Psychological effects of Yi Ren Medical Qigong and progressive resistance training in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that qigong therapy has physiological benefits for adults with type 2 diabetes; however, information about the psychological benefits of qigong therapy in this population is limited. OBJECTIVE The objective of this research project was to identify psychological responses to qigong vs control interventions in adults with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN The research team designed a randomized, controlled, three-arm clinical trial comparing 12 weeks of Yi Ren Medical Qigong (YRMQ), progressive resistance training (PRT), and standard care. SETTING The study was performed at Bastyr University Research Institute, Kenmore, Washington. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 13 men and 19 women (N=32) with diagnosed type 2 diabetes, a mean age of 56.3 ± 8.1 (standard deviation) years, glycated hemoglobin > 7.5%, and fasting blood glucose > 7 mmol/dL (126 mg/dL). INTERVENTION For 12 weeks, participants in the YRMQ and PRT group attended a 1-hour weekly group session that a certified instructor led and were instructed to practice at least twice a week for 30 minutes. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES The research team used the Perceived Stress Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory scores to analyze the data. RESULTS YRMQ decreased perceived-stress scores by 29.3% (P < .05) and depression scores by 14.3% (not significant [NS]). The active control group, PRT, also decreased stress scores by 18.6% (NS) and decreased depression scores by 50% (P < .03). Stress and depression measures remained unchanged in the standard care group. CONCLUSION YRMQ and PRT may be beneficial in reducing perceived stress and improving depression in patients with type 2 diabetes, although verification of the clinical significance of these findings requires a longer study with a larger sample size.