The Effects of Tai Chi on Heart Rate Variability in Older Chinese Individuals with Depression

Jing Liu, Huihui Xie, Ming Liu, Zongbao Wang, Liye Zou, Albert S. Yeung, Stanley Sai-chuen Hui and Qing Yang
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Jing Liu: Department of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Huihui Xie: Department of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Ming Liu: School of Physical Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Zongbao Wang: School of Acupuncture and Tuina, University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui 230038, China
Liye Zou: Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
Albert S. Yeung: Depression Clinical and Research Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Stanley Sai-chuen Hui: Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
Qing Yang: Department of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-9

Abstract: Background Very little research has been done to simultaneously investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on depression and heart rate variability (HRV). This study, therefore, attempted to explore the effects of TC on depression and on HRV parameters. Methods Sixty older individuals with depression score of 10 or above (the Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS) were randomly assigned into two groups: TC ( n = 30) and control group ( n = 30). Participants in the experimental group participated in a 24-week TC training program (three 60-min sessions per week), whereas individuals in the control group maintained their unaltered lifestyle. Depression and HRV were measured using the GDS and digital electrocardiogram at baseline and after the 24-week intervention. Results The TC had produced significant positive chances in depression and some HRV parameters (mean heart rate, RMSSD, HF, LFnorm, and HFnorm) ( p < 0.05), whereas these positive results were not observed in the control group. Conclusions The results of this study indicated that TC may alleviate depression of the elderly through modulating autonomous nervous system or HRV parameters. This study adds to a growing body of research showing that TC may be effective in treating depression of the elderly. Tai Chi as a mild to moderate mind-body exercise is suitable for older individuals who suffer from depression.

Keywords: depression; heart rate variability; mind-body; Tai Chi (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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