Implementation of Virtual Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointment Series (VIOSMAS) Within Mixed Diagnosis Population.

BACKGROUND: Integrative oncology [IO] is sought-after by patients, endorsed by clinical guidelines, and valued within National Cancer Institute Centers. Shared Medical Appointments [SMA] leverage health education and social connection to deliver enhanced patient experience, population health, cost-reduction, and clinician well-being. Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointments increase access to integrative medicine but delivering these services via telehealth have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: We created, and pilot tested a Virtual Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointment Series (VIOSMAS) to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy at an urban academic teaching hospital. METHODS: The 7-session hour-long Living Well with and after Cancer series included didactics, multi-disciplinary experiential sessions, and group discussion. Topics included (1) Introduction, (2) Herbs/Botanicals/Fungi, (3) Mindful Movement, (4) Acupuncture, (5) Narratives and Nature, (6) Diet and Culinary Medicine, and (7) Vitamins/Supplements. Virtual visits via telehealth were offered to enhance patient participation during the pandemic. Outcome measures included recruitment, retention, pre/post-series patient survey and qualitative clinician feedback. RESULTS: Between 9/2021 and 4/2023, 72 unique patients were recruited to 5 cohorts and had a total of 332 VIOSMAS visits. A total of 50 patients (69%) attended 4 or more of the 7-session series; 60 (83% were women); patients ranged in age from 28 to 93 years (median 66); 36 (50%) lived outside the city center; the most common cancer diagnoses were breast, lymphoma, and lung cancer. Patients were from diverse demographics. Pre-program, patients reported desiring assistance in addressing diverse symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, pain, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Post-series, patients reported that the VIOSMAS addressed their goals and symptoms; they also reported incorporating recommended lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management; they were satisfied with the number of sessions and telehealth format. The participating clinicians reported high levels of satisfaction with VIOSMAS. Revenue to the institution from VIOSMAS exceeded the revenue potential of equivalent time spent for individual visits while supporting extended physician-patient contact. CONCLUSION: VIOSMAS is feasible for patients and clinicians, addresses patients' symptoms and questions about lifestyle and complementary therapies, and generates more revenue than individual visits. Larger implementation trials with appropriate comparison groups are recommended.

Qi Gong Wan ameliorates adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation in adipose tissue in a PCOS mouse model through the Nrf2/HO-1/Cyp1b1 pathway: Integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Initially recorded in Yifang Jijie (an ancient Chinese text), Qi Gong Wan (QGW) is used to treat obese women with infertility. QGW can help promote follicular development and maturation, regulate the balance of serum hormones between testosterone and estradiol, enhance endometrial receptivity, improve waist circumference, and ameliorate insulin resistance. It contains eight herbs: Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Makino (Banxia), Citrus maxima (Burm.) (Juhong), Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. (Fuling), Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (Baizhu), Cyperus rotundus L. (Xiangfu), Conioselinum anthriscoides 'Chuanxiong' (Chuanxiong), Massa Medicata Fermentata (Shenqu), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. (Gancao). However, the underlying mechanism of how QGW affects women with PCOS remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: QGW has been widely used to treat PCOS patients with obesity clinically. This study was designed to identify its chemical and pharmacological properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Network pharmacology was used to predict the active compounds, potential targets, and pathways of QGW. Female C57BL/6J mice were injected with letrozole and fed a high-fat diet to establish a PCOS-insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) model. Body weight, estrous cycles, ovarian pathology, and serum insulin resistance were measured. qRT-PCR was used to examine the inflammation-related and steroid hormone biosynthesis-related mRNA expression in adipose tissue. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and Cyp1b1 in adipose tissue. Molecular docking was used to reveal the key chemical compounds of QGW. RESULTS: Network pharmacology revealed a total of 91 active ingredients in QGW that were associated with 167 targets. QGW could potentially treat PCOS-IR via nitrogen metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and ovarian steroidogenesis pathways. In the PCOS-IR mouse model, we found that QGW decreased the mean diameter of adipocytes and the total adipocyte area. Furthermore, QGW was found to significantly lower the expression of inflammation-related genes including Tnfɑ and C4a/b and the steroid hormone biosynthesis-related gene Cyp1b1. QGW showed a tendency to improve cystic follicles, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR index in the PCOS-IR mouse model. Combining these findings with the results of KEGG analysis, we conclude that QGW promotes the Nrf2/HO-1/Cyp1b1 pathway to protect adipose tissue under conditions of PCOS. Molecular docking revealed that rutin, nicotiflorin, and baicalein may be the key chemical compounds of QGW through which it improves adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: QGW improved adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation in the PCOS-IR mouse model by activating the Nrf2/HO-1/Cyp1b1 pathway to protect adipose tissue. Our work thus provides a new research avenue for the study of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of PCOS.

