Effects of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive frailty, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in older adults with cognitive frailty: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis process of cognitive frailty (CF). Regular Baduanjin exercise could improve cognitive frailty in older adults, but it is unclear whether the effect of Baduanjin exercise on improving CF is mediated by modulating circulating oxidative stress and inflammatory process. Method: A total of 102 community-dwelling older adults with CF were recruited and randomly allocated into a 24-week Baduanjin exercise training group or no specific exercise intervention control group at an equal rate. Cognitive function and physical frailty index were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), as well as the oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline and after intervention. Result: After 24 weeks of intervention, the increased MoCA score (2.51 ± 0.32 points, p < 0.001) and the decreased EFS scores (1.94 ± 0.20 points, p = 0.012) in the Baduanjin group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Serum antioxidant SOD levels were increased by 10.03 ± 4.73 U/mL (p < 0.001), and the prooxidative MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α levels were decreased by -1.08 ± 0.80 nmol/mL (p = 0.030) and -86.61 ± 15.03 ng/L (p < 0.001) in the Baduanjin training group; while inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 levels were increased (1.08 ± 0.33 pg./mL, p = 0.034, 2.74 ± 0.75 pg./mL, p = 0.04 and 1.48 ± 0.35 pg./mL, p = 0.042). In addition, a mediation effect that Baduanjin training improved cognitive ability mediated by an increase of circulating IFN-γ and IL-2 levels were observed in this study. Conclusion: Regular Baduanjin exercise training could improve the cognitive frailty of the community-dwelling older adults with CF, and modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory processes by reducing circulating pro-oxidative MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α levels and increasing anti-oxidative SOD levels, as well as impacting inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels. Nevertheless, the mechanism of Baduanjin exercise mediating oxidative stress and inflammatory processes should be cautious to be explained. Clinical trial registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, ChiCTR1800020341.

Effect of 12-week head-down strong abdominal breathing on cognitive function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a single-centre randomised controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often suffer from a combination of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a significant reduction in their quality of life. In the exercise programme of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), pulmonary rehabilitation intervention is often carried out by enhancing respiratory function. Strong abdominal breathing is a kind of breathing method, through which the diaphragm can be exercised, thereby enhancing the deflection distance of the diaphragm during breathing and improving respiratory function. The inversion trainer can meet the different angles of head-down training and also has the characteristics of low cost, easy to operate, and use a wide range of scenarios. According to currently available data, strong abdominal breathing in combination with head-down position has not yet been used in pulmonary rehabilitation in this type of rehabilitation programme. It is valuable to use this device to study PR of cognitive function in patients with COPD. METHODS: This study was a 12-week single-centre randomised controlled trial and blinding the assessors and data processors of the test. Recruitment is planned for January 1, 2024. It is expected that 81 patients with stable COPD combined with MCI will be recruited and randomly assigned to the head-down strong abdominal breathing group (HG), the fitness qigong eight-duanjin group (BDJ), and the control group (CG) in a 1:1:1 ratio. Using fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) to assess brain oxygen availability before and after pulmonary rehabilitation in three periods: before, during and after the intervention. Cognitive functioning is also assessed using the Overall Cognitive Assessment Scale, the Specific Cognitive Functioning Assessment Scale and the Cognitive Behavioural Ability Test. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Specialised Committee on Scientific Research and Academic Ethics of the Academic Committee of Anqing Normal University approved the project (ANU2023001). China Clinical Trial Registry approved the study (ChiCTR2300075400) with a registration date of 2023/09/04. DISCUSSION: The aim of this study was to explore novel exercise rehabilitation methods to improve cognitive function in COPD patients. It results in a lower financial burden and higher participation in pulmonary rehabilitation and improves the quality of survival of patients with COPD.

