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By Kevin Chen
Guo X, Zhou B, Nishimura T, Teramukai S, Fukushima M “Clinical Effect of Qigong Practice on Essential Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jan 16 [Epub ahead of print]
Objectives: This study was designed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of self-practiced qigong for treatment of essential hypertension. Methods: Six major electronic databases were searched up to July 2006 to retrieve any potential randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of self-practiced qigong for essential hypertension reported in any language, with main outcome measures as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The quality of included studies were assessed with the Jadad Scale and a customized standard quality assessment scale. Results: Ninety-two (92) studies were identified. Nine (9) of these studies qualified for meta-analysis, comprising a total of 908 cases. Results were as follows: (1) The mean decrease of SBP in those practicing qigong was a 17.03 mm Hg reduction (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.53-22.52) compared with nonspecific intervention controls, but not superior to that in drug controls (1.19 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.40-7.79) and conventional exercise controls (-1.51 mm Hg, 95% CI -6.98-3.95). (2) Mean decrease of DBP in those practicing qigong was 9.98 mm Hg (95% CI 2.55-17.41) compared with nonspecific intervention controls, but not superior to that in drug controls (2.49 mm Hg, 95% CI -0.16-5.13) and conventional exercise controls (-1.59 mm Hg, 95% CI -4.91-1.74). (3) No obvious side effects were identified. Conclusions: Self-practiced qigong for less than 1 year is better in decreasing BP in patients with essential hypertension than in no-treatment controls, but is not superior to that in active controls. More methodologically strict studies are needed to prove real clinical benefits of qigong, and to explore its potential mechanism.
Yu ML, Li XQ, Tang WJ, LI Y, Weng XC, Chen YZ, fMRI study of pain reaction in the brain under state of "Qigong". Am J Chin Med. 2007; 35(6):937-45
In this study, 4 male Qigong masters (aged 60 +/- 12) who had Qigong practicing experience for more than 30 years were tested. By using the technique of fMRI, the change of brain function under the state of Qigong was observed through the peripheral pain stimulation generated by potassium penetrating method. The fMRI examination was running on a GE signa VH/3.0 T MRI machine and block design was used. The test was repeated several times, which was carried out before and 15 min after Qigong practicing. The heart and respiration rate of these 4 Qigong masters were monitored during the whole test. SPM2 was used for the data analysis, and the result showed that before Qigong practicing, besides SI and SII-insula regions, many other Brodmann areas, the cigulate cortex, the thalamus, and the cerebellum were all activated, while 15 min after that, the activated areas were decreased obviously, which were mainly at the SII-insula region and some other Brodmann areas. Since the SII-insula region was activated in both of these two states, further analysis of the response curve was focused on it. Its response amplitude under the state of Qigong (3.5%) was greater than that before Qigong (1.2%). Our result indicated that the main manifestation of brain functional change under Qigong was functional suppressing, but in some particular regions such as SII-insula region in our study, the response amplitude was increased. Further study of the exact physiological mechanism of Qigong is needed.
Da Silva GD, Lorenzi-Filho G, Lage LV. Effects of yoga and the addition of Tui Na in patients with fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Dec;13(10):1107- 13
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify whether techniques of yoga with and without the addition of Tui Na might improve pain and the negative impact of fibromyalgia (FMS) on patients' daily life. DESIGN: Forty (40) FMS women were randomized into two groups, Relaxing Yoga (RY) and Relaxing Yoga plus Touch (RYT), for eight weekly sessions of stretching, breathing, and relaxing yogic techniques. RYT patients were further submitted to manipulative techniques of Tui Na. OUTCOME MEASURE: Outcome measures comprised the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), pain threshold at the 18 FMS tender points, and a verbal graduation of pain assessed before treatment and on the followup. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was assessed before and after each session and on the follow-up. RESULTS: Seventeen (17) RYT and 16 RY patients completed the study. Both RY and RYT groups showed improvement in the FIQ and VAS scores, which decreased on all sessions. The RYT group showed lower VAS and verbal scores for pain on the eighth session, but this difference was not maintained on the follow-up. Conversely, RY VAS and verbal scores were significantly lower just on the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These study results showed that yogic techniques are valid therapeutic methods for FMS. Touch addition yielded greater improvement during the treatment. Over time, however, RY patients reported less pain than RYT. These results suggest that a passive therapy may possibly decrease control over FMS symptoms.