Trends and characteristics of Tai Chi and Qi Gong use among U.S. adults: Results from the 2007-2017 National Health Interview Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To provide updated information about the prevalence, patterns, and predicting factors of Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) use among U.S. adults to better inform the future directions of TCQ application and research. METHODS: Using 2007, 2012, and 2017 National Health Interview Survey, we examined the trends and characteristics of TCQ use by descriptive analysis, Wald F chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression models among U.S. adults (n = 85,360), adjusting for the complex sampling design. RESULTS: The prevalence use of TCQ among U.S. adults use was 1.17% in 2007, 1.27% in 2012, and 1.70% in 2017, which presents a 64% increase from 2007 to 2017 (p < 0.0001). Correlates of TCQ use are older adults (≥ 65 years old), Asians, having higher education levels, having lower income, and being more physically active (p < 0.001). The greater prevalence of TCQ use in 2017 than in 2012 occurred in some vulnerable demographic subgroups, including older adults, people with income less than $35,000/year, and those who were physically inactive. Those with delayed access to the conventional medical care system (e.g., had difficulty getting through on phone; couldn't get an appointment soon enough; had to wait too long to see doctor;)were also more likely to use TCQ (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of TCQ has significantly increased among U.S. adults from 2007 to 2017. Given that the greatest increases in use of TCQ were among older adults, females, low-income individuals, and people who were physically inactive, TCQ may serve as age-appropriate, cost-effective, mind-body exercises for these groups of populations to help ameliorate health disparities.

[Active mind-body movement therapies and pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD]. / Thérapies actives du mouvement corps-esprit et réadaptation respiratoire dans la BPCO.

INTRODUCTION: Active body-mind movement therapies are performed with the aim of engaging the person in taking care of their health. They are represented by Qi gong, Tai Chi and yoga. They all include postures, breathing exercises and meditation. When utilized together with traditional medicine, they allow a more holistic view of the patient, thereby facilitating improved quality of life. STATE OF THE ART: While these therapies have been studied in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and compared to routine care or walking-type physical activity, they have seldom been studied in the context of respiratory rehabilitation, even though their effects on quality of life and functional capacity are clinically significant, while some comorbidities may likewise be positively impacted. PERSPECTIVES: The application of these therapies should be extended to GOLD grade 1 and 4 patients while studying their effects on the occurrence of bronchial exacerbations. The value of their performance as a replacement for - or complement to - respiratory rehabilitation remains to be evaluated and confirmed. CONCLUSION: These therapies can be used to facilitate behavior change from a preventive and therapeutic standpoint, thereby attenuating the impact of aggravating factors in respiratory disease.

Feasibility of simple exercise interventions for men with osteoporosis - A prospective randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with progressive loss of musculoskeletal performance. Exercise interventions can improve physical function in the elderly but there is a paucity of comparative assessments in order to understand what specific goals can be achieved particularly with less demanding exercise interventions readily accessible for untrained men. METHODS: Prospective randomized, controlled, single center exploratory trial to compare four distinct exercise interventions, i.e. Resistance Training (RT), Whole Body Vibration Exercise (WBV), Qi Gong (QG) and wearing a Spinal orthosis (SO) for 6 months in men at risk for osteoporosis aged 65-90 years. Primary endpoint was change in isometric one repetition maximum force trunk strength for extension (TSE) and flexion (TSF) compared to baseline, secondary endpoints covered key parameters of geriatric functional assessment, including Handgrip Strength (HS), Chair-Rise-Test (CRT), Usual Gait Speed (UGS) and Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG). RESULTS: Altogether 47 men (mean age 77 ±6.1 years) were randomized to RT, (n = 11) WBV (n = 13), QG (n = 10) and SO(n = 13). RT, defined as reference exercise intervention, lead to significant improvements for TSE (p = 0.009) and TSF (p = 0.013) and was significantly superior in the between-group analysis for TSE (p = 0.038). Vibration exercise caused sign. Improvements in TSE (p = 0.014) and CRT (p = 0.005), the Spinal orthosis improved CRT (p = 0.003) and Gait Speed (p = 0.027), while the QG intervention did not attain any sig. Developments.Subgroup analyses revealed most pronounced musculoskeletal progress in vulnerable patients (age ≥ 80 years, pre-sarcopenia, multimorbidity ≥3chronic diseases). Irrespective of the type of exercise, participants ≥80 years experienced significant gains in TSE (p = 0.029) and CRT (p = 0.017). Presarcopenic subjects (Skeletal muscle Index (SMI) ≤10.75 kg/m2) improved in TSE (p = 0.003), CRT (p = 0.001) and UGS (p = 0.016). Multimorbid participants achieved sig. Gains in TSE (p < 0.001), TSF (p = 0.002), UGS (p = 0.036) and HS (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory trial we found that simple exercise interventions are feasible in elderly men eliciting specific benefits, i.e. improvements are attained in those tasks addressed with the respective exercise modality. While targeted resistance training is superior in increasing TSE, alternative simple exercise interventions also appear to elicit beneficial effects, even in vulnerable patients, i.e. those with low muscle mass, above 80 years of age or multimorbidity.

