Study protocol on comparative effectiveness of mindfulness meditation and qigong on psychophysiological outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundColorectal cancer imposes threats to patients’ well-being. Although most physical symptoms can be managed by medication, psychosocial stressors may complicate survival and hamper quality of life. Mindfulness and Qigong, two kinds of mind-body exercise rooted in Eastern health philosophy, has been found effective in symptoms management, improving mental health, and reducing stress. With these potential benefits, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is planned to investigate the comparative effectiveness of mindfulness and Baduanjin intervention on the bio-psychosocial wellbeing of people with colorectal cancer.Methods/ designA 3-arm RCT with waitlist control design will be used in this study. One hundred eighty-nine participants will be randomized into (i) Mindfulness, (ii) Baduanjin, or (iii) waitlist control groups. Participants in both the Baduanjin and mindfulness groups will receive 8-weeks of specific intervention. All three groups will undergo four assessment phases: (i) at baseline, (ii) at 4-week, (iii) at 8-week (post-intervention), and 6-month post-intervention (maintenance). All participants will be assessed in terms of cancer-related symptoms and symptom distress, mental health status, quality of life, stress level based on physiological marker.DiscussionBased on prior research studies, participants in both the mindfulness and Baduanjn intervention group are expected to have better symptoms management, lower stress level, better mental health, and higher level of quality of life than the control group. This study contributes to better understanding on the common and unique effectiveness of mindfulness and Baduanjin qigong, as such patients and qualified healthcare professionals can select or provide practices which will produce maximum benefits, satisfaction, adherence, and sustainability.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered in the Clinical Trials Centre of the University of Hong Kong (HKCTR-2198) on 08 March 2017.

Mind-body exercise improves cognitive function and modulates the function and structure of the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex in patients with mild cognitive impairment

“…Previous studies have suggested that mind-body exercise (movement-based mind-body intervention) that combines physical exercise postures with breathing and deep relaxation (Wells et al, 2019) can significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with MCI (Shuo et al, 2018; Sungkarat et al, 2017, Sungkarat et al, 2018). As a popular mind-body exercise, Baduanjin is unique and much simpler to learn than other mind-body exercises such as Tai Chi (Liao et al, 2015), making it an optimal choice for older individuals with cognitive decline (Ho et al, 2017). Previous studies have suggested that compared to jogging, Baduanjin can prevent normal age-related memory decline, delaying the effects of aging (Fiatarone et al, 1994).…”

Effects of Baduanjin on Essential Hypertension: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…As a kind of traditional Chinese medicine qigong, Baduanjin usually involves exercises that integrate the body and mind, which can balance the body's yin and yang, promote blood circulation, and maximize physical and mental health [23]. More and more studies have found that combining with Baduanjin exercise can signi cantly improve the prognosis of clinical chronic diseases [24].…”

Tai Chi, Qigong and the Treatment of Cancer

“…Several studies cited elsewhere in this paper have found that the use of qigong or tai chi has reduced depression in cancer patients. Henshall, et al [94] found that to be the case for lung cancer patients. Gaik [95] wrote a doctoral thesis examining the effect of Spring Forest Qigong [96] on depression.…”

“…Henshall, Allin and Aveyard [94] examined numerous prior studies and found that an exercise regimen often had a significant effect on reducing dyspnea (shortness of breath).…”