Feasibility and acceptability of a home-based virtual group exercise program in global Asian adult population: Baseline characteristics of a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To determine the potential influence of a home-based virtual group exercise on people's long-term overall health consequences in global Asian population. METHODS: We recruited 1021 participants from more than 7 regions across the globe including Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United States, Canada, Europe, and other regions. All the participants attended the virtual group Qigong exercise 60-minute bi-weekly with instructors for 6 months from June 2022 to December 2022. The physical, mental, and social well-being and other variables were measured via online questionnaires. RESULTS: The majority were 51 to 65 (50.6%) years old, female (90.2%), married (68.5%), and came from Taiwan (48.9%). Older adults had higher scores on measures of overall health and exercise adherence, and lower scores on measures of sleep quality and depressive symptoms compared with younger counterparts (P < .05). Most of them (95.3%) acknowledged that the improvement of health status was their motivating factor for exercise. Eighty nine percent of the participants believed that social media played an important role in this exercise program. CONCLUSION: This study will suggest such approach has great potential to reduce health disparities and can be implemented to underserved population who has limited recourses to join in-person exercise program.

A Phenomenological Qualitative Exploration of Mind-Body Therapy Use and Effectiveness Among Young, Middle, and Older Adult Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Having been diagnosed with and treated for cancer can have negative psychosocial repercussions that may differ across the lifespan. Mind-body therapies (MBTs), such as tai-chi/qigong (TCQ) or mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR), have shown promise in decreasing negative psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors, but few studies have explored potential differences in MBT use and effectiveness across age groups. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was used. Participants included young (18-39), middle (40-64), and older (65+) adult cancer survivors who were diagnosed with any type of cancer and had participated in Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) or Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) MBTs. Semi-structured qualitative interviews explored participants' experiences in MBTs and these were analyzed using descriptive phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Among the interviews (n = 18), young (n = 6), middle-aged (n = 8), and older (n = 4) adults participated. 5 themes emerged: influences in joining the program, unique lifestyles, positive class experiences, use of media, and program impacts. Though all age groups benefitted from MBT participation, variations between age groups with respect to the benefits received and motivations for joining the program were observed. DISCUSSION: MBTs had beneficial physical and mental health effects on survivors of all age groups. These benefits were particularly connected to the ongoing life stresses common to each age cohort, such as relief from work and family roles for young adults or support during retirement transition for older adults. Hence, access to MBT programs may be beneficial as part of the survivorship plan for patients and the recruitment strategies or content can be adapted by MBT providers to better target and support age-specific groups. More research is required with a larger sample.

Exploring Guolin Qigong (Mind-Body Exercise) for Improving Cancer Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors: A Mixed Method Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue and its associated symptoms of sleep disorder and depression are prevalent in cancer survivors especially among breast, lung, and colorectal cancer survivors. While there is no gold standard for treating cancer-related fatigue currently, studies of mind-body exercises such as Qigong have reported promise in reducing symptoms. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and effect of Guolin Qigong on cancer-related fatigue and other symptoms in breast, lung and colorectal cancer survivors while exploring their perceptions and experiences of Guolin Qigong intervention. METHODS: This is an open-label randomized controlled trial with 60 participants divided into 2 study groups in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will receive 12 weeks of Guolin Qigong intervention with a 4-week follow-up while control will receive usual care under waitlist. The primary outcome will be feasibility measured based on recruitment and retention rates, class attendance, home practice adherence, nature, and quantum of missing data as well as safety. The secondary subjective outcomes of fatigue, sleep quality and depression will be measured at Week-1 (baseline), Week-6 (mid-intervention), Week-12 (post-intervention), and Week-16 (4 weeks post-intervention) while an objective 24-hour urine cortisol will be measured at Week-1 (baseline) and Week-12 (post-intervention). We will conduct a semi-structured interview individually with participants within 3 months after Week-16 (4 weeks post-intervention) to obtain a more comprehensive view of practice adherence. DISCUSSION: This is the first mixed-method study to investigate the feasibility and effect of Guolin Qigong on breast, lung, and colorectal cancer survivors to provide a comprehensive understanding of Guolin Qigong's intervention impact and participants' perspectives. The interdisciplinary collaboration between Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine expertise of this study ensures robust study design, enhanced participant care, rigorous data analysis, and meaningful interpretation of results. This innovative research contributes to the field of oncology and may guide future evidence-based mind-body interventions to improve cancer survivorship. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12622000688785p), was approved by Medical Research Ethic Committee of University Malaya Medical Centre (MREC ID NO: 2022323-11092) and recognized by Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (RH15124).