Taijiquan and qigong as a mindfulness cognitive-behavioural based therapy on the treatment of cothymia in school-age children - A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: The development and well-being of children are directly linked to several aspects. Among those aspects, physical activity, an adequate nutrition, and a healthy mind, seem to be of crucial importance. Psychopathologies, such as anxiety and depression, have a negative impact on life, especially when co-occurring (mixed-anxiety depression disorder/cothymia), and the clinical implications include a higher risk of suicide and psychiatric hospitalization, elevated disability, decreased compliance with medical treatment, and considerably increased usage of medical services. Thus, research in conventional and nonconventional modalities is necessary to address this issue. The main objective of this study was to understand if TJQ and QG could be effective as a mindfulness cognitive-behavioural based therapeutic tool with body movement, for the treatment of children suffering from cothymia. METHODS: In this small study, six selected children, four males and two females aged between 7 and 11 years old, were taught a set of exercises of TaijiQuan (TJQ) and Qi Gong (QG). To obtain the results, the Achenbach Teacher's Report Form (TRF) was applied at the beginning of the experimental period, as well as at the ending of the experimental period. The resulting scores were analysed to observe the difference between both moments of evaluation. RESULTS: Results showed some improvements in symptoms, with an average improvement of 46%. CONCLUSION: TJQ and QG seem to be a promising complementary therapeutic tool in cognitive-behavioural approaches for children who suffer from cothymia, as well as prevention and control for children who may not display symptoms at a clinical level. However, further research is needed in order to understand the full potential of these therapeutic exercises.

Mind-Body Therapies From Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence Map.

Background: The mind-body therapies of traditional Chinese medicine include several intervention types and combine physical poses with conscious relaxation and breathing techniques. The purpose of this Evidence Map is to describe these different interventions and report related health outcomes. Methods: This evidence map is based on the 3iE Evidence Gap Map methodology. We searched seven electronic databases (BVS, PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, and PschyInfo) from inception to November 2019 and included systematic reviews only. Systematic reviews were analyzed based on AMSTAR 2. We used Tableau to graphically display quality assessment, the number of reviews, outcomes, and effects. Results: The map is based on 116 systematic reviews and 44 meta-analyses. Most of the reviews were published in the last 5 years. The most researched interventions were Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The reviews presented the following quality assessment: 80 high, 43 moderate, 23 low, and 14 critically low. Every 680 distinct outcome effect was classified: 421 as potential positive; 237 as positive; 21 as inconclusive/mixed; one potential negative and none no effect. Positive effects were related to chronic diseases; mental indicators and disorders; vitality, well-being, and quality of life. Potential positive effects were related to balance, mobility, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, joint pain, cognitive performance, and sleep quality. Inconclusive/mixed-effects justify further research, especially in the following areas: Acupressure as Shiatsu and Tuiná for nausea and vomiting; Tai Chi and Qi Gong for acute diseases, prevention of stroke, stroke risk factors, and schizophrenia. Conclusions: The mind-body therapies from traditional Chinese medicine have been applied in different areas and this Evidence Map provides a visualization of valuable information for patients, professionals, and policymakers, to promote evidence-based complementary therapies.

Effects of Center-Based Delivery of Tai Chi and Qi Gong Group Classes on Self-Reported Symptoms in Cancer Patients and Caregivers.

Background: There is increasing interest in complementary approaches such as Tai Chi (TC) and Qi Gong (QG) in oncology settings. We explored the effects of TC/QG delivered in group classes at a comprehensive cancer center. Methods: Patients and caregivers who participated in TC or QG completed assessments before and after an in-person group class. Assessments included questions about expectancy/satisfaction and common cancer symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS]). ESAS distress subscales analyzed included global (GDS), physical (PHS), and psychosocial (PSS). Results: Three hundred four participants (184 patients, 120 caregivers) were included in the analysis. At baseline, caregivers had a greater expectancy for change in energy level as a result of class participation compared with patients (22.9% vs 9.9%). No significant difference was observed between baseline patient and caregiver PSS. Clinically significant improvement in well-being was observed among patients in TC classes (1.0) and caregivers in QG classes (1.2). For fatigue, patients (1.4) and caregivers (1.0) participating in QG experienced clinically significant improvement. Both TC and QG classes were associated with clinically significant improvements (ESAS GDS decrease ≥3) in global distress for patients (TC = 4.52, SD= 7.6; QG = 6.05, SD = 7.9) and caregivers (TC = 3.73, SD = 6.3; QG = 4.02, SD = 7.8). Eighty-nine percent of participants responded that their expectations were met. Conclusions: Patients and caregivers participating in TC or QG group classes were satisfied overall and experienced significant improvement in global distress. Additional research is warranted to explore the integration of TC and QG in the delivery of supportive cancer care.

