Tai Chi Training for Treating Depressed Chinese Americans

Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Trial

Official title: Tai Chi Training for Treating Depressed Chinese Americans

Status Completed

Clinical Trial 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.

Clinical Trial Description

When a first line treatment for depression fails, clinicians often choose to increase the dosage, or augment with a second agent, prior to considering switching agents altogether (Rosenbaum et al, 1995). Combination of an SSRI/SNRI with other agents such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or lithium are examples of popular strategies (Fava et al, 1994). In many instances, augmentation with multiple psychotropic agents may not be desirable, because of risk of side effects or drug-drug interactions.

In view of their benign adverse effect profiles, non-pharmacological interventions such as psychotherapy and mind-body intervention have been used to augment treatment for treatment resistant depressed patients. Preliminary studies have shown that meditation is beneficial for the treatment of depression (Smith et al., 2007; Sephton et al., 2007; Finucane and Mercer, 2006; Astin et al., 2003; Speca et al., 2000).

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. By doing so, the health and vitality of the person are enhanced. Tai Chi, with its slow movement synchronized to the person's breathing, has been known to lead to a calm and tranquil mind when the person is focused on the precise execution of these exercises. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Supportive Care

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder, Major
• Major Depressive Disorder

• NCT number: NCT01263730
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Massachusetts General Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: February 2008
• Completion date: August 2010