Health Qigong Mawangdui Guidance can improve pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in females with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a great problem of public health, especially for women's quality of life. UI afflicts at least 21.6% of the global population, and more than half of the UI is related to female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Mawangdui Guidance plays an important role in preventing diseases and maintaining health. METHODS: Sixty female patients with SUI were randomly divided into a control group (n = 30) and an experimental group (n = 30). Patients in both groups were treated with basic rehabilitation therapy under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists who were trained in Mawangdui Guidance, based on the former, the experimental group was taught to exercise Mawangdui Guidance(including selected movements: "Qishi," "Longdeng," "Chishi," and "Yinyao"), while the control group performed Kegel exercise with a procedure of 20 min, six times per week for 6 weeks. The function was mainly evaluated by the 1 h pad-test, incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire urinary incontinence short form (ICI-Q-SF). In addition, evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function was also included in our assessment. RESULTS: The leakage of urine in the 1 h pad-test was significantly decreased in both two groups after treatment (P < .05), and the urine leakage in the experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group (P < .05). The muscle strength of type I and II muscle fibers of the pelvic floor, intravaginal pressure, and I-QOL score in both two groups were increased after treatment; moreover, the experimental group was more significant than the control group (P <.05). The fatigue degree of type I and type II muscle fibers of the pelvic floor, and the ICI-Q-SF score in both groups were significantly improved after treatment (P < .05); however, there were no differences between these two groups. The total effective rate of the experimental group was 90.00%, and 76.67% in the control group (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Mawangdui Guidance can effectively improve the function of pelvic floor muscle, improve the ability of urine storage and control, and alleviate the symptoms of female patients with SUI. However, the international research on Mawangdui Guidance is very limited, and more in-depth research is needed.

The effect of sitting baduanjin in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Early cardiac rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study sought to determine the effect of a program of sitting Baduanjin exercises on early cardiac rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of sitting Baduanjin exercises on cardiovascular and psychosocial functions in patients with STEMI following PCI. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study employed a randomized, non-equivalent group design. Patients in the intervention group received daily sitting Baduanjin training in addition to a series of seven-step rehabilitation exercises, whereas those in the control group received only the seven-step rehabilitation training, twice daily. Differences in heart rate variability (HRV) indicators, exercise capacity (Six-Minute Walking Distance; 6-MWD), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; GAD-7), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) between the two study groups during hospitalization were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group exhibited lower rates of abnormalities in the time domain and frequency domain parameters of HRV. The median scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 in both groups were lower than those at the time of admission, with the intervention group exhibiting lower scores than the control group (P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively). The 6-MWD after the intervention was greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: We found that sitting Baduanjin training has the potential to enhance HRV, cardiac function, and psychological well-being in patients with STEMI after PCI. This intervention can potentially improve the exercise capacity of a patient before discharge.

Health benefits of short Taichi Qigong exercise (STQE) to University Students' core strength, lower limb explosive force, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anxiety: A Quasi experiment research.

BACKGROUND: College students' physical fitness has declined over the past decades. Taichi Qigong exercise offers numerous health benefits and could serve as a suitable option for them. Traditional programs, however, are time-consuming and necessitate long-term commitments. Therefore, a more cost-effective intervention is needed. METHODS: The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Physical and mental health assessments included the Plank test, vital capacity measurement, 1000/800 m run test, standing jump, and the Zung Self-Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Following the STQE intervention, participants showed improvement in core strength (28.1 seconds in the Plank test, P = .025) and lower limb explosive force (6.52 cm in the standing jump test, P = .011), accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels (a reduction of 3.41 in the Zung Self-Rating Scale, P = .039). However, no significant improvements were observed in cardiopulmonary endurance, as evidenced by a non-significant increase of 237.84 mL in vital capacity (P = .134) and a non-significant reduction of 1.6 seconds in the 1000/800 m run test (P = .764). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.

