Tai Chi/Qigong for Depression in People Living with HIV

Overseen By Gladys E Ibanez, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Florida International University

Disqualifiers: High suicide risk, Recent mental health study, Excessive exercise

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 26

Duration: 12 weeks

326 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether tai chi/qigong can reduce symptoms of depression in older adults living with HIV. Participants will join either a tai chi/qigong class or a health education class, both conducted online twice a week for 12 weeks. The trial aims to determine if tai chi/qigong is more effective at easing depression and to understand its differing effects on men and women. Ideal candidates are aged 50-75, living with HIV, experiencing mild to moderate depression, and have reliable internet access and a smartphone. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health care for older adults with HIV.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that tai chi/qigong is safe for people living with HIV?

Research has shown that tai chi and qigong are generally safe for people with HIV. Studies have found that these practices can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in older adults. Participants in these studies reported feeling better and experiencing improved mood.

No major reports of adverse side effects from tai chi or qigong have emerged, indicating that most people tolerate them well. Tai chi, in particular, is often recommended because its gentle movements carry a low risk of injury, making it a safe option for many, including those with health issues.

For those considering joining this study, tai chi or qigong could be a safe and helpful way to manage depression symptoms. Consulting a doctor is always wise if there are specific concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Tai Chi and Qigong for depression in people living with HIV because these practices offer a holistic alternative to traditional treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy. Unlike medications, Tai Chi and Qigong don't come with side effects and can be practiced anywhere, providing a low-cost, accessible option. These mind-body exercises focus on improving mental well-being through gentle movement and meditation, which may enhance mood and reduce stress in a natural way. The potential for these practices to improve mental health while also promoting physical health is what makes them particularly promising.

What evidence suggests that tai chi/qigong might be an effective treatment for depression in people living with HIV?

Research has shown that tai chi and qigong, which participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce symptoms of depression. Most studies find these practices positively affect mental health, though one study did not observe significant benefits for depression. They also help lower stress and anxiety, which can improve mood. These practices are thought to work by reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. Overall, evidence suggests tai chi and qigong can be helpful for people with depression, including older adults living with HIV. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gladys E Ibanez, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Florida International University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people aged 50-75 living with HIV who have mild to moderate depression. They must be able to consent, have reliable internet and a smartphone, no recent mind-body practice experience, stable housing, and agree to participate for 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria

I have signed and dated the consent form.

I have reliable internet access.

I own a smartphone.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend either a tai chi/qigong class or a health education class twice a week for 12 weeks, delivered via Zoom

12 weeks

24 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for depressive symptoms and other measures at 3 months and 9 months post-intervention

9 months

2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Tai Chi/Qigong

Trial Overview The study compares tai chi/qigong classes delivered remotely twice a week for 12 weeks against health education classes of the same duration. It aims to see if tai chi/qigong better reduces depressive symptoms in older adults with HIV.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Tai chi/qigong group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This is a behavioral intervention that consist of tai chi/qigong group classes via Zoom twice a week for 12 weeks.

Group II: Health education group Active Control 1 Intervention

This is a general health education control group class that will also be delivered via Zoom and will be twice a week for 12 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Florida International University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

114

Recruited

19,400+

New College of Florida

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

330+

University of Miami

Collaborator

Trials

976

Recruited

423,000+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials

886

Recruited

677,000+

Arizona State University

Collaborator

Trials

311

Recruited

109,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3917559/

Tai Chi and Qigong for the Treatment and Prevention of ... Only 1 RCT did not find evidence that Tai Chi and Qigong are effective in reducing depressive symptoms or had any effect on anxiety or stress management. Most ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7506206/

A tai chi/qigong intervention for older adults living with HIV The present study is an exploratory clinical trial that will evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a 12-week, small group TCQ intervention.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0897189705000844

Research on psychoneuroimmunology: tai chi as a stress ... This article introduces a novel tai chi intervention and provides quantitative and qualitative data from a randomized clinical trial indicating its effects on ...

4. apha.confex.com apha.confex.com/apha/2025/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/568520

Exploring the mechanisms between Tai chi/Qigong and ... Result: In the biological domain, studies (n=16) found that TCQ improves physiological health by reducing inflammation, enhancing immune function, promoting ...

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1295342/full

The effects of different types of Tai Chi exercise on anxiety ... The findings of this study imply that Tai Chi can have beneficial outcomes in the reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms among older individuals.

6. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27536130241277561

Qualitative Insights Regarding the Use of Tai Chi for Pain ... Adults with HIV and healthcare providers were optimistic that Tai Chi would reduce stress and ease chronic pain. These data suggest that Tai Chi ...