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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Apr;49(2):165-76.
doi: 10.1007/s12160-014-9645-4.

Randomized controlled trial of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors

Linda K Larkey  1 , Denise J Roe, Karen L Weihs, Roger Jahnke, Ana Maria Lopez, Carol E Rogers, Byeongsang Oh, Jose Guillen-Rodriguez
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Randomized controlled trial of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors

Linda K Larkey et al. Ann Behav Med. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Many breast cancer survivors experience fatigue, mood, and sleep disturbances.

Purpose: This study aims to compare a meditative movement practice, Qigong/Tai Chi Easy (QG/TCE) with sham Qigong (SQG), testing effects of meditation/breath aspects of QG/TCE on breast cancer survivors' persistent fatigue and other symptoms.

Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial tested 12 weeks of QG/TCE versus SQG on fatigue, depression, and sleep among 87 postmenopausal, fatigued breast cancer survivors, stages 0-III, age 40-75.

Results: Fatigue decreased significantly in the QG/TCE group compared to control at post-intervention (p = 0.005) and 3 months follow-up (p = 0.024), but not depression and sleep quality. Improvement occurred over time for both interventions in depression and sleep quality (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions: QG/TCE showed significant improvement over time compared to SQG for fatigue, but not depression or sleep. Both QG/TCE and SQG showed improvement for two prevalent symptoms among breast cancer survivors, depression and sleep dysfunction.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CONSORT diagram of participant recruitment and flow
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Fatigue Symptom Inventory Mean Values for Participants in Sham Qigong (SQG) and Qigong/Tai Chi Easy (QG/TCE)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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