Qi-gong training reduces basal and stress-elicited cortisol secretion in healthy older adults

Effects of Different Mind-body Exercises in Managing Chronic Pain of Older Adults: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials

INTRODUCTION

Mind-body exercises (MBEs) were shown to be effective in managing chronic pain among older adults in several recent studies. However, the differences in the effects of different MBEs remained unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of different MBEs in managing chronic pain in older adults.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched for studies published between 2012 and 2023, and 14 studies were included in this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). The NMA was performed using R and Metainsight.

RESULTS

Results showed that tai chi and yoga were effective in alleviating chronic pain, but their effects were not superior to traditional physical exercises and other MBEs. In addition, none of the MBEs were shown to be effective in mitigating chronic pain-related disabilities.

CONCLUSION

Tai chi and yoga can be used for relieving chronic pain in older adults; however, MBE programs alone were not sufficient to mitigate chronic pain-related disabilities.

Physical Activity Influences Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (Sulfate) Levels in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Age-related changes affect the ratio between two steroid hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) (DHEA[S]). Physical activity (PA) may buffer the effects of chronic stress and counteract the aging decline of DHEA(S). Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to understand how PA influences physiological markers of cortisol and/or DHEA(S) and whether there is a difference in observational associations or experimental effects in older adults aged 65 years and older. A narrative synthesis was performed on nine observational studies, and meta-analyses were performed on 22 randomized controlled trials. There was low- to moderate-quality evidence that regular PA beneficially reduces cortisol and increases DHEA(S) levels. Subgroup analyses showed no clinically important differences between men and women, different exercise modalities, or health states. The findings cautiously suggest that regular PA of older adults' own choice that they find enjoyable could be recommended to improve cortisol and/or DHEA(S) levels.

Qigong and Musculoskeletal Pain

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Musculoskeletal pain is a widespread symptom that commonly produces considerable disability, particularly in later life. This brief review strove to summarize and critically review the recent research base concerning the use of Qigong as a possible strategy for alleviating longstanding or chronic musculoskeletal pain states.

METHODS

Research reports and literature reviews specifically focusing on Qigong and its impact on various forms of musculoskeletal pain between 2015 and 2019 were sought and analyzed, along with related data.

RESULTS

Collectively, these data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong practice may help to attenuate pain in varying degrees among adults with different forms of chronic pain with few side-effects.

CONCLUSION

More research is needed to ensure health professionals working with adults who have chronic unrelenting musculoskeletal pain may safely recommend these exercises as one possible remedy for reducing intractable musculoskeletal pain.

The effects of a relaxation intervention on nurses' psychological and physiological stress indicators: A pilot study

The present pilot study was designed to examine the feasibility and the effects of a psychomotor relaxation program on nurses' psychological (burnout symptoms, affective states) and physiological stress indicators (salivary cortisol). Fifteen nurses engaged in an 8-week psychomotor relaxation program (two 20-min sessions per week) and 15 maintained their usual activities. The current study showed that the psychomotor relaxation program was feasible and well tolerated by the participants. Compared to the control group, the relaxation group showed a decrease in their levels of emotional exhaustion, depression and salivary cortisol. In the fifteenth session, salivary cortisol concentrations significantly decreased from pre-session to post-session. These results provide preliminary evidence that relaxation interventions are effective strategies for reducing the usual stress experienced by nurses, and demonstrate that a psychomotor relaxation program might be an important occupational stress-management tool for healthcare professionals.

The Neurophysiological and Psychological Mechanisms of Qigong as a Treatment for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: An increasing number of studies have shown the anti-depressive effect of qigong. However, its underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature on the mechanism of qigong in reducing depression. Method: The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials of qigong were searched from PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Academic Search Premier from inception to December 2018. Studies which involved depression and any neurophysiological or psychological mechanisms as outcomes were included. Publication bias was tested before conducting meta-analysis. Two independent raters were involved for the entire review process. Results: A total of nine studies were identified which covered both neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. Among these selected studies, seven were involved in meta-analysis, which suggested that qigong was effective in alleviating depression (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.27, p < 0.05, I ² = 27%). A significant effect was also found for diastolic blood pressure (SMD = -1.64, p < 0.05, I ² = 31%). However, no significant effect was found for cortisol level and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: This review shows that qigong is effective in reducing depression through activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Future studies with higher quality of research methodology with less selection and attrition bias should be conducted to unravel the possible anti-depressive effect of qigong.