Long-Term Effects of Mind-Body Exercises on the Physical Fitness and Quality of Life of Individuals With Substance Use Disorder-A Randomized Trial.

Background: Mind-body exercises (MBE) are sequences of low to medium-intensity activities that benefit healthy performers physically and mentally. In contrast to the unmodified application of traditional tai chi, qi gong, or yoga in the healthy population, MBEs are typically tailored for individuals with substance abuse disorder (SUD). Despite numerous applications in practice, the detailed effects of tailor-made MBEs for SUD are unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze and compare changes in the physical fitness and quality of life of individuals with SUD that underwent conventional or tailor-made MBEs. Methods: A total of 100 subjects obtained from the Shanghai Mandatory Detoxification and Rehabilitation Center with SUD were randomly assigned into two groups. The subjects in the experimental group (n = 50) practiced tailored MBE for 60 min a day, five times a week, for 3 months. The subjects (n = 50) in the control group were treated with conventional rehabilitation exercises with the same intervention protocol. The outcomes of fitness and quality of life for drug addiction were measured at the beginning and after 3 and 6 months by a questionnaire (QOL-DA). A two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was applied to compare the difference of treatments in the two groups. Results: Statistically significant differences for the experimental group were found in systolic (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.124) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.097), pulse (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.086), vital capacity (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.036), flexibility (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.143), and aerobic endurance (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.165). Results of the QOL-DA showed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in total score (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.158) with greater effects on the former. Conclusions: This study provided evidence that tailored MBE could lead to remarkable effects with regard to blood pressure, vital capacity, flexibility, and aerobic endurance in comparison with conventional rehabilitation methods. Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-IPR-14005343.

Pain: the impulse in the search for health by means of integrative and complementary practices / Dor: o impulso na busca pela saúde por meio de práticas integrativas e complementares

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relations between the playful component and the process of rehabilitation, treatment, and promotion of health in the context of a group that treats the pain, located in Florianópolis (Brazil). METHODS: The research followed a qualitative approach, a descriptive-exploratory field research. A matrix-guided systematic observation was conducted for two months by the group leader, two volunteers and about 15 participants. A field diary was used to register complementary information. Besides two semi-structured interview guides were used, applied to four members and the person responsible for the group after the two-month observational period. The data were organized and analyzed in three topics: "Characterization of the investigated group and dynamics of the meetings," "The group as healing potential" and "Lian Gong/Qi Gong as a possibility to look at the pain." RESULTS: The participants pointed out that working on Lian Gong/Qi Gong, meditation and auriculotherapy contemplating the playful component the group becomes a place of recognition of each one's pain subjectivity, by the individual that suffers and by the collective, which has fostered the recovery of specific pain and good sensations to those involved, such as happiness, enthusiasm and pleasure. CONCLUSION: The creation of the group and people's engagement has decreased the number of specific requests for physiotherapy sessions and provided greater autonomy to the participants to handle their own pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Este estudo investigou as relações estabelecidas entre o componente lúdico e o processo de reabilitação, tratamento e promoção da saúde no contexto de um grupo que trata da dor, localizado em Florianópolis (SC). MÉTODOS: A pesquisa seguiu uma abordagem qualitativa, tendo sido realizada por meio de uma investigação de campo, configurando-se como descritivo-exploratória. Foi realizada observação sistemática, durante dois meses, guiada por uma matriz, envolvendo a responsável pelo grupo, duas voluntárias e cerca de 15 integrantes. Para o registro de informações complementares, utilizou-se um diário de campo. Além disso, foram utilizados dois roteiros de entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicados com quatro integrantes e com a responsável pelo grupo, ao final do período dos dois meses de observações. Os dados foram organizados e analisados em três tópicos: "Caracterização do grupo investigado e dinâmica dos encontros", "O grupo como potencial de cura" e "Lian Gong/Qi Gong como uma possibilidade de olhar para a dor". RESULTADOS: Os participantes indicaram que ao trabalhar Lian Gong/Qi Gong, meditação e auriculoterapia, contemplando o elemento lúdico, o grupo tornou-se um local de reconhecimento da subjetividade da dor de cada um, pelo indivíduo que sentia e pelo coletivo, gerando melhoras nas dores específicas e trazendo boas sensações aos que estão envolvidos, como alegria, entusiasmo e prazer. CONCLUSÃO: A criação do grupo e o engajamento das pessoas diminuiu o número de pedidos específicos de sessões de fisioterapia e proporcionou maior autonomia do participante em atender a sua própria dor.