Are Tai Chi and Qigong effective in the treatment of traumatic brain injury? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) adversely affects both young and old and is a growing public health concern. The common functional, psychological, and cognitive changes associated with TBI and recent trends in its management, such as recommending sub-threshold aerobic activity, and multi-modal treatment strategies including vestibular rehabilitation, suggest that Tai Chi/Qigong could be beneficial for TBI. Tai Chi and Qigong are aerobic mind-body practices with known benefits for maintaining health and mitigating chronic disease. To date, no systematic review has been published assessing the safety and effectiveness of Tai Chi/Qigong for traumatic injury. METHODS: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. All people with mild, moderate, or severe TBI who were inpatients or outpatients were included. All Types of Tai Chi and Qigong, and all comparators, were included. All measured outcomes were included. A priori, we chose "return to usual activities" as the primary outcome measure as it was patient-oriented. Cochrane-based risk of bias assessments were conducted on all included trials. Quality of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Five trials were assessed; three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-RCTs; only two trials were conducted in the last 5 years. No trial measured "return to normal activities" or vestibular status as an outcome. Four trials - two RCTs and two non-RCTS - all found Tai Chi improved functional, psychological and/or cognitive outcomes. One RCT had a low risk of bias and a high level of certainty; one had some concerns. One non-RCTs had a moderate risk of bias and the other a serious risk of bias. The one Qigong RCT found improved psychological outcomes. It had a low risk of bias and a moderate level of certainty. Only one trial reported on adverse events and found that none were experienced by either the exercise or control group. CONCLUSION: Based on the consistent finding of benefit in the four Tai Chi trials, including one RCT that had a high level of certainty, there is a sufficient signal to merit conducting a large, high quality multi-centre trial on Tai Chi for TBI and test it against current trends in TBI management. Based on the one RCT on TBI and Qigong, an additional confirmatory RCT is indicated. Further research is indicated that reflects current management strategies and includes adverse event documentation in both the intervention and control groups. However, these findings suggest that, in addition to Tai Chi's known health promotion and chronic disease mitigation benefits, its use for the treatment of injury, such as TBI, is potentially a new frontier. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO [ CRD42022364385 ].

Addressing Barriers to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care: Three Innovative Evidence-Based Approaches: A Review.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable yet widespread and profoundly debilitating respiratory condition, exerting substantial personal and global health ramifications alongside significant economic implications. The first objective of this literature review was to identify reviews the barriers to optimal COPD care, categorizing them into personal patient factors, professional awareness and knowledge, patient-professional relationships, and healthcare service models, including access to care that significantly impacts the quality of COPD management. The second objective was to introduce three approaches for enhancing COPD care outcomes: Self-Management Educational Programs, Health Qigong, and Telehealth service provision, each demonstrating positive effects on COPD patients' health status. These evidence-based interventions offer promising avenues for enhancing COPD care and patient outcomes. Integrating these approaches into comprehensive COPD management strategies holds potential for improving the well-being and quality of life of individuals living with this chronic condition.

Biofield Therapies: Guidelines for Reporting Clinical Trials.

Highlights Guidelines have been created to improve the reporting of clinical trials of biofield therapies, e.g. External Qigong, Healing Touch, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch. Appropriate use of these guidelines is likely to strengthen the evidence base for biofield therapies as well as increase their usage as stand-alone practices and as complementary therapies within mainstream healthcare.

Effects of qigong exercise on physical fitness and patient-reported health outcomes in lung cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a three-month Guolin Qigong (GQ) intervention on physical fitness and patient-reported health outcomes among patients with lung cancer. METHODS: This pilot study was a non-randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants who were over 18 years of age and diagnosed with stage I-IV lung cancer were enrolled in the study and received either the GQ intervention or usual care (UC). Participants in the GQ group performed GQ at least twice a week (one hour per session) for three months. Physical fitness (chair stand, arm curl, sit and reach, back scratch, 8-foot up and go, 6-min walk test) was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, six months, and 12 months. Self-reported quality of life and sleep (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and six months. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants (65% females, 59.1 ± 7.0 years old, ranging from 39 to 71 years old) were enrolled in the study, and 25 participants completed all tests at 12-month follow-up (13 in GQ vs. 12 in UC; 68% females, 59.3 ± 5.5 years old). Compared to the UC group, results for the chair stand and arm curl tests improved significantly in the GQ group from baseline to post-intervention (P = 0.024 and P = 0.041, respectively). Similarly, the 8-foot up and go test improved in the GQ group from baseline to post-intervention and 12 months (P = 0.004 and P = 0.008, respectively) when compared to the UC group. Between-group analyses also revealed a statistically significant improvement in global health status/quality of life from baseline to six months (P = 0.018) and quality of sleep from baseline to post-intervention (P = 0.034) in favor of the GQ group. CONCLUSION: GQ had a beneficial effect on lower and upper body strength, locomotor performance (speed, agility, and balance while moving), quality of sleep, and quality of life among lung cancer survivors, but further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200059145).

