Remote tai chi and qigong for older adults with HIV
A Remotely Delivered Tai Chi/Qigong Intervention for Older People Living With HIV: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study will test whether twice-weekly, 12-week remote tai chi/qigong classes reduce depressive symptoms in people aged 50–75 living with HIV compared with a matched health education class.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 326 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Miami, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06586619 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will assign 326 people living with HIV aged 50–75 to either a remotely delivered tai chi/qigong program or a health education control, with classes held twice weekly for 12 weeks via Zoom. Outcomes will focus on changes in depressive symptoms, and the study will collect behavioral, psychological, and biological measures to explore how any effects occur. Investigators will also examine whether responses differ between men and women. Participants must have mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms, reliable internet and a smartphone, and limited recent experience with mind-body practices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with HIV aged 50–75 who have mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 >5 and <19), stable housing, reliable internet and a smartphone, and little recent regular practice of mind-body interventions.
Not a fit: Those with severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥19), significant cognitive impairment, no reliable internet or smartphone access, or who already practice mind-body exercises regularly are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the program could reduce depressive symptoms and provide an accessible, low-impact mental health option for older people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of tai chi and qigong in older adults have shown modest mood and well-being benefits, and preliminary feasibility work in people with HIV supports remote delivery, but large definitive efficacy data in this population are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. The ability to provide consent assessed by the GAIN Cognitive Impairment Scale 2. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form 3. Must be 50 - 75 years old. 4. Must have been diagnosed with HIV by a healthcare professional (status confirmed at baseline by an uploaded picture of a recent lab report or medication bottle with name), 5. Must have reliable internet access, 6. Must have a smart phone 7. No substantial experience (regular weekly practice for more than 3 months in the past 12 months) with mind-body interventions, 8. Willing to participate for the length of the 12-week intervention and follow up assessments (a total of 12 months). 9. Must report stable housing for the past 60 days and the next 60 days; 10. Must have mild to moderate depressive symptoms (a score more than 5 but less than 19 on the PHQ-9 scale) 11. Must speak and understand English Exclusion Criteria: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Reports high risk for suicide based on the CCSR screening tool. 2. Has participated in a study on mental health in the last 12 months. 3. Currently exercising at least 150 minutes a week
Where this trial is running
Miami, Florida
- Florida International University — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gladys E Ibanez, Ph.D. — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Gladys E Ibanez, Ph.D.
- Email: gibanez@fiu.edu
- Phone: 305-348-4920
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.