International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

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16 pages, 4032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Mind-Body Exercises on Motor Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Xiaohu Jin, Lin Wang, Shijie Liu, Lin Zhu, Paul Dinneen Loprinzi and Xin Fan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010031 - 18 Dec 2019

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 11651

Abstract

Purpose: To systematically evaluate the effects of mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, Yoga, and Health Qigong) on motor function (UPDRS, Timed-Up-and-Go, Balance), depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of Parkinson’s patients (PD). Methods: Through computer system search and manual retrieval, PubMed, Web of [...] Read more.

Purpose: To systematically evaluate the effects of mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, Yoga, and Health Qigong) on motor function (UPDRS, Timed-Up-and-Go, Balance), depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of Parkinson’s patients (PD). Methods: Through computer system search and manual retrieval, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and CQVIP were used. Articles were retrieved up to the published date of June 30, 2019. Following the Cochrane Collaboration System Evaluation Manual (version 5.1.0), two researchers independently evaluated the quality and bias risk of each article, including 22 evaluated articles. The Pedro quality score of 6 points or more was found for 86% (19/22) of these studies, of which 21 were randomized controlled trials with a total of 1199 subjects; and the trial intervention time ranged from 4 to 24 weeks. Interventions in the control group included no-intervention controls, placebo, waiting-lists, routine care, and non-sports controls. Meta-analysis was performed on the literature using RevMan 5.3 statistical software, and heterogeneity analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. Results: (1) Mind-body exercises significantly improved motor function in PD patients, including UPDRS (SMD = −0.61, p < 0.001), TUG (SMD = −1.47, p < 0.001) and balance function (SMD = 0.79, p < 0.001). (2) Mind-body exercises also had significant effects on depression (SMD = −1.61, p = 0.002) and QoL (SMD = 0.66, p < 0.001). (3) Among the indicators, UPDRS (I² = 81%) and depression (I² = 91%) had higher heterogeneity; according to the results of the separate combined effect sizes of TUG (I² = 29%), Balance (I² = 16%) and QoL (I² = 35%), it shows that the heterogeneity is small; (4) After meta-regression analysis of the age limit and other possible confounding factors, further subgroup analysis showed that the reason for the heterogeneity of UPDRS motor function may be related to the sex of PD patients and severity of the disease; the outcome of depression was heterogeneous. The reason for this may be the use of specific drugs in the experiment and the duration of intervention in the trial. Conclusion: (1) Mind-body exercises were found to have significant improvements in motor function, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease, and can be used as an effective method for clinical exercise intervention in PD patients. (2) Future clinical intervention programs for PD patients need to fully consider specific factors such as gender, severity of disease, specific drug use, and intervention cycle to effectively control heterogeneity factors, so that the clinical exercise intervention program for PD patients is objective, scientific, and effective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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11 pages, 756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autonomy-Supportive Teaching and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction among School Students: The Role of Mindfulness

by Chunxiao Li, Ying Hwa Kee, Leng Chee Kong, Liye Zou, Ka Lok Ng and Hong Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2599; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142599 - 21 Jul 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5240

Abstract

Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between autonomy-supportive teaching, mindfulness, and basic psychological need satisfaction/frustration. Secondary school students (n = 390, Mage = 15) responded to a survey form measuring psychological constructs pertaining [...] Read more.

Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between autonomy-supportive teaching, mindfulness, and basic psychological need satisfaction/frustration. Secondary school students (n = 390, Mage = 15) responded to a survey form measuring psychological constructs pertaining to the research purpose. A series of multiple regression analysis showed that autonomy-supportive teaching and mindfulness positively predicted need satisfaction and negatively predicted need frustration. In addition, the associations between autonomy-supportive teaching and need satisfaction/frustration were moderated by mindfulness. Students higher in mindfulness were more likely to feel need satisfaction and less likely to experience need frustration, even in a low autonomy-supportive teaching environment. These results speak to the relevance of creating autonomy-supportive teaching environments and highlight mindfulness as a potential pathway to basic psychological need satisfaction in educational settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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9 pages, 463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale

by Chunxiao Li, Ying Hwa Kee and Yandan Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(13), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16132405 - 6 Jul 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3292

Abstract

Measuring teacher mindfulness has implications for understanding and enhancing teachers’ well-being. This study therefore aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS-C). Two independent samples (Sample 1 includes 151 in-service teachers, Sample 2 includes [...] Read more.