Are Published Cancer Care Trial Protocols With Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions Concordant With SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018? A Scoping Review on Published Trial Protocols Between 2019 and 2022.

BACKGROUND: The SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 was created to guide the design and reporting of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinical trial protocols. This study aims to investigate the extent of concordance with this guideline in the relevant field of cancer care research. METHODS: A scoping review of TCM cancer trial protocols published in English and Chinese since January 2019 was conducted. Five major academic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched. Concordance with the SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 was assessed by descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-three TCM cancer care trial protocols were identified, comprising 23 acupuncture, 26 Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), and 4 Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) interventions. The majority of the checklist items had a low rate of concordance, especially in the reporting of quality control and safety, dosage, TCM diagnostic patterns, possible interactions between Western Medicine and TCM interventions, and TCM-related outcome assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Although the SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 guideline was established through extensive Delphi consultation, there are low rates of concordance between published TCM cancer care clinical trial protocols with the guideline. Further research is necessary to understand the low rate of concordance and how scientific rigors of reporting can be improved in TCM cancer care research.

Effects of qigong Training on Muscle Strengths, Flexibility, Cardiopulmonary Fitness, and Antioxidant/Oxidant Responses in Sedentary Middle-Aged and Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Women: A Quasi-Experimental Design, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Background: Qigong exercise training has been suggested to elicit beneficial effects on physical functioning, reduction of oxidative stress, and improved antioxidant capacity in women. However, regular exercise training may support the development of antioxidant defense mechanisms and beneficially modulate oxidant/antioxidant responses. Objective: To evaluate the effects of an 8-week qigong exercise training on exercise performance and oxidative stress responses in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women suffering from type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Method/design: Quasi-experimental design, placebo-controlled study. Setting: The Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Burapha University, Thailand. Participants: Thirty-six sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM. Intervention: Participants were allocated to qigong exercise (n = 20) or to the control group (CG, n = 20). Primary outcome measures: Muscle strengths, flexibility, VO2 max predicted, and walking intensity derived from the 6-minute walk test. Secondary outcome measures: Fasting plasma glucose, antioxidant/oxidant stress parameters, and body composition. Results: Leg strength and trunk flexibility were improved after qigong training and changes were significantly different compared with the CG (all p < 0.05). VO2 max predicted, 6-min walking distance, and walking intensity were all increased (p < 0.05), and oxidative stress markers were diminished after qigong training (p < 0.05). The antioxidant/oxidant balance was improved after qigong training (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The presented findings indicate that 8 weeks of qigong training significantly improved leg strength and trunk flexibility in middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM, partly associated with a more favorable antioxidant/oxidant balance. These effects may beneficially impact on health in this specific population. Clinical Trial Number: TCTR20221003001.

Effect of Qigong exercise on motor function in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Motor impairment is one of the most common defects after stroke, which could seriously affect the life quality of stroke patients. Exercise intervention gradually becomes a popular alternative rehabilitation therapy because of its safety and applicability. OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the effect of Qigong exercise on motor function in stroke patients. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of Qigong on motor function of stroke patients were obtained from PubMed and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure through May 2022. Mean values and standard deviations of the post-intervention score in both experimental group and control group were collected to calculate the mean difference (MD) and corresponkding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of each study, which were quantificationally summarized using the Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS: Nineteen randomized controlled trials enrolling 1487 stroke patients were included. Pooled results indicated that Qigong exercise had beneficial effect on balance function (Berg Balance Scale [MD: 7.56, 95% CI: 4.09-11.02]), limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [total score: MD: 7.54, 95% CI: 6.38-8.69; upper limb: MD: 3.57, 95% CI: 0.71-6.43; lower limb: MD: 2.44, 95% CI: 0.59-4.29]) and walking function (6-min walking test [MD: 62.21, 95% CI: 11.70-112.73]) of stroke patients. It was also found to be associated with an improvement in trunk function as indicated by the Trunk Impairment Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence supported potential benefits of Qigong exercise for improving motor functions of stroke patients. As a safe and widely applicable exercise, Qigong is worthy of further promotion in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Tai Chi/Qigong Intervention for Older People Living With HIV.