Yan X, Shen H, Jiang H, Zhang C, Hu D, Wang J, Wu X. External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis of androgen-independen t prostate cancer cells by inhibiting Akt and NF-kappaB pathways. Mol Cell Biochem. 2008 Mar; 310(1-2):227- 34.
Long-term clinical observations and ongoing studies have shown antitumor effects of external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong (YXQG-EQ) that originated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of YXQG-EQ, we investigate the effects of YXQG-EQ on growth and apoptosis in androgen-independen t prostate cancer PC3 cells. We found that exposure to YXQG-EQ led to G2/M arrest associated with reduced cyclin B1 expression and apoptosis in PC3 cells. YXQG-EQ treatment inhibited constitutive and epidermal growth factor-induced Akt phosphorylation, basal and TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation, and downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. In contrast, exposure to YXQG-EQ increased phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and had no cytotoxic effect on either HUVEC or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). These results indicate that YXQG-EQ has profound effects on growth and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by targeting survival pathways including the Akt and NF-kappaB pathways.
Reid MC, Papaleontiou M, Ong A, Breckman R, Wethington E, Pillemer K, Self-Management Strategies to Reduce Pain and Improve Function among Older Adults in Community Settings: A Review of the Evidence. Pain Med. 2008 Mar 11 [Epub ahead of print]
Context. Self-management strategies for pain hold substantial promise as a means of reducing pain and improving function among older adults with chronic pain, but their use in this age group has not been well defined. Objective. To review the evidence regarding self-management interventions for pain due to musculoskeletal disorders among older adults. Design. We searched the Medline and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases to identify relevant articles for review and analyzed English-language articles that presented outcome data on pain, function, and/or other relevant endpoints and evaluated programs/strategies that could be feasibly implemented in the community. Abstracted information included study sample characteristics, estimates of treatment effect, and other relevant outcomes when present. Results. Retained articles (N = 27) included those that evaluated programs sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation and other programs/strategies including yoga, massage therapy, Tai Chi, and music therapy. Positive outcomes were found in 96% of the studies. Proportionate change in pain scores ranged from an increase of 18% to a reduction of 85% (median = 23% reduction), whereas change in disability scores ranged from an increase of 2% to a reduction of 70% (median = 19% reduction). Generalizability issues identified included limited enrollment of ethnic minority elders, as well as non-ethnic elders aged 80 and above. Conclusions. Our results suggest that a broad range of self-management programs may provide benefits for older adults with chronic pain. Research is needed to establish the efficacy of the programs in diverse age and ethnic groups of older adults and identify strategies that maximize program reach, retention, and methods to ensure continued use of the strategies over time.
Yang Y, et al. Effects of a Taiji and Qigong intervention on the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Am J Chin Med. 2007;35(4):597- 607.
Previous studies have suggested that Taiji practice may improve immune function. This study was intended to examine whether 5 months of moderate Taiji and Qigong (TQ) practice could improve the immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Fifty older adults (mean age 77.2 +/- 1.3 years) participated in this study (TQ N = 27; wait-list control [CON] N = 23). Baseline pre-vaccine blood samples were collected. All subjects then received the 2003-2004 influenza vaccine during the first week of the intervention. Post-vaccine blood samples were collected 3, 6 and 20 weeks post-intervention for analysis of anti-influenza hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers. We found a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the magnitude and duration of the antibody response to influenza vaccine in TQ participants when compared to CON. The vaccination resulted in a 173, 130, and 109% increase in HI titer at 3, 6, and 20 weeks post-vaccine, respectively, in the TQ group compared to 58, 54, and 10% in CON. There was a significant between group difference at 3 and 20 weeks post-vaccine and at 20 weeks the TQ group had significantly higher titers compared to the pre-vaccine time point, whereas the CON group did not. A higher percentage of TQ subjects also responded to the influenza A strains with a protective (> 40HI) antibody response (37% TQ vs. 20% CON for the H1N1 strain and 56% TQ vs. 45% CON for the H3N2 strain), but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Traditional TQ practice improves the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults, but further study is needed to determine whether the enhanced response is sufficient to provide definitive protection from influenza infection.
