Tai Chi Training for Treating Depressed Chinese Americans

NCT01263730 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2008P000262
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 38
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this research is to evaluate whether Tai Chi merits further investigation as a non-pharmacological therapy in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Specifically, this waitlist-controlled study will gather preliminary data evaluating the effectiveness of Tai Chi training as treatment for patients with MDD or a history of MDD, including patients who continue to be depressed despite taking antidepressants and patients who choose not to take antidepressants due to fear of side effects and/or for personal reasons. To test this hypothesis the investigators will compare physical and psychological parameters of a control group and an intervention group, at baseline (Week 0), at the midpoint (Week 6), and at the end of 12 weeks of Tai Chi training.

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Depressive Symptoms

  We will be looking for a decrease in depressive symptoms at the mid- (week 6) and post- (week 12) time point following Tai Chi training as compared to the baseline (week 0).

  12 weeks of Tai Chi Training

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Psychological questionnaires, specifically the Quality of Life Enjoyment questionnaire.

  12 weeks of Tai Chi Training

Study Arms (2)

Tai Chi Training

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The active group will be given 12 weeks of tai chi training

Behavioral: Tai Chi

Waitlist control group

NO INTERVENTION

There is a waitlist control group that will receive the training following a 12 week no treatment period of time

Interventions

Tai Chi BEHAVIORAL

Tai Chi training consists of a sequence of slow, soft, and graceful movements derived from the martial arts. It is considered as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. Tai Chi has been considered as one form of oriental healing arts, like acupuncture, which fosters the circulation of this 'chi' or energy within the body.

Tai Chi Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 years;
• Satisfy DSM-IV criteria for current Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), or have a history of MDD, prior to the initiation of Tai Chi treatment, as determined by the SCID interview;
• Have not had Tai Chi treatment training and have not started other forms of mind/body intervention in the past 3 months.

You may not qualify if:

• Patients with primary diagnosis other than MDD and/or do not have a history of MDD;
• Conditions that may make it difficult to conclusively determine that depressive symptoms are the result of MDD or having a history of MDD and not some other condition, including any form of substance abuse or dependence within the last 6 months, relevant medical conditions that may be the medical basis of a depression including epilepsy, history of an abnormal EEG, severe head trauma, or stroke;
• Medical conditions that would preclude entry into a clinical trial, including serious uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes, severe congestive heart failure), or other medical conditions that have not been stable for a minimum of 3 months);
• Confounding treatments, such as current ongoing treatment other than what is provided by South Cove for depression; plans to receive confounding treatments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Massachusetts General Hospital: lead
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

South Cove

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depressive Disorder, Major

Interventions

Tai Ji

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Depressive Disorder; Mood Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Exercise Movement Techniques; Physical Therapy Modalities

Study Officials

• Albert Yeung, MD

  Massachusetts General Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• John W. Denninger, MD

  Massachusetts General Hospital

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Herbert Benson, MD

  Massachusetts General Hospital

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Gregory Fricchione, MD

  Massachusetts General Hospital

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 6, 2010
• First Posted: December 21, 2010
• Study Start: February 1, 2008
• Primary Completion: August 1, 2010
• Study Completion: August 1, 2010
• Last Updated: April 19, 2012

Record last verified: 2012-04

Locations

US (1)