 Randomized controlled trial of Qigong-Tai Chi Easy on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors..pdf | [Randomized controlled trial of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors.] | 449 kB |
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Ann Behav Med. 2015 Apr ;49(2):165-76. PMID: 25124456
Linda K Larkey
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.
