Observational Study of Qigong as a Complementary Self-Care Practice at a Tertiary-Care Pain Management Unit.

Jana Sawynok,Lauren Curry,Meghan Pike,Dana Marcon,Susana Gorzalczany,Mary Lynch

doi:10.1155/2021/6621069

Abstract

Qigong, which can be characterized in many different ways, is offered as a complementary self-care practice at a tertiary-care pain management unit in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This report provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of two groups engaged in qigong practice in this context as part of two Research in Medicine (RIM) projects (2014-15, 2016-17). It includes assessments of pain, mood, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue, considers outcomes in relation to the amount of practice, and considers whether health attitudes would help determine who might benefit from the practice. There were 43 participants (28 ongoing practitioners, 15 new to qigong). The ongoing practice group in RIM2 had significant benefits over time in pain, mood, quality of life, and fatigue in quantitative scores, but changes were not significant in RIM 1. There were no differences in any measures in those new to qigong. Qualitative comments in core and other domains reflected good or better outcomes in 16 subjects in the ongoing group who practiced consistently. In those who practiced less, results were more variable. In most of those new to qigong, the practice was limited and comments indicate minimal changes. Those engaged in qigong have a stronger internal health locus of control than control subjects. Diligent qigong practice provides multiple health benefits for those with chronic pain, and qualitative assessments are essential for documenting these effects. For those new to qigong, factors needed to effectively engage practice need to be explored further to optimize program delivery. The trial is registered with http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04279639).

Highlights

Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice involving specific movements, breathing methods, and meditation and is promoted for health maintenance and improvement
Qigong is being examined in multiple health domains and is emerging as a promising complementary practice in several areas [2]. ere are beneficial effects on chronic pain, fatigue and sleep, and mood disorders [1, 3,4,5]
E aims of the study were (a) to provide quantitative and qualitative assessments of participant experiences of qigong as a complementary practice in a real world-setting of chronic pain management, (b) to consider outcomes in relation to the amount of practice, and (c) to determine whether attitudes might be helpful for predicting who might benefit from the practice

Summary

Introduction

Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice involving specific movements, breathing methods, and meditation and is promoted for health maintenance and improvement. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative measures (for pain, mood, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue) and qualitative comments (openended comments relating to the same domains). Such approaches provide a more complete reflection of patient experiences, especially with regard to chronic pain [12, 13]. E aims of the study were (a) to provide quantitative and qualitative assessments of participant experiences of qigong as a complementary practice in a real world-setting of chronic pain management, (b) to consider outcomes in relation to the amount of practice, and (c) to determine whether attitudes might be helpful for predicting who might benefit from the practice. Six of the cases from this observational trial reporting remarkable outcomes with the long-term practice of qigong have already been published as a case series [14]; the current analysis includes consideration of their quantitative and attitudinal scores as part of the entire group

Methods

Results

Findings

Conflicts of Interest