Measuring teacher mindfulness has implications for understanding and enhancing teachers’ well-being. This study therefore aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS-C). Two independent samples (Sample 1 includes 151 in-service teachers, Sample 2 includes 229 pre-service teachers) completed the MTS-C and theoretically relevant measures (i.e., attitudes, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction). In addition, a subsample of Sample 2 completed the MTS-C again one month later. Results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor model of the MTS-C. The MTS-C was generally associated with the concurrent measures. Furthermore, the scale also demonstrated good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. These findings suggest that the MTS-C is a reliable and valid tool for research and practical applications among Chinese teachers. Full article

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12 pages, 1560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Brief Spanish Version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). A Dispositional Mindfulness Measure

by Joan Guerra, María García-Gómez, Jorge Turanzas, Jose R. Cordón, Cristina Suárez-Jurado and José Miguel Mestre

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(8), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081355 - 15 Apr 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4682

Abstract

Dispositional Mindfulness (DM) is the awareness of the thoughts and feelings in the present moment. DM in children and adolescents has been related to mechanisms of change in mindfulness-based interventions, which have shown significant mediation relationships with mental health outcomes (for instance, lower [...] Read more.

Dispositional Mindfulness (DM) is the awareness of the thoughts and feelings in the present moment. DM in children and adolescents has been related to mechanisms of change in mindfulness-based interventions, which have shown significant mediation relationships with mental health outcomes (for instance, lower social anxiety, depression symptoms, or perceived stress). However, the assessment of DM among children and adolescents is being unsatisfactory due cultural biases and/or reliability issues. In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) in a sample of 687 children and adolescents between 8 and 16 years old. Although the CAMM has been validated in English, Portuguese, Italian, and Catalonian versions, until now no data has been reported in a Spanish context. Results showed that the best CAMM factor structure was constituted by five items from the original version (1, 4, 7, 8, and 9). These items defined dispositional mindfulness. The rest of the items (2, 3, 5, 6, and 10) were eliminated from the Spanish final version. The analyses revealed good reliability and internal consistency for the Spanish version of the CAMM. As we expected, the confirmatory factor analysis showed the unidimensional structure of the CAMM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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12 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tai Chi as an Alternative Exercise to Improve Physical Fitness for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

by Zhaowei Kong, Tat-Ming Sze, Jane Jie Yu, Paul D. Loprinzi, Tao Xiao, Albert S. Yeung, Chunxiao Li, Hua Zhang and Liye Zou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(7), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071152 - 30 Mar 2019

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8753

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on anthropometric parameters and physical fitness among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods: Sixty-six Chinese individuals engaged in sport-related extracurricular activities (TC and aerobic exercise (AE)) [...] Read more.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on anthropometric parameters and physical fitness among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods: Sixty-six Chinese individuals engaged in sport-related extracurricular activities (TC and aerobic exercise (AE)) as exercise interventions or arts/crafts activities as a control condition (CON). The experimental protocol consisted of a baseline assessment, a 12-week intervention period, and a post-intervention assessment. Results: Significant interaction effect was only observed in the performance of a 6-min walk test. After 12 weeks of intervention, the AE group had significant changes in body mass index (p = 0.006, d = 0.11), sit-ups (p = 0.030 and d = 0.57), and 6-min walk test (p = 0.005, d = 0.89). Significant increases in vertical jump (p = 0.048, d = 0.41), lower-limb coordination (p = 0.008, d = 0.53), and upper-limb coordination (p = 0.048, d = 0.36) were observed in the TC group. Furthermore, the TC group demonstrated significantly greater improvements on balance compared to the control group (p = 0.011). Conclusions: TC may improve leg power and coordination of both lower and upper limbs, while AE may be beneficial for body mass index, sit-ups and cardiorespiratory fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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12 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Tai Chi on Markers of Atherosclerosis, Lower-limb Physical Function, and Cognitive Ability in Adults Aged Over 60: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Shengwen Zhou, Yanjie Zhang, Zhaowei Kong, Paul D. Loprinzi, Yang Hu, Jiajie Ye, Shijie Liu, Jane Jie Yu and Liye Zou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(5), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050753 - 1 Mar 2019