Meditation-based mind-body therapies for negative symptoms of schizophrenia: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis.

Meditation-based mind-body therapies (yoga, tai-chi, qi-gong, mindfulness) have been suggested to have a potential therapeutic effect on negative symptoms. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining effectiveness of yoga, tai-chi, qi-gong and mindfulness on negative symptoms of schizophrenia, using different databases and trial registries. The primary outcome was effect of mind-body therapies on negative symptoms and the secondary outcome was effect on positive symptoms. Fifteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis (N = 1081 patients). Overall, we found a beneficial effect of mind-body interventions on negative symptoms at endpoint compared to treatment-as-usual or non-specific control interventions, but the effect was small and moderate to high heterogeneity was present. A subgroup analysis for different types of therapy revealed a significant effect of mindfulness-based and yoga interventions on negative symptoms, but heterogeneity within the yoga subgroup was high. Our results did not show an increase of positive symptoms (N = 1051). Our results suggest a potential for meditation-based mind-body therapies in the treatment of negative symptoms, in particular for mindfulness based approaches and to a lesser extent yoga. Limitations in the available comparisons do not allow concluding on a specific effect of these interventions. Overall, the currently available evidence remains limited and does not yet allow one to recommend mind-body therapies for the reduction of negative symptoms. However, the present findings justify further research on mind-body therapies for the treatment of negative symptoms.

Effects of taijiquan and qigong practice over behavioural disorders in school-age children: A pilot study.

Child development and wellness are strictly dependent on several factors among them physical activity, a proper nutrition and, of critical importance, a healthy mind. Psychopathologies like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) have a direct negative impact on social, academic or occupational functioning of the affected children. If left untreated, these pathologies may progress to adulthood, thus requiring research strategies on conventional and nonconventional modalities of treatment. In this pilot study, conducted during the academic year 2015/2016, a combination of exercises of TaijiQuan (TJQ) and Qi Gong (QG) were taught to four selected children, three males and one female, aged between 6 and 10, suffering from the above mentioned behavioural disorders. The main goal was to understand if it is possible to achieve any kind of improvement in their condition, by evaluating the scores of the Achenbach Teacher's Report Form (TRF) in the beginning and ending of the experimental period. Results showed very interesting improvements in symptoms of CD, ODD and ADHD-HI (hyperactive-impulsive), while ADHD-PI (predominantly inattentive) showed only minor improvements. The overall symptom improvement was 43% across pathologies, which demonstrates that TJQ and QG may be a promising treatment of symptoms for children with behavioural disorders. More research is needed with controlled experimental designs and statistically representative samples in order to fully comprehend the versatility of these modalities.

The Impact of Upward versus Downward Movement Patterns on Memory Characteristics of Depressed Individuals.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Basic research on embodiment has demonstrated that manipulating the motoric system has broad effects on cognitive and emotional processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an embodiment manipulation on the affective memory bias and specificity of autobiographic memories of depressed individuals. METHODS: Forty currently depressed patients practiced either an upward-opening Qi Gong movement, which runs counter to the habitual slumped and downward depressive movement style, or a downward-closing Qi Gong movement. They were required to retrieve specific personal memories to positive or negative cue words during movement. Moreover, an incidental recall of the cue words was conducted. RESULTS: Patients in the upward-opening movement condition in contrast to the downward-closing movement condition showed a more positively biased recall of affective words and recalled more specific autobiographical memories. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the motoric system and key maintaining cognitive factors in depressive disorders are closely interrelated.

