A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Qigong Exercise in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

<jats:p>The objective of this study was to assess evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of Chinese qigong exercise in rehabilitative programs among cardiac patients. Thirteen databases were searched through to November 2010, and all controlled clinical trials on Chinese qigong exercise among patients with chronic heart diseases were included. For each included study, data was extracted and validity was assessed. Study quality was evaluated and summarized using both the Jadad Scale and the criteria for levels of evidence. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized controlled clinical trial (CCT) published between 1988 and 2007 met the inclusion criteria. In total, these studies covered 540 patients with various chronic heart diseases including atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarct, valve replacement, and ischemic heart disease. Outcome measures emerged in these studies included subjective outcomes such as symptoms and quality of life; and objective outcomes such as blood pressure, ECG findings, and exercise capacity, physical activity, balance, co-ordination, heart rate, and oxygen uptake. Overall, these studies suggest that Chinese qigong exercise seems to be an optimal option for patients with chronic heart diseases who were unable to engage in other forms of physical activity; however, its efficacy and effectiveness in cardiac rehabilitation programs should be further tested.</jats:p>

Managing stress and anxiety through qigong exercise in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Existing systematic reviews have examined the clinical evidence of the beneficial effects of qigong exercise on different medical conditions, such as cancer [7], hypertension [8], diabetes [9], chronic heart diseases [10], fibromyalgia [11], and movement disorders [12]. In the most recently published systematic review, our team examined the overall effectiveness of qigong exercise on depressive and anxiety symptoms among patients with chronic illnesses [13].…”

The Effect of Qigong on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Basically, there are two types of qigong: internal qigong and external qigong. Internal qigong or qigong exercise is self-directed and involves the use of movements, meditation, and controlled breathing pattern, whereas external qigong is usually performed by experienced masters using their hands to direct qi energy (emitted qi ) onto the patient for healing or treatment [9–11]. Although there is little scientific evidence to support the emitted “ qi ” and its therapeutic effects [12], qigong exercise is popularly practiced by a large number of people in Chinese communities to improve their health.…”

Health Social Work

“…There is an increasing proportion of people using Complementary Alternative Medicine in the treatment of pain, insomnia, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases internationally. Based on Eastern philosophical thoughts, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and meridian concepts, Chan and her colleagues established an integrative IBMS social work empowerment intervention in health care since the 1990s (Lee et al, 2009;Chan et al, 2012). Following years of practice and research, evidence for the IBMS model has been accumulating across various populations including cancer patients, women with health issues, and depressed populations (Lee et al, 2009;Chan et al, 2012).…”

“…Based on Eastern philosophical thoughts, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and meridian concepts, Chan and her colleagues established an integrative IBMS social work empowerment intervention in health care since the 1990s (Lee et al, 2009;Chan et al, 2012). Following years of practice and research, evidence for the IBMS model has been accumulating across various populations including cancer patients, women with health issues, and depressed populations (Lee et al, 2009;Chan et al, 2012). A number of randomized controlled studies have highlighted the effectiveness of the IBMS model on improving the wellbeing of participants (Chan et al, 2006;Hsiao et al, 2011;Liu et al, 2008;Yang et al, 2009).…”