-Section Brocades (or Baduanjin), has been well established as an effective adjunct intervention to alleviate depressive symptoms of older adults. The easy to learn and safe format of health Qigong allows the promotion and employment by health care professionals to improve the physical and psychosocial wellness of older adults. The cultural relevance of Qigong practice enhances its popularity as a health maintenance practice in Chinese community. In general, the antidepressive effects of Qigong are put forward through psychosocial, physiological, and neurobiological mechanisms. More specific, the beneficial effects of Qigong can be further substantiated by findings of several research studies.

© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS: Beneficial effects; Depression; Mechanism; Qigong

PMID: 31607353 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.06.004