Smith BW, Shelley BM, Dalen J, Wiggins K, Tooley E, Bernard J. A Pilot Study Comparing the Effects of Mindfulness- Based and Cognitive-Behaviora l Stress Reduction. . J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Mar 27 [Epub ahead of print]
ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of two mind-body interventions: mindfulness- based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive-behaviora l stress reduction (CBSR). Subjects: Fifty (50) subjects were recruited from the community and took part in MBSR (n = 36) and CBSR (n = 14) courses. Participants self-selected into MBSR or CBSR courses taught at different times. There were no initial differences between the MBSR and CBSR subjects on demographics, including age, gender, education, and income. Intervention: MBSR was an 8-week course using meditation, gentle yoga, and body scanning exercises to increase mindfulness. CBSR was an 8-week course using cognitive and behavioral techniques to change thinking and reduce distress. Design: Perceived stress, depression, psychological well-being, neuroticism, binge eating, energy, pain, and mindfulness were assessed before and after each course. Pre-post scores for each intervention were compared by using paired t tests. Pre-post scores across interventions were compared by using a general linear model with repeated measures. Settings/Locations: Weekly meetings for both courses were held in a large room on a university medical center campus. Results: MBSR subjects improved on all eight outcomes, with all of the differences being significant. CBSR subjects improved on six of eight outcomes, with significant improvements on well-being, perceived stress, and depression. Multivariate analyses showed that the MBSR subjects had better outcomes across all variables, when compared with the CBSR subjects. Univariate analyses showed that MBSR subjects had better outcomes with regard to mindfulness, energy, pain, and a trend for binge eating. Conclusions: While MBSR and CBSR may both be effective in reducing perceived stress and depression, MBSR may be more effective in increasing mindfulness and energy and reducing pain. Future studies should continue to examine the differential effects of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness- based interventions and attempt to explain the reasons for the differences.
Singh NN, Lancioni GE, Winton AS, Singh AN, Adkins AD, Singh J. Clinical and Benefit-Cost Outcomes of Teaching a Mindfulness- Based Procedure to Adult Offenders With Intellectual Disabilities. Behav Modif. 2008 Mar 24 [Epub ahead of print]
The effects of a mindfulness- based procedure, called Meditation on the Soles of the Feet, were evaluated as a cognitive-behaviora l intervention for physical aggression in 6 offenders with mild intellectual disabilities. They were taught a simple meditation technique that required them to shift their attention and awareness from the precursors of aggression to the soles of their feet, a neutral point on their body. Results showed that physical and verbal aggression decreased substantially, no Stat medication or physical restraint was required, and there were no staff or peer injuries. Benefit-cost analysis of lost days of work and cost of medical and rehabilitation because of injury caused by these individuals in both the 12 months prior to and following mindfulness- based training showed a 95.7% reduction in costs. This study suggests that this procedure may be a clinically effective and cost-effective method of enabling adult offenders with intellectual disabilities to control their aggression.