Incidencia de Mindfulness y Qi Gong sobre el Estado de Salud, Bienestar Psicológico, Satisfacción Vital y Estrés Laboral / Incidence of Mindfulness and Qi Gong on the State of Health, Psychological Well-Being, Life Satisfaction and Work Stress / Incidência de Mindfulness e Qi Gong sobre o Estado de Saúde, Bem-estar Psicológico, Satisfação Vital e Estresse no Trabalho

Resumen El presente estudio se realizó a través de un abordaje metodológico pre-experimental con medidas de tipo pre-test y post-test. Participaron 52 trabajadores de la Universidad de la Costa (Barranquilla, Colombia), quienes asistieron por invitación al taller de ocho horas de mindfulness y qi gong para el mejoramiento de la salud, bienestar psicológico, satisfacción vital y reducción del estrés. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Cuestionario de Salud sf-11, Escala de Bienestar Psicológico (Ryff & Keyes, 1995), Escala de Satisfacción Vital (Cortés, 2013) y Escala Numérica de Estrés Laboral. La combinación de mindfulness y qi gong produjo una mejoría en el estado de salud de los trabajadores -salud general, energía, eficiencia, actividades domésticas y disminución del dolor-, cambios importantes en el bienestar psicológico -adaptación, confianza, claridad, apertura y autoestima-, y mejoramiento de la satisfacción vital -salud y productividad-. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles de estrés laboral.

Abstract This study was conducted through a pre-experimental methodological approach with pre-test and post-test measurements. 52 workers from the Universidad de la Costa participated were invited to attend the eight-hour mindfulness and qi gong workshop for improving health, psychological well-being, life satisfaction and stress reduction. The instruments used were the Health Survey sf-11, Scale of Psychological Well-Being (Ryff & Keyes, 1995), Life Satisfaction Scale (Cortés, 2013) and Occupational Stress Numerical Scale. The combination of mindfulness and qi gong produced an improvement in the health of the workers -general health, energy, efficiency, domestic activities and diminution of pain, important changes in the psychological well-being - adaptation, confidence, clarity, openness and self-esteem, and improvement in satisfaction- health and productivity. No significant differences in work stress levels were found.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado por meio de uma abordagem metodológica pré-experimental com medidas de tipo pré-teste e pós-teste. Participaram 52 trabalhadores da Universidad de la Costa (Barranquilla, Colômbia), os quais foram convidados a participar da oficina de oito horas de mindfulness e qi gong para o melhoramento da saúde, do bem-estar psicológico, da satisfação vital e da redução do estresse. Os instrumentos realizados foram: Questionário de Saúde sf-11, Escala de Bem-estar Psicológico (Ryff & Keyes, 1995), Escala de Satisfação Vital (Cortés, 2013) e Escala Numérica de Estresse no Trabalho. A combinação de mindfulness e qi gong produziu uma melhora no estado de saúde dos trabalhadores -adaptação, confiança, clareza, abertura e autoestima- e melhora da satisfação vital -saúde e produtividade-. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos níveis de estresse no trabalho.

The Neural Mechanisms of Meditative Practices: Novel Approaches for Healthy Aging.

OBJECTIVES: Meditation has been shown to have physical, cognitive, and psychological health benefits that can be used to promote healthy aging. However, the common and specific mechanisms of response remain elusive due to the diverse nature of mind-body practices. METHODS: In this review, we aim to compare the neural circuits implicated in focused-attention meditative practices that focus on present-moment awareness to those involved in active-type meditative practices (e.g., yoga) that combine movement, including chanting, with breath practices and meditation. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent meta-analyses and individual studies demonstrated common brain effects for attention-based meditative practices and active-based meditations in areas involved in reward processing and learning, attention and memory, awareness and sensory integration, and self-referential processing and emotional control, while deactivation was seen in the amygdala, an area implicated in emotion processing. Unique effects for mindfulness practices were found in brain regions involved in body awareness, attention, and the integration of emotion and sensory processing. Effects specific to active-based meditations appeared in brain areas involved in self-control, social cognition, language, speech, tactile stimulation, sensorimotor integration, and motor function. SUMMARY: This review suggests that mind-body practices can target different brain systems that are involved in the regulation of attention, emotional control, mood, and executive cognition that can be used to treat or prevent mood and cognitive disorders of aging, such as depression and caregiver stress, or serve as "brain fitness" exercise. Benefits may include improving brain functional connectivity in brain systems that generally degenerate with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other aging-related diseases.

Experiencias de los adultos mayores en la pr ctica del Tai Chi Qi Gong. Tumbes, Perú / Experiences of older adults in the practice of Tai Ji Qi Gong, Tumbes, Peru

