Qigong mind-body program for caregivers of cancer patients: design of a pilot three-arm randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background Informal caregivers, often family and friends, experience significant psychological and physical distress leading to reductions in health and quality of life (QOL). Mind-body interventions focused on caregivers are often limited and do not address multiple barriers, including caregivers’ economic, geographic, and time constraints. Translation of in-person, community-based interventions to Internet-based delivery may offer greater accessibility for caregivers, leading to increased adherence. Methods Caring for Caregivers with Mind-Body implements a three-arm, pilot, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a Qigong intervention (Eight Brocades) to cancer caregivers. A total of 54 cancer caregivers will be randomized into one of three 12-week programs: (1) community-based Qigong, (2) Internet-based Qigong, or (3) a self-care control group. Study-specific aims include (1) modify intervention content for online delivery, (2) evaluate the feasibility of recruiting and retaining cancer caregivers into a 12-week clinical trial, and (3) evaluate the feasibility of collecting and managing data, and the suitability of questionnaires for this population. Several outcomes will be assessed, including caregiver QOL, caregiver burden, caregiver distress, perceived social support, physical function, and cognitive function. A 6-month follow-up will also assess longer-term changes in QOL and psychosocial well-being. Discussion Findings will be used to inform the design and conduct of a large-scale comparative effectiveness trial evaluating caregivers who received Qigong training delivered through community-based vs Internet-based programs. A finding that either or both programs are effective would inform care and options for caregivers. Trial registration NCT04019301; registered on July 15, 2019; clinicaltrials.gov

Psychological challenges of female caregivers in providing home-based palliative care for patients with advanced cancer: A descriptive-exploratory study

“…(2019)[ 31 ] and Shani et al . (2021),[ 16 ] who identified depression and anxiety as the most prevalent psychological symptoms in female caregivers. Another study reported an increased burden of care, decreased health, depression, and anxiety in female caregivers providing for cancer patients.…”

“…Similar results refer to chronic mental exhaustion in caregivers, which may predispose them to depression. [ 16 ] Oechsle et al . (2019)[ 13 ] also reported high levels of mental exhaustion in female caregivers.…”

“…Shani et al . (2021)[ 16 ] argues that female caregivers face feelings of isolation, lack of emotional support, and helplessness. Accordingly, their quality of life is usually lower than the male caregivers.…”

Mind-Body Practice and Family Caregivers’ Subjective Well-Being: Findings From the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study

“…For most community-living older adults, families often are the primary source of care and support, contributing services that would cost enormous monetary expenses annually if they had to be purchased ( Hazzan et al, 2022 ; Langa et al, 2001 ). Caregivers are considered essential national healthcare resources ( Cheng et al, 2020 ; Schulz & Sherwood, 2008 ), and their quality of life is related to the quality of care and quality of life of the care recipients ( Shani et al, 2021 ).…”

"Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Treatment of Cancer"

“…cognitive impairment [34], hypertension [35], and cancer [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49].…”