Effects of Meditative Movements on Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga are recognized as the most popular complementary approaches for alleviating musculoskeletal pain, improving sleep quality, and reducing blood pressure. The therapeutic effects of these meditative movements for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) is yet to be determined. Therefore, we examined whether meditative movements (Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga) are effective for treating MDD. Seven electronic databases (SPORTDiscus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang) were used to search relevant articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) using Tai Chi, Qigong or Yoga as intervention for MDD were considered for the meta-analysis (standardized mean difference: SMD). Results: Meta-analysis on 15 fair-to-high quality RCTs showed a significant benefit in favor of meditative movement on depression severity (SMD = −0.56, 95% CI −0.76 to −0.37, p < 0.001, I2 = 35.76%) and on anxiety severity (SMD = −0.46, 95% CI −0.71 to −0.21, p < 0.001, I2 = 1.17%). Meditative movement interventions showed significantly improved treatment remission rate (OR = 6.7, 95% CI 2.38 to 18.86, p < 0.001) and response rate (OR = 5.2, 95% CI 1.73 to 15.59, p < 0.001) over passive controls. Conclusions: Emphasizing the therapeutic effects of meditative movements for treating MDD is critical because it may provide a useful alternative to existing mainstream treatments (drug therapy and psychotherapy) for MDD. Given the fact that meditative movements are safe and easily accessible, clinicians may consider recommending meditative movements for symptomatic management in this population.

Case Series of Multiple Health Benefits in Those Undertaking Extended Qigong Practice as a Complementary Self-care Practice in an Outpatient Pain Clinic

“…Benefits are not limited to pain, but cover a wide range of health conditions and include improvements in sleep and fatigue, mental health and respiratory function. Controlled trials and aggregate analyses indicate benefits of qigong for pain [5,13], sleep and fatigue [14], mental health [7,8], respiratory function [15], and multiple other health domains [4]. Several trials which address whether the amount of qigong practice contributes to outcomes within the trial have shown that benefits are related to amount of practice [10,14].…”

“…There are many forms of qigong, and heterogeneity of practice forms as well as variations in amounts of practice are challenges for exploring the health benefits of qigong. Nevertheless, there is a growing literature on health benefits of qigong [4], especially for chronic pain, sleep disorders and depression [5][6][7][8].…”

Tai Chi Training Evokes Significant Changes in Brain White Matter Network in Older Women

“…Tai-Chi (TC) is a cognitive-motor exercise, which is commonly performed at mild-to-moderate exercise intensities [20,21]. Its choreographed routine typically consists of graceful, slow, fluid movements and it is performed in coordination with deep breathing, relaxation, and mental focus [22,23]. Such unique features have attracted people worldwide in pursuit of health and longevity, especially the frail elderly who experience functional decline [24,25].…”

Erlaubt der Gesundheitszustand von Menschen mit Demenz eine körperliche Aktivierung?

“…Die erhobenen kardiovaskulären Parameter der untersuchten Senioren liegen, von wenigen Ausnahmen abgesehen, im alterstypischen Normbereich. Sollte sich zeigen, dass sich die kardiovaskulären Parameter durch die Intervention verbessern lassen, wie es zahlreiche Studien nahelegen, könnte sich dieser Effekt durch eine besseren Durchblutung des Gehirns auch positiv auf Prognose und Verlauf der Demenz auswirken [11] [12][13] [14].…”