Developing and Testing the Effectiveness of a Novel Health Qigong for Frail Elders in Hong Kong : A Preliminary Study

Abstract EN

Eight-Section Brocades and Yijin Jing consist of some routine movements that are too difficult for frail elders.

A novel health qigong protocol was developed and its effectiveness for frail elders was examined using a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

An expert panel performed functional anatomy analysis and safety field test prior to the RCT.

The experimental group (n=61, 83±6 yr) was given a 12-week qigong exercise program, while the comparison group (n=55, 84±6 yr) participated in a newspaper reading program with the same duration and frequency.

Pre-, mid-, post-, and follow-up assessments were conducted.

At 12 weeks, the qigong group had significant improvements in thinking operations (F=4.05, P=.02) and significant reduction of resting heart rate (F=3.14, P=.045) as compared to the newspaper reading group.

A trend of improvements in grip strength and a decreasing trend of depression levels were observed among the qigong group.

Significant perceived improvements in physical health (F=13.01, P=.001), activities of daily living (F=5.32, P=.03), and overall health status (F=15.26, P=.0001) were found.

There are improvements in some aspects of psychosocial, cognitive, physical, and physiological domains.

Clinical applications and possibilities for further research are discussed.