Tai Chi/Qigong for Bipolar Disorder

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Soham Rej

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lady Davis Institute

Disqualifiers: Substance abuse, Suicide risk, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether tai chi and qigong can help people with bipolar disorder feel better and think more clearly. Researchers compare these gentle exercises to light exercise, such as walking and stretching, to determine which is more effective in reducing depression symptoms and improving cognition. It suits individuals aged 40 and up with a history of bipolar disorder who experience ongoing low mood or difficulty with thinking and daily tasks. Participants will join virtual group sessions to practice these exercises. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore alternative therapies that may enhance well-being and cognitive function.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but your psychiatric medication should be stable for at least 4 weeks before starting the study.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that Tai Chi and Qigong are generally safe activities that can enhance mental well-being. One review found that Tai Chi can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, indicating these practices are well-tolerated by most individuals.

Another study examined middle-aged and older adults with bipolar disorder. It did not find significant changes in depressive symptoms, but it also reported no major negative effects. This suggests that Tai Chi and Qigong are likely safe for this group.

Overall, Tai Chi and Qigong seem to be safe and gentle options for individuals with bipolar disorder, particularly older adults. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using Tai Chi and Qigong for bipolar disorder because these practices introduce a novel approach to managing the condition. Unlike standard treatments, which typically involve medications like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, Tai Chi and Qigong focus on mind-body exercises that promote relaxation and balance. This method is particularly appealing because it offers a non-pharmaceutical option that can be practiced virtually, which may increase accessibility and adherence for patients. Additionally, these practices could potentially improve mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing emotional regulation, offering a holistic complement to existing therapies.

What evidence suggests that Tai Chi/Qigong might be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder?

This trial will compare Tai Chi and Qigong with Walking and Stretching to assess their effects on bipolar disorder. Research has shown that Tai Chi and Qigong might improve depression and thinking skills in older adults with bipolar disorder. In one study, participants who practiced Tai Chi felt less depressed and reported a better quality of life. Another study found that both Tai Chi and Qigong can aid in improving depression and thinking in this population. However, not all studies agree, as some did not find significant changes in depression symptoms. Overall, evidence suggests that Tai Chi and Qigong could be beneficial, but results can vary. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 40 or older with a history of bipolar I or II disorder. Participants must have access to a computer with camera and microphone, capable of running Zoom, and be able to give informed consent in English or French.

Inclusion Criteria

access to a computer with a functioning camera, microphone, and ability to run Zoom software

ability to give informed consent

I am 40 years old or older.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in 12 weeks of virtually-delivered group tai chi/qigong or walking and stretching

12 weeks

Weekly virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depression, mania, self-compassion, processing speed, quality of life, daily functioning, mindfulness, and anxiety

12 weeks

Assessments at 12-weeks and 24-weeks post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Tai Chi/Qigong
• Walking/Stretching

Trial Overview The study compares the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong versus Walking/Stretching on reducing depressive symptoms and improving cognition in older adults with bipolar disorder. It's a 12-week randomized controlled trial assessing outcomes at 12- and 24-weeks from the start.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Tai Chi and Qigong Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

50mins x 12 weeks of virtually-delivered group tai chi/qigong

Group II: Walking and Stretching Active Control 1 Intervention

50mins x 12 weeks of virtually-delivered group walking and stretching

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lady Davis Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

50

Recruited

6,600+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915323001439

Efficacy of virtually-delivered Qigong/Tai Chi for depression ... Participants were middle-aged and older adults with bipolar disorder. No statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms in both groups.

2. 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 ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04450147?term=Tai%20Chi%20OR%20Qigong&viewType=Table&rank=10

Tai Chi/Qigong for Subsyndromal Depression and ... Efficacy of Tai Chi / Qigong for Subsyndromal Depression and Cognition in Older Age Bipolar Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial With an Active Control.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7847042/

The effectiveness of Tai Chi on the depressive symptom of ... They revealed that patients who received Tai Chi training had better improvement in depression level, and the quality of life and cognition; besides, the ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-disease-10-2020-8c4bc

Tai Chi/Qigong for Bipolar Disorder · Info for Participants Trial Overview The study compares the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong versus Walking/Stretching on reducing depressive symptoms and improving cognition in older ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12497790/

Exercise interventions for depressive, manic, and anxiety ... Random-effects meta-analysis showed no significant effect of aerobic exercise on manic symptoms in bipolar disorder (SMD = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.67 ...