Effectiveness of Qigong in promoting the health of wheelchair-bound older adults in long-term care facilities

Biol Res Nurs. 2012 Apr;14(2):139-46. doi: 10.1177/1099800411399645. Epub 2011 Mar 8.

Abstract

Institutional wheelchair-bound older adults often do not get regular exercise and are prone to health problems. The aim of this study was to test the effects of a 12-week qigong exercise program on the physiological and psychological health of wheelchair-bound older adults in long-term care facilities. Study design was quasi-experimental, pre-post test, nonequivalent control group. Participants comprised a convenience sample of 72 wheelchair-bound older adults (qigong = 34; control = 38). The qigong group exercised 35 min/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. Measures for physical health (blood pressure, heart rate variability, and distal skin temperature) and psychological health (Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5) were collected before and during study Weeks 4, 8, and 12. The qigong group participants' blood pressure, distal skin temperature, and psychological health were significantly improved (all p < .001). These findings suggest that qigong exercise is a suitable daily activity for elderly residents in long-term care facilities and may help in the control of blood pressure among older adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Pressure
  • Breathing Exercises*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Homes / organization & administration*
  • Skin Temperature
  • Wheelchairs*