El tai-chi qi gong es una combinación de ejercicio físico y técnicas de relajación, utilizado para mejorar la salud física y mental de sus practicantes. Objetivos: develar y analizar comprehensivamente las experiencias de los adultos mayores en la práctica del tai chi qi gong en una posta médica de EsSalud, Tumbes–Perú. Material y métodos: investigación cualitativa, desarrollada bajo el enfoque acción participación. Los sujetos de investigación fueron los adultos mayores que asisten al Programa del Adulto Mayor. La información fue recogida mediante entrevistas a profundidad considerando en todo momento los principios éticos del Informe de Belmont; el tamaño de la muestra se determinó por el método de saturación; obteniéndose siete discursos representativos, el tratamiento de los datos fue mediante el método de análisis de contenido. Resultados: Tai chi qi gong: una experiencia positiva. II. Experimentado los beneficios del tai chi con las siguientes sub categorías disminuyendo dolencias corporales, aumentado la agilidad corporal, mejorando el estado de ánimo, liberando tensiones mentales. III. Practicando los ejercicios del tai chi en casa. Conclusiones: la práctica del tai chi qi gong tiene consecuencias muy favorables para la salud de los adultos mayores porque permite desarrollar en gran manera el sentido de equilibrio, con un importante mejoramiento de su condición física, funcional y emocional y un claro aumento del nivel de calidad de vida.

Tai ji qi gong is a combination of exercise and relaxation techniques used to improve physical and mental health of its practitioners. Objectives: unmasking and comprehensively analyze the experiences of older adults in the practice of tai chi qi gong at a health post EsSalud, Tumbes - Peru. Material and Methods: qualitative research, developed under the action approach participation. Research subjects were older adults who attend the Elderly Program. The information was collected through in-depth interviews at all times considering the ethical principles of the Belmont Report; the sample size was determined by the method of saturation; yielding seven representative speeches, treatment of data was by the method of content analysis. Results: Tai chi qi gong: A positive experience. II. Experienced the benefits of tai chi with the following sub categories decreasing bodily ailments, increased body agility, improving mood, releasing mental stress. III. Practicing tai chi exercises at home. Conclusions: the practice of tai chi qi gong has very favorable to the health of older adults consequences because it allows develop greatly the sense of balance, with a significant improvement in their physical, functional and emotional condition and a clear increase in the level of quality of life.

Multimodal compared to pharmacologic treatments for chronic tension-type headache in adolescents.

Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) in children and adolescents is a serious medical condition, with considerable morbidity and few effective, evidence-based treatments. We performed a chart review of 83 adolescents (age range = 13-18 years; 67 girls and 16 boys) diagnosed with CTTH. Two treatment protocols were compared: multimodal (osteopathic manipulative treatments, mindfulness, and qi gong) and pharmacologic (amitriptyline or gabapentin). Four outcomes (headache frequency, pain intensity, general health, and health interference) were assessed at three time points (baseline, 3 months, and 6 months). A fifth outcome, number of bilateral tender points, was recorded at baseline and 6 months. All five were evaluated statistically with a linear mixed model. Although both multimodal and pharmacologic treatments were effective for CTTH (time effects for all measures were significant at p < .001), results from each analysis favored multimodal treatment (the five group by time interaction effects were significant at or below the p < .001 level). Headache frequency in the pharmacologic group, for example, reduced from a monthly average (95% Confidence Interval shown in parentheses) of 23.9 (21.8, 26.0) to 16.4 (14.3, 18.6) and in the multimodal group from 22.3 (20.1, 24.5) to 4.9 (2.6, 7.2) (a substantial group difference). Pain intensity (worst in the last 24 hours, 0-10 scale) was reduced in the pharmacologic group from 6.2 (5.6, 6.9) to 3.4 (2.7, 4.1) and from 6.1 (5.4, 6.8) to 2.0 (1.2, 2.7) in the multimodal group (a less substantial difference). Across the other three assessments, group differences were larger for general health and number of tender points and less so for pain restriction. Multimodal treatment for adolescent CTTH appears to be effective. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these promising results.

Meditative movement for respiratory function: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Meditative movement, such as tai chi, yoga, and qi gong, may benefit people with cystic fibrosis (CF), as a form of gentle exercise incorporating meditation, breathing, and relaxation. Respiratory function is the most common issue in CF. In this systematic review we synthesized the evidence on the effect of meditative movement on respiratory function in patients with CF. METHODS: We searched Chinese and English language databases with terms relating to tai chi/yoga/qi gong, and respiratory function/cough/dyspnea. Articles were screened and selected by 2 researchers. We included controlled studies published in English or Chinese after 1980, and extracted data using a specially designed spreadsheet. Two researchers independently evaluated study quality and reporting, using 3 standardized checklists. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneous methods. RESULTS: We found 1,649 papers, included 43 (30 in English, 13 in Chinese), 23 of which were randomized controlled trials, and 20 were non-randomized trials. No studies were concerned with CF. Eleven studies included patients with respiratory disorders, and 27 included healthy people. Very few studies were high quality. The main problems with the randomized controlled trials was the randomization and non-random and/or poorly reported sampling. The main problems with the non-randomized studies were poor reporting of samples and non-equivalent groups. Although no clinically important changes were found, meditative movement may improve FEV1 in healthy people, compared to no treatment/exercise (the intervention groups showed effect-size changes from 0.07 to 0.83), but meditative movement did not appear to affect FEV1/FVC in subjects with COPD. Key study limitations were: poor reporting of sampling or methods; inadequate sample size; non-randomized design; inadequate description of randomization; randomization by center; no blinding; lack of reporting of important aspects of meditative movement; and short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not support meditative movement for patients with CF, and there is very limited evidence for respiratory function in healthy populations. The available studies had heterogeneous populations and provided inadequate sampling information, so clinically relevant conclusions cannot be drawn. Well powered, randomized studies of meditative movement are needed.