Tai chi/qigong (TCQ) is a low impact, meditative movement with breathwork that may benefit people with HIV (PWH) over 50 years old. This study is a feasibility clinical trial of a remote TCQ intervention for older PWH. Participants (n = 48) were recruited via clinic sites and social media and randomized to a TCQ, sham qigong, or wait-list control group. The 12-week intervention included fourteen 45-60-minute sessions. Acceptability (satisfaction, attitudes, practice, attendance) and feasibility (retention rate, adverse events, remote delivery) data were surveyed. Overall retention rate was 72.9%, but 81.2% for the TCQ group. Most TCQ participants attended at least 10 sessions (62.5%) and were practicing TCQ after 2 weeks (72.7%). Over 92% of TCQ participants reported satisfaction and positive attitudes and preferred remote versus in person delivery (63.6%). Two mild intervention related adverse events occurred. Findings suggest that a remote TCQ intervention is acceptable, feasible, and safe among older PWH.

RESUMEN: Tai chi/qigong (TCQ) es un movimiento meditativo de bajo impacto con ejercicios de respiración que puede beneficiar personas que viven con VIH (PVV) mayores de 50 años. Este estudio es un ensayo clínico de viabilidad que evalúa una intervención de TCQ administrada remotamente para personas mayores que viven con VIH. Participaron personas (n = 48) reclutadas en clínicas y redes sociales, asignadas aleatoriamente a un grupo de TCQ, qigong falso, o control en lista de espera. La intervención duró 12 semanas con catorce sesiones de 45 a 60 minutos. Se encuestaron datos sobre aceptabilidad (satisfacción, actitudes, práctica, asistencia) y viabilidad (retención, eventos adversos, entrega remota). La tasa de retención general fue del 72,9%, pero del 81,2% para el grupo de TCQ. La mayoría de los participantes de TCQ asistieron a al menos 10 sesiones (62,5%) y continuaron practicando después de 2 semanas (72,7%). La satisfacción y las actitudes positivas hacia la intervención fueron reportadas por más del 92% de los participantes de TCQ quienes prefirieron la participación remota contra clases en persona (63,6%). Dos eventos adversos leves relacionados con la intervención ocurrieron. Los resultados sugieren que una intervención de TCQ administrada de forma remota es aceptable, viable y seguro para personas mayores que viven con VIH.

A Content Analysis of African Americans' Experience of Engaging in Qigong Exercise Intervention in a Community Setting.

Introduction: Although an increasing number of African Americans 50 years of age and older practice qigong, a mind-body exercise, to manage their health conditions, little is known about their perceptions and experiences of engaging in and learning qigong exercise. This study aimed to explore the subjective perceptions of the health benefits, engagement, adherence, and learning of qigong exercise in African Americans 45-85 years of age as a foundation for promoting this approach for African Americans' physical and psychological health. Methods: Fifteen African Americans were enrolled in a 1-h qigong exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks (a total of 16 sessions) in the activity center of a local church. Participants were interviewed after the intervention to explore their perceptions of learning and practicing qigong exercise. Interviews were conducted in person, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: (1) Perceived benefits of practicing qigong, (2) helpful strategies for qigong learning, (3) facilitators for home qigong practice, (4) motivators for qigong exercise adherence, and (5) recommending qigong to others. qigong exercise was perceived to be effective for balance, flexibility, muscle strength, sleep quality, emotion regulation, and stress management. Nearly 75% of participants reported home qigong practice at least twice a week. Conclusions: Middle-age and older African Americans' responses provide insights on health benefits associated with practicing qigong exercise, adherence, home practice, and learning, which may serve as the first step to promoting the use of qigong exercise in this population and may be adopted to similar exercise interventions with minority older adults in the future.

