Emotional freedom techniques for anxiety, depression, and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial in China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: To test the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in reducing anxiety and depression and improving sleep, fatigue, and disease-specific quality of life in middle-aged and older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Nanjing,China,from December 2024 to July 2025. Ninety COPD inpatients with anxiety (AIR-C ≥ 8) and depression (SDS >53) were randomly allocated to routine care (control, n = 45) or routine care plus a 6-week EFT program (EFT, n = 45). AIR-C, SDS, PSQI, MCFS, and CAT scores were collected at baseline, week 2, and week 6. Repeated-measures ANOVA and independent t -tests were applied with α = 0.05. Compared with controls, the EFT group showed larger declines at week 6 in anxiety (Δ = 2.40 ± 3.62, P < 0.01) and depression (Δ = 4.49 ± 8.37, P < 0.01) and greater improvements in sleep quality (Δ = 8.66 ± 5.05), fatigue (Δ = 3.55 ± 5.89), and CAT (Δ = 3.91 ± 5.98) (all P < 0.01). Benefits emerged by week 2. A 6-week EFT program is an effective, safe, and inexpensive adjunct to routine rehabilitation for COPD, producing rapid and sustained improvements in psychological distress and health-related quality of life.
Source: Preventive Medicine Reports
Authors: Chang Mengting, Xu Jing, Luo Tiantian, Chen Hongxin, Chen Lixia, Cheng Xirong
Institution: Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,610
OpenAlex ID: W4417505282