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Current Rheumatology Reports Nov 2019Musculoskeletal pain is a widespread symptom that commonly produces considerable disability, particularly in later life. This brief review strove to summarize and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Musculoskeletal pain is a widespread symptom that commonly produces considerable disability, particularly in later life. This brief review strove to summarize and critically review the recent research base concerning the use of Qigong as a possible strategy for alleviating longstanding or chronic musculoskeletal pain states.
METHODS
Research reports and literature reviews specifically focusing on Qigong and its impact on various forms of musculoskeletal pain between 2015 and 2019 were sought and analyzed, along with related data.
RESULTS
Collectively, these data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong practice may help to attenuate pain in varying degrees among adults with different forms of chronic pain with few side-effects.
CONCLUSION
More research is needed to ensure health professionals working with adults who have chronic unrelenting musculoskeletal pain may safely recommend these exercises as one possible remedy for reducing intractable musculoskeletal pain.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Humans; Musculoskeletal Pain; Pain Management; Pain Measurement; Qigong; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31734867
DOI: 10.1007/s11926-019-0861-6 -
Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2017Arthritis is a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life. The first aim of this review was to summarize and synthesize the... (Review)
Review
Arthritis is a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life. The first aim of this review was to summarize and synthesize the research base concerning the use of Qigong exercises as a possible adjunctive strategy for promoting well-being among adults with arthritis. A second was to provide related intervention directives for health professionals working or who are likely to work with this population in the future. Material specifically focusing on examining the nature of Qigong for minimizing arthritis disability, pain and dependence and for improving life quality was sought. Collectively, despite almost no attention to this topic, available data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong exercises-practiced widely in China for many centuries as an exercise form, mind-body and relaxation technique-may be very useful as an intervention strategy for adults with different forms of painful disabling arthritis. Health professionals working with people who have chronic arthritis can safely recommend these exercises to most adults with this condition with the expectation they will heighten the life quality of the individual, while reducing pain and depression in adults with this condition.
PubMed: 28953263
DOI: 10.3390/medicines4040071 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Apr 2016Most cancer patients suffer from both the disease itself and symptoms induced by conventional treatment. Available literature on the clinical effects on cancer patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of Acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Five-Element Music Therapy on Symptom Management and Quality of Life for Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis.
CONTEXT
Most cancer patients suffer from both the disease itself and symptoms induced by conventional treatment. Available literature on the clinical effects on cancer patients of acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Five-Element Music Therapy (TCM-FEMT) reports controversial results.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, and TCM-FEMT on various symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer; risk of bias for the selected trials also was assessed.
METHODS
Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE via both PubMed and Ovid, Cochrane Central, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China Biology Medicine, and Wanfang Database). All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, or TCM-FEMT published before October 2, 2014, were selected, regardless of whether the article was published in Chinese or English.
RESULTS
We identified 67 RCTs (5465 patients) that met our inclusion criteria to perform this meta-analysis. Analysis results showed that a significant combined effect was observed for QOL change in patients with terminal cancer in favor of acupuncture and Tuina (Cohen's d: 0.21-4.55, P < 0.05), whereas Tai Chi and Qigong had no effect on QOL of breast cancer survivors (P > 0.05). The meta-analysis also demonstrated that acupuncture produced small-to-large effects on adverse symptoms including pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and some gastrointestinal discomfort; however, no significant effect was found on the frequency of hot flashes (Cohen's d = -0.02; 95% CI = -1.49 to 1.45; P = 0.97; I(2) = 36%) and mood distress (P > 0.05). Tuina relieved gastrointestinal discomfort. TCM-FEMT lowered depression level. Tai Chi improved vital capacity of breast cancer patients. High risk of bias was present in 74.63% of the selected RCTs. Major sources of risk of bias were lack of blinding, allocation concealment, and incomplete outcome data.
