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Edzard Ernst - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effects of Qigong therapy on alleviating symptoms in cancer patients an overview of systematic reviews
2013Co-Authors: David S Rosenthal, Byeongsang Oh, Edzard ErnstAbstract:Owing to the limitations and side effects of conventional cancer treatment, especially in relation to quality of life, patients are increasingly utilizing complementary and alternative medicine to supplement health-related outcomes. However, evidence for the safety and efficacy of such treatments is lacking. Qigong is often used to improve the symptoms of cancer patients, although scientific evidence is unclear. The aim of this chapter was to critically evaluate all systematic reviews (SRs) of Qigong for the symptomatic treatment of cancer. We searched 11 electronic databases including MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, the Cochrane Library, six Korean Medical Databases, and a Chinese Database and our departmental files without restrictions on time or language. The search terms involved the following MeSH terms: “Qigong” AND “systematic review OR meta-analysis” AND “cancer”. The methodological quality of all SRs was evaluated using the Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire. Of 26 potentially relevant publications, five met our inclusion criteria. Three SRs evaluated the effects of both internal and external Qigong. One SR evaluated the effect of internal Qigong, and another evaluated external Qigong. The quality of the SRs was mixed but two SRs had minor flaws only. All SRs noted that the quality of most primary studies was poor. The conclusions of the five SRs were inconsistent. The poor quality SRs tended to draw positive conclusions, while the higher quality SRs failed to do so. More than 50% of the primary studies included in the SRs were not randomized and thus open to selection bias, which may be the primary reason for the inconsistency in the conclusions of the SRs. Overall, no clearly positive conclusions were identified. It follows that Qigong as a symptomatic treatment for cancer is currently not supported by sound evidence.
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Qigong for healthcare an overview of systematic reviews
Jrsm Short Reports, 2011Co-Authors: Byeongsang Oh, Edzard ErnstAbstract:Summary Objectives Qigong has been recommended to improve health and prevent disease but the evidence is inconclusive. The aim of this overview was to critically evaluate all systematic reviews (SRs) of Qigong for the treatment of any condition or symptom. Design Literature searches were carried out in 11 electronic databases for all systematic reviews of the effectiveness of Qigong in any indication. Reviews were defined as systematic if they included an explicit and repeatable methods section describing the search strategy and explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria. Setting Retrospective review of medical database. Participants Participants with any type of medical conditions of any severity were included. Main outcome measures Evidence from each systematic review. Results Ten systematic reviews were included. They related to a wide range of conditions. The primary studies and several of the reviews were associated with a high risk of bias. Five reviews concluded that Qigong is effective and five reviews were inconclusive. Conclusion The effectiveness of Qigong is based mostly on poor quality research. Therefore, it would be unwise to draw firm conclusions at this stage.
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Supportive Cancer Care with Qigong
Supportive Cancer Care with Chinese Medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Myeong Soo Lee, Kevin W. Chen, Edzard ErnstAbstract:The objective of this chapter is to systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of Qigong in supportive cancer care. Fifteen databases were searched from inception through May 2009. Controlled trials testing Qigong in patients with cancer of any origin that assessed clinical outcome measures were considered. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validations were performed independently by two reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane criteria. Six randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 5 non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) met our inclusion criteria. The six RCTs tested the effects of Qigong as supportive cancer care compared with usual care or herbal medicine and showed no significant differences in most outcome measures. All of the 5 CCTs showed favourable effects of Qigong. Two trials suggested effectiveness in prolonging life of cancer patients while one failed to do so. All of the CCTs had a high risk of bias. Collectively, the existing trial evidence does not show convincingly that Qigong is effective for supportive cancer care. Future studies should be of high quality with a particular emphasis on designing an adequate control intervention.
