Feasibility of a Pilot Randomized Trial of Virtual and In-Person Qigong for Cancer Caregivers

ABSTRACT

Methods: A three-arm, pilot, randomized controlled, mixed-methods clinical trial design was used to randomize cancer caregivers to 1) virtual Qigong classes;2) in-person Qigong classes;or 3) a self-care control. Feasibility goals included recruiting 54 caregivers over 12 months, ≥ 50% of screened individuals study eligible, ≥ 50% of eligible individuals enrolled, and < 20% lost to follow-up at 12 weeks. Participants were considered adherent to the intervention if they attended ≥ 70% of all Qigong classes. Results: A total of 47 caregivers were recruited (in-person group n=15;virtual group n=16;control group n=16), thus falling short of the recruitment goal by 13%. All other feasibility metrics were met 1) out of total individuals screened, 72% were eligible;2) 64% of those eligible enrolled in the study;3) 13% were lost to follow-up;and 4) 63% and 73% of participants in the virtual group and in person group attended ≥ 70% of all Qigong classes, respectively. Background: Caregiving for someone with cancer can cause significant psychological and physical distress, leading to lower overall quality of life. Although mind-body interventions offer a solution for caregiver distress and to improve quality of life, current research has not evaluated the virtual delivery of mind-body programs for caregivers in the home. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the feasibility of providing a virtual Qigong program, an in-person Qigong program, and a self-care control for cancer caregivers. Conclusion: Findings indicate that a virtual Qigong intervention for cancer caregivers is feasible. Not meeting the recruitment goal was partially explained by the COVID-19 pandemic occurring during the study time period. Ongoing analyses of qualitative and quantitative data will inform facilitators and barriers related to meeting the feasibility metrics, as well as providing initial data regarding the effectiveness of Qigong programs for subsequent clinical trials.