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6643

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on arterial stiffness, physical function of lower-limb, and cognitive ability in adults aged over 60. Methods: This study was a prospective and randomized 12-week intervention trial [...] Read more.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on arterial stiffness, physical function of lower-limb, and cognitive ability in adults aged over 60. Methods: This study was a prospective and randomized 12-week intervention trial with three repeated measurements (baseline, 6, and 12 weeks). Sixty healthy adults who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into three training conditions (TC-24, TC-42, and TC-56) matched by gender, with 20 participants (10 males, 10 females) in each of the three groups. We measured the following health outcomes, including markers of atherosclerosis, physical function (leg power, and static and dynamic balance) of lower-limb, and cognitive ability. Results: When all three TC groups (p < 0.05) have showed significant improvements on these outcomes but overall cognitive ability at 6 or 12 weeks training period, TC-56 appears to have superior effects on arterial stiffness and static/dynamic balance in the present study. Conclusions: Study results of the present study add to growing body of evidence regarding therapeutic TC for health promotion and disease prevention in aging population. Future studies should further determine whether TC-42 and TC-56 are beneficial for other non-Chinese populations, with rigorous research design and follow-up assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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9 pages, 755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chen-Style Tai Chi for Individuals (Aged 50 Years Old or Above) with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Jing Liu, Albert Yeung, Tao Xiao, Xiaopei Tian, Zhaowei Kong, Liye Zou and Xueqiang Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(3), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030517 - 12 Feb 2019

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8302

Abstract

Tai Chi (TC) can be considered safe and effective intervention to improve pain and pain-related functional disability. However, it is unclear that whether aging individuals with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNS-LBP) can achieve positive results. This study, therefore, attempted to explore the [...] Read more.

Tai Chi (TC) can be considered safe and effective intervention to improve pain and pain-related functional disability. However, it is unclear that whether aging individuals with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNS-LBP) can achieve positive results. This study, therefore, attempted to explore the effects of TC on pain and functional disability in CNS-LBP patients aged 50 years old or above. Forty-three individuals (aged 50 years old or above) with CNS-LBP were randomly assigned into three groups: Chen-Style TC group (n = 15), Core Stabilization training (CST) group (n = 15), and control group (n = 13). Participants in the TC group participated in Chen-style TC training program (three 60-min sessions per week for 12 weeks), individuals in CST group received 12-week Core Stabilization exercise on the Swiss ball, whereas individuals in the control group maintained their unaltered lifestyle. Pain intensity as primary outcome was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), A BiodexSystem 3 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure knee and ankle joint position sense (JPS) as secondary outcomes at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. TC and CST have significant effects in VAS for CNS-LBP patients (p< 0.01, TC group OR CST group versus control group in mean of the post-minus-pre assessment). However, the feature of joint position sense (JPS) of ankle inversion, ankle eversion and knee flexion did not occur, it showed no significant effects with TC and CST. TC was found to reduce pain, but not improve lower limb proprioception in patients with CNS-LBP. Future research with larger sample sizes will be needed to achieve more definitive findings on the effects of TC on both pain and lower limb proprioception in this population. Full article

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9 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mindful Learning Improves Positive Feelings of Cancer Patients’ Family Caregivers

by Liuna Geng, Jian Wang, Liping Cheng, Binbin Zhang and Hui Shen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16020248 - 16 Jan 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4154

Abstract

Positive feelings are an important health dimension for family caregivers of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Langerian mindfulness is a valid proactive method to increase the positive feelings of family caregivers for cancer patients. Participants were randomly [...] Read more.

Positive feelings are an important health dimension for family caregivers of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Langerian mindfulness is a valid proactive method to increase the positive feelings of family caregivers for cancer patients. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness group or a mindlessness group and completed the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) as a measure of caregivers’ feelings before the intervention. Subsequently, both groups were given four sessions of mindfulness training using “innovation classification”. Finally, participants completed the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS) and the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale as post-intervention measures. The results revealed that participants in the mindfulness and mindlessness groups differed significantly in LMS and PAC scores, with the mindfulness group having higher levels of positive feelings than those in the mindlessness group. The results also indicated that mindfulness level significantly predicted positive feelings of caregivers. Thus mindful interventions may play a meaningful role in promoting family caregivers’ spirituality and faith, improving the willingness of sharing their thoughts, beliefs, and grief, which could be useful for increasing the positive feelings of caregivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

9 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Jing Liu, Huihui Xie, Ming Liu, Zongbao Wang, Liye Zou, Albert S. Yeung, Stanley Sai-chuen Hui and Qing Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(12), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122771 - 7 Dec 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7069

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mind–Body Exercise for Anxiety and Depression in COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Zaimin Li, Shijie Liu, Lin Wang and Lee Smith

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010022 - 18 Dec 2019

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 18497

Abstract

Objectives: Mind–body exercise has been generally recognized as a beneficial strategy to improve mental health in those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, to date, no attempt has been made to collate this literature. The aim of the present study was to [...] Read more.

