Peer-Reviewed Research: The Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercise on Depression and Anxiety of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Peer-Reviewed Research: The Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercise on Depression and Anxiety of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
The paper, titled "The Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercise on Depression and Anxiety of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis," by Liu et al., presents a detailed investigation into the impact of Tai Chi and Qigong exercises on psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression in individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This systematic review aims to address the research gap by summarizing clinical evidence on the effects of these traditional exercises on mental health outcomes in individuals battling substance dependence.
Background
The prevalence of substance use disorders is a significant public health issue, with millions suffering worldwide. Individuals undergoing withdrawal from drug dependence frequently experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, complicating the detoxification process and increasing relapse risks. Conventional medications are often less effective in addressing these symptoms, and non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical exercises, have gained attention as alternative treatments. Tai Chi and Qigong, ancient Chinese practices that combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditative movements, have been recognized for their potential to improve mental and physical health. The authors embarked on this study to systematically review and meta-analyze available data on these practices and their impact on depression and anxiety in people with substance use disorders.
Methods
The authors conducted a comprehensive search using nine databases, including Medline, EMbase, PsychINFO, and Chinese databases like CNKI and VIP. The inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized comparison studies (NRS) that assessed the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on depression and anxiety in individuals diagnosed with SUD. Seven studies, with a total of 772 participants, were included in the final review. The studies compared Tai Chi and Qigong with control groups, such as treatment as usual (TAU), medication, and no treatment.
To ensure the quality of the studies, the authors used the Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Nonpharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT), which allowed for an in-depth analysis of the methodological rigor of the included studies.
Results
The meta-analysis included both RCTs and NRS, with the majority of the studies based in China and one study from the USA. The interventions ranged from 10 days to 24 weeks in duration. The review found that while Tai Chi did not show significant benefits over treatment as usual for reducing depression, Qigong was more effective than medication or no treatment for reducing anxiety symptoms. Specifically, Qigong had a substantial effect on reducing anxiety (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.12 when compared to medication, and SMD = -0.52 when compared to no treatment).
For depression, Qigong demonstrated improvements compared to no treatment, though Tai Chi did not differ significantly from treatment as usual (SMD = -0.17).
Discussion
The findings suggest that while Tai Chi and Qigong exercises may not outperform conventional treatments like medication or usual care in reducing depression and anxiety in individuals with substance use disorders, Qigong appears particularly effective in reducing anxiety when compared to medication or no treatment. These results align with previous studies that have reported the mental health benefits of Qigong, especially its meditative and relaxation components, which may contribute to anxiety reduction.
Potential mechanisms for these effects include the reduction of physiological arousal, enhanced relaxation, and mindful attention to bodily sensations. These factors may alleviate the anxiety sensitivity associated with substance withdrawal and contribute to improved cognitive control over cravings and emotional regulation. The group-based nature of Tai Chi and Qigong may also foster social support and enhance participants' emotional well-being.
Despite these promising results, the authors caution that the findings should be interpreted with care due to the small number and overall low quality of the included studies. The heterogeneity in study designs, such as differences in intervention duration, intensity, and outcome measures, limits the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the lack of long-term follow-up in the studies reviewed precludes conclusions about the sustainability of the mental health benefits associated with Tai Chi and Qigong practices.
Conclusion
This systematic review provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of Qigong exercise as a potentially effective intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms in individuals with substance use disorders. Tai Chi, while not as effective as Qigong for anxiety, did not show significant differences compared to usual care. However, due to the methodological limitations and small sample sizes of the studies reviewed, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the long-term benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong practices for individuals with substance use disorders.
Reference
Liu, F., Cui, J., Liu, X., Chen, K. W., Chen, X., & Li, R. (2020). The effect of Tai Chi and Qigong exercise on depression and anxiety of individuals with substance use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20(161)
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