Guo X, Zhou B, Nishimura T, Teramukai S, Fukushima M “Clinical Effect of Qigong Practice on Essential Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jan 16 [Epub ahead of print]
Objectives: This study was designed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of self-practiced qigong for treatment of essential hypertension. Methods: Six major electronic databases were searched up to July 2006 to retrieve any potential randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of self-practiced qigong for essential hypertension reported in any language, with main outcome measures as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The quality of included studies were assessed with the Jadad Scale and a customized standard quality assessment scale. Results: Ninety-two (92) studies were identified. Nine (9) of these studies qualified for meta-analysis, comprising a total of 908 cases. Results were as follows: (1) The mean decrease of SBP in those practicing qigong was a 17.03 mm Hg reduction (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.53-22.52) compared with nonspecific intervention controls, but not superior to that in drug controls (1.19 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.40-7.79) and conventional exercise controls (-1.51 mm Hg, 95% CI -6.98-3.95). (2) Mean decrease of DBP in those practicing qigong was 9.98 mm Hg (95% CI 2.55-17.41) compared with nonspecific intervention controls, but not superior to that in drug controls (2.49 mm Hg, 95% CI -0.16-5.13) and conventional exercise controls (-1.59 mm Hg, 95% CI -4.91-1.74). (3) No obvious side effects were identified. Conclusions: Self-practiced qigong for less than 1 year is better in decreasing BP in patients with essential hypertension than in no-treatment controls, but is not superior to that in active controls. More methodologically strict studies are needed to prove real clinical benefits of qigong, and to explore its potential mechanism.
Yu ML, Li XQ, Tang WJ, LI Y, Weng XC, Chen YZ, fMRI study of pain reaction in the brain under state of "Qigong". Am J Chin Med. 2007; 35(6):937-45
In this study, 4 male Qigong masters (aged 60 +/- 12) who had Qigong practicing experience for more than 30 years were tested. By using the technique of fMRI, the change of brain function under the state of Qigong was observed through the peripheral pain stimulation generated by potassium penetrating method. The fMRI examination was running on a GE signa VH/3.0 T MRI machine and block design was used. The test was repeated several times, which was carried out before and 15 min after Qigong practicing. The heart and respiration rate of these 4 Qigong masters were monitored during the whole test. SPM2 was used for the data analysis, and the result showed that before Qigong practicing, besides SI and SII-insula regions, many other Brodmann areas, the cigulate cortex, the thalamus, and the cerebellum were all activated, while 15 min after that, the activated areas were decreased obviously, which were mainly at the SII-insula region and some other Brodmann areas. Since the SII-insula region was activated in both of these two states, further analysis of the response curve was focused on it. Its response amplitude under the state of Qigong (3.5%) was greater than that before Qigong (1.2%). Our result indicated that the main manifestation of brain functional change under Qigong was functional suppressing, but in some particular regions such as SII-insula region in our study, the response amplitude was increased. Further study of the exact physiological mechanism of Qigong is needed.
Da Silva GD, Lorenzi-Filho G, Lage LV. Effects of yoga and the addition of Tui Na in patients with fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Dec;13(10):1107- 13
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify whether techniques of yoga with and without the addition of Tui Na might improve pain and the negative impact of fibromyalgia (FMS) on patients' daily life. DESIGN: Forty (40) FMS women were randomized into two groups, Relaxing Yoga (RY) and Relaxing Yoga plus Touch (RYT), for eight weekly sessions of stretching, breathing, and relaxing yogic techniques. RYT patients were further submitted to manipulative techniques of Tui Na. OUTCOME MEASURE: Outcome measures comprised the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), pain threshold at the 18 FMS tender points, and a verbal graduation of pain assessed before treatment and on the followup. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was assessed before and after each session and on the follow-up. RESULTS: Seventeen (17) RYT and 16 RY patients completed the study. Both RY and RYT groups showed improvement in the FIQ and VAS scores, which decreased on all sessions. The RYT group showed lower VAS and verbal scores for pain on the eighth session, but this difference was not maintained on the follow-up. Conversely, RY VAS and verbal scores were significantly lower just on the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These study results showed that yogic techniques are valid therapeutic methods for FMS. Touch addition yielded greater improvement during the treatment. Over time, however, RY patients reported less pain than RYT. These results suggest that a passive therapy may possibly decrease control over FMS symptoms.
Yan X, Shen H, Jiang H, Zhang C, Hu D, Wang J, Wu X. External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis of androgen-independen t prostate cancer cells by inhibiting Akt and NF-kappaB pathways. Mol Cell Biochem. 2008 Mar; 310(1-2):227- 34.
