Browsing by Author "Luciani, Mary"

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    Effects of Qigong Exercise on Physical and Psychological Health among African Americans
    (Sage, 2021-06) Chang, Pei-Shiun; Lu, Yvonne; Nguyen, Chi Mai; Suh, Youngnok; Luciani, Mary; Ofner, Susan; Powell, Savannah; School of Nursing
    Interventions are needed to address physical and psychological health in middle-aged and older African Americans (AAs). The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of an eight-week Qigong exercise on physical ability and function, balance, frailty, depression and anxiety, and spiritual well-being in AAs using a single-group design. Fifteen AAs with a mean age of 64 years received Qigong exercise over 16 semi-weekly, one-hour sessions. The majority were female (93.3%) and college-level educated (53.3%). Repeat chair stands, physical function, and spiritual well-being improved significantly (p < .05) with effect sizes ranging from .45 to .87. Over 52% of participants showed improved depression scores, fast gait speed, and standing balance. Nearly 42% demonstrated some frailty improvement over baseline. No adverse events were reported. Qigong exercise potentially improves the physical ability and function, and spiritual well-being of AAs and needs further testing in a randomized clinical trial.