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internal Qigong for pain conditions a systematic review
The Journal of Pain, 2009Co-Authors: Max H Pittler, Edzard ErnstAbstract:The objective of this systematic review was to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of internal Qigong as a treatment option for pain conditions. Nineteen databases were searched through to February 2009. Controlled clinical trials testing internal Qigong in patients with pain of any origin assessing clinical outcome measures were considered. Trials using any type of internal Qigong andcontrolinterventionwereincluded.Theselectionofstudies,dataextraction,andvalidation were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 3 controlled clinical trials met all inclusion criteria. One RCTsuggested no significant difference for low back pain compared with electromyographic biofeedback. Two RCTs failed to show effects of internal Qigong in neck pain compared with exercise therapy and waiting list control. One RCTsuggested that Qigong is inferior to aerobic exercise in patients with fibromyalgia. There are few RCTs testing the effectiveness of internal Qigong in the management of pain conditions. Collectively, the existing trial evidence is not convincing enough to suggest that internal Qigong is an effective modality for pain management. Perspective: This review of controlled clinical trials focused on the effects of internal Qigong, a self- directed energy healing intervention involving movement and meditation. Collectively, the existing trial evidence is not convincing enough to suggest that internal Qigong is an effective modality for pain management. Future studies should be of high quality with particular emphasis on designing an adequate control intervention. a 2009 by the American Pain Society
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Qigong for type 2 diabetes care a systematic review
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2009Co-Authors: Kevin W. Chen, Taeyoung Choi, Edzard ErnstAbstract:Summary Objectives To summarize and critically evaluate the evidence available from clinical trials (CTs) of Qigong for patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods We have searched the literature using 15 databases from their respective inceptions through March 2009 without language restrictions. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane criteria. Results Nine CTs, which included three randomized clinical trials (RCTs), one controlled clinical trial (CCT) and five uncontrolled observational studies (UOSs), met our inclusion criteria. Three RCTs compared Qigong plus usual care (including drug therapy) with usual care alone. The quality of these RCTs was poor. Their results suggested favorable effects of Qigong on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), 2 h plasma glucose (2hPG), insulin sensitivity, and blood viscosity. One CCT compared Qigong with no treatment and failed to show favorable effects of Qigong on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2hPG, HbA1c and insulin sensitivity. All UOSs reported beneficial effects of Qigong on FPG or 2hPG. Conclusion Currently there are few rigorous trials testing the effectiveness of Qigong for type 2 diabetes. The studies that are available are of low methodological quality. Collectively this evidence is insufficient to suggest that Qigong is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. Rigorously designed trials are warranted to answer the many questions that remain open.
Cecilia L W Chan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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adiponectin potentially contributes to the antidepressive effects of baduanjin Qigong exercise in women with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness
Cell Transplantation, 2017Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, S M Ng, Ang Li, Aimin Xu, Xiaomin Wang, Kwokfai So, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:Our recent study demonstrates that adiponectin signaling plays a significant role in mediating physical exercise-exerted effects on hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepression in mice. Whether the findings can be translated to humans remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on adiponectin and to evaluate whether adiponectin is involved in the antidepressive effects of Qigong exercise on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-like illness. This is a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial. One hundred eight female participants were randomly assigned to either Qigong exercise or waitlist groups. Sixteen 1.5-h Qigong lessons were conducted. Outcome measures were taken at three time points. Baseline adiponectin levels were negatively associated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip ratio in women with CFS-like illness. Compared with the waitlist control, Qigong exercise significantly reduced anxiety and depression sympto...
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managing stress and anxiety through Qigong exercise in healthy adults a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Chongwen Wang, Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, S M Ng, Celia Hy Chan, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:An increasing number of studies have documented the effectiveness of Qigong exercise in helping people reduce psychological stress and anxiety, but there is a scarcity of systematic reviews evaluating evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among healthy subjects. Thirteen databases were searched for RCTs from their inception through June 2013. Effects of Qigong exercise were pooled across trials. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 test. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane criteria. Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Two RCTs suggested that Qigong exercise immediately relieved anxiety among healthy adults, compared to lecture attendance and structured movements only. Four RCTs suggested Qigong exercise relieved anxiety (pooled SMD = -0.75; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.40), and three RCTs suggested that Qigong exercise reduced stress (pooled SMD = -0.88; 95% CI, -1.22 to -0.55) among healthy subjects following one to three months of Qigong practice, compared to wait-list controls. The available evidence suggests that Qigong exercise reduces stress and anxiety in healthy adults. However, given the limited number of RCTs and their methodological flaws, further rigorously designed RCTs are needed.