Objectives: Mind–body exercise has been generally recognized as a beneficial strategy to improve mental health in those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, to date, no attempt has been made to collate this literature. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyze the effects of mind–body exercise for COPD patients with anxiety and depression and provide scientific evidence-based exercise prescription. Methods: both Chinese and English databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Baidu Scholar) were used as sources of data to search randomized controlled trials (RCT) relating to mind–body exercise in COPD patients with anxiety and depression that were published between January 1982 to June 2019. 13 eligible RCT studies were finally used for meta-analysis. Results: Mind–body exercise (tai chi, health qigong, yoga) had significant benefits on COPD patients with anxiety (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI −0.91 to −0.60, p = 0.04, I² = 47.4%) and depression (SMD = −0.86, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.58, p = 0.000, I² = 71.4%). Sub-group analysis indicated that, for anxiety, 30–60 min exercise session for 24 weeks of health qigong or yoga had a significant effect on patients with COPD who are more than 70 years and have more than a 10-year disease course. For depression, 2–3 times a week, 30–60 min each time of health qigong had a significant effect on patients with COPD patients who are more than 70 years old and have less than a 10-year disease course. Conclusions: Mind–body exercise could reduce levels of anxiety and depression in those with COPD. More robust RCT are required on this topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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16 pages, 3815 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Negative Emotions in Non-Clinical Populations: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

by Shu Zhang, Liye Zou, Li-Zhen Chen, Ying Yao, Paul D. Loprinzi, Parco M. Siu and Gao-Xia Wei

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(17), 3033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173033 - 21 Aug 2019

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6679

Abstract

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) as a typical mind-body practice has been investigated for its preventive role on negative emotions and has demonstrated its efficacy in healthy populations. However, the results are not consistent. We performed a meta-analysis and systematically evaluated the effect of [...] Read more.

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) as a typical mind-body practice has been investigated for its preventive role on negative emotions and has demonstrated its efficacy in healthy populations. However, the results are not consistent. We performed a meta-analysis and systematically evaluated the effect of TCC on selected negative emotions (i.e., anxiety and depression). Fourteen experimental studies from three English-and two Chinese-language databases were evaluated. The results showed that the positive effects of TCC on negative emotions were moderately to largely significant. In addition, although TCC significantly improved negative emotions in both the young adults and the older adults, old adults benefited more from TCC than young adults. These findings suggest that TCC is a worthy complementary non-pharmacological resource towards depression and anxiety and, thus, has great implications for the public health domain. Full article

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15 pages, 4374 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wuqinxi Qigong as an Alternative Exercise for Improving Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Liye Zou, Yangjie Zhang, Jeffer Eidi Sasaki, Albert S. Yeung, Lin Yang, Paul D. Loprinzi, Jian Sun, Shijie Liu, Jane Jie Yu, Shengyan Sun and Yuqiang Mai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(8), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081396 - 18 Apr 2019

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5826

Abstract

Background: The improvement of living standards has led to increases in the prevalence of hypokinetic diseases. In particular, multifactorial complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, are becoming more prevalent. Currently, developing effective methods to combat or prevent metabolic syndrome is of critical public [...] Read more.

Background: The improvement of living standards has led to increases in the prevalence of hypokinetic diseases. In particular, multifactorial complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, are becoming more prevalent. Currently, developing effective methods to combat or prevent metabolic syndrome is of critical public health importance. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the existing literature regarding the effects of Wuqinxi exercise on reducing risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. Methods: Both English- and Chinese-language databases were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of Wuqinxi on these outcomes. Meanwhile, we extracted usable data for computing pooled effect size estimates, along with the random-effects model. Results: The synthesized results showed positive effects of Wuqinxi exercise on systolic blood pressure (SBP, SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.85, p < 0.001, I² = 24.06%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.00, p < 0.001, I² = 61.28%), total plasma cholesterol (TC, SMD = 0.88, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.36, p < 0.001, I² = 78.71%), triglyceride (TG, SMD = 0.87, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.24, p < 0.001, I² = 67.22%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, SMD = 1.24, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.72, p < 0.001, I² = 78.27%), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, SMD = 0.95, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.46, p < 0.001, I² = 82.27%). In addition, regression results showed that longer-duration Wuqinxi intervention significantly improved DBP (β = 0.00016, Q = 5.72, df = 1, p = 0.02), TC (β = −0.00010, Q = 9.03, df = 1, p = 0.01), TG (β = 0.00012, Q = 6.23, df = 1, p = 0.01), and LDL (β = 0.00011, Q = 5.52, df = 1, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Wuqinxi may be an effective intervention to alleviate the cardiovascular disease risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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11 pages, 844 KiB

Open AccessReview

Qigong-Based Therapy for Treating Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Lijuan Guo, Zhaowei Kong and Yanjie Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(5), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050826 - 7 Mar 2019

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5825

Abstract

This current meta-analysis review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Qigong-based therapy on individuals with major depressive disorder. Six electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wangfang) were employed to retrieve potential articles that [...] Read more.