CONCLUSION
Taken together, although there are some clear limitations regarding the body of research reviewed in this study, a tentative conclusion can be reached that acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, or TCM-FEMT represent beneficial adjunctive therapies. Future study reporting in this field should be improved regarding both method and content of interventions and research methods.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Disease Management; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Music Therapy; Neoplasms; Qigong; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tai Ji
PubMed: 26880252
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.11.027 -
Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2017Qigong is an internal art practice with a long history in China. It is currently characterized as meditative movement (or as movement-based embodied contemplative... (Review)
Review
Qigong is an internal art practice with a long history in China. It is currently characterized as meditative movement (or as movement-based embodied contemplative practice), but is also considered as complementary and alternative exercise or mind-body therapy. There are now six controlled trials and nine other reports on the effects of qigong in fibromyalgia. Outcomes are related to amount of practice so it is important to consider this factor in overview analyses. If one considers the 4 trials (201 subjects) that involve diligent practice (30-45 min daily, 6-8 weeks), there are consistent benefits in pain, sleep, impact, and physical and mental function following the regimen, with benefits maintained at 4-6 months. Effect sizes are consistently in the large range. There are also reports of even more extensive practice of qigong for 1-3 years, even up to a decade, indicating marked benefits in other health areas beyond core domains for fibromyalgia. While the latter reports involve a limited number of subjects and represent a self-selected population, the marked health benefits that occur are noteworthy. Qigong merits further study as a complementary practice for those with fibromyalgia. Current treatment guidelines do not consider amount of practice, and usually make indeterminate recommendations.
PubMed: 28930252
DOI: 10.3390/medicines4020037 -
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2022Qigong and Tai chi are traditional methods of physical and mental training and exercises in East Asia. Their health-promoting effects against various diseases have been... (Review)
Review
Qigong and Tai chi are traditional methods of physical and mental training and exercises in East Asia. Their health-promoting effects against various diseases have been studied for a long time, and they have been the subject of many clinical trials and systematic reviews (SRs). The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate all published SRs on Qigong and Tai chi and to summarize the supporting evidence. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Research Information Sharing Service, and Korean Studies Information Service System. The selection and extraction processes were performed by two independent reviewers, and a qualitative synthesis was conducted. There were 58 SRs of randomized controlled trials on Qigong and Tai chi. There have been many studies on patients with cardiovascular diseases and different cancers, and a number of other studies in which mobility, quality of life, blood lipids, and blood pressure were outcome measurements. Thus, Qigong and Tai chi for various diseases and medical conditions have been accumulated. Based on current evidence, the number of publications of Qigong and Tai chi-related articles showed an increasing trend, and most of them were performed in China. Qigong and Tai chi have shown beneficial effects in different age groups and health conditions, including decreasing blood lipid level, reducing blood pressure, facilitating mobility, preventing falls, and improving overall quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Blood Pressure; Qigong; Quality of Life; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Tai Ji
PubMed: 36266755
DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X22500859 -
Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2017The purpose of this article is to clarify and define medical qigong and to identify an appropriate study design and methodology for a large-scale study looking at the... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this article is to clarify and define medical qigong and to identify an appropriate study design and methodology for a large-scale study looking at the effects of qigong in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), specifically subject enrollment criteria, selection of the control group and study duration. A comprehensive literature review of English databases was used to locate articles from 1980-May 2017 involving qigong and T2DM. Control groups, subject criteria and the results of major diabetic markers were reviewed and compared within each study. Definitions of qigong and its differentiation from physical exercise were also considered. After a thorough review, it was found that qigong shows positive effects on T2DM; however, there were inconsistencies in control groups, research subjects and diabetic markers analyzed. It was also discovered that there is a large variation in styles and definitions of qigong. Qigong exercise has shown promising results in clinical experience and in randomized, controlled pilot studies for affecting aspects of T2DM including blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, weight, BMI and insulin resistance. Due to the inconsistencies in study design and methods and the lack of large-scale studies, further well-designed randomized control trials (RCT) are needed to evaluate the 'vital energy' or qi aspect of internal medical qigong in people who have been diagnosed with T2DM.