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effects of Qigong exercise on fatigue anxiety and depressive symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness a randomized controlled trial
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, Chongwen Wang, Lai Ping Yuen, Jonathan S T Sham, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:Background. Anxiety/depressive symptoms are common in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) like illness. Qigong as a modality of complementary and alternative therapy has been increasingly applied by patients with chronic illnesses, but little is known about the effect of Qigong on anxiety/depressive symptoms of the patients with CFS-like illness. Purpose. To investigate the effects of Qigong on fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in patients with CFS-illness. Methods. One hundred and thirty-seven participants who met the diagnostic criteria for CFS-like illness were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Participants in the intervention group received 10 sessions of Qigong training twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks, followed by home-based practice for 12 weeks. Fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Results. Total fatigue score [F(1,135) = 13.888, P < 0.001], physical fatigue score [F(1,135) = 20.852, P < 0.001] and depression score [F(1,135) = 9.918, P = 0.002] were significantly improved and mental fatigue score [F(1,135) = 3.902, P = 0.050] was marginally significantly improved in the Qigong group compared to controls. The anxiety score was not significantly improved in the Qigong group. Conclusion. Qigong may not only reduce the fatigue symptoms, but also has antidepressive effect for patients with CFS-like illness. Trial registration HKCTR-1200.
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the effect of Qigong on depressive and anxiety symptoms a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Chongwen Wang, Hector W. H. Tsang, Rainbow T H Ho, Cecilia L W Chan, Celia Hoi Yan Chan, S M NgAbstract:Objective. To evaluate clinical trial evidence of the effectiveness of Qigong exercise on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods. Thirteen databases were searched from their respective inception through December 2012. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Effects of Qigong across trials were pooled. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Study quality was evaluated using the Wayne Checklist. Results. Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analyses suggested a beneficial effect of Qigong exercise on depressive symptoms when compared to waiting-list controls or usual care only (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.06), group newspaper reading (SMD = −1.24; 95% CI, −1.64 to −0.84), and walking or conventional exercise (SMD = −0.52; 95% CI, −0.85 to −0.19), which might be comparable to that of cognitive-behavioral therapy (). Available evidence did not suggest a beneficial effect of Qigong exercise on anxiety symptoms. Conclusion. Qigong may be potentially beneficial for management of depressive symptoms, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of RCTs and associated methodological weaknesses. Further rigorously designed RCTs are warranted.
Shirley S M Fong - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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changes in heart rate variability of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer during tai chi Qigong practice
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2015Co-Authors: Shirley S M Fong, Joanne W Y Chung, Louisa Ming Yan Chung, Lina P Y Chow, Janet Y H Wong, Shamay S M NgAbstract:[Purpose] To explore the changes in heart-rate variability (HRV) of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) before, during, and after a Tai Chi (TC) Qigong exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven survivors of NPC participated voluntarily in the study. The heart rate of each participant was measured continuously for 1 minute before the TC Qigong intervention, during the 5-minute TC Qigong intervention, and for 1 minute after the intervention, using a Polar heart-rate monitor. Spectral HRV was expressed in terms of normalised low frequency (LF) power, normalised high frequency (HF) power, and the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio. [Results] Both the LF-power and the HF-power components had significant time effects. However, the time effect of the LF/HF power ratio was not significant. Post hoc contrast analysis revealed a significant decrease in LF power and a concomitant increase in HF power during the 4th minute and 5th minute of the TC Qigong exercise. [Conclusion] Five minutes of TC Qigong exercise was found to improve HRV by increasing HF power and decreasing LF power, but these effects were transient. TC Qigong might be an appropriate exercise for improving the ANS function and psychological and cardiac health of survivors of NPC.