Efectos del Qi gong sobre presión arterial, dolor, movilidad articular y actividades de la vida diaria en pacientes con enfermedad articular degenerativa, ensayo clínico en una unidad de rehabilitación de México / Effects of Qi gong on blood pressure, pain, joint mobility and activities of daily living in patients with degenerative joint disease, clinical trial in a rehabilitation unit in Mexico

Al Qi gong se le ha adjudicado la regulación funcional del organismo. Esta práctica fue utilizada en 40 pacientes con enfermedad articular degenerativa (EAD) en la Unidad de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación (UMFR) Zona Sur del Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) en la ciudad de México en 2008. Se realizó un ensayo clínico basado en una comparación intragrupo antes y después de la intervención del ejercicio. Se estudiaron los efectos sobre dolor, presión arterial, movimientos articulares, y actividades de la vida diaria con cuatro instrumentos: "Escala dolor de la UMFR ISSSTE", "Numerical Rating Scale" (NRS), "Escala de Medida de Impacto Artrítico" (AIMS) y "Cuestionario HAQ-DI modificado de la Universidad de Stanford para Artritis adaptado para pacientes de habla hispana". Después de 10 sesiones el dolor moderado a intenso disminuyó en el 25% de los casos y con ello los movimientos y actividades de la vida diaria se incrementaron. La presión arterial sistólica aumentó un promedio de 5.95 mm Hg. mientras que la diastólica no mostró cambios o tendió a disminuir. Ninguno de los resultados fueron estadísticamente significativos. (AU)

A ginástica terapêutica e preventiva chinesa Lian Gong/Qi Gong como um dos instrumentos na prevenção e reabilitação da LER/DORT / Lian Gong/Qi Gong Chinese therapeutic and preventive exercise as an instrument for Cumulative Trauma Disorder prevention and rehabilitation

Este ensaio traz elementos da medicina ocidental, da medicina tradicional chinesa e da sociologia do trabalho para reflexão sobre o Qi Gong exercícios terapêuticos, um dos pilares da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC) como importante meio de prevenção da LER/DORT e recuperação da saúde. Considerando a natureza interdisciplinar e diversos níveis de prevenção,aborda aspectos sociológicos sobre as condições de trabalho frequentemente relacionadas com este tipo de adoecimento e categorias de trabalhadores mais acometidos. Focaliza aspectos médicos sobre a LER/DORT e as Síndromes de Bloqueio na MTC, estabelecendo canais de articulação e contribuição entre esses campos de conhecimento sobre a saúde humana. Ressalta o Qi Gong como importante prática terapêutica e preventiva na MTC e sua adequação à LER/DORT. No âmbito do Qi Gong, focaliza o Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa Lian Gong em 18 Terapias, já amplamente experimentado na China e divulgado, inclusive no Brasil, para tratar e prevenir síndromes de dor em região cervical, ombros, membros superiores, membros inferiores e região lombar. À guisa de conclusão, são apresentadas algumas reflexões sobre a propriedade e a importância do Qi Gong na reabilitação e na prevenção da LER/DORT.

This paper evaluates Qi Gong therapeutic exercises, one of the pillars ofthe Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an important tool of preventing Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) and healing, using allopathic medicine,TCM, and sociology of work elements. Considering its interdisciplinary nature and various levels of CTD prevention, this study examines the sociological aspects of work conditions that are usually associated with CTD and with groups that most frequently report symptoms. It focuses on CTD medical aspects and on TCM Blocking Syndromes, opening channels of communication and contribution between these s of knowledge. It emphasizes that Qi Gong is an important therapeutic and preventive practice within TCM, and that is suitable for treating CTD. Within Qi Gong, it emphasizes Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa Lian Gong in 18 therapies, which has been broadly experienced in China, and also publicized in Brazil, for treatment and prevention of pain syndromes in the upper and lowerlimbs, as well as in the cervical and lumbar regions. It finalizes by presenting considerations on the suitability and importance of Qi Gong for rehabilitation and prevention of CTD.