Qigong for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults

Abstract

The elderly are at high risk of contracting respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19 infection. The recent pandemic has the potential to cause significant physical and mental damage in older adults. Similarly to other mind-body exercises in Traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong features regulation of breath rhythm and pattern, body movement and posture, and meditation. Given these traits, Qigong has the potential to play a role in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. Potential mechanisms of action include stress reduction, emotion regulation, strengthening of respiratory muscles, reduction of inflammation, and enhanced immune function. Three forms of Qigong; abdominal breathing, Ba Duan Jin and Liu Zi Jue, all of which are gentle, smooth, and simple for the elderly to practice, are recommended in this context.

Home-based exercise can be beneficial for counteracting sedentary behavior and physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults

“…//www.health.harvard.edu/blog/try-tai-chi-to-improve-balance-avoid-falls-201208235198) and NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-tai-chi/), attempt to guide people on how to use mind-body exercises. Qigong has the potential to play a role in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19(139), and can help enhance the antibody responses to influenza vaccination in the older adults(140). Moderate-intensity Pilates exercise program can increase salivary flow rate and S-IgA secretion(141), and can improve both cognitive and functional abilities as well as balance in older women(142).…”

Integrative medicine considerations for convalescence from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease

“…Feng et al completed an extensive literature search for Qigong to examine its potential in COVID-19 prevention and rehabilitation. 88 They reviewed data for effectiveness in hypertension, asthma, COPD, mood disorders, cognitive impairment, pain relief and muscle strength. They concluded that the efficacy of Qigong is based on 4 mechanisms: management of stress and emotion, strengthening respiratory muscles, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immune function.…”

Mental health interventions following COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections: a systematic review of current recommendations and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Complementary and alternative therapy Mindfulness 34,42,44,46,51,57,65,75,80,86,118,121,139 (10.4) Breathing techniques 34,40,51,121 (3.2) Yoga 40,51,60 (2.4) Qigong 69 (0.8) 25,38,40,42,51,70,75,86 (6.4) WhatsApp/chat support groups 57,78,81,95,119,125,126 (5.6) Specific media recommendations 47,64,84,145 (3.…”