Protocol for the MATCH study (Mindfulness and Tai Chi for cancer health): A preference-based multi-site randomized comparative effectiveness trial (CET) of Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) vs. Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose A growing number of cancer survivors suffer high levels of distress, depression and stress, as well as sleep disturbance, pain and fatigue. Two different mind-body interventions helpful for treating these problems are Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ). However, while both interventions show efficacy compared to usual care, they have never been evaluated in the same study or directly compared. This study will be the first to incorporate innovative design features including patient choice while evaluating two interventions to treat distressed cancer survivors. It will also allow for secondary analyses of which program best targets specific symptoms in particular groups of survivors, based on preferences and baseline characteristics. Methods and Significance The design is a preference-based multi-site randomized comparative effectiveness trial. Participants (N = 600) with a preference for either MBCR or TCQ will receive their preferred intervention; while those without a preference will be randomized into either intervention. Further, within the preference and non-preference groups, participants will be randomized into immediate intervention or wait-list control. Total mood disturbance on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) post-intervention is the primary outcome. Other measures taken pre- and post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up include quality of life, psychological functioning, cancer-related symptoms and physical functioning. Exploratory analyses investigate biomarkers (cortisol, cytokines, blood pressure/heart rate variability, telomere length, gene expression), which may uncover potentially important effects on key biological regulatory and antineoplastic functions. Health economic measures will determine potential savings to the health system.

Effects of Health Qigong in Improving the Cervical and Lumbar Disc Disease and Mental Health Status of Sedentary Young and Middle-Aged Faculties

“…As a result, exercisers feel relaxed. Therefore, health Qigong can help exercisers calm down and relieve their anxiety (23)(24).…”

Factors related to dropout in integrative oncology clinical trials: interim analysis of an ongoing comparative effectiveness trial of mindfulness-based cancer recovery and Tai chi/Qigong for cancer health (The MATCH study)

“…Participants were also required to collect saliva samples at home and report to a blood laboratory to provide blood samples at each assessment. A detailed description of the trial methodology has been published elsewhere [ 8 ].…”

“…Although both adherence and LTFU are grounded in participants’ intrinsic motivation to fulfil study requirements [ 6 , 7 ], it is unclear how the two are related. Given the paucity of data, the goal of the current analysis was to examine how participants’ adherence, study design elements and individual factors predicted LTFU in our ongoing trial, the MATCH study (Mindfulness and Taichi/Qigong in cancer health) (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02801123) [ 8 ].…”

“…The MATCH study is a multi-site (Calgary, AB, and Toronto, ON) preference-based randomized waitlist controlled (WLC) comparative effectiveness trial of two mind–body intervention (mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR) and taichi/qigong (TCQ) in cancer survivors [ 8 ]. Participants chose their preferred intervention or to be randomized.…”

Translation and Validation of a Chinese Version of the Mindfulness in Parenting Questionnaire (MIPQ)

“…Mindful parenting has a positive influence on children’s development too. For example, high mindful parenting can positively influence the mental health of adolescents (Parent et al, 2010; Williams and Wahler, 2010; Geurtzen et al, 2015; Tak et al, 2015; Parent et al, 2016; Carlson et al, 2017). Studies have shown that parents with high levels of mindful parenting have less controlling behavior toward their children, which is known to lower self-esteem of children (Lippold et al, 2015).…”