Tai chi qigong as a means to improve night-time sleep quality among older adults with cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

Age-related cognitivee decline is a growing public health concern worldwide. More than a quarter of adults with cognitive impairment experience sleep disturbance. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the preliminary effects of tai chi qigong (TCQ) on improving the night-time sleep quality of older adults with cognitive impairment.

Participants

Older adults with cognitive impairment who complain of sleep disturbance.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with two groups. Fifty-two subjects were recruited from two district elderly community centers and randomly assigned to either the TCQ group (n=27) or the control group (n=25). The intervention group received TCQ training consisting of two 60-minute sessions each week for 2 months. The control group was advised to maintain their usual activities. Sleep quality was measured by the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Quality of life was measured by Short-form 12, cognitive functions measured by mini-mental state examination, and subjective memory deficits measured by the memory inventory for Chinese.

Results

Data were collected at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. Significant results were noted at 6 months in the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score (P=0.004), sleep duration (P=0.003), habitual sleep efficiency (P=0.002), and the Short-form 12 mental health component (P<0.001). The TCQ participants reported better sleep quality and a better (quality of life) mental health component than the control group.

Conclusion

TCQ can be considered a useful nonpharmacological approach for improving sleep quality in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Clinical trial registration

CUHK_CCT0448 (https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/287).

Keywords:

• cognitive decline
• mind–body exercise
• nonpharmacological approach
• sleep disturbances

Acknowledgments

This study is funded by the School Seeding Fund, the Nethersole School of Nursing, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Acknowledgments are extended to the St James Settlement Elderly Center and the Christian Family Service Centre for persistently supporting the subject recruitment and implementation of the trial.

Author contributions

All authors contributed toward data analysis, drafting and revising the paper and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.