Long-term clinical observations and ongoing studies have shown antitumor effects of external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong (YXQG-EQ) that originated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of YXQG-EQ, we investigate the effects of YXQG-EQ on growth and apoptosis in androgen-independen t prostate cancer PC3 cells. We found that exposure to YXQG-EQ led to G2/M arrest associated with reduced cyclin B1 expression and apoptosis in PC3 cells. YXQG-EQ treatment inhibited constitutive and epidermal growth factor-induced Akt phosphorylation, basal and TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation, and downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. In contrast, exposure to YXQG-EQ increased phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and had no cytotoxic effect on either HUVEC or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). These results indicate that YXQG-EQ has profound effects on growth and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by targeting survival pathways including the Akt and NF-kappaB pathways.
Reid MC, Papaleontiou M, Ong A, Breckman R, Wethington E, Pillemer K, Self-Management Strategies to Reduce Pain and Improve Function among Older Adults in Community Settings: A Review of the Evidence. Pain Med. 2008 Mar 11 [Epub ahead of print]
Context. Self-management strategies for pain hold substantial promise as a means of reducing pain and improving function among older adults with chronic pain, but their use in this age group has not been well defined. Objective. To review the evidence regarding self-management interventions for pain due to musculoskeletal disorders among older adults. Design. We searched the Medline and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases to identify relevant articles for review and analyzed English-language articles that presented outcome data on pain, function, and/or other relevant endpoints and evaluated programs/strategies that could be feasibly implemented in the community. Abstracted information included study sample characteristics, estimates of treatment effect, and other relevant outcomes when present. Results. Retained articles (N = 27) included those that evaluated programs sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation and other programs/strategies including yoga, massage therapy, Tai Chi, and music therapy. Positive outcomes were found in 96% of the studies. Proportionate change in pain scores ranged from an increase of 18% to a reduction of 85% (median = 23% reduction), whereas change in disability scores ranged from an increase of 2% to a reduction of 70% (median = 19% reduction). Generalizability issues identified included limited enrollment of ethnic minority elders, as well as non-ethnic elders aged 80 and above. Conclusions. Our results suggest that a broad range of self-management programs may provide benefits for older adults with chronic pain. Research is needed to establish the efficacy of the programs in diverse age and ethnic groups of older adults and identify strategies that maximize program reach, retention, and methods to ensure continued use of the strategies over time.
Yang Y, et al. Effects of a Taiji and Qigong intervention on the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Am J Chin Med. 2007;35(4):597- 607.
Previous studies have suggested that Taiji practice may improve immune function. This study was intended to examine whether 5 months of moderate Taiji and Qigong (TQ) practice could improve the immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Fifty older adults (mean age 77.2 +/- 1.3 years) participated in this study (TQ N = 27; wait-list control [CON] N = 23). Baseline pre-vaccine blood samples were collected. All subjects then received the 2003-2004 influenza vaccine during the first week of the intervention. Post-vaccine blood samples were collected 3, 6 and 20 weeks post-intervention for analysis of anti-influenza hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers. We found a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the magnitude and duration of the antibody response to influenza vaccine in TQ participants when compared to CON. The vaccination resulted in a 173, 130, and 109% increase in HI titer at 3, 6, and 20 weeks post-vaccine, respectively, in the TQ group compared to 58, 54, and 10% in CON. There was a significant between group difference at 3 and 20 weeks post-vaccine and at 20 weeks the TQ group had significantly higher titers compared to the pre-vaccine time point, whereas the CON group did not. A higher percentage of TQ subjects also responded to the influenza A strains with a protective (> 40HI) antibody response (37% TQ vs. 20% CON for the H1N1 strain and 56% TQ vs. 45% CON for the H3N2 strain), but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Traditional TQ practice improves the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults, but further study is needed to determine whether the enhanced response is sufficient to provide definitive protection from influenza infection.
