EFFECTS OF QIGONG IN TAI CHI IN THE ELDERLY USING GENERAL HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE (GHQ)

Abstract

Objectives : Previous studies have shown health benefits of Tai Chi, including Qigong exercises. This study investigated the effects of Qigong in Tai Chi with elderly volunteers using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Methods : Eighty-five participants were voluntarily recruited by posters; the present study enrolled 49 healthy participants and randomized them to either the Tai Chi with Qigong group (N=25) or the Tai Chi without Qigong group (N=24). We administered 24-style Tai Chi once a week over 3 months to the participants. We measured GHQ scores of the participants both at the baseline and at the end of the study. Results : In the Tai Chi with Qigong group, GHQ total score, somatic symptoms score, anxiety/insomnia score, and severe depression score at the end of the study were significantly lower than those at the baseline. In the Tai Chi without Qigong group, GHQ total scores and anxiety/insomnia scores at the end of the study were significantly lower than those at the baseline. Mean change scores from baseline to endpoint in GHQ total scores, and severe depression scores in the Tai Chi with Qigong group were significantly greater than those in the Tai Chi without Qigong group. In the time courses of GHQ total score and severe depression score, significant effects of interaction between group and time were found. Conclusion : The present study suggested that Qigong of Tai Chi exhibit significant bene- fits for depressive symptoms in the elderly.