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balance performance in irradiated survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer with and without tai chi Qigong training
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Shirley S M Fong, Louisa Ming Yan Chung, William W N Tsang, Lina P Y Chow, Joyce C Y Leung, Caroline Yeechong Charm, Shamay S M NgAbstract:This cross-sectional exploratory study aimed to compare the one-leg-stance time and the six-minute walk distance among TC Qigong-trained NPC survivors, untrained NPC survivors, and healthy individuals. Twenty-five survivors of NPC with TC Qigong experience, 27 survivors of NPC without TC Qigong experience, and 68 healthy individuals formed the NPC-TC Qigong group, NPC-control group, and healthy-control group, respectively. The one-leg-stance (OLS) timed test was conducted to assess the single-leg standing balance performance of the participants in four conditions: (1) standing on a stable surface with eyes open, (2) standing on a compliant surface with eyes open, (3) standing on a stable surface with eyes closed, and (4) standing on a compliant surface with eyes closed. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) was used to determine the functional balance performance of the participants. Results showed that the NPC-control group had a shorter OLS time in all of the visual and supporting surface conditions than the healthy control group (P 0.05). TC Qigong may be a rehabilitation exercise that improves somatosensory function and OLS balance performance among survivors of NPC.
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effects of Qigong training on health related quality of life functioning and cancer related symptoms in survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer a pilot study
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Shirley S M Fong, Shamay S M Ng, Louisa Ming Yan Chung, Janet Y H Wong, Joanne W Y ChungAbstract:This study aimed to investigate the effects of Qigong intervention on quality of life (QOL), health-related functioning, and cancer-related symptoms in survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Twenty-five survivors of NPC were included in the experimental group (mean age ± SD: 55.4 ± 7.5 years) and 27 in the control group (mean age ± SD: 58.7 ± 9.5 years). The experimental group underwent a weekly 1.5-hour Qigong training program and an identical home program (three times/week) for six months. The control group received no training. Global health status/QOL, functioning, and cancer-related symptoms were assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires before training began, after three months of Qigong training, at the end of the six-month Qigong intervention (i.e., posttest), and six months posttest. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no statistically (P > 0.05) or clinically significant improvement in global health status/QOL, functioning, or symptoms in either group. The experimental group had 45.8% fewer sense-related (smell and taste) problems (P < 0.05) but 98.6% more speech-related problems (P < 0.05) than the control group after the Qigong intervention. Qigong training resulted in no apparent improvement in health-related QOL, functionality, or cancer-related symptoms in cancer-free survivors of NPC, except for a possible reduction in smell- and taste-related problems.
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effects of Qigong exercise on upper limb lymphedema and blood flow in survivors of breast cancer a pilot study
Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2014Co-Authors: Shirley S M Fong, Shamay S M Ng, Joanne W Y Chung, Jacqueline Sc Ho, Michael Ying, Ada W WAbstract:Hypothesis. Qigong exercise is a popular method for relieving the side effects of conventional cancer treatments in survivors of breast cancer, yet its effects are not empirically assessed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Qigong exercise on upper limb lymphedema, arterial resistance, and blood flow velocity in survivors with breast cancer and mastectomy. Study Design. This study was conducted as a prospective clinical trial. Methods. Eleven survivors of breast cancer with Qigong experience (mean age = 58.3 ± 10.1 years) were assigned to the experimental group and 12 survivors of breast cancer without Qigong experience (mean age = 53.8 ± 4.2 years) were assigned to the control group. They all had breast cancer–related lymphedema. All procedures were completed within one session. After baseline measurements were taken, the experimental group performed 18 Forms Tai Chi Internal Qigong for approximately 6 minutes while the control group rested for similar duration in a sitting position. Both gr...