Smith BW, Shelley BM, Dalen J, Wiggins K, Tooley E, Bernard J. A Pilot Study Comparing the Effects of Mindfulness- Based and Cognitive-Behaviora l Stress Reduction. . J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Mar 27 [Epub ahead of print]
ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of two mind-body interventions: mindfulness- based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive-behaviora l stress reduction (CBSR). Subjects: Fifty (50) subjects were recruited from the community and took part in MBSR (n = 36) and CBSR (n = 14) courses. Participants self-selected into MBSR or CBSR courses taught at different times. There were no initial differences between the MBSR and CBSR subjects on demographics, including age, gender, education, and income. Intervention: MBSR was an 8-week course using meditation, gentle yoga, and body scanning exercises to increase mindfulness. CBSR was an 8-week course using cognitive and behavioral techniques to change thinking and reduce distress. Design: Perceived stress, depression, psychological well-being, neuroticism, binge eating, energy, pain, and mindfulness were assessed before and after each course. Pre-post scores for each intervention were compared by using paired t tests. Pre-post scores across interventions were compared by using a general linear model with repeated measures. Settings/Locations: Weekly meetings for both courses were held in a large room on a university medical center campus. Results: MBSR subjects improved on all eight outcomes, with all of the differences being significant. CBSR subjects improved on six of eight outcomes, with significant improvements on well-being, perceived stress, and depression. Multivariate analyses showed that the MBSR subjects had better outcomes across all variables, when compared with the CBSR subjects. Univariate analyses showed that MBSR subjects had better outcomes with regard to mindfulness, energy, pain, and a trend for binge eating. Conclusions: While MBSR and CBSR may both be effective in reducing perceived stress and depression, MBSR may be more effective in increasing mindfulness and energy and reducing pain. Future studies should continue to examine the differential effects of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness- based interventions and attempt to explain the reasons for the differences.
Singh NN, Lancioni GE, Winton AS, Singh AN, Adkins AD, Singh J. Clinical and Benefit-Cost Outcomes of Teaching a Mindfulness- Based Procedure to Adult Offenders With Intellectual Disabilities. Behav Modif. 2008 Mar 24 [Epub ahead of print]
The effects of a mindfulness- based procedure, called Meditation on the Soles of the Feet, were evaluated as a cognitive-behaviora l intervention for physical aggression in 6 offenders with mild intellectual disabilities. They were taught a simple meditation technique that required them to shift their attention and awareness from the precursors of aggression to the soles of their feet, a neutral point on their body. Results showed that physical and verbal aggression decreased substantially, no Stat medication or physical restraint was required, and there were no staff or peer injuries. Benefit-cost analysis of lost days of work and cost of medical and rehabilitation because of injury caused by these individuals in both the 12 months prior to and following mindfulness- based training showed a 95.7% reduction in costs. This study suggests that this procedure may be a clinically effective and cost-effective method of enabling adult offenders with intellectual disabilities to control their aggression.
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Re: Qigong Research Update
Sun, June 8, 2008 - 10:56 AMBy Kevin Chen
o Effects of a traditional taiji/qigong curriculum on older adults'immune response to influenza vaccine. Yang Y and his colleagues from Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., and Center for Taiji Studies, Champaign, Ill., published at Med Sport Science; 2008, 52: 64-76
Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that Taiji (T'ai Chi) practice may improve immune function. The current study examined whether 5 months of moderate traditional Taiji and Qigong (TQ) practice could improve the immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Fifty older adults participated in this study. Baseline pre-vaccine blood samples were collected. Subjects received the 2003-2004 influenza vaccine during the 1st week of the intervention. Post-vaccine blood samples were collected 3, 6 and 20 weeks after intervention for analysis of anti-influenza hemagglutination inhibition titers. Findings indicated a significant increase in the magnitude and duration of the antibody response to influenza vaccine in TQ participants when compared to controls. There was a significant between-group difference at 3 and 20 weeks after vaccine, and at 20 weeks the TQ group had significantly higher titers compared to the pre-vaccine time point, whereas the controls did not. A higher percentage of TQ subjects also responded to the influenza A strains with a protective antibody response, but differences between groups were not statistically significant. Traditional TQ practice improves the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults, but further study is needed to determine whether the enhanced response is sufficient to provide definitive protection from influenza infection.
o Effects of yoga on inflammation and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. Pullen et al from Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, published it at Journal of Card Failure. 2008, June 14(5): 407-13..
BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in pharmacologic and device therapy, morbidity and mortality from heart failure (HF) remain high. Yoga combines physical and breathing exercises that may benefit patients with HF. We hypothesized that an 8-week regimen of yoga in addition to standard medical therapy would improve exercise capacity, inflammatory markers, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: New York Heart Association Class I-III HF patients were randomized to yoga treatment (YT) or standard medical therapy (MT). Measurements included a graded exercise test (GXT) to V O(2Peak) and the following serum biomarkers: interleukin- 6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD). The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) was administered to assess changes in QoL. A total of 19 patients were enrolled after the initial screening. Of the 19 patients, 9 were randomized to YT and 10 to MT. Patients had a mean EF of 25%. GXT time and V O(2Peak) were significantly improved in the YT versus MT groups (+18% in the YT and -7.5% in MT; P = .03 vs. control and +17 in YT and -7.1 in MT; P = .02, respectively) . There were statistically significant reductions in serum levels of IL-6 and hsCRP and an increase in EC-SOD in the YT group (all P < .005 vs. MT). MLHFQ scores improved by 25.7% in the YT group and by 2.9% in the MT group. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga improved exercise tolerance and positively affected levels of inflammatory markers in patients with HF, and there was also a trend toward improvements in QoL.
o Effect of yoga on cognitive functions in climacteric syndrome: a randomised control study. Chattha R. et al. from Division of Yoga and Life Sciences Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), Bangalore , India, published it at BJOG . 2008 May 22
Objective To assess the efficacy of an integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) on cognitive abilities in climacteric syndrome. Design A randomised control study wherein the participants were divided into experimental and control groups. Settings Fourteen centres of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation, Bangalore, India. Sample One hundred and eight perimenopausal women between 40 and 55 years with follicle-stimulatin g hormone level equal to or greater than 15 miu/ml. One hundred and twenty perimenopausal women were randomly allotted into the yoga and the control groups. Methods The yoga group practised a module comprising breathing practices, sun salutation and cyclic meditation, whereas the control group practised a set of simple physical exercises, under supervision (1 hour/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks). Main outcome measures Assessments were made by vasomotor symptom checklist, six-letter cancellation test (SLCT) for attention and concentration and Punit Govil Intelligence Memory Scale (PGIMS) with ten subtests. Results The Wilcoxon test showed significant (P < 0.001) reduction in hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disturbance in yoga group, with a trend of significant difference between groups at P = 0.06 on Mann-Whitney test in night sweats. There was no change within or between groups in the control group. The SLCT score and the PGIMS showed significant improvement in eight of ten subtests in the yoga group and six of ten subtests in the control group. The yoga group performed significantly better (P < 0.001) with higher effect sizes in SLCT and seven tests of PGIMS compared with the control group. Conclusions Integrated approach of yoga therapy can improve hot flushes and night sweats. It also can improve cognitive functions such as remote memory, mental balance, attention and concentration, delayed and immediate recall, verbal retention and recognition tests.
o A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome and glycaemic control in adults with elevated blood glucose. Xin L and colleague from The University of Queensland, Australia. published this study at British Journal of Sport Medicine, 2008 April.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effects of a Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise program that aimed to improve indicators of metabolic syndrome and glycaemic control in adults with elevated blood glucose. Design, Setting, and PARTICIPANTS: A single group pre-post trial of 11 participants (3 male and 8 female; aged 42-65 years) with elevated blood glucose, conducted from August to November 2005 at a university in Australia. Invervention: Participants attended Tai Chi and Qigong exercise training for 1 to 1.5 hours, 3 times per week for 12 weeks, and were encouraged to practice the exercises at home. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Indicators of metabolic syndrome (body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol) , and glucose control (HbA1c, fasting insulin and insulin resistance). RESULTS: There was good adherence and high acceptability for the group based program. There were significant improvements in four of the seven indicators of metabolic syndrome including body mass index [mean difference -1.05 (95% CI: -1.48, -0.63), p<0.001], waist circumference [-2.80 cm (-4.97, -0.62), p<0.05)], and both systolic [-11.64 mm Hg (-19.46, -3.51), p<0.01)] and diastolic blood pressure [-9.73 mm Hg (-13.58, -5.88), p<0.001)]. There were also small improvements in HbA1c [-0.32 % (-0.49, -0.15), p<0.01)], fasting insulin [-9.93 pmol/L (-19.93, 0.07), p = 0.051] and insulin resistance [-0.53 (-0.97, -0.09), p<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: The program was shown to be feasible and acceptable and the findings suggest that it may be helpful for control of indicators of metabolic syndrome and glycaemic control. Larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these promising results.
