Effects of Meditative Movements on Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Liye Zou, Albert Yeung, Chunxiao Li, Gao-Xia Wei, Kevin W Chen, Patricia Anne Kinser, Jessie S. M. Chan, Zhanbing Ren
Journal of Clinical Medicine August 1, 2018 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7080195 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults with major depressive disorder |
| Interventions | Tai Chi Qigong Yoga |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Exercise Mindfulness/meditation Mood disorders Rehabilitation |
| Key findings | Across 15 randomized controlled trials, meditative movement (Tai Chi, Qigong, or Yoga) was associated with moderate reductions in depression severity (SMD -0.56) and smaller reductions in anxiety severity (SMD -0.46), plus higher remission (OR 6.7) and response (OR 5.2) rates than passive controls. The authors argue these safe, accessible practices may be a useful alternative to mainstream treatments. |
Abstract
Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga are recognized as the most popular complementary approaches for alleviating musculoskeletal pain, improving sleep quality, and reducing blood pressure. The therapeutic effects of these meditative movements for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) is yet to be determined. Therefore, we examined whether meditative movements (Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga) are effective for treating MDD. Seven electronic databases (SPORTDiscus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang) were used to search relevant articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) using Tai Chi, Qigong or Yoga as intervention for MDD were considered for the meta-analysis (standardized mean difference: SMD). Meta-analysis on 15 fair-to-high quality RCTs showed a significant benefit in favor of meditative movement on depression severity (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.37, p < 0.001, I² = 35.76%) and on anxiety severity (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.21, p < 0.001, I² = 1.17%). Meditative movement interventions showed significantly improved treatment remission rate (OR = 6.7, 95% CI 2.38 to 18.86, p < 0.001) and response rate (OR = 5.2, 95% CI 1.73 to 15.59, p < 0.001) over passive controls. Emphasizing the therapeutic effects of meditative movements for treating MDD is critical because it may provide a useful alternative to existing mainstream treatments (drug therapy and psychotherapy) for MDD. Given the fact that meditative movements are safe and easily accessible, clinicians may consider recommending meditative movements for symptomatic management in this population.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Mind–Body Exercises for PTSD Symptoms, Depression, and Anxiety in Patients With PTSD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Frontiers in Psychology January 18, 2022
- Biological mechanism study of meditation and its application in mental disorders General Psychiatry July 13, 2020
- The impact of immersive virtual reality meditation for depression and anxiety among inpatients with major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- What Mindfulness, and for Whom? And Why Might it Work? Mindfulness September 16, 2023
- Differential relationship between meditation methods and psychotic-like and mystical experiences. PLoS One December 5, 2024
and 4 more in the library
Cites 7
- Qigong and Tai-Chi for Mood Regulation FOCUS: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry 2018
- Prevalence of Mindfulness Practices in the US Workforce: National Health Interview Survey Preventing Chronic Disease December 30, 2016
- Mindfulness-Based Baduanjin Exercise for Depression and Anxiety in People with Physical or Mental Illnesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health February 1, 2018
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based (Baduanjin) Exercise for Alleviating Musculoskeletal Pain and Improving Sleep Quality in People with Chronic Diseases. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health January 25, 2018
- A Breathing-based Meditation Intervention for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Following Inadequate Response to Antidepressants: A Randomized Pilot Study The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2017
and 2 more in the library