Randomized Controlled Trial of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors.


Author: Larkey LK1, Roe DJ, Weihs KL, Jahnke R, Lopez AM, Rogers CE, Oh B, Guillen-Rodriguez J.

Affiliation: 1College of Nursing & Health Innovation, Arizona State University, 500 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA, Linda.Larkey@asu.edu.
Conference/Journal: Ann Behav Med.
Date published: 2014 Aug 15
Other:
  Word Count: 155  
    

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.

PMID: 25124456