o Effectiveness of tai chi for Parkinson's disease: A critical review. Lee MS, Lam P & Eanst E from Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, Exeter, Devon UK. Published this review at Parkinsonism Related Disorders, 2008; Mar 26.
The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of tai chi as a treatment option for Parkinson's disease (PD). We have searched the literature using 21 databases from their inceptions to January 2008, without language restrictions. We included all types of clinical studies regardless of their design. Their methodological quality was assessed using the modified Jadad score. Of the seven studies included, one randomised clinical trial (RCT) found tai chi to be superior to conventional exercise in terms of the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) and prevention of falls. Another RCT found no effects of tai chi on locomotor ability compared with qigong. The third RCT failed to show effects of tai chi on the UPDRS and the PD Questionnaires compared with wait list control. The remaining studies were either non-randomised (n=1) or uncontrolled clinical trials (n=3). Collectively these data show that RCTs of the tai chi for PD are feasible but scarce. Most investigations suffer from methodological flaws such as inadequate study design, poor reporting of results, small sample size, and publication without appropriate peer review process. In conclusion, the evidence is insufficient to suggest tai chi is an effective intervention for PD. Further research is required to investigate whether there are specific benefits of tai chi for people with PD, such as its potential effect on balance and on the frequency of falls.
o Effects of level of meditation experience on attentional focus: is the efficiency of executive or orientation networks improved? Chan D & Woodlacott M from Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, published it at Journal of Altern & Complementary Medicine, 2007; 13(6): 651-7.
The present investigation examined the contributions of specific attentional networks to long-term trait effects of meditation. It was hypothesized that meditation could improve the efficiency of executive processing (inhibits prepotent/incorrect responses) or orientational processing (orients to specific objects in the attentional field). Participants (50 meditators and 10 controls) were given the Stroop (measures executive attention) and Global-Local Letters (measures orientational attention) tasks. Results showed that meditation experience was associated with reduced interference on the Stroop task (p < 0.03), in contrast with a lack of effect on interference in the Global-Local Letters task. This suggests that meditation produces long-term increases in the efficiency of the executive attentional network (anterior cingulate/prefronta l cortex) but no effect on the orientation network (parietal systems). The amount of time participants spent meditating each day, rather than the total number of hours of meditative practice over their lifetime, was negatively correlated with interference on the Stroop task (r = -0.31, p < 0.005). -
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Re: Qigong Research Update
Sun, June 8, 2008 - 11:32 AMThe current issue of the journal Med Sport Sci is devoted to Tai Chi (see below).
It is available at content.karger.com/Produkte...dukte.asp
"A comprehensive collection of current scientific research
Tai Chi Chuan was originally developed as a form of martial arts and has been used for centuries in China as a health exercise. Today, millions of people in both Eastern and Western countries and cultures are practicing Tai Chi Chuan, which has been widely accepted as an exercise form for health and fitness benefits.
This unique collection of current scientific research reflects the characteristics and beneficial effects of Tai Chi Chuan in the fields of biomechanics and physiology, sensory motor control and fall prevention, psychology and social aspects, as well as in clinical application of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s diseases, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
The publication will not only serve as a high-quality reference book for teachers, healthcare professionals and students in exercise science and medicine, but also as a valuable source of information for everybody already practicing Tai Chi Chuan or considering taking it up, who would like to learn more on the beneficial effects of this intriguing form of exercise."
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