The research protocol of unpacking the “mind” and “body” pathways of antidepressant effects of school children with obesity in Hong Kong

Abstract

Abstract Background This study will investigate the effects of Qigong, mindfulness, and low-intensity exercise on the mental and physical health of obese school children (6–18 years old). It seeks to unpack the mechanisms through which these mind-body interventions impact depressive symptoms in this population since these effects and the underlying pathways through which they exert their antidepressant effects remain unclear. Methods This protocol proposes a randomised controlled trial (RCT). It will recruit a sample of obese school children and randomly assign them to a qigong, mindfulness, low-intensity exercise, or control group first. Then, it will implement the interventions over a specified period and conduct pre- and post-intervention assessments to measure changes in depressive symptoms, weight, and psychological well-being. Quantitative measures will include standardised scales assessing depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and weight-related outcomes. Data analysis will involve regression and t-tests to examine interventions’ effects on depression and weight-related outcomes. Discussion This study expects to reveal the psychological and physiological mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of Qigong, mindfulness, and low-intensity exercise on obese school children by implementing this study, which will help develop more effective interventions to reduce the incidence of obesity. Ultimately, the findings may improve health outcomes in obese school children and contribute to developing healthcare strategies for this vulnerable population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03615937.