Impact of Qigong on quality of life, pain and depressive symptoms in older adults admitted to an intermediate care rehabilitation unit: a randomized controlled trial.

Martínez N¹, Martorell C, Espinosa L, Marasigan V, Domènech S, Inzitari M.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Qigong has been used as a complementary therapy to improve different health-related problems. This study aims to test the effects of Qigong on quality of life, pain and depressive symptoms in older hospitalized patients.

METHODS:

In this randomized controlled single blind study, we randomized 58 ≥50 years adults admitted to a post-acute intermediate care rehabilitation facility, to receive a 90 min, bi-weekly, 4-week structured Qigong intervention plus usual care and rehabilitation (N = 29) or usual care and rehabilitation alone (N = 29). Outcomes included quality of life (0-100 points visual analogical scale), pain (0-10 points scale), and depressive symptoms (5-item modified Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale). We also evaluated participants' compliance and safety.

RESULTS:

Of the enrolled 58 participants (mean age ± SD = 74.3 ± 8.2 years, 88 % women) we dropped-out four in the control group. No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics were shown between groups, including age, gender, marital status, education, comorbidity and functional status, main diagnostic at admission and number of rehabilitation sessions. In an intention-to-treat analysis (repeated measures ANOVA) the intervention group experienced a significant improvement in quality of life (mean increase of 19 points vs 2.6 points for controls, p = 0.002). Pain and depressive symptoms improved in both groups. Adherence was good (79 % of participants completed the whole program). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

According to our results, a structured Qigong intervention, together with usual care, might contribute to improve quality of life of patients admitted to a post-acute intermediate care rehabilitation unit, compared to usual care.

PMID:

24927783

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Qualitative Analysis of a Controlled Trial of Qigong for Fibromyalgia: Advancing Understanding of an Emerging Health Practice.

Sawynok J¹, Lynch M.

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) and an extension trial of qigong (Chaoyi Fanhuan qigong [CFQ]) in patients with fibromyalgia were recently completed. In the present study, a qualitative analysis of comments from the RCT was undertaken using motivation and amount of practice to determine whether initial experiences provided information relevant to outcomes. Intervention: Participants in the RCT received instruction in qigong (level 1 CFQ), practiced 45 min/day for 8 weeks and continued practice to 6 months; open-ended qualitative comments on experiences were invited at 8 weeks and 4 and 6 months. Extension trial participants received further instruction (level 2 CFQ) and practiced regularly for 8 weeks-6 months. Comments from the original RCT were considered as narratives for the extension trial subgroup (n=20) and thematically, according to amount of practice, for all participants who completed the RCT (n=73). Results: Narrative comments from the RCT for those who completed the extension trial (n=13) and those who withdrew from that trial (n=7) were considered separately. Participants reporting benefits within the first 8 weeks were more likely to maintain practice and report continued benefits at 4-6 months than those who withdrew from the trial. Thematic comments for all who completed the RCT (n=73) were considered in relation to amount of practice (per protocol, intermediate, minimal). Participants who practiced per protocol during the initial 8 weeks (≥5 hours/wk) were more likely to maintain practice over 4-6 months and to report beneficial health effects from qigong. Conclusions: This retrospective qualitative analysis of information collected in an RCT of qigong for fibromyalgia indicates that favorable initial experiences with the practice over 8 weeks predispose to continued practice and more health effects. Future individual trials and meta-analyses of qigong will need to attend to the amount, and potentially quality, of practice undertaken in considering trial outcomes.

PMID:

25072523

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]