Effects of Qigong on Health among African Americans

September 26, 2020 - Interventions are needed to address physical and psychological health in middle-aged and older African Americans. Indiana University performed a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of an eight-week Qigong exercise on physical ability and function, balance, frailty, depression and anxiety, and spiritual well-being in African Americans using a single-group design.

Fifteen African Americans with a mean age of 64 years received Qigong exercise over 16 semi-weekly, one-hour sessions. The majority were female (93.3%) and college-level educated (53.3%). Repeat chair stands, physical function, and spiritual well-being improved significantly. Over 52% of participants showed improved depression scores, fast gait speed, and standing balance. Nearly 42% demonstrated some frailty improvement over baseline. No adverse events were reported.

The study concluded that Qigong exercise potentially improves the physical ability and function, and spiritual well-being of African Americans and needs further testing in a randomized clinical trial.

The study is published by Western journal of nursing research.