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shoulder mobility muscular strength and quality of life in breast cancer survivors with and without tai chi Qigong training
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Shirley S M Fong, Sheungmei Shamay Ng, Joanne Chung, Louisa Ming Yan Chung, William W N Tsang, Lina P Y ChowAbstract:Objectives. To compare the shoulder mobility, muscular strength, and quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer survivors with and without Tai Chi (TC) Qigong training to those of healthy individuals and to explore the associations between shoulder impairments and QOL in breast cancer survivors with regular TC Qigong training. Methods. Eleven breast cancer survivors with regular TC Qigong training, 12 sedentary breast cancer survivors, and 16 healthy participants completed the study. Shoulder mobility and rotator muscle strength were assessed by goniometry and isokinetic dynamometer, respectively. QOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire. Results. Goniometric measurements of the active range of motion in the flexion, abduction, and hand-behind-the-back directions were similar among the three groups. The TC Qigong-trained breast cancer survivors had significantly higher isokinetic peak torques of the shoulder rotator muscles (at ) than untrained survivors, and their isokinetic shoulder muscular strength reached the level of healthy individuals. Greater shoulder muscular strength was significantly associated with better functional wellbeing in breast cancer survivors with TC Qigong training. However, no significant between-group difference was found in FACT-B total scores. Conclusions. TC Qigong training might improve shoulder muscular strength and functional wellbeing in breast cancer survivors.
Jessie S M Chan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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adiponectin potentially contributes to the antidepressive effects of baduanjin Qigong exercise in women with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness
Cell Transplantation, 2017Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, S M Ng, Ang Li, Aimin Xu, Xiaomin Wang, Kwokfai So, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:Our recent study demonstrates that adiponectin signaling plays a significant role in mediating physical exercise-exerted effects on hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepression in mice. Whether the findings can be translated to humans remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on adiponectin and to evaluate whether adiponectin is involved in the antidepressive effects of Qigong exercise on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-like illness. This is a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial. One hundred eight female participants were randomly assigned to either Qigong exercise or waitlist groups. Sixteen 1.5-h Qigong lessons were conducted. Outcome measures were taken at three time points. Baseline adiponectin levels were negatively associated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip ratio in women with CFS-like illness. Compared with the waitlist control, Qigong exercise significantly reduced anxiety and depression sympto...
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Qigong exercise alleviates fatigue anxiety and depressive symptoms improves sleep quality and shortens sleep latency in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, Kafai Chung, Chongwen Wang, S M Ng, Cecilia Lw W ChanAbstract:Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) like illness and to determine the dose-response relationship. Methods. One hundred fifty participants with CFS-like illness (mean age = 39.0, SD = 7.9) were randomly assigned to Qigong and waitlist. Sixteen 1.5-hour Qigong lessons were arranged over 9 consecutive weeks. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Chalder Fatigue Scale (ChFS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed at baseline, immediate posttreatment, and 3-month posttreatment. The amount of Qigong self-practice was assessed by self-report. Results. Repeated measures analyses of covariance showed a marginally nonsignificant (P = 0.064) group by time interaction in the PSQI total score, but it was significant for the “subjective sleep quality” and “sleep latency” items, favoring Qigong exercise. Improvement in “subjective sleep quality” was maintained at 3-month posttreatment. Significant group by time interaction was also detected for the ChFS and HADS anxiety and depression scores. The number of Qigong lessons attended and the amount of Qigong self-practice were significantly associated with sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptom improvement. Conclusion. Baduanjin Qigong was an efficacious and acceptable treatment for sleep disturbance in CFS-like illness. This trial is registered with Hong Kong Clinical Trial Register: HKCTR-1380.
