The Role of Mind-Body Physical Activity Interventions in Improving Mental Health and Chronic Disease Self-Management Among Adults with Chronic Conditions

Abstract:

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the impact of mind-body physical activity (MBPA) interventions (yoga, tai chi, qigong) on mental health (stress, depression, mindfulness) and chronic disease self-management (medication adherence, symptom control, quality of life [QoL]) among adults (40–75 years) with chronic conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, arthritis). Data were collected from 2,468 participants across five countries (USA, Spain, Ghana, New Zealand, India) between 2021–2023. Participants were randomized to MBPA intervention (n=1,234) or usual care control (n=1,234). The intervention included 12-week structured MBPA sessions (3x/week, 60 minutes/session) plus home practice support. Results showed that MBPA participants had significantly lower stress (β=-0.35, p<0.001) and depression (β=-0.32, p<0.001), higher mindfulness (β=0.41, p<0.001), improved medication adherence (β=0.33, p<0.001), better symptom control (β=-0.29, p<0.001), and higher QoL (β=0.38, p<0.001) compared to controls. Key moderators included intervention adherence, chronic condition type, and cultural adaptation. Findings highlight MBPA as a holistic intervention to address mental health and chronic disease self-management, offering actionable insights for clinicians, public health practitioners, and policymakers.