Mind-body therapies adjuvant to chemotherapy improve quality of life and fatigue in top cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast, lung and colorectal cancers are 3 of the top 4 most common cancers worldwide. Their treatment with chemotherapy often results in adverse effects on quality of life, fatigue and functional exercise capacity amongst patients. Mind-body therapies, including yoga, Tai chi and Qigong, are commonly used as complementary and alternative therapies in cancer. This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of yoga, Tai chi and Qigong in alleviating the adverse effects of chemotherapy. METHODS: Various databases were systematically interrogated using specific search terms, returning 1901 manuscripts. Removal of duplicates, irrelevant studies, those lacking available data and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria reduced this number to 9 manuscripts for inclusion in the final meta-analyses. Mean differences were calculated to determine pooled effect sizes using RStudio. RESULTS: This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate significant improvements in fatigue for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with a reduction of -1.40 (95 % CI: -2.24 to -0.56; p = 0.001) observed in mind-body therapy intervention groups. CONCLUSION: Yoga, Tai chi and Qigong could all be implemented alongside adjuvant therapies to alleviate the adverse effects on colorectal cancer patient fatigue during chemotherapy treatment. REVIEW REGISTRATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered on InPlasy: registration number INPLASY202390035; doi: https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2023.9.0035.

Response of bone mineral density and balance performance in post-burn patients with selected Qigong training: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is a common condition after a burn with significant complications that would be a global health problem. Also, balance can further worsen due to burning complications. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the additive effects of selected Qigong training exercises for 2 months to the standard physiotherapy regimen on bone mineral density and balance control post-thermal burn injuries. METHODS: 110 participants (75 males and 35 females), aged 25-50, with deep second and third-degree thermal burns affecting the trunk and lower extremities, and a total body surface area (TBSA) of 30-45%, allocated randomly into two equal groups of 55. Group A has Qigong training along with its standard physiotherapy regimen, and the control group (Group B) has only a standard physiotherapy regimen. For eight weeks, the interventions were used four times a week. The bone mineral density (BMD), T-score of the lumbar spine, the overall stability index (OSI), and the dynamic limits of stability (DLOS) were assessed pre-intervention and after eight weeks of intervention. RESULTS: A two-way mixed MANOVA showed that there was a significant increase in BMD, T-score, and DLOS and a significant decrease in OSI in a favor of the Qigong training group after eight weeks of treatment compared with that of the control group. Both groups showed a significant improvement in BMD, T- score, DLOS, and OSI post-treatment compared with that at the baseline. There were statistical significances in the favor of the Qigong training group after eight weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with repaired second and third-degree thermal burns of the trunk and lower legs, Qigong training activities combined with a standard physiotherapy regimen for 2 months were more helpful in increasing bone mineral density and improving balance control than the standard physiotherapy regimen alone.

Effects of 3-month Qigong exercise on heart rate variability and respiration in anxious college students.

OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the effects of Qigong on the anxiety state, heart rate variability (HRV), and breathing of anxious college students. METHODS: A total of 37 individuals (18-25 years old) were randomly allocated to the control (n = 19) and intervention (n = 18) groups. Qigong interventions were conducted five times weekly for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 60 min. Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Fatigue Scale 14, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 36-item Short Form Survey, HRV, and respiration data were collected before and after the 3-month intervention. RESULTS: Individuals who participated in the three-month Qigong exercise intervention showed a significant reduction in anxiety, particularly mental anxiety (p < 0.05). Subjects in the intervention group presented a decrease in skin temperature (p < 0.05) and an increase in blood volume pulsation (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, HRV exhibited a significant increase in the standard deviation of interbeat interval before and after comparisons (p < 0.05) and between the two groups (p = 0.039) and a reduction in the normalized low-frequency power after the intervention. Moreover, the intervention group experienced increased abdominal breathing depth and abdominal breathing per minute (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Qigong is an effective mind-body exercise strategy for relieving anxiety. HRV and breathing were improved accordingly among college students after the completion of the 3-month Qigong program.