Tai chi qigong as a means to improve night-time sleep quality among older adults with cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

PurposeAge-related cognitivee decline is a growing public health concern worldwide. More than a quarter of adults with cognitive impairment experience sleep disturbance. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the preliminary effects of tai chi qigong (TCQ) on improving the night-time sleep quality of older adults with cognitive impairment.ParticipantsOlder adults with cognitive impairment who complain of sleep disturbance.MethodsA randomized controlled trial with two groups. Fifty-two subjects were recruited from two district elderly community centers and randomly assigned to either the TCQ group (n=27) or the control group (n=25). The intervention group received TCQ training consisting of two 60-minute sessions each week for 2 months. The control group was advised to maintain their usual activities. Sleep quality was measured by the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Quality of life was measured by Short-form 12, cognitive functions measured by mini-mental state examination, and subjective memory deficits measured by the memory inventory for Chinese.ResultsData were collected at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. Significant results were noted at 6 months in the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score (P=0.004), sleep duration (P=0.003), habitual sleep efficiency (P=0.002), and the Short-form 12 mental health component (P<0.001). The TCQ participants reported better sleep quality and a better (quality of life) mental health component than the control group.ConclusionTCQ can be considered a useful nonpharmacological approach for improving sleep quality in older adults with cognitive impairment.Clinical trial registrationCUHK_CCT00448 (https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/287).

Effects of Physical Activity Program on cognitive function and sleep quality in elderly with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

“…The results of this study showed that the Physical Activity Program increased their cognitive functions and sleep quality. These findings directly support those from previous studies, physical activity interventions such as yoga, tai chi qigong, 12 weeks and pedometer‐based walking exercise, and cognitive exercise program, aquatic exercise have also improved self‐reported sleep quality in addition to cognitive function in older adults.…”

“…People with a mild version may demonstrate changes in their cognitive functions, but without affecting their daily activities. More than a quarter of older adults with cognitive impairment experience sleep disturbance . A study examining the epidemiology of sleep disturbances in the elderly found that the rate of sleep disturbances in the elderly sometimes reaches up to 50% .…”

“…More than a quarter of older adults with cognitive impairment experience sleep disturbance. [3][4][5][6] A study examining the epidemiology of sleep disturbances in the elderly found that the rate of sleep disturbances in the elderly sometimes reaches up to 50%. 7 Another study conducted by Gooneratne and Vitiello 8 found that 20% to 40% of the elderly complain about insomnia symptoms.…”

“…3 Recent studies from our group indicate that increased levels of structured physical activity have positive effects on sleep and performance in older adults. 3,21 Lower intensity exercise interventions, such as yoga, 23 tai chi qigong, 5 12 weeks and pedometerbased walking exercise, and cognitive exercise program, 24 the aquatic exercise 25 have also improved self-reported sleep quality in addition to cognitive function in older adults. Thus, it would be worthwhile to carry out a study on the aforementioned issues.…”

Effects of tai chi qigong on psychosocial well-being among hidden elderly, using elderly neighborhood volunteer approach: a pilot randomized controlled trial

“…Tai chi and qigong can be combined to enhance the training effect, and form an activity that engages the mind and the body, the engagement of the mind particularly leading to meditative quality and preventing boredom 18. Research has demonstrated that tai chi and qigong have beneficial effects on patients with respiratory disease,13,19 heart disease,20,21 metabolic control in type-2 diabetes,22 high blood pressure,23 emotional stress,24 and sleep disturbances in older adults 25. With the favorable results of previous studies, the applicably of tai chi qigong to the hidden elderly deserves special attention.…”