Combining mindfulness and Tai Chi to help Asian Americans with depression and physical symptoms
Official title: Development and Pilot Testing of a Combined SMART and Tai Chi Intervention for Asian Americans with Depression and Somatic Symptoms
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10973464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called SMART-QTC, which blends stress management and movement practices like Qigong and Tai Chi to help Asian Americans feel better both mentally and physically if they're dealing with depression and related symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $750,079 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AT012922-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Asian Americans experiencing depression along with distressing physical symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Asian Americans or those without co-occurring depression and somatic symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and test a new treatment called SMART-QTC, which combines Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) with Qigong/Tai Chi (QTC) to address depression and somatic symptoms in Asian Americans. The approach recognizes that emotional and physical health are interconnected, using both cognitive and movement-based techniques to improve overall well-being. Participants will engage in a holistic intervention designed to enhance their mental health and reduce distressing physical symptoms. The study will involve pilot testing to evaluate the effectiveness of this combined treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for Asian Americans suffering from depression and somatic symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mind-body interventions for mental health, suggesting that this combined approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeung, Albert S. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yeung, Albert S.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.