The Qigong and Quality of life Trial: Implications for Women in Cancer Survivorship Phase

Siew Yim Loh Shing Yee Lee
2015 Journal of Womens Health Issues and Care  
Qigong is widely acknowledged by Asian breast cancer survivors as a potent health-promoting physical activity. This study investigated the hypothesis that quality of life (QoL) in the Qigong group is better than the placebo (aerobic) or usual care group. Methods: 197 participants were randomly assigned to either the 8-week Qigong, Placebo or Usual care (control) group. Measurement taken at baseline and post-intervention included QoL, distress and fatigue. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and
more » ... kal Wallis were used to examine for differences between groups of the measurements. Results: 95 consented participants completed the 8 week trial. The adherence rate for Qigong group and placebo group were 63% and 65% respectively. Qigong group showed significant marginal improvement in QoL scores compared to placebo (mean difference=7.3 unit; p=0.036) and, compared to usual care (mean difference=6.7 unit; p=0.048) on Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast measure. No significant change in QoL scores between the placebo and usual care groups were found, and no significant differences in fatigue or distress at post intervention (8week). Conclusion: Cancer survivors who participated in Qigong had significantly better QOL than placebo group or control group. Qigong as a source of preferred physical activity for enhancing health and reducing all-cause mortality can be encouraged in the survivorship phase to assist better self-management of health and wellbeing. Participants Patients were identified from the UMMC breast cancer clinical database, per the inclusion criteria [ i) aged between 18 and 65 years; ii) had a primary diagnosis of early stage (I-II) breast cancer from 2007 to 2012; iii) had completed primary cancer treatment with no evidence of metastasis; and iv) were at least one year post-diagnosis] and exclusion criteria [i) having a medical contraindication to exercise; ii) a major medical condition such as epilepsy, uncontrolled hypertension, a major orthopaedic problem or acute cardiovascular disease (patients diagnosed within last 6 months and are still
doi:10.4172/2325-9795.1000187 fatcat:6exh4e5opzgtnmbrlwm3lg4kia