This current meta-analysis review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Qigong-based therapy on individuals with major depressive disorder. Six electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wangfang) were employed to retrieve potential articles that were randomized controlled trials. The synthesized effect sizes (Hedges’ g) were computerized to explore the effectiveness of Qigong-based therapy. Additionally, a moderator analysis was performed based on the control type. The pooled results indicated that Qigong-based therapy has a significant benefit on depression severity (Hedges’ g = −0.64, 95% CI −0.92 to −0.35, p < 0. 001, I² = 41.73%). Specifically, Qigong led to significantly reduced depression as compared to the active control groups (Hedges’ g = −0.47, 95% CI −0.81 to −0.12, p = 0.01, I² = 22.75%) and the passive control groups (Hedges’ g = −0.80, 95% CI −1.23 to −0.37, p < 0.01, I² = 48.07%), respectively. For studies which reported categorical outcomes, Qigong intervention showed significantly improved treatment response rates (OR = 4.38, 95% CI 1.26 to 15.23, p = 0.02) and remission rates (OR = 8.52, 95% CI 1.91 to 37.98, p = 0.005) in comparison to the waitlist control group. Conclusions: Qigong-based exercises may be effective for alleviating depression symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder. Future well-designed, randomized, controlled trials with large sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

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13 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mindfulness and Athlete Burnout: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Chunxiao Li, Yuxin Zhu, Mengge Zhang, Henrik Gustafsson and Tao Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(3), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030449 - 3 Feb 2019

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 13300

Abstract

Objective: This review aims to identify, appraise, and synthesize studies reporting the relationship between mindfulness and athlete burnout and the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on athlete burnout. Methods: Studies were identified through searching six electronic databases using combinations of three groups of [...] Read more.

Objective: This review aims to identify, appraise, and synthesize studies reporting the relationship between mindfulness and athlete burnout and the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on athlete burnout. Methods: Studies were identified through searching six electronic databases using combinations of three groups of keywords and manual search. Two independent reviewers screened the searched studies, extracted data of the included studies, and assessed the study quality. The extracted data were synthesized qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: Ten studies consisting of two controlled trials, six surveys, and two interview studies met the inclusion criteria. The two controlled trials had weak methodological quality, and the remaining studies were of moderate to high research quality. Results of controlled trials and interview research generally showed that MBIs had positive effects in burnout prevention. Meta-analytic results indicated a negative association between mindfulness and burnout. Conclusions: There is some evidence showing that mindfulness was negatively associated with athlete burnout. However, given the small number of interventions and qualitative studies, there is limited evidence on whether MBIs are useful in preventing athlete burnout. More studies are needed to corroborate these findings. Full article

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12 pages, 4059 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mind-Body Exercise (Wuqinxi) for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Ke Wang, Shijie Liu, Zhaowei Kong, Yanjie Zhang and Jing Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16010072 - 28 Dec 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5088

Abstract

Objective: This study is the first meta-analysis investigating the rehabilitative effects of Wuqinxi for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang) from inception until early November 2018 were searched. [...] Read more.

Objective: This study is the first meta-analysis investigating the rehabilitative effects of Wuqinxi for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang) from inception until early November 2018 were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) using Wuqinxi as the main intervention component were included for meta-analysis. The pooled effect sizes (Standardized mean difference, SMD) were calculated to determine the magnitude of the Wuqinxi intervention effect. Moderator analysis was only conducted for total training time. Results: Overall results of the meta-analysis indicated that Wuqinxi exercise significantly improved exercise capability (SMD = 1.18, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.84, e < 0.001, I² = 84.97%), FEV1 (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.77, e < 0.001, I² = 33.77%), FEV1% (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.93, e < 0.001, I² = 63.79%), FEV1/FVC (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.93, e = 0.006, I² = 44.32%) and CCQ (SMD = 1.23, 95% CI 0.31 to 2.14, e = 0.01, I² = 93.32%). Conclusions: With no occurrence of adverse event, clinicians could try to incorporate Wuqinxi exercise into their first-line rehabilitation regime for COPD patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits)

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Mindfulness-Based Practice for Health Benefits

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