A Review on Neurobiological and Psychological Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-depressive Effect of Qigong Exercise

• Published in: Journal of Health Psychology Vol. 13; no. 7; pp. 857 - 863
• Main Authors: Tsang, Hector W.H., Fung, Kelvin M.T.
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.10.2008; Sage; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - metabolism; Alternative medicine; Amygdala - physiopathology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - physiopathology; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - metabolism; Breathing Exercises; Chronic illnesses; Depression; Depressive Disorder - physiopathology; Depressive Disorder - psychology; Depressive Disorder - therapy; Exercise; Geriatrics; Hippocampus - physiopathology; Humans; Hydrocortisone - metabolism; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiopathology; Medical conditions; Medical sciences; Mental depression; Mental health; Neurobiology; Neurogenesis - physiology; Norepinephrine - metabolism; Older people; Physical activity; Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiopathology; Psychological mechanisms; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Qigong; Relaxation. Biofeedback. Hypnosis. Selfregulation. Meditation; Serotonin - metabolism; Traditional Chinese medicine; Treatments; neurobiology; exercise; Qigong; depression; geriatric; Human; Mood disorder; Physical exercise; Hypothalamohypophysoadrenal axis; Treatment efficiency; Neuroendocrine regulation; Depression; Review; Psychological effect; Mindfulness; Stress; Chinese medicine; Geriatric depression; Biological effect; Brain derived neurotrophic factor; Mechanism of action; Elderly; Neurotransmission
• ISSN: 1359-1053; 1461-7277
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105308095057

Elders with chronic medical conditions are vulnerable to depression. Mainstream interventions for treating their depression is however far from satisfactory which stimulates the interests of researchers to look for alternative therapies to alleviate geriatric depression. Qigong, a Chinese mindful exercise, is demonstrated to have anti-depressive effects. Results of our earlier studies shed light on the psychological mechanism underlying this effect. The neurobiological mechanism remains unclear. This article attempts to review extant evidence and suggests possible neurobiological pathways of the anti-depressive effect of qigong based on the neurotransmitter, neuroendocrine, and neurotropic perspectives. Further research to consolidate its scientific base is suggested.