Effects of Tai Chi exercise on depression in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is a chronic but curable disease that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a higher life quality. A supplementary treatment such as exercise can reduce depressive symptoms. Tai Chi exercise is easy to learn and easy to do for older adults in nursing homes. This study investigated the effect of Tai Chi exercise on depressive symptoms in elderly residents at Sadeghieh Nursing Home. Method & Material: This is a pre-test, post-test experimental study. Subjects included 62 elderly adults above 60 years of age who were randomly divided into four experimental subgroups and a control group. Participants were older adults who had not been participated any exercise activity during the previous month. The ten step Tai Chi exercise performed three times per week for twelve weeks in experimental groups and a control group doing only their activity of daily living (ADL). The Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDIII) was used to assess depression. Results: This study shows a statistically significant difference between depression mean scores in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). After adjustment for the mean older adult's age, the difference remained significant. Conclusion: This study showed that Tai Chi exercise helps reduce depression in the older adult in residential homes. Social interactions through Tai Chi sessions and a sense of group belongingness may help reduce depression in older adults.