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managing stress and anxiety through Qigong exercise in healthy adults a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Chongwen Wang, Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, S M Ng, Celia Hy Chan, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:An increasing number of studies have documented the effectiveness of Qigong exercise in helping people reduce psychological stress and anxiety, but there is a scarcity of systematic reviews evaluating evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among healthy subjects. Thirteen databases were searched for RCTs from their inception through June 2013. Effects of Qigong exercise were pooled across trials. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 test. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane criteria. Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Two RCTs suggested that Qigong exercise immediately relieved anxiety among healthy adults, compared to lecture attendance and structured movements only. Four RCTs suggested Qigong exercise relieved anxiety (pooled SMD = -0.75; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.40), and three RCTs suggested that Qigong exercise reduced stress (pooled SMD = -0.88; 95% CI, -1.22 to -0.55) among healthy subjects following one to three months of Qigong practice, compared to wait-list controls. The available evidence suggests that Qigong exercise reduces stress and anxiety in healthy adults. However, given the limited number of RCTs and their methodological flaws, further rigorously designed RCTs are needed.
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effects of Qigong exercise on fatigue anxiety and depressive symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness a randomized controlled trial
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, Chongwen Wang, Lai Ping Yuen, Jonathan S T Sham, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:Background. Anxiety/depressive symptoms are common in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) like illness. Qigong as a modality of complementary and alternative therapy has been increasingly applied by patients with chronic illnesses, but little is known about the effect of Qigong on anxiety/depressive symptoms of the patients with CFS-like illness. Purpose. To investigate the effects of Qigong on fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in patients with CFS-illness. Methods. One hundred and thirty-seven participants who met the diagnostic criteria for CFS-like illness were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Participants in the intervention group received 10 sessions of Qigong training twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks, followed by home-based practice for 12 weeks. Fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Results. Total fatigue score [F(1,135) = 13.888, P < 0.001], physical fatigue score [F(1,135) = 20.852, P < 0.001] and depression score [F(1,135) = 9.918, P = 0.002] were significantly improved and mental fatigue score [F(1,135) = 3.902, P = 0.050] was marginally significantly improved in the Qigong group compared to controls. The anxiety score was not significantly improved in the Qigong group. Conclusion. Qigong may not only reduce the fatigue symptoms, but also has antidepressive effect for patients with CFS-like illness. Trial registration HKCTR-1200.
Rainbow T H Ho - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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adiponectin potentially contributes to the antidepressive effects of baduanjin Qigong exercise in women with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness
Cell Transplantation, 2017Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, S M Ng, Ang Li, Aimin Xu, Xiaomin Wang, Kwokfai So, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:Our recent study demonstrates that adiponectin signaling plays a significant role in mediating physical exercise-exerted effects on hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepression in mice. Whether the findings can be translated to humans remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on adiponectin and to evaluate whether adiponectin is involved in the antidepressive effects of Qigong exercise on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-like illness. This is a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial. One hundred eight female participants were randomly assigned to either Qigong exercise or waitlist groups. Sixteen 1.5-h Qigong lessons were conducted. Outcome measures were taken at three time points. Baseline adiponectin levels were negatively associated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip ratio in women with CFS-like illness. Compared with the waitlist control, Qigong exercise significantly reduced anxiety and depression sympto...
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Qigong exercise alleviates fatigue anxiety and depressive symptoms improves sleep quality and shortens sleep latency in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, Kafai Chung, Chongwen Wang, S M Ng, Cecilia Lw W ChanAbstract:Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) like illness and to determine the dose-response relationship. Methods. One hundred fifty participants with CFS-like illness (mean age = 39.0, SD = 7.9) were randomly assigned to Qigong and waitlist. Sixteen 1.5-hour Qigong lessons were arranged over 9 consecutive weeks. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Chalder Fatigue Scale (ChFS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed at baseline, immediate posttreatment, and 3-month posttreatment. The amount of Qigong self-practice was assessed by self-report. Results. Repeated measures analyses of covariance showed a marginally nonsignificant (P = 0.064) group by time interaction in the PSQI total score, but it was significant for the “subjective sleep quality” and “sleep latency” items, favoring Qigong exercise. Improvement in “subjective sleep quality” was maintained at 3-month posttreatment. Significant group by time interaction was also detected for the ChFS and HADS anxiety and depression scores. The number of Qigong lessons attended and the amount of Qigong self-practice were significantly associated with sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptom improvement. Conclusion. Baduanjin Qigong was an efficacious and acceptable treatment for sleep disturbance in CFS-like illness. This trial is registered with Hong Kong Clinical Trial Register: HKCTR-1380.
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managing stress and anxiety through Qigong exercise in healthy adults a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Chongwen Wang, Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, S M Ng, Celia Hy Chan, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:An increasing number of studies have documented the effectiveness of Qigong exercise in helping people reduce psychological stress and anxiety, but there is a scarcity of systematic reviews evaluating evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among healthy subjects. Thirteen databases were searched for RCTs from their inception through June 2013. Effects of Qigong exercise were pooled across trials. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 test. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane criteria. Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Two RCTs suggested that Qigong exercise immediately relieved anxiety among healthy adults, compared to lecture attendance and structured movements only. Four RCTs suggested Qigong exercise relieved anxiety (pooled SMD = -0.75; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.40), and three RCTs suggested that Qigong exercise reduced stress (pooled SMD = -0.88; 95% CI, -1.22 to -0.55) among healthy subjects following one to three months of Qigong practice, compared to wait-list controls. The available evidence suggests that Qigong exercise reduces stress and anxiety in healthy adults. However, given the limited number of RCTs and their methodological flaws, further rigorously designed RCTs are needed.
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effects of Qigong exercise on fatigue anxiety and depressive symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome like illness a randomized controlled trial
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Jessie S M Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, Chongwen Wang, Lai Ping Yuen, Jonathan S T Sham, Cecilia L W ChanAbstract:Background. Anxiety/depressive symptoms are common in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) like illness. Qigong as a modality of complementary and alternative therapy has been increasingly applied by patients with chronic illnesses, but little is known about the effect of Qigong on anxiety/depressive symptoms of the patients with CFS-like illness. Purpose. To investigate the effects of Qigong on fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in patients with CFS-illness. Methods. One hundred and thirty-seven participants who met the diagnostic criteria for CFS-like illness were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Participants in the intervention group received 10 sessions of Qigong training twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks, followed by home-based practice for 12 weeks. Fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Results. Total fatigue score [F(1,135) = 13.888, P < 0.001], physical fatigue score [F(1,135) = 20.852, P < 0.001] and depression score [F(1,135) = 9.918, P = 0.002] were significantly improved and mental fatigue score [F(1,135) = 3.902, P = 0.050] was marginally significantly improved in the Qigong group compared to controls. The anxiety score was not significantly improved in the Qigong group. Conclusion. Qigong may not only reduce the fatigue symptoms, but also has antidepressive effect for patients with CFS-like illness. Trial registration HKCTR-1200.
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the effect of Qigong on depressive and anxiety symptoms a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Chongwen Wang, Hector W. H. Tsang, Rainbow T H Ho, Cecilia L W Chan, Celia Hoi Yan Chan, S M NgAbstract:Objective. To evaluate clinical trial evidence of the effectiveness of Qigong exercise on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods. Thirteen databases were searched from their respective inception through December 2012. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Effects of Qigong across trials were pooled. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Study quality was evaluated using the Wayne Checklist. Results. Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analyses suggested a beneficial effect of Qigong exercise on depressive symptoms when compared to waiting-list controls or usual care only (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.06), group newspaper reading (SMD = −1.24; 95% CI, −1.64 to −0.84), and walking or conventional exercise (SMD = −0.52; 95% CI, −0.85 to −0.19), which might be comparable to that of cognitive-behavioral therapy (). Available evidence did not suggest a beneficial effect of Qigong exercise on anxiety symptoms. Conclusion. Qigong may be potentially beneficial for management of depressive symptoms, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of RCTs and associated methodological weaknesses. Further rigorously designed RCTs are warranted.