PubMed: 28930273
DOI: 10.3390/medicines4030059 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2020Owing to work intensification and an accelerated pace of life in general, individuals in many Western countries are often overactivated and find it difficult to switch... (Review)
Review
Owing to work intensification and an accelerated pace of life in general, individuals in many Western countries are often overactivated and find it difficult to switch off. However, recovery from physiological and mental activation is critical to prevent stress symptoms and maintain one's physiological and mental well-being. Extensive research evidence indicates that Qigong, a traditional Chinese movement practice for promoting health, provides an effective means to recover from work and off-work demands. The main objective of this paper is to offer a comprehensive, narrative review of the effects of Qigong and its core components. Attention is first paid to the outcomes of work and off-work demands and stress, and the role of recovery for individuals' well-being. Then, Qigong and its components are explained, followed by the results of scientific research. Finally, limitations and implications for research and practiced are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Qigong
PubMed: 33050017
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197342 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2022Yoga and qigong are ancient mind-body practices used in the East for thousands of years to promote inner peace and mental clarity. Both share breathing techniques and... (Review)
Review
Yoga and qigong are ancient mind-body practices used in the East for thousands of years to promote inner peace and mental clarity. Both share breathing techniques and slow movements and are being used as alternative/complementary approaches to the management of disease, especially chronic problems with no effective conventional treatments. However, information comparing the health benefits of both approaches is scarce, and the choice between yoga or qigong practice may only depend on patients' preferences or practice availability. The aim of the present paper was to overview yoga and qigong use for health benefits under different pathological conditions. Yoga and qigong seem to have similar effects, which might be expected, since both are similar mind-body approaches with the same concept of vital life-force energy and the practice of meditative movements. Problematic research issues within the literature on yoga and qigong are the small sample sizes, use of different styles, significant variance in practice duration and frequency, short duration of intervention effects, and the usage of a non-active control group, thus emphasizing the need for further high-quality randomized trials. Studies comparing yoga and qigong are warranted in order to assess differences/similarities between the two approaches for health benefits.
PubMed: 35877292
DOI: 10.3390/bs12070222 -
PloS One 2020Currently, qigong and tai chi exercises are the two most common preventive as well as therapeutic interventions for chronic metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Currently, qigong and tai chi exercises are the two most common preventive as well as therapeutic interventions for chronic metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the quantitative evaluation of these interventions is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of qigong and tai chi intervention in middle-aged and older adults with T2DM. The study included 103 eligible participants, who were randomized to participate for 12 weeks, in one of the following intervention groups for the treatment of T2DM: fitness qigong, tai chi, and control group. Three biochemical measures, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and C-peptide (C-P) levels, assessed at baseline and 12 weeks, served as the primary outcome measures. During the training process, 16 of the 103 participants dropped out. After the 12-week intervention, there were significant influences on HbA1C (F2,83 = 4.88, p = 0.010) and C-P levels (F2,83 = 3.64, p = 0.031). Moreover, significant reduction in C-P levels was observed after 12-week tai chi practice (p = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the duration of T2DM and the relative changes in FPG levels after qigong intervention, and the relative changes in HbA1C levels were positively correlated with waist-to-height ratio after tai chi practice. Our study suggests that targeted qigong exercise might have a better interventional effect on patients with a longer duration of T2DM, while tai chi might be risky for people with central obesity. Trial registration: This trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The registration number is ChiCTR180020069. The public title is "Health-care qigong · study for the prescription of chronic diabetes intervention."
Topics: Aged; Blood Glucose; C-Reactive Protein; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Qigong; Tai Ji
PubMed: 33332396
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243989 -
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Aug 2017To systematically evaluate and quantify the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) on motor (UPDRS III, balance, falls, Timed-Up-and-Go, and 6-Minute Walk) and non-motor... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To systematically evaluate and quantify the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) on motor (UPDRS III, balance, falls, Timed-Up-and-Go, and 6-Minute Walk) and non-motor (depression and cognition) function, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).
METHODS
A systematic search in 7 electronic databases targeted clinical studies evaluating TCQ for individuals with PD published through August 2016. Meta-analysis was used to estimate effect sizes (Hedges's g) and publication bias for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methodological bias in RCTs was assessed by two raters.
RESULTS
Our search identified 21 studies, 15 of which were RCTs with a total of 735 subjects. For RCTs, comparison groups included no treatment (n = 7, 47%) and active interventions (n = 8, 53%). Duration of TCQ ranged from 2 to 6 months. Methodological bias was low in 6 studies, moderate in 7, and high in 2. Fixed-effect models showed that TCQ was associated with significant improvement on most motor outcomes (UPDRS III [ES = -0.444, p < 0.001], balance [ES = 0.544, p < 0.001], Timed-Up-and-Go [ES = -0.341, p = 0.005], 6 MW [ES = -0.293, p = 0.06], falls [ES = -0.403, p = 0.004], as well as depression [ES = -0.457, p = 0.008] and QOL [ES = -0.393, p < 0.001], but not cognition [ES = -0.225, p = 0.477]). I indicated limited heterogeneity. Funnel plots suggested some degree of publication bias.
CONCLUSION
Evidence to date supports a potential benefit of TCQ for improving motor function, depression and QOL for individuals with PD, and validates the need for additional large-scale trials.
Topics: Parkinson Disease; Qigong; Quality of Life; Tai Ji
